Saturday Spotlight – Cooper Realty Associates

Spotlight on Local Farmer’s Markets

Who doesn’t love fresh, locally produced fruits and veggies? We are lucky enough to have several local farmers markets worth checking out, and since they’re open different days of the week, you can have fresh food all summer long! Here are three to check out:

Historic Lewes Farmers Market – 110 Shipcarpenter Street
Open every Saturday through the end of September. 8am-12pm. No pets allowed. Vendors sell everything, including fresh beef & pork, homemade jellies and jams, fruits, veggies, organic baked goods, gourmet cheeses, and more! For a full list of vendors, check out this list.

Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market – Next to the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce (501 Rehoboth Ave.)
Open every Tuesday from noon-4pm. In addition to the usual farmers market vendors you can also enjoy chef’s demos! Check out the website for lots of info, suggested recipes, and a weekly newsletter.

Milton Farmers Market – Downtown Historic Milton… you can’t miss it!
Open every Friday from 3:30pm-6:30pm through the end of October. This farmers market is only in its second year, but it’s already become a local staple! You can friend this market on Facebook for updates and more info!

So, what are you waiting for? Check out these local markets… you won’t be sorry!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight On Mariachi Restaurant in Rehoboth

A lot of the restaurants that I highlight serve American and/or seafood dishes or creative twists on those cuisines, so today I want to highlight a different type of cuisine… latin! I love latin food, and Mariachi (14 Wilmington Ave) in Rehoboth serves up some of the best Cuban, Mexican, Portuguese, and Spanish food around! Delicious!!! Locally owned, Mariachi serves up flavorful food, delicious desserts, and happy hour Monday through Friday. Their fresh, homemade salsa is delicious, as are the enchiladas and margaritas. Prices are fair, the service is great, and you really can’t go wrong no matter what you order. Definitely worth a try if you like latin cuisine!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight on Winter at Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months when sunbathing, sand castle building, and swimming are prime activities for beach-goers. But did you know that Cape Henlopen has a lot to offer in the winter months too? Here are 5 great activities for all ages that can be done any time of year:

Visit the Seaside Nature Center
Open from 9am-4pm all year round, theSeaside Nature Center has many exhibits and displays, tanks full of local fish, and even a touch-tank! It’s definitely worth a visit.
Take a walk on the beach
Who says the beach is only for summer? Taking a winter walk along the beach is invigorating! Not only can you enjoy different scenery than in the summer months, but there are no crowds to fight for it! I can’t think of anything better than a relaxing stroll under sun, listening to the waves crash nearby. So, what are you waiting for? Bundle up and get out there! There’s nothing more beautiful than a beach you have all to yourself.
Hike or bike the trails
There are 8 trails within Cape Henlopen, ranging from just over half a mile to 5 miles in length. Some trails are designated for hiking only, but there are lovely, paved bike trails as well, and even an equestrian trail. If you like to hike, you can even take part in the Delaware State Parks Trail Challenge – 3 of the trails are within Cape Henlopen! If biking is more your thing, stop by the Seaside Nature Center (see #1!) to borrow a free bike from the Friends Park Pedal program and pedal around these beautiful trails! If you want to check out the trails in advance, you can even download trail maps here.
Check out one of the organized programs
Cape Henlopen offers a wide variety of public programs for all different ages. Many programs are family-friendly and some are even geared specifically for children! Upcoming programs include a Winter Moon Hike, Awesome Amphibians, and a Youth Saltwater Tying Workshop. Some events require a small fee, but most are free. Pre-registration is often required, even for free events, so it’s best to call early and save your spot! There is a complete list of events on their website, and there’s plenty to choose from even in the winter months!
Explore history
Fort Miles was a key piece of our nation’s coastal defense during World War II, and it is located in what is now Cape Henlopen State Park. Fort Miles is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a great place for families and history buffs alike! So take a tour, participate in the interpretive program, and find out more about the role of the Delaware shore in World War II. The Fort Miles Orientation Building is open from 10am-4pm on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of March. Beginning it April is open from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as well.

