End of Summer at Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, DE


It didn't take long for me to reunite with my beach bum gene. As soon as the warm sand sifted through my feet and my eyes laid on calm ocean rolling ashore the seemingly permanently-tensed-muscles perched on my shoulders released. What took me so long? This was one of the more relaxing vacations that we have been on since Alex arrived. Our destination was a cross-section of two small beach towns: Lewes and Rehoboth Beach in Delaware roughly two hours south of Philadelphia. 

Alex chasing the seagulls
Alex conned the lifeguard out of his walkie talkie.
Ready to do some damage on the blue crabs.
Blue crabs at The Surfing Crab
Soft-shell crabs at the Surfing Crab
Lewes Bake Shoppe in Downtown Lewes
During our visit to downtown Lewes I had a couple of deja vu moments as I found aspects of the town reminiscent of Sausalito and Cape Cod, each small charming seaside destinations with cute boutiques and delicious seafood restaurants.

Jerry's Seafood in Downtown Lewes, DE

Touch of Italy, Downtown Lewes
Platter of charcuterie and cheeses including a house-made mozzarella. 
Bay in Downtown Lewes
Harbor in Downtown Lewes
The expression on his face says it all. 
Coffee roaster

Cuban lunch at Mariachi's

Fish and chips at Go Fish! 
Fish burrito at Go Fish!

Shops in Rehoboth Beach
In contrast to Lewes, Rehoboth Beach offered a more colorful scene that includes a somewhat cheesy amusement park, Funland, along the boardwalk, several souvenir shops and restaurants, of which many were primed for a lively and crowded nightlife. There some aspects of this town that reminded me of the Castro in San Francisco.

Fried Oysters at Henlopen City Oyster House
While nearly every restaurant we visited over the week served amazing seafood, one that should be noted is Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth, where I wanted to order a dozen of every dish on the menu.  From the fresh oyster sampler to the fried oysters, corn and crab chowder (a personal favorite), crab cake sandwich (a personal favorite) and the lobster roll, this venue was a destination on its own.

A platter of fresh locally harvested oysters at Henlopen CityOyster Bar
Corn and crab chowder
Ponzu infused salmon
Lobster roll
Platter of steamed oysters, mussels and shrimp


While I was lukewarm to the idea of spending a week at the beach, towards the end of it I found myself wishing that we had just a few more days, if only to continue creating those precious memories with my family. Amid Alex sifting through sand, chasing after birds and fighting the cold ocean waves, I found the experience of rediscovering the beach through my little boy's eyes the most amazing part. For that reason alone I will never forget this trip.

22 comments:

Bunkycooks said...

I loved seeing these pictures of the shore/beach partially from the eyes of Alex. I remember this area from my younger days and it is filled with wonderment when you are a child. I am glad that you had such a nice vacation. :-)

Sherry Page said...

Looks like an amazing vacation! Alex really LOVES dogs, doesn't he? Those towns looked really nice.

tasteofbeirut said...

Lovely pictures and you are so right rediscovering a familiar sight through the eyes of one's child is magical.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Look at all of the fabulous seafood. I would have been in heaven. There's nothing like walking on the beach to build up an appetite, then eating your fill of great seafood. I'm so glad you both had a relaxing vacation.

Alex is precious. I think I see a dog in his future. He certainly seems enchanted with them and they with him.
Sam

From the Kitchen said...

I'm with Sam, Alex looks so awed with the dogs. He's going to need one! He is such a little charmer. Love the crab mallet and the look on his face. I haven't had breakfast yet but am thinking of steamed crab and beer.....and oysters and.......!

Best,
Bonnie

Belinda @zomppa said...

What fabulous photos! I guess it's really the end of summer! Yeah...you need a dog for sure!!

Penny said...

I remember when we took our Son to the beach. How enchanting it all is. Alex is adorable.

Mari Nuñez said...

Beautiful pictures, great food, I am so glad you guys had a awesome summer.

Hugs

La Table De Nana said...

Thank you for taking us along..Great shots..
He steals the show for me..His beautiful face:) And those perfect baby thighs..Our youngest is 3 Saturday..I wish my girls would have more:)

Sara McCarty said...

Oh, Alex is so wonderfully adorable! I just want to squeeze him and hear his laugh. I bet it's great. Gorgeous photos and what a wonderful trip. Oh how I miss the beach!

Gloria Baker said...

Love all the pictures but Alex is really adorable aahhhh love this age:)))
Love the picture you are feed him:)lol

Chiara said...

nice photos , what a wonderful trip! Alex is adorable !

nancy at good food matters said...

looks like a wonderful seaside vacation, relaxing at the beach and enjoying terrific seafood dishes. Alex is adorable... still loves big dogs!

SKIP TO MALOU said...

your post and your pictures just made me smile... especially those of Alex. He is so adorable. Makes me miss those days when my kids are that little... awww enjoy these days Christine... ENJOY!
hugs,
Malou

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I love these photos - especially the ones with your darling son. I think he needs a dog ;)

Mari @ Once Upon a Plate said...

Oh Christine, Alex is growing so quickly!! What a DOLL!!
I enjoyed all of your pictures so much ~ looks like you all had a fabulous time, thank you for the eye candy.
xo~m
P.S. I concur, methinks Alex is ripe for a dog!

Barbara said...

What a super post, Christine! Alex has grown so fast....I can hardly believe it.
Looks like you had a wonderful vacation; the first photo is summer personified, isn't it?

About Last Weekend said...

I feel more relaxed just seeing that sand!! And the food - oysters are my fave in any form. Love that your cutie pie eats real food at the table - good on you!

lisa is cooking said...

What a great family trip! And, the seafood. I would be in absolute heaven. Everything looks delicious.

El said...

I'm glad you had fun. It looks like a wonderful, relaxing place. You're lucky to be in an area where you're in driving distance to so places. Glad you found some great food too!

Anonymous said...

Christine - - Linda passed on your blog to me last night and I have to say I hope I get a chance to meet your lil man Alex! He and the dog pictures are just adorable!!!! Cheers x Sasha

Velva said...

What a great vacation...perfect combination of family, relaxation and good food.

Little Alex really gets around. He is making friends with everyone he meets -including, all the friendly dogs.

Happy autumn to you.

Velva