September 3, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Epictetus:  “All religions must be tolerated…for everyman must get to heaven in his own way.”  (Fred)  “Which road we take must be left to us.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #604025-From $5,250,000 to $4,750,000.  The “Mon Plaisir” is available for the first time in 63 Years.  This 1928 Colonial has 8 BR, 4.5 BA in 5000 sq. ft. on .34 acres.  This home has been carefully updated to retain the original character.  Call me to see this End of Season Special at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comSeptember 3, 2013

Spotlight on The Back Porch Café in Rehoboth Beach

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The Back Porch Café (59 Rehoboth Ave.) is a Rehoboth Beach classic set in a beautiful Victorian house.  With both indoor and outdoor dining options, it is the perfect time of year to enjoy a meal here.  The restaurant is open seasonally and currently celebrating its 39th season.  Currently serving lunch daily from 11am-3pm, dinner daily from 6pm-10pm and brunch from 11am-3pm on Sundays only, they will only be open on weekend in October before closing up shop and reopening in May.  In addition to the full menu, they also offer a prix-fixe dinner on Thursdays and wine tasking on Mondays as well.  If you’ve never tried this local favorite, as the season dies down it is the perfect time!

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

Spotlight on Purple Parrot Grill in Rehoboth Beach

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The Purple Parrot Grill (134 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth Beach serves Caribbean classics in a relaxed, back porch setting.  Open for the season for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Purple Parrot also offers Karaoke every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm til close and a popular Drag Show every Sunday night at 10pm.  Happy hour is from 3pm-6pm Monday through Friday and features half off appetizers and special drink prices at the bar, and different specials are offered daily including a New England lobster bake on Thursdays and Snow Crab Legs and Steamed Shrimp on Tuesdays.  Purple Parrot also serves brunch from 9am-1pm on Sundays.  If you enjoy a colorful and relaxed atmosphere that reminds you of being in the Caribbean definitely stop by Purple Parrot.

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

Spotlight on Cultured Pearl in Rehoboth Beach

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The Cultured Pearl (301 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth serves up the best of both Japanese and American classics for dinner starting at 3:30pm 7 days a week throughout the year.  The sushi has been voted part of the traditional “Delaware’s Best” list, the rooftop bar is amazing, and the menu is full of wonderful fine dining choices.  If you’re looking for a place to dine with your family, the family dining room allows children to be themselves while parents enjoy a fine meal at the beach.  They also have a separate room great for private events, a stage where they showcase great local entertainment, and more.  If you love sushi, other Japanese food, or just a lovely restaurant environment the Cultured Pearl is definitely a worthwhile stop.

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.

Weekend Update: August 24th-25th

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out these local events:

Saturday, August 24th: Bargains on the Broadkill
The annual summer festival in Milton features 40+ vendors including arts, crafts, jewelry, good, entertainment and more.  The Great Duck Race will award 25 cash prizes, including the top prize of $500.  The annual Broadkill 10 Mile Canoe and Kayak Race will take place on the same day.  Events begin at 9am and take place in Milton Memorial Park at Chandler Street in Milton.

Saturday, August 24th: Dusquesne University Tamburitzans
The longest-running multicultural song and dance company in the US is performing at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville on Saturday night beginning at 7pm.  This two hour journey of color, sound and movement captures the culture and spirit of Eastern Europe and surrounding cultures through music, song, and dance.  The performance begins at 7pm and is free for all, just bring a lawn chair or blanket!

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Banstand
The Sons of Pirates will perform their long running “yacht rock” set – where they say “every show is like a party at the beach” on Saturday and the Moonshine Society will perform their popular blues show on Sunday.  All shows are free and begin 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 Cloud 9 in Rehoboth Beach

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Cloud 9 (234 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth Beach is contemporary bistro dining on the beach at its best.  Focusing on fresh, local ingredients, Cloud 9 serves a wide variety of delicious dishes in a pleasant atmosphere.  In addition to delicious food and drink, the service is also excellent.  Cloud 9 is definitely one restaurant in Rehoboth Beach worth checking out.

Thinking about 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.

Weekend Update: August 16th-18th

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Looking for something to do this weekend?  Check out these local events:

Thursday, August 15th:  Local History Tours on the Jolly Trolley
The Rehoboth Beach Museum and the Jolly Trolley offer local history tours of downtown Rehoboth.  The cost is $10 and tours start at 9am at the Anna Hazzard House at 17 Christian Street in Rehoboth Beach.  You must reserve a spot in advance, which can be done by calling 302-227-7310.

Friday, August 16th: Cherish the Ladies
This all-women traditional Irish band combines classic Irish song features with spectacular step dancing and traditions of Irish culture.  They will perform their entertaining and humorous show at the Freeman Stage at Bayside at 7pm.  Tickets are $15 per person.  Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!