These activities are available year round, but why wait for the heat and the crowds to take advantage of them? Head over to Cape Henlopen soon and discover what the beach has to offer in winter!! When you do, you’ll see for yourself why we love Cape Henlopen and the town of Lewes so much.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you — 302-644-2266!

Spotlight On Perucci’s in Millville

Perucci’s Italian Restaurant in Millville is a cozy restaurant with great food. The classic Italian cuisine is delicious and much of it is made from scratch. Located just under 3 miles from Bethany Beach on Rt 26 in Millville, Perucci’s is open 7 days a week from 5pm-9pm during the off season, but will be closed on New Year’s Day. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 302-829-8727. Perucci’s also has a special menu on New Year’s Eve menu, but again reservations are recommended.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight On: DiFebo’s in Bethany Beach

Featuring award winning fresh seafood and a variety of other dishes, DiFebo’s (789 Garfield Parkway) is one of the highest rated restaurants in Bethany Beach, and it’s easy to see why.

Featuring award winning fresh seafood and a variety of other dishes, DiFebo’s (789 Garfield Parkway) is one of the highest rated restaurants in Bethany Beach, and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is comfortable, the service is great, and the food is awesome! Considered a “modern Italian grill,” DiFebo’s is a chef owned restaurant and you can tell that the family takes great pride in their food. Sourcing their food from local farms and fisheries as much as possible, DiFebo’s guarantees freshness. If you’re looking for an delicious and enjoyable upscale meal, I definitely recommend DiFebo’s in Bethany or their sister location at Bear Trap Dunes in Oceanview.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight on Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth

With delicious seafood and an extensive raw bar menu, it’s easy to see why Henlopen City Oyster House (50 Wilmington Ave. in Rehoboth Beach) is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. Henlopen City sources regional seafood markets, relies on locally grown fruits and vegetables, and only serves meats that have been raised locally. This ensures freshness and deliciousness! The only downside is that depending on when you go you might have to wait a bit to get a table since they don’t take reservations, but it is worth the wait. The food is worth raving about, prices are reasonable, and the service is great. Henlopen City Oyster House is a great choice for any occasion. The restaurant opens at 3pm daily and begins serving dinner at 5pm. You should definitely check it out.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight On Miltonian Pizzaria

The Miltonian Pizzaria (618 Mulberry Street, Milton) is a highly rated, local favorite! The pizza is great and their pasta dishes and entrees are awesome, especially considering the reasonable prices. The club sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and wings also get good reviews. The service is good, the prices are great, and the food isn’t fancy, but it is guaranteed to be hot and delicious. Next time you’re in Milton, be sure to check out this casual, no frills, local favorite!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight on Hopkins Family Creamery in Lewes

Hopkins Family Creamery is one of the top rated ice cream shops in Lewes for good reason! The ice cream is DEEE-LICIOUS! (And you can trust me, I am an ice cream connoisseur!) You can’t get much fresher… this creamery is located right on the dairy farm. The prices are high, but not absurd and there is a great selection of flavors. Personally, I’ve tried moo cookies, coconut, brownie, and strawberry and all were rich, creamy, and delicious. Located at 18475 Dairy Farm Road, right off Route 9, it’s not too far off the beaten path, and the atmosphere is great too. There is a picnic area to enjoy your ice cream, a play area for kids, and a lot of times you can even see the cows! If you haven’t tried Hopkins Family Creamery yet, you definitely should. I love that it’s family owned, and it’s some of the best ice cream around!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight On Summer House in Rehoboth

Summer House is a local favorite known for its fresh food, relaxed atmosphere, and great service! Located right on the Ave. (228 Rehoboth Ave.) is open year round for lunch (11:30am-3pm) and dinner (beginning at 4pm). They also do a lovely Sunday brunch which starts at 11am. Summer House specialized in American favorites and super delicious seafood. It’s a restaurant that suits pretty much any occasion, and from what I can tell it’s impossible to order something that isn’t delicious! Their steaks, crab cakes, and seafood linguine have all gotten rave reviews, and everything else looks and smells equally scrumptious. Summer House features several weekly specials (including half-price burger night on Mondays after 4!), and happy hour specials daily from 4pm-7pm. If you’re a local, chances are you’ve eaten here before, but if you haven’t you’ve got to check it out soon. It’s a Rehoboth Beach staple, after all!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in or around Rehoboth Beach? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you –302-644-2266!

