On Tue Dec 6, 2011, a long line of decorated floats, trucks, and even scooters lit up the streets of downtown Rehoboth for the annual Rehoboth Beach Christmas parade.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade may have its high-flying balloons and celebrity dance routines, but nothing can compare with the small town charm and community spirit that characterize the Christmas parades in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.  Held each year in early December, these parades bring the words of a favorite Christmas song to life: “children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile. . .”

For lucky locals who make their home here, December rivals mid-summer as “the most wonderful time of the year”, when quaint streetscapes look like Christmas card scenes and people of all ages gather in the town square.  Proud parents have cameras ready to snap a picture of their kids riding on a float pulled by Grandpa’s tractor and,  even the family pets get in on the action.  When the parade is over, friends new and old gather for food and festivities.

If you didn’t make it to the parades this year, check out our video and join us in 2012.  You’ll be glad you did.

Okay, okay calm down! The title doesn’t mean Schell Brothers is giving 50% off the prices of their homes – yet! Just kidding, Chris. No, this is a follow up to my last blog about great deals to be aware of when you visit, or make your home at the beach, or even have friends who live here.

My newest discovery is Half Off at the Beach. It is an exciting, very cool way to secure great gifts and deals while also supporting local businesses in the area. I love a deal as I’m sure my last blog highlighted. I guess I’m an advocate of this particular website since just this week I took advantage of these great deals and enjoyed some time with my family.

Minnie at the Buttery

I took my lovely wife and four month old daughter Minnie to The Buttery in Lewes for lunch on Monday. We sat outside – my wife had an awesome chicken special and I had the soup and sarnie (that’s British for sandwich) combination. Downtown Lewes was in full bloom and it was a delightful experience. I had a $25 voucher which I paid $12.50 for and the bill after the coupon came to next to nothing even though my wife had a glass of wine! Ha, she’ll kill me for saying that. She says after 9 months of not having alcohol she’s on payback. After looking at my daughter’s face I don’t argue. Smart guy I know.

Then yesterday I purchased a super deal at Cake Break, in Rehoboth, which sells amazing cupcakes amongst other things. I’m afraid you’ll have to put diets aside but it’s a great gift or excuse to buy lunch or pressies (more British, this time for presents) for your favorite salesman… hint hint.

Well, I hope this is good information for all our fans, home owners and locals in the area. Please do let us know if you’ve your own comments about positive experiences with this website or any other companies that offer great deals in the area.

Good luck and happy eating, spending and gifting.

I bet you’re wondering what The List is. You might be thinking about a list of reasons to buy in Delaware, or a list of reasons to buy with Schell Brothers over any other builder at the beach, or maybe a list of reasons to buy from me over any other salesman. In fact, you would be way off the mark (other than the buying from me part, of course).

Many locals and visitors look forward to the first off-season release of The List. In fact one might say it’s a date that brings smiles to people’s faces, saves money in their pockets and results in adding to the variety of social outings one can have. Are you intrigued? Have I built it up enough?

The List is a collection of all the restaurants, when they’re open in the off-season, and what specials they’ve got going on for food and drink, and it’s updated every two weeks! It became available for download today in mini form to tide you over until the full version is available on Wednesday, October 26th. The List is the great idea of Hadley McGregor whose website, Locals Only, tells what’s going on and when. It’s a gold mine of information.

Rehoboth and Lewes are all-year-round locations. In the off-season restaurant hours often change, which is shared on the website, but each restaurant also does specials and there are unbelievable deals to be found.

My wife and I recently visited the Blue Moon in Rehoboth for “Tasting Tuesday” – Three courses with three different wines all for $35. This restaurant is top notch and “Tasting Tuesday” is a huge hit with the locals. I had baked oysters, blue cheese salad and halibut. Every course was crazy good and the wine is always a bonus. The other reason why we like to go to the Blue Moon is dessert. It’s a little extra but “Moon Pie” is worth it, and it’s not a dessert you eat by yourself. It’s gigantic in size with multiple layers of ice cream, sauce and a cookie base! We always share it and are lucky if we finish it! Pure deliciousness.

This is just one example of how The List can save you money, increase your happiness and quickly get you on the good side of your better half! Well worth it and just one of the things that makes living in Sussex County extra special. So what’s on your list?

If you’re a new homeowner, soon to be new homeowner, established homeowner, visitor, or simply a lover of food, then on October 26th you’ll be printing off the full version of The List and keeping it close by for when you want to go support the local businesses and enjoy a great meal at the same time.

As a professional living in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC metro area for the past 10 years, life was good in many ways.  For those of you who are familiar with living in that area, there are many things to do and see in addition to delicious places to eat. The employment and cultural opportunities are good and I truly thought I was living.  But let’s face it, getting from point A to point B can be stressful. If you have ever driven the Capital Beltway or Rt. 66, you know what I’m talking about.

About 7 years after living the “Good Life” I began to tire of the rat race and commuting an hour morning and night when I worked 14 miles from home! I was in dire need of a break. I began a search for a place where I could get away from it all  but not so far that it would require more that a weekend trip.  I thought of Virginia Beach, Ocean City, the Shenandoah Mountains, and everything in between. Then a co-worker mentioned a place called Lewes, Delaware. DELAWARE? I thought to myself as I scratched my head, wondering if my co-worker had been having happy hour on his lunch break.  What the heck is in Delaware?

