Escaped To Rehoboth
Last weekend, Teresa and I took off to the beach. I gave her the weekend as a Birthday present. She sure does love to cook it at the beach. Our choice of beaches is due to our love of smaller beach towns. Ocean City, Maryland is too built up for our liking. Last fall, we stayed in Dewey Beach, Delaware. We had walked to Rehoboth and really enjoyed all it had to offer. This summer, we decided to stay in Rehoboth.
I found a small family run hotel on Olive Street called the Summer Place Hotel. This converted house is a pleasant place to stay. The room was clean and served its purpose. It has a fantastic location. This was key for us. We could walk to everything. The hotel is about two blocks from the beach and two blocks from Rehoboth Avenue and 1st Street. We arrived late Friday night and decided to catch some sleep.
What did we do all day on Saturday? Why go to the beach. Some people can't handle a marathon eight hour day, but we most certainly can. Honestly, Teresa could stay for 10 hours. The weather was perfect. The temperature was hot but not scalding. We walked a few blocks down the boardwalk from the end of Olive Avenue to find an open spot. The beach wasn't terribly crowded. Immediately, we ran to the ocean and tested the water with our toes. It was freezing! Later, I saw at the lifeguard stand the recorded water temperature of 69 degrees. That is so cold. We went back to our chairs and started to soak in the sun.
I proceeded to read the majority of the current Rolling Stone. I have issues with Rolling Stone. It is hit or miss for me. The current issue is a hit. It is entitled, "Rolling Stone celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special issue devoted to the Summer of Love." It chronicles the scene in 67 across the globe from San Francisco to London. I highly recommend the read. Soon we were roasted, and Teresa wanted to try out the water. I reluctantly approached the crashing waves. After much coaching, I was able to submerse myself in the frigid waters. When your body adjusts to the cold, it really isn't that bad. We didn't stay in the water very long. I was happy to be back in my beach chair.
As the beach day drew to a close, we packed up our gear and walked back to the hotel. We spent the early evening walking the boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue. Teresa was enjoying all the shops and boutiques. I was happy to be outside at twilight. Before long, we were starving. Especially since we didn't eat any lunch. We had planned our journey to end at the Dogfish Head Brewery. Unfortunately, they were hosting a wedding! We were unable to eat dinner as planned. The pub was to reopen at 10pm. This through us for a loop, and we had to quickly regroup. I could have eaten grass. I was so hungry.
We tried to find the Ram's Head installment, but it closed. We settled on Zoggs. This outdoor restaurant on Wilmington Avenue was an excellent find. We had a firey meal of Caribbean flare. I was happy to be full. After our meal, we braved the boardwalk looking for treats. We ended up being drawn back to Rehoboth Avenue due to the sound of the Allman Brothers Band. A locally group was performing blues and rock from the public gazebo. I was surprised by their talent! We stayed for a few tunes, but the Candy Kitchen keep tantalizing us. Once inside, I couldn't decide. I finally choose a chocolate covered pretzel dipped in Reese's Pieces. Amazing. Fresh off our sugar high, we walked down to Dogfish Head for a second try.
Upon arrival, we were lucky to find a spot at the bar. A band was setting up, and the place was full. I tried the new seasonal, Festina Peche. I didn't like it. Said to say, its the only Dogfish Head beer I do not enjoy. It tastes like a wine cooler. The beer evening wasn't a complete loss. I followed up with a few 90 Minute IPAs. Always hoppy. Always tasty. The band opened with an impressive version of Aeroplane by the Chili Peppers. Obviously, they had tons of talent. The continued the set with a mix of covers and original funk rock pieces. We stomped our feet on the bar stools, but no one was dancing. At the close of the first set, we called it an evening.
Sunday brought another wonderful beach day. We grabbed some breakfast and lunch sandwiches from the Cannery. I had breakfast, and Teresa had lunch. A meal is even more fulfilling when eaten on the beach. I decided to rent a beach umbrella. Unfortunately, I was pretty burned from the day before. Again, do not trust the spray on suntan location! This afternoon, I did not go in the water. Teresa went in for a few minutes, but it was still extremely cold. We took a nice long walk toward Lewes, Delaware. I couldn't tell how far we walked, but it was at least a few miles. Along the way, I found some oyster shells with purple coloring. Teresa explain the Native Americans used these shells for currency. They were called Wampums. We stayed on the beach way past 5pm. I really didn't want to leave. I love the beach at sunset. Its cool and quiet. Sadly, we called it a day near 6pm.
After changing, we needed dinner. It was back to the Dogfish Head Brewery. This evening, they were open, and there was less of a crowd. I was exit to try the dinner menu. Teresa and I ordered up a few beers and pizza. I also had a huge burger. Everything was excellent. Teresa really liked her beer - Lawnmower Light. At the end of the meal, we ordered a Growler of Lawnmower Light. A Growler is a half gallon jug of beer straight from the tap. They don't sell the Lawnmower Light in stores so, we wanted to take some home for ourselves.
We didn't want to leave, but the time had come. The windy drive through Delaware and back over the Bay Bridge wasn't bad. We didn't see any traffic. It was a relaxing end to a very relaxing weekend. I really wish we set aside more time at the beach. Maybe one of these years, we will leave closer to the ocean. Probably not Delaware, but hopefully somewhere!