Spotlight on GreenMan Juice Bar and Bistro

Green Man Juice & Bistro is the only restaurant in Rehoboth Beach to offer a full-service juice and smoothie bar. The menu at GreenMan focuses on whole foods and is especially appealing to vegans and vegetarians, although there are plenty of delicious options for any diet! GreenMan is an especially appealing option for breakfast or brunch, which is served until noon daily. Homemade waffles with whipped cream and berries sound delicious to me, or better yet… crème brulee French toast… yum, yum!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight On Dogfish Head Brewery

If you’re looking for a great happy hour, look no further than Dogfish Head Brewery (320 Rehoboth Ave in Rehoboth). Dogfish Head is hands down number one for great beer in Rehoboth, and they have a lot of other exciting drink options too. Since Dogfish Head is the only legal distillery in the state of Delaware, there is always something interesting in house. You can check out their website for a full list of brews on tap, including exotic choices like Choc Lobster which is brewed with 40 whole lobsters, dark cocoa powder and basil. Honestly, I don’t even know what to think about that one! Dogfish Head offers some delicious options for food too. If you love beer or are just interested in checking out some new, interesting flavors, you should definitely check out Dogfish Head. Dogfish Head is sold all around the country in grocery stores, liquor shops, bars & restaurants and we’re lucky enough to have them in our backyard, so you should definitely go check them out!

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight on The Cottage Café in Bethany Beach

Whether you’re in the mood for fish, fowl, or something else altogether, The Cottage Café in Bethany Beach (Route 1 in Bethany Beach, ½ mile south of Garfield Parkway/Route 26) has you covered. Although I certainly haven’t tried everything on the menu, everything I’ve had has been delicious and what I haven’t tried has all gotten rave reviews as well! You can also check the schedule and enjoy life music every Friday night and DJ’d tunes throughout the week. So, if you’re in the mood for some amazing, all-American food head down to Bethany Beach and enjoy a delicious meal at The Cottage Café. You won’t be sorry.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is tomorrow, so take a minute to think of all the wonderful fathers that you know and call a couple to tell them how awesome they are! If you’re in a bind because you didn’t plan ahead for Father’s Day, here a few quick ideas that can be pulled off at the last minute by heading into Rehoboth:

Breakfast on the Beach
Stop for an delicious egg sandwich or pastry at The Bake Shoppe (222 Rehoboth Ave.) and head down to the beach to enjoy breakfast with your favorite dad!

Father’s Day Fish
Take your favorite father to Fins Fish House and Raw Bar (243 Rehoboth Ave) or Big Fish Grill (20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth) for a delicious seafood dinner. Or, if your dad is the do-it-yourself type, take him fishing and grill up what you catch (assuming you catch some keepers, of course)!

A Country Celebration
Bring your favorite dad to the bandstand in Rehoboth for a “new country” style performance by popular artist Jamie McLean. The concert is free at starts at 8pm.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Spotlight on Georgia House (Various Locations)

Georgia House is a family restaurant well loved by locals. The original Georgia House is in Millsboro (119 Main Street), but there are also locations in Selbyville, Milford, and Laurel, so chances are you’re close to one of them! Serving classic home-style favorites such as delicious fried chicken, finger-lickings ribs, and their much-lauded meatloaf, even the pickiest eaters are bound to find something that pleases them at Georgia House. Their famous cream of crab soup is a must… it is what put them on the culinary map after all! All in all, if you’re looking for something new and different, you might want to skip Georgia House, but if you’re looking for a classic, home cooked meal that is sure to be delicious, Georgia House is the perfect place.

As a bonus, kids eat free on Tuesday nights and they also offer a rewards card that includes a free dessert on your birthday, $10 off on your anniversary, and a $10 gift certificate for every 250 points earned, plus a few more great perks!

