From the Sea …
Best known for its miles of pristine beaches, it’s no surprise that Southern Delaware features an array of acclaimed seafood restaurants, boardwalk bites and large ocean-view patios recently expanding its local sea bounty even further. A 2013 bill supporting the region’s shellfish aquaculture paved the way for Delaware’s fast revitalization of its oyster industry and, as a result, fresh Inland Bay oysters have been popping up on menus up and down the Culinary Coast.
Rehoboth Bay Oyster Company, a storefront opened by two local oyster farmers, recently debuted along Coastal Highway and is attracting out-the-door lines of customers. They offer sustainable, locally farmed whole or shucked oysters that are sweet, plump, and with just enough brine, along with classic toppings. Local seafood spots like Beaches Seafood Market and Restaurant offers classic fried oysters, while Henlopen City Oyster House serves up oysters in a variety of ways, offering steamers, stews, shooters, and more. Meanwhile, located north in the historic, seaside town of Lewes, is Henlopen Sea Salt, a new hand-harvested sea salt operation offering a taste of the sea on the plate.
To the Spirits, Brews and Wines …
In addition to fresh seafood, visitors to Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast will find more than a dozen craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, with extensive outdoor spaces perfect for spring and summer sipping. From internationally-acclaimed Dogfish Head, whose founder received a James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional, to award-winning craft breweries including Thompson Island Brewing Company, whose flagship IPA was named one of the Best IPAs of 2020 by Beer Travel Guide and who won a gold medal in the U.S. Open Beer Brewing Championship that same year, the destination is one of the top emerging beer scenes on the Eastern Seaboard. Additional breweries include Revelation Craft Brewing, Crooked Hammock, Big Oyster, and Dewey Beer Co., and travelers can arrive at breweries by kayak or via bike trails with stops along the scenic Broadkill River or Cape Henlopen State Park, or settle in for a game of cornhole with brew in hand. Also accessible by bike trail, Brimming Horn Meadery invites guests to taste their award-winning meads, while the 26-acre Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery produces Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and features a tasting room open daily. Salted Vines also offers unexpected and intimate experiences like its signature “Sippin’ With Sloths” encounter, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy some wine with adorable sloths, visiting from Barn Hill Preserve.
To the Soil…
Almost half of the land in Sussex County is dedicated to farmland, with opportunities to visit family farms and orchards abundant. Travelers are seeking fruitful experiences, taking their farmers market routine to the next level. From picking berries fresh from the field at Bennett Orchards to strolling the picturesque Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor, guests can satisfy their fresh air craving while literally getting their hands dirty. 2020 saw the consumption of legumes increase exponentially, with Southern Delaware leading the charge in growing small-seeded baby lima beans. The high concentration of farms on Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast also means a focus on on-site outdoor dining experiences, with venues such as Good Earth Market & Organic Farm serving up some the region’s best produce against a backdrop of a garden in bloom.
As communities look forward to welcoming guests once again, Southern Delaware’s businesses — including restaurants, retailers, tour operators and more — are committed to making the region a safe place for visitors to stay and enjoy with confidence. For more information about precautions, guests can visit https://visitsoutherndelaware.com/open-places-open-spaces.