Saturday, August 17th: 40th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
This annual festival continues this weekend with more than 100 artists and artisans exhibiting work in Rehoboth.  Refreshments, music, entertainment, and children’s activities will be provided.  The show runs from 10am-4pm at the Rehoboth Art League Campus (12 Dodds Lane) in Rehoboth Beach.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The US Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will kick things off on Friday, August 16th.  Another Level will perform their soul/Motown/R&B set on Saturday, August 17th and Jamie McLean will perform his New Country set on Sunday, August 18th.  All concerts are free and begin at 8pm.

Thinking about 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 Conch Island Key West Bar & Grill

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Conch Island Key West Bar & Grill (207 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth serves a Key West inspired menu in a lively atmosphere worth checking out.  With live music daily and happy hour every day from 4-7pm.  Aside from happy hour specials the full key west inspired menu includes many delicious options.  With fair prices and good selection of both food and drinks, Conch Island is definitely a good option for a great time.

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 Betty’s Pure and Simple in Rehoboth Beach

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Betty’s Pure and Simple (18585 Coastal Hwy) in Rehoboth Beach serves up home style American cuisine that is a tribute to grandmas, aunts, and Betty’s from all over!  This restaurant is only open from 4:30-9pm seasonally, and stays open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  Both the selection, taste, and service are worth talking about.  This is definitely one American restaurant worth checking out during the season.

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.

Weekend Update: August 9th-11th

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out these local events:

Friday, August 9th-Saturday, August 10th:  Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival
This annual festival runs from 5pm-10pm on Friday night and 8am-8pm on Saturday.  The event includes performances, presentations, vendors and more.  The event takes place at the Seaford Sports Complex.  This year’s festivities will include two new additions: mascot mania where kids will eat free breakfast and play games with Sherman the Shorebird and other area mascots, and the Car & Cycle Show on the grounds of the Governor Ross Mansion.

Saturday, August 10th: 40th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
More than 100 artists and artisans will be exhibiting work at this 40th annual festival in Rehoboth.  Refreshments, music, entertainment, and children’s activities will be provided.  The show runs from 10am-4pm at the Rehoboth Art League Campus (12 Dodds Lane) in Rehoboth Beach.

Saturday, August 10th: The Sounds of Michael McDonald
Five time grammy winner Michael McDonald will be performing at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville.  Tickets start at $35 and are assigned seating.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
On Friday night, Robert Eric will perform their Billy Joel tribute set.  On Saturday, Oh Boy! will perform a tribute to rockabilly, and Sunday NOMaD (North of Mason Dixon) will perform their new country sound.  All concerts are free and begin at 8pm.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we can help!  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Weekend Update: August 2nd-4th

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Can you believe it’s already August?  Here are a few events going on to this weekend to kick off the new month:

Friday, August 2nd: History Happy Hour
The topic for this week’s History Happy Hour is “Jacob Jones: Naval Hero of 1812.”  Retired Navy Captain and university professor William H.J. Manthorpe will present the talk at the Lewes Historical Society at 4pm, followed by a question and answer period.

Saturday, August 3rd: Lewes Historical Society’s Antique Show
Head to the Lewes Historical Society to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the annual antique show.  The show runs from 9am-4pm and admission is $5, children under 12 are free.  The proceeds benefit the educational and preservation programming of the Historical Society.  Over 60 dealers will present 18th-20th century antiques.

Saturday, August 3rd:  Children’s Painting Class
Local artist John Donato will delight the whole family with an energetic and educational painting class.  The class is hand-on and free for all.  The class will take place at 10am at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville.  Don’t forget lawn chairs!

Saturday: August 3rd:  35th Annual Sandcastle Contest
Over 100 teams and 800 people will participate in this year’s sand castle contest!  Contest takes place at Fisherman’s Beach at the North end of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.  Registration begins 8:30am and judging begins at 3pm.  Call 302-227-2233 for more information.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The US Army Jazz Ambassadors will perform on Friday, 8/2.  Sounds of Society, a Chicago Tribute band will perform on Saturday, 8/3, and Herbie D. and the Dangermen will perform their Blues set on Sunday, 8/4.  All concerts are free and begin 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 Local Farmer’s Markets

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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.

Weekend Update: July 26th-28th

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If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out these local events:

Friday, July 26th: History Happy Hour
Marilyn McMahon will present a talk on “Life-Saving: The Breeches Buoy & The Surf Cart” at the Lewes Life-Saving Station.  This presentation is free for all and begins at 4pm with a question and answer session to follow.  History Happy Hour is presented by the Lewes Historical Society.