All locations are closed on Mondays, but Tuesday-Saturday it’s a great place to eat!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Spotlight on the Summer Concert Series At Stango Park

The Lewes Summer Concert Series kicks off this Tuesday (May 29th) at 7pm. This series takes place in beautiful Stango Park on Kings Highway next to the Lewes Public Library and features free outdoor concerts every Tuesday evening as well as additional times throughout the summer. You can download the entire 2012 schedule at this link. This year the series kicks off on Tuesday, May 29th, with the Cape Henlopen High School Band performing swing favorites. The concert begins at 7pm. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. You won’t want to miss it! Other concerts this season include…

The Lewes Summer Concert Series kicks off this Tuesday (May 29^th) at 7pm. This series takes place in beautiful Stango Park on Kings Highway next to the Lewes Public Library and features free outdoor concerts every Tuesday evening as well as additional times throughout the summer. You can download the entire 2012 schedule at this link. This year the series kicks off on Tuesday, May 29^th, with the Cape Henlopen High School Band performing swing favorites. The concert begins at 7pm. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. You won’t want to miss it! Other concerts this season include:

6/5, 7pm – Joe Baione Quartet (Jazz)
6/12, 7pm – Smooth Sound Dance Band
6/14, 7pm – USAF Heritage Brass
6/19, 7pm – Copper Sky (Country-Rock)
6/26, 7pm – Tydewater (Country)
6/27, 7pm – VI NG Steel Drums
6/28, 7pm – 287^th NG Band (Concert)
7/3, 7pm – Navy Country Current (Country-Rock)
7/10, 7pm – The Funsters (Swing)
7/12, 7pm – Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition
7/17, 7pm – Homegrown String Band (Folk/Americana)
7/19, 7pm – The Rogues (Celtic)
7/22, 3pm – Diamond State Band (Concert)
7/24, 7pm – Chesapeake Brass Band (British)
7/31, 7pm – Zydeco A-Go-Go (Cajun/Creole)
8/7, 7pm – Oh, Boy! Rockabilly
8/14, 7pm – Sea Chanters (Military Chorale)
8/21, 7pm – Overtime Band (Classic Rock)
8/28, 7pm – USMC Quantico Band (Concert)

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Spotlight on Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth Beach

Looking to try some place new for dinner tonight? Try Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth! This casual dining restaurant is great for families, business lunches, hanging out with friends, or, if you sit in one of the high-backed booths even a private date!

The food is well-prepared and delicious! Their daily specials demonstrate their underlying commitment to freshness, and the service is great too! They even offer special carry-out deals, if that’s more your speed. Everything I’ve ever had at Big Fish Grill has been great, but I especially like the Lobster Bisque & Grilled Salmon.

One last thing I really like about Big Fish Grill is that they offer cooking classes! The classes don’t run during the summer since it’s their busiest season, but they’ll begin again in October, so check back then!

Looking to buy or sell a home in or around the Rehoboth Beach area? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Spotlight on Trap Pond in Laurel, Delaware

Recently named one of the top 100 Best Bass Lakes by Bassmaster, Trap Pond in Laurel, Delaware is highly ranked by visitors time after time again. It has been called beautiful, enchanting, glorious, amazing, and many other adjectives that indicate that it is a little piece of heaven on earth! One visitor said that Trap Pond had the “bet kayaking and the most wildlife in Delaware” and many people who visit can’t wait to come back!

In addition to taking part in some of the nation’s best bass fishing, visitors to Trap Pond can also hike, bike, and picnic. Canoes, kayaks, surfbikes, and paddleboats are all available to rent if you’d like to enjoy life on the water, and if it’s the fishing you’re after you can enjoy angling for pickerel, crappie and bluegill in addition to largemouth bass. In the summer they even offer guided pontoon boat tours! Many visitors to Trap Pond rave about the campground – you can bring in your own equipment or rent a cabin or yurt! And of course, like most Delaware State Parks, there are nature programs for all ages available to participate in. Trap Pond is even offering summer day camps for kids ages 8-12.

