You’ve had a crazy week. It’s Friday night, and you’re looking forward to the weekend. You plan to do a little wining and dining. Maybe you’ll do some shopping. And, you might even take a walk where there’s something to see other than steel and concrete. Now, imagine doing all of that without once riding in your car or on the Metro! That, my friends, is winter at the beach. It’s everything you like to do except in a smaller, more intimate beachside setting.
Many years ago, Rehoboth Beach became a favorite destination for Washington, D.C., folk. And, the more they came, the more they demanded the creature comforts of home. Fine dining. Great shopping. Film, theater, concerts, and more—now, it’s all here at the shore.
In winter, you can stay in the heart of downtown Rehoboth. The off-season hotel rates are quite reasonable, and the B&Bs are even more so. You won’t pay to park—not anywhere, not once—and all of your purchases (including dinner) are tax-free.
Once you’re here, if you decide that you’d really like to do some tax-free outlet shopping, take in a movie, listen to some live music, or catch a play, then you might have to drive oh, say, 10 minutes. Can you handle that? Again, you’ll never pay to park or be taxed on tickets, dinner, drinks, or that new leather coat.
Because the number of beach visitors drops significantly when summer ends, merchants and restaurants lower their prices to lure you back in the winter. All of the downtown boutiques have fabulous sales throughout November and December. And, you can wine and dine like a king for a fraction of the cost. The best source for where and when to eat is www.rehobothfoodie.com. Visit this site and click on “Cheap Eats.”
More than any of the Delaware beaches, Rehoboth Beach has become a year-round resort town. Festivals and events continue through November and December, to ensure that you have good reason to visit once summer ends.
November 3 is the Rehoboth Art League’s Holiday Fair, a great place to buy those one-of-a-kind artists’ creations, including jewelry, glassware, pottery, and paintings.
November 7–11 is the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. This award-winning festival has evolved into a premier Mid-Atlantic cultural event, showcasing approximately 100 of the best American and international films, including the latest offerings in gay cinema.
On November 17, Coastal Concerts presents the Ritz Chamber Players. Called “Riveting,” “Phenomenal,” and “One of the most interesting and dynamic ensembles to emerge in recent years,” by The Baltimore Sun, the group features some of the world’s preeminent African-American chamber musicians.
November 18 is The Rainbow Chorale’s Holiday Concert, “From Our Table to Yours.”
Starting November 23, The Clear Space Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol.” The world’s most well known holiday story gets a remake as a musical incarnation of the Charles Dickens classic.
Also on November 23 is the Annual Tree Lighting, where hundreds gather at the Rehoboth Beach bandstand to witness this annual illumination and to sing Christmas carols.
November 24 brings the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Holiday Market, where vendors offer holiday decorations and edibles. Or, you can visit jolly ole St. Nick at Santa’s House, on the boardwalk, at the end of Rehoboth Avenue.
On December 1, hop over to Lewes (just minutes away) for the Lewes Historical Society’s House Tour. This quaint little seaside town is wonderfully picturesque, and the tour gives it a chance to show off its historic houses, decorated for the season.
And, to end the year just right, you’ll want to attend the Starburst Gayla, the Women’s New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance. It’s CAMP Rehoboth’s biggest women’s event of the year, easily attracting more than 500 fabulous revelers.
Along with the boardwalk, beach, and ocean views, Rehoboth Beach has more than 40 hotels and B&Bs; 100+ gourmet restaurants and casual eateries; and more than 200 tax-free stores, shops, and galleries. And, we haven’t even talked about the terrific parks and the great hiking and biking trails for all of you nature lovers. The weather in Rehoboth generally stays mild (something to do with being close to the ocean). In November and December, the temperature is still in the 50s and 60s.
With more at the shore than ever before, what are you waiting for? See you soon!
Deb Griffin is a former Washingtonian who now lives and works full time selling real estate at the Delaware beaches. She also publishes The Local Buzz—a newsletter about the latest restaurants, events, and more—on her website, www.thedelawarebeaches.com.
