About 120 miles east of D.C. as the seagull flies, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was founded in 1873 as the Rehoboth Beach Camp Meeting Association, which disbanded eight years later. Rehoboth and the neighboring shoreline towns have long been a popular escape from the heat and pressure (barometric and otherwise) of the District. Below are some new additions to the scene.
Fork and Flask A new name, menu, cocktail program and interior are all part of the makeover of Nage, one of Rehoboth’s most beloved restaurants. Fork and Flask at Nage is continuing to focus on providing food and spirits of the highest quality. The restaurant’s renovations include doubling the size of the bar and creating a brighter, more airy atmosphere throughout. The roomy beach-bungalow-inspired look makes Fork and Flask a comfortable, friendly place for drinks and late-night bites, served until 1 a.m. 19730 Coastal Highway 302-226-2037
Chesapeake & Maine Inspired by Dogfish Head founder and president Sam Calagione’s summers spent in Maine — along with Dogfish’s connection to the Chesapeake region — the Chesapeake & Maine restaurant features fresh seafood, sourced exclusively from these two regions. You’ll also find what Dogfish is most famous for: unique ales on tap alongside three housemade keg cocktails, plus a new cocktail program. 320 Rehoboth Ave. 302-226-3600
Blackwall Hitch The third outpost of the Blackwall Hitch chain recently opened in Rehoboth Beach. The menu draws upon classic American favorites, made with the freshest foods that Delaware waters and farms have to offer. An exceptional beverage program is complete with creative cocktails and an extensive wine list and draught beer selection. The restaurant’s interior is a rustic, nautical-themed space, casual and comfortable. Blackwall Hitch will also offer live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday. 52 Rehoboth Ave. 302-226-0550
Rehoboth Beach Museum
The Rehoboth Beach Museum celebrates the history and development of the resort town Rehoboth has come to be with a newly launched exhibition, “Wish You Were Here.” According to the museum, today we have Twitter and Instagram, but from the turn of the century, and even into today, people sent their friends and loved ones postcards. The more than 200 postcards on display — from the museum’s collection and on loan — provide a window into the styles and culture of the 20th-century development of Rehoboth Beach, with many depicting houses and street scenes. 511 Rehoboth Ave. 302-227-7310
Fresh Market The highly anticipated upscale grocery store chain with an old-world vibe opened over Memorial Day weekend. The Rehoboth Beach location offers local produce, a sushi bar and prepared eats, including cult favorites like rotisserie chicken salad. 30098 Veterans Way 302-227-3401
Finally, if you really want the inside skinny on what’s happening during the summer season, subscribe to the Rehoboth Weekend Update, a free email bulletin covering unique stories of interest in Rehoboth Beach and other Delmarva coastal towns. For details, visit henney.com.