I immediately went to my computer and did an Internet search of Lewes, DE and the following weekend I plugged  in the address of a local hotel into my GPS and off I went to explore unknown territory. My trip took me through rural areas with nothing but cornfields, soybean fields, and dairy farms and I found myself enjoying the scenery.  For a change, I was not experiencing a white-knuckle trip on the beltway.  Yet, although my goal was to escape the city, I didn’t think I was ready for the country life. Two and half hours later, I arrived at my destination.  At that moment my life changed. I was in a place that immediately felt like “home”.  I knew in my heart and mind that I had been called to this magical place called Lewes, DE. The streets were lined with quaint shops that offer everything from A to Z. The people were genuinely friendly, and happy to have me visit their town.  I could go on and on about my weekend in what I would call “paradise” , but to make my long story short. I do believe in love at first sight. I have since left the hustle and bustle of the city behind me and moved to “Paradise”.  Now my life here is simple and stress-free. I no longer drive on beltways, but on quaint streets and pleasant roads.  If you want a taste of Paradise, come to DELAWARE!

I looked out my window on this gorgeous fall afternoon and thought about many of you who vacationed here at the Delaware beaches for a week or two this summer.  By now, you’re back in the swing of “real life,” and probably miss the smell of the beach, the sound of the waves, the boardwalk fun… heck, even the seagulls!

Come back and visit us in the Fall!  The sand, the sun, and the memories are all still here at Bethany Beach!  The Fall season is the BEST time to visit your favorite beach destination!   The boardwalk, the after-dinner walks, the laughs, the smiles, and the memories at the beach are even better in the fall when you can truly live like one of the fortunate local residents.

Fall is also one of the most popular times to buy a new beach home from Schell Brothers because you can take advantage of amazing incentives and move into your personalized beach home before next summer arrives.  Why not make your favorite vacation destination a year-round home that you can enjoy in every season?  Imagine enjoying  heartwarming Thanksgiving dinners with the whole family in your beach home, ringing in the New Year on the boardwalk, and adding to the summer memories you’ve already made!

Sunset Harbour is soaking up the Fall sun at Bethany Beach and we invite you to join us!  Make an appointment to visit our community, tour the decorated model and view numerous homes that are under construction.  You may reach me by phone at 302-858-6939 or by email at mcapaldi@schellbrothers.com.   Or, feel free to contact Jay Hauck at 302-236-9778 or jay@schellbrothers.com.  We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Boaters in southern Delaware received an early Christmas present as State environmental officials recently announced that dredging of the picturesque Assawoman Canal is now complete after many years of work.  This means that boaters can navigate the Assawoman and Isle of Wright Bays that lead to popular restaurants and recreational venues in Fenwick Island, Ocean City, and more.   Of course, by way of Whites Creek, boaters also have access to the Indian River and Rehoboth Bay as well as to the Delaware Bay via the Rehoboth Canal.  Best of all, the Atlantic Ocean, through the Indian River Inlet, is only minutes away by boat.

One of the only new home communities with private boat slips and direct access to these waterways is Sunset Harbour by Schell Brothers, located on Fred Hudson Road.  Residents at Sunset Harbour enjoy fun and convenient access to these destinations, especially in the summer months when traffic on Route 1 begins to pile up.  There’s nothing like the prestige of showing up at a restaurant by boat, especially when everyone else is stuck in traffic!  In addition to visiting local eateries, boaters may also take a day trip all the way down the coast to Chincoteague without ever going into the ocean.

The accessibility of the Assawoman Canal opens up a whole new world to water enthusiasts and surely the remaining homes with boat slips at Sunset Harbour won’t last long.   Whether it be boating, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming or just taking a walk along the shore, the community is surrounded by water and all its beauty and bounty.  Sunset Harbour is one of the only communities that has been approved as a minor marina which allows continued maintenance dredging, stabilization of the banks of the canals and the construction of new docks.  Additionally, residents have private access to the community boat ramp.  I’m thinking it may be best to check out these homes now before interest rates continue to climb and the best homesites slip away!

Those who make coastal Delaware their year-round residence know that autumn is a real treat at the beach.  During the fall, the meters on Rehoboth Avenue don little blue hats that signify a temporary end to parking fees, traffic on Route 1 is a little lighter, and bright orange sunsets are visible from every vantage point.  But one of the real treasures of fall is hopping on a bike and riding the Junction and Breakwater trail.   Set out on a quick morning adventure and listen to native song birds or watch a blue heron soar majestically above the water.  Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the contrast of the canal as it meanders through golden grasses against a robin-egg-blue sky.  Take an evening ride to Rehoboth for dinner at one of the area’s best restaurants and enjoy a glass of wine with friends.  Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture the golden sunset shining through the trees on the trip home.  By the way, one of the best kept secrets for new homes with immediate access to the Junction and Breakwater trail is Breakwater by Schell Brothers.  Check out the website to find out how you can snatch up one of the few remaining homesites.

10. This time of year I am lured back to the boardwalk by the cooler days and smaller crowds. The 1-mile boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach is the perfect spot for getting some fresh air and exercise.

9. First Thursdays in Lewes – Join the locals on Thursday, November 5th in downtown Lewes for live music and special offerings from area restaurants and merchants. You’ll most likely find me at Striper Bites enjoying great fare and libations.

8. Sea Witch Festival – This local tradition includes the always hilarious costumed pet parade. October 23 -25.

7. The return of the off-season specials at local restaurants – Most area restaurants offer great deals throughout the non-summer months.

6. Jazz Fest – Many local venues will be showcasing live jazz music. October 14 -18. www.rehobothjazz.com

5. Outlet shopping – Sure, you can shop at the outlets all year round, but the Fall is the perfect time to start tackling that holiday shopping list. Buy a $1 Pink Card at the Tanger Outlets office to save an additional 25% at participating stores while benefiting the fight against breast cancer. Don’t forget – Delaware is tax-free!

4. Independent Film Festival – Around 100 films to see this year, including shorts, documentaries, and foreign films. November 11-15. www.rehobothfilm.com/festival.html

3. Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – This delicious seasonal brew is available in September and October. Get some before it’s gone! www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/seasonal-brews/punkin-ale