A SUMMER GETAWAY TO SOUTHERN DELAWARE
By Mary Farah
When the chance arose for me to take a trip to Southern Delaware, I jumped at the opportunity. It would be my first time in the state, and I have a goal to see all 50. I will admit that I did not expect to feel so close to my native home of California. I spent time on the beach, drank some of the finest wines from the state, strolled a botanical garden, and had incredible food to rival my Los Angeles favorites. Who knew Delaware would give off such West Coast vibes?
Pamper Yourself at Avenue Inn and Spa
After my flight into Baltimore, I headed to Rehoboth Beach. This quintessential beach town brings a flock of visitors to Southern Delaware each summer. It’s easy to see why. There’s a boardwalk, easy access to the beach and sand, food and shopping galore, and the gorgeous Avenue Inn and Spa. This is where I’d be calling “home” for a few days, and I instantly felt so when I entered their welcoming lobby.
As one of the finest lodging options in Rehoboth Beach, the Avenue Inn and Spa offers several amenities. There’s a daily breakfast, evening wine reception, milk, and cookies “tuck-in,” and coffee and tea station available all day. Unwind at their attached spa with a massage or facial or grab some towels and walk outside to the beach, which is just minutes away. I slept soundly and enjoyed a separate living room in my Shore Choice King suite.
|
|
|
Southern Delaware is the Official “Culinary Coast”
Southern Delaware is officially trademarked as the “Culinary Coast,” and for good reason. On my venture, I had the pleasure of connecting with some of the most prestigious chefs in Delaware.
At One Coastal, Matt Kern is the first chef from Delaware to make it as a James Beard Mid-Atlantic finalist. The cozy restaurant located on Fenwick Island may seem unassuming at first glance. Yet once the first round of your meal is served, it will all make delicious sense. With an extremely gluten-free accommodating menu, I savored every bite of my corn-fried Chesapeake blue catfish. To top it off, their wine list is equally excellent.
|
|
|
Food connoisseurs may be familiar with Chef Hari Cameron who founded Grandpa (Mac) in Rehoboth Beach. Some of Hari’s achievements include being on the shortlist for James Beard’s “Rising Star Chef” in 2013, “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic” in 2015 and 2016, and earning a StarChefs Rising Stars Award in 2018. In 2022, he competed on Netflix’s Snacks vs Chef, and in 2023 on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay. It was an honor to dine beachside with him as he catered a classic “drive on” beach lunch experience for my colleagues and me.
Dessert in Delaware blew out all of the stops. Chef Dru Tevis oversees the pastry program for Thompson Island Brewing Company. Tevis was featured on season nine of the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship and was crowned the winner. Although he was away researching bakeries in Europe during my stop at the brewery, I got to experience one of his creations. The apple pie crumble a la mode I had is the stuff dreams are made of.
|
|
|
“Wine Down” in Delaware
Being a California girl, I like to think I know a thing or two about wine. Little did I know I’d be blown away by the vino being grown in Delaware. I was thrilled to meet Peggy Raley-Ward, founder of Nassau Valley Vineyards, Delaware’s very first winery. Peggy, a force to be reckoned with, changed Delaware laws that once prohibited the production and public sale of alcohol. With a legacy of being the fastest piece of alcohol legislation to pass in the USA, the vineyard today features 14 types of wine, from dry to sweet fruit wines made with locally sourced apples, blueberries, and peaches.
My visit to Nassau made me feel a thousand miles away from it all. Much like an adventure to Santa Barbara or Napa, the ample grounds of the vineyards are ideal for weddings and events. During the summer, a weekly farmers market is hosted on-site as Peggy is all about supporting local businesses.
Since Peggy paved the way for Delaware wine, head over next to Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery. Just 25 miles away from Nassau, Salted Vines offers a more contemporary and modern experience that is a great balance to all of the wine history you’ll learn as you sip at Nassau. Both wineries offer unique offerings and stories.
Spend Some Time this Summer in the SoDel
Summertime is perfect for visiting Southern Delaware. Beyond the smorgasbord of food and wine, don’t miss the Delaware Botanic Gardens, Funland, Story Hill Farm, and hopping aboard the Jolly Trolley. The trolley conveniently stops right outside of the Avenue Inn. Where will Southern Delaware take you?
Plan your Southern Delaware Adventure:
https://visitsoutherndelaware.com/
https://culinarycoastde.com/
Mary is a freelance travel writer based in Los Angeles. She’s written on her website, Along Comes Mary, since 2012. Her work can also be found on various online outlets including GoWorld Travel, Ventura County Mom Collective, and FWT Magazine. Mary is a proud member and former executive board member of IFWTWA, the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. Follow her travel stories at http://www.alongcomesmaryblog.com/