Saturday, July 27th: Ran D’Shine Magic Show
Magician Ran D’Shine is an engaging magical experience entitled “Now You See It, Now You Don’t.”  The show involves audience interaction, optical illusions, magic, and storytelling.  The show is at the Freeman Stage at Bayside, begins at 10am, and is free for all.  Don’t forget your lawn chairs!

Saturday, July 27th: Tour the Lighthouse
Tours depart from the pier behind the Cape May-Lews Ferry terminal in Lewes.  Reservations are required and are required.  Tours are only available to those ages 13 and older.  Call 302-644-7046 for reservations.

Saturday, July 27th: Seafood & Arts Festival
Head to the beautiful Indian River Marina for this 5th annual festival from 10am-6pm.  Enjoy fresh seafood, delicious treats, live music, children’s activities, and lots of artists and vendors!

All Weekend: Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Friday, July 26th Paul Cullen will present his unique mix of jazz, current, classic & original works for a groovy performance.  On Saturday, July 27th the City of Fairfax Band will play its concert band set, and The Uptown Band will round out the weekend on Sunday, July 28th with their top 40/Motown sound.  All shows begin at 8pm and are free to the public.

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.

Weekend Update: July 19th-21st

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Thursday, July 18th:  Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Head to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Thursday for several fun, free events.
Birding Field Trip:  This trip is led by local birding guides.  Bring binoculars, a field guide and a spotting scope if you have one.  The trip is free and open to the public.  Meet at the refuge office 10-15 minutes ahead of schedule and come dressed weather appropriately.  The trip will run approximately 8am-11am.
Pondside Adventures:  Discover what types of insects and aquatic life are in the area from 1:30pm-2:30pm.  Footwear that can get wet is required, no flip flops.  Sunscreen and hats are recommended.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information about these or other activities at the Refuge, call 302-684-8419.

Friday, July 19th: Nate Myers & The Aces
Head to Canalfront Park in Lewes for a free Americana/blues inspired concert sponsored by Dogfish Head Brewery.  The show begins at 6:30pm.  Don’t forget a lawn chair and some bug spray!

Saturday, July 20th: The Sound of Music
Local theatre company, Clear Space will perform the classic Broadway production, The Sound of Music on the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville).  Show begins at 7pm.  Cost is $10 per person, but kids 18 and under are free.  Don’t forget lawn chairs!

Saturday, July 20th:  Everyday Magic Artwork
Millville Town Peddler and Reynolds’ Back Door Surfboards will host artist Sharon O’Bien Huey and her “Everyday Magic Artwork” for a month-long exhibit.  This artist reception will kick off the event at 4pm with a meet the artist.  Admission to both the reception and the month-long show are free.  Come and enjoy the art, reception, specials and refreshments.  The event will be held at 35308 Atlantic Ave. in Millville.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Groove Train will perform a fun 70’s Disco & Funk show on Friday night, followed by a classic and modern rock performance by King’s Ransom on Saturday.  The Milford Community Band will wrap up the weekend with their performance on Sunday.  All concerts are free and begin 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 – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill in Rehoboth

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Zogg’s Raw Bar and Grill (1 Wilmington Ave) in Rehoboth is a Key West inspired restaurant serving up delicious fish tacos, a variety of other seafood dishes, standards such as burgers, wings, and chicken sandwiches, and classic southern fare such as fried gator, breaded frog legs and po’ boys.  Their famous homemade mac & cheese comes in six flavors, including duck confit & brie and crab & cheddar.  They have happy hour specials at the bar Monday-Friday from 4pm-7pm, a wide variety of worldwide brews on tap and over 250 kinds of rum at the bar.  Zogg’s is definitely worth checking out if you want a variety of delicious options in a laid back atmosphere.

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

Weekend Update: July 12th-14th

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If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out these local events:

Friday, July 12th-Saturday, July 13th: Nanticoke Riverfest
Head to downtown Seaford for the annual Nanticoke Riverfest with the theme “Rollin’ on the Nanticoke.”  Events start with opening ceremonies at 5pm on Friday and the fun continues on Saturday with registration for the Float-in starting at 8am.  The weekend includes lots of fun and festivities.  For more information, including a full schedule of events check out this link.

Saturday, July 13th: Milton House & Garden Tour
The annual Milton House & Garden Tour runs from 9am-3pm on Saturday.  For tickets or more information, call the Milton Garden Club at 302-684-3804.

Saturday, July 13th: Lewes Historical Society’s Summer Craft Fair
The annual Summer Craft Fair runs from 9am-4pm at the Historical Complex at Second & Shipcarpenter Streets in downtown Lewes.  Admission is $5 per person and children under 12 are free.