If you’re looking to escape from the real world for a few hours, or even a few days, Trap Pond is the destination you’re looking for! And if you’re just after some great bass fishing, Bassmaster says you can’t go wrong!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Laurel or the surrounding areas? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693!

Spotlight on go fish!, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

go fish! a british fish + chips shop on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach serves up British comfort food with style at prices that are wallet friendly…

go fish! a british fish + chips shop on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach serves up British comfort food with style at prices that are wallet friendly. They’ve been called “the best dinner in Rehoboth” by The Today Show and “…one of the shore’s best eats” by The Washington Post. Delaware Today called it a “best value meal” and also gave it the “best fish and chips” label in its Best of Delaware annual review. This restaurant quite obviously serves up great fish and chips, but they also serve up other British favorites such as bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and their famous sticky toffee pudding.

If British food isn’t your thing, you might opt for the highly praised crab cakes, soft-shell crabs, fish tacos, or Maryland clam chowder. And if that’s not enough for you, they also serve up some yummy steak and chicken dishes.

go fish! is so well loved that owner, Alison Blyth recently opened a second shop in Lewes — this little sister to go fish! is called go brit! fish + chips and serves up all the delicious dishes that made go fish! so wildly popular!

So head into Rehoboth or Lewes today and see why everyone is raving about go fish! And while you’re there, don’t forget to order some sticky toffee pudding!

Looking to buy or sell a home in Rehoboth, Lewes, or the surrounding areas? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Spotlight on Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the “Nation’s Summer Capital” is located about 30 miles north of Ocean City, Maryland. The two cities have many of the same beachy charms, but Rehoboth Beach wins the “which beach town is better” contest any day of the week in my book! And I’m obviously not the only one…

The article does a pretty good job of highlighting all the things I love about Rehoboth Beach, but as someone who has literally been coming here my entire life, here are some of my tried and true favorites.

The Beach – Obviously a highlight, the beach at Rehoboth is clean, well-patrolled, kid friendly, and close to bath houses and unlimited concessions. You can’t go wrong!
Funland – This is, by far, my favorite part of Rehoboth Beach! Rides like Paratrooper, Sea Dragon, and Bumper Cars are fun for the whole family. The separate section of rides for little kids has brought joy to countless children over the years, and the variety of kitschy boardwalk games offer endless hours of fun for all ages! My summer is never complete until I’ve raced some horses, bogged some frogs and tossed a dozen or so wiffle balls into colored goblets!
Skeeball – Okay, technically this is part of Funland, but skeeball is my favorite and at a quarter a game it’s one of the best values Funland has to offer!
Thrasher’s French Fries – I can’t step foot on Rehoboth Avenue without craving these delectable morsels of mouthwatering goodness! When I’m in town a tub of these “best fries on the boardwalk” take the place of a meal, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
The Ice Cream Store – With literally dozens of flavor signs hanging everywhere, this ice cream shop offers everything from the basics (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, etc.) to the unheard of (bacon, beer, booger – and those are just the Bs!) they’ve got something for everyone. For me, evenings on the boardwalk always end with a cone from The Ice Cream Store.
Dolles – Dolles has the only saltwater taffy in Rehoboth Beach that is handmade from scratch… pick some up for the ride home!
Grotto Pizza – Even in my own family not everyone agrees that Grotto has the best pizza on the beach, but it’s my favorite by far. I especially love taking a break from the hot sun, getting lunch, and then heading back to the beach afterward!
Mini-golf – There are lots of great mini golf places in and around Rehoboth Beach – any of them are fun in my book!
The Sea Shell Shop – It doesn’t get more beach-kitschy than this!
Cape Henlopen — Technically, not part of Rehoboth Beach, but the article mentions it, so I couldn’t leave it off my list! I’ve already sung Cape Henlopen’s praises here, so needless to say, it’s a must on my list!

These Rehoboth Beach staples are great any time of year, but summer is approaching, so you should definitely start making your plans to visit!

And if you’re interested in doing more than visiting, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us help you find your dream home in Rehoboth – 302-644-2266!