When tourism pros need recommendations on destinations and lodging establishments, they ask other tourism pros.
Then they double check sites like TripAdvisor and other review sites. Last week we took a brief three night, four day excursion over to Rehoboth, Delaware. Think of it as a pre-season recharge, retreat before Cape May goes crazy.
A colleague in Cape May recommended the Bellmoor Inn and Spa on Christian Street, in down town Rehoboth. It sounded perfect for our needs, and the location was just like home at the Victorian Motel, within walking distance to everything.
The purpose of our recharging get-a-way was three fold. Rest, reconnect and get new Raybans and a laptop tax free.
I promised my wife Suzanne that I would disconnect from social-media (for the most part) during our trip. C’mon only posting/tweeting once a day is a huge reduction for me.
So on Monday morning we grabbed a ride across the pond to Delaware and waved goodbye to Cape May for a few days.
At first glance the Bellmoor Inn was a bit stuffy. I mean was I really going to hang out in the Jefferson Library?
But the come from behind the front desk and escort us to our room welcome, had me convinced we picked the right spot. Since we had chosen a garden room at the Inn, it was ready early and the front desk clerk walked us out.
Wait, I thought we were at the Delaware southern shore. This place feels more like an oasis–perfect. Did I mention yet that it’s down the street from the Dogfish Head Brewery? It is also one block off the main drag, Rehoboth Ave. It’s difficult though, to not compare everything to Cape May. Rehoboth Ave. is like the Washington Street Mall only with traffic.
Yes, within an hour, I paid my first visit to the renowned Dogfish Head bar. How could I not? Of course there was a slight detour to E.C. Shades on Rehoboth Ave and scored the new pair of Raybans I had my eye on.
A quick scouting trip to get the lay of the town and then to get recommendations from the hotel staff for dinner and hangouts. In Cape May we tell people to ask innkeepers for information about great places, so why not do the same in Rehoboth.
Our evening desk clerk was very knowledgeable and steered us towards two great spots. One sort of dive place called Arena’s, where you can read the Washington Post over a craft beer. And Fins Fish house and Raw bar, where the oysters are amazing and the crowd and service friendly. We chatted up an airline pilot and his partner about the local scene.
We even found a popular spot to celebrate the 5th of May with the locals in Rehoboth.
For a variety of reasons, we did not do our customary St. Thomas, USVI trip, so we were long overdue. Rehoboth provided a good escape and the customary Cape May Lewes Ferry ride makes the adventure feel that much longer.
John, glad you enjoyed your visit to our little state.
You traitor!
Haha, I’m kidding. Glad you enjoyed the time away and it makes sense to visit other tourism spots to see what you’re doing right and identify any possible areas of opportunity.