Sunday, July 14th: Sheryl Crow in Concert
Head to the Freeman Stage at Bayside for concert by nine-Grammy winner Sheryl Crowe.  Unlike most events at the Freeman Stage, this is an assigned seating event.  For more information or to purchase tickets call 302-436-3015.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Enjoy the modern country sounds of Michael Christopher on Friday.  The Regal Beagles will perform their yacht rock set on Saturday, and Nate Myers & the Aces will perform Americana/Blues style music on Sunday.  All concerts are free and begin 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.

July 9, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Edward Coke:  “Those who consent to the act and those who do it shall be equally punished.”  (Fred)  “If we let our government do immoral deeds are we not equally guilty?”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #593176-From $869,000 to $849,000.  A Canal front condo in Rehoboth Beach DE-1 long block to the Ocean, with 3 BR, 3.5 BA, in 1478 sq. ft. that has Hardi-Plank siding, a new heat pump and new deck.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.  www.fredsporch.comJuly 9, 2013

More Ideas for Celebrating Independence Day

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Yesterday I highlighted a few great ideas for celebrating July 4th in Sussex County.  Here are a few more:

Bethany in Bloom:  The festivities begin in Bethany Beach at noon on the 4th with the theme “Wish You Were Here for Bethany in Bloom.”  The parade steps off at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Garfield at noon.  There will also a be a horseshoe throwing contest and live band with fireworks commencing at dusk.

Tradition at Rehoboth:  More than 100,000 people gathered on the boardwalk in Rehoboth and this year is shaping up to be just as great!  Head to downtown Rehoboth for the fireworks show at dusk.  Local favorite, The Funsters will be performing on the bandstand as well.

Fun in Ocean City:  If you want to head out of Sussex, Ocean City for a free concert at 8pm followed by fireworks at 9:30pm downtown on the beach at North Division Street or uptown at 125th Street and Northside Park.  For more information call 800-626-2326.

Whatever you choose to do this fourth of July, be safe and have fun!

If you’re 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 Claws Seafood House

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Claws Seafood House (167 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth serves up fresh, delicious seafood and more every night for dinner (Mon-Thu 4pm-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-9:30pm).  With reasonable prices and fresh, locally sourced ingredients plus a great happy hour at the bar and both daily and weekly specials, you can’t go wrong with dinner at Claws.

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.

5 Mini Golf Courses To Try

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Mini golf is a great summer activity!  Check out these great, local courses for some great, family fun:

Ryan’s Mini Golf.  You really can’t get better than rooftop mini golf right on the boardwalk in Rehoboth!  Directly Above Ryan’s Gems & Junk Shop you will find a mini golf course that is easy enough for kids, but fun for the whole family.  Decorated with loads of animal sculptures, this is a simple course, but it has the most amazing views of any mini golf course I’ve ever seen!  Prices are reasonable too, and they just opened a second course on the lower level, right on the boardwalk.  Just be forewarned that it is hot up on that roof in the middle of the day!

Jungle Jim’s.  Jungle Jim’s is more than just mini golf.  It also features a water park, bumper boats, batting cages, go-carts, and more!  It’s a little pricier than other mini-golf places around, but with water traps and other challenges it’s more fun too!  Jungle Jim’s is located at 36944 Country Club Road in Rehoboth.

Shell We Golf.  Shell We Golf might be the most famous golf course in Rehoboth since it’s so easily recognizable as you pass back and forth on Route 1.  This course is great to play when it’s hot out since there’s a lot of shade!  This is a mid-range course.  Fun for the whole family, but with some pretty simple holes to keep the attention of the little ones!  Shell We Golf is located at 19366 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth.

Fire Mountain Golf at Midway Speedway.  Midway Speedway is another one-stop summer sport fun-land!  This mini golf course is located beneath a volcano and is challenging and fun for everyone!  In addition to mini golf there are also go carts, water slides, bumper boats, a climbing wall, and a lazy river!  A day at Midway Speedway is fun for the whole family!  Midway Speedway is located at 18645 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth.

Long Neck Mini Golf.  If you’re looking for a fun game of golf but don’t want to fight the traffic into Rehoboth, check out Long Neck Mini Golf.  Set amidst beautiful gardens, Long Neck is my mini-golf course of choice!  The course is fun and challenging, but not too hard for the little ones.  Several holes have creative twists, like water hazards, second holes, etc. so it’s an all-around fun course!  Long Neck Mini Golf is located on Long Neck Road in Millsboro – you’ll know it when you see the huge crab on top of the waterfall!  There’s also a pizza place and ice cream parlor within walking distance if you want to make an afternoon of it!

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.