As I write this article, I have an incredible view of the Lewes-Rehoboth canal from the huge outdoor deck at Irish Eyes Restaurant. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is sparkling on the water, and lots of boats sit bobbing in their slips. I smile because it looks like a scene from a jigsaw puzzle and I still can’t believe I live here. I moved here from Washington seven years ago and I love it more every day. If you’ve never been to Rehoboth Beach, you’d be amazed at all there is to do after Labor Day. Check out the calendar and you’ll see; we are definitely a year-round beach town.
The second weekend in October is all about art and music, starting with the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival which offers great jazz all around town; Art in the Yard at Heidi Lowe Gallery (an outdoor sale and exhibition); Jazz Mass at All Saints Church; the start of Coastal Concerts fall lineup, and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s opening gala at Baywood Greens.
On October 19, Children & Families First will host the 3rd Annual “Taste for Art” featuring eight restaurants, twelve artists, live music, an open bar and a “wall of wine” auction. Do not miss the Boobie Bash on October 20, hosted by Leather and Lace, an international motorcycle club for women. This benefit for Johns Hopkins Breast Center features three bands in an all day party at the Frogg Pond.
Halloween weekend kicks off with the wildly popular Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers’ Festival (including the pet parade on Sunday). Also that weekend is the Pipe Organ-Spooktacular featuring songs from Phantom of the Opera, or you could visit All Hallows Farm/Screams at the Beach in Georgetown where 70 frightfully dressed actors are waiting to scare you!
On October 27, join the fabulous folk at Cloud 9 for their huge Halloween bash, Heaven & Hell. There will be a happy hour, drag show (kings and queens), and a dance party with DJ Jamie Fox. I plan to bounce between that and the women’s Halloween dance and costume contest at Saketumi hosted by Viki Dee.
November 2 brings the 2nd Annual Cocoa Crawl where downtown shops partner with restaurants to offer you taste treats and special deals at 60 different locations. The award-winning Rehoboth Beach Film Festival, November 7-11, showcases 100 of the best American and international films, including some of the latest offerings in gay cinema.
It’s a great time to check out new restaurants, because off season specials are back! (Your taste buds and wallet will thank you). To determine where to wine and dine go to the Off-Season Hours & Specials list at Rehobothfoodie.com.
Heading down for the weekend? Check these sites so you’ll know where to play! Gay Women of Rehoboth (happy hours, dance parties, and more!); Rehoboth Ale House (happy hours, music, dancing); Frogg Pond (happy hours, great bands); Viki Dee (great singer who hosts women’s events around town); Seafood Shack; CAMP Rehoboth; and Ladies 2000 (PA women’s group that often parties at the beach). Also in October, Jamie Fox will DJ at Cloud 9 every night from 10 ‘til close.
Call yourself a nature girl? Don’t miss all the hiking and biking trails in Cape Henlopen State Park including the Junction and Breakwater Trail that runs from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes, Gordon’s Pond and Redden State Forest. History buff? Lewes has almost 400 years of stories to tell, starting with the oldest home in Delaware.
Winter, spring, summer, and fall: Visit Rehoboth and enjoy it all!
