Thursday night, December 11th, was Hospitality Night in Rehoboth Beach, DE. The weather was as cooperative as a temper tantrum, pouring rain and flooding the streets. Have no fear, hospitality exists in Rehoboth on a daily basis, year-round! The shopping in our little community by the sea is some of the best on the East Coast. Here are ten spots not to be missed:
- Browseabout Books - 133 Rehoboth Avenue. Number one on the list because it deserves the top spot. (FYI, the rest of this list is not by order of ranking, it is just the rest of the list). One of the few remaining independent bookstores in the country, Browseabout offers an outstanding selection of children’s toys, novelty gifts and awesome greeting cards. Browseabout is not just a bookstore, it is a community hub. You will want to order a cup of their coffee and stay awhile.
- Gidget’s Gadgets – 5 N. First Street. Here you will find a toy for everyone of all ages. They put the “R” in retro. This is the kind of place that ignites your fondest childhood memories and gives you a case of the giggles. Shop there or just stop by if you need to cheer yourself up.
- The Pelican Loft – 49 Baltimore Avenue. I love walking into a store and being able to tell that the pay great attention to detail and quality in their selections to offer their customers. In this store you will find unique home decor and great gift ideas at very reasonable prices. Check out the all-metal picture frames that come with a set of 4 magnets to hold your photos.
- The Thunderbird Shop - 200 Rehoboth Avenue. Here you will find beautiful art and plenty of goods with a Southwest theme. There is a huge selection of Lazart pieces, dreamcatchers and metal wall art. My favorite, the jewelry! They have really unique pieces at very fair prices, also the best cz’s I have ever seen.
- Galleria Tango – 216 Rehoboth Avenue. An excellent and ever-changing collection of artwork outline the walls and the shelves contain great gifts and home decor items. One of my favorite things in this shop is an array of cheese platters made from liquor and wine bottles. You also have to check out an assortment of Mardi Gras style masks made with a pair of glasses as the foundation! Very fun.
- Bin 66 – 301 Rehoboth Avenue, The Shops at the Pearl. You will enjoy all of the shops that reside under the Cultured Pearl restaurant. If you are a wine lover or need a great gift for a wine lover, look no further. This is one of the best wine shops I have ever shopped. The proprietors, Tom and Tom are dedicated and passionate about their selections to stock and how they take care of their customers. It is great to get their informative newsletters and attend their weekly tastings. The shop is beautiful.
- Detail Gallery – 54 Baltimore Avenue. This has proved to be a great new and fun addition to the shopping community. They have great pet gifts and a new celebrity in Rehoboth, Mirabelle. Also, make sure to check out their candles and soaps.
- Fun to Fine Jewelry – 70 Rehoboth Avenue, First Street Station. I have to admit, I have a thing for silver and stainless steel jewelry. I go here to get a fix. They have a great variety with a focus on more contemporary pieces.
- Tempest Fugit – 149 Rehoboth Avenue, at the end of the Village by the Sea Mall. Here you will find all things Eastern. This is a great place to catch your breath and feel a bit of tranquility. Plus, you can pick up great pillows, cool cards, interesting books and scents from the Pacifica line. Be sure to check out their teak furniture.
- Tideline Gallery – 146 Rehoboth Avenue. I would pick this place as the only place to buy a lamp in town. They have impeccable taste in choosing their artisans and you will not be disappointed in the pottery and glass selection. They also have gorgeous jewelry and great ornaments. Look for the leaves.
Happy shopping. Please support independent shop owners whenever possible. They are counting on us this holiday season to survive and I know you will not find these amazing goods at Walmart. Shop the beach!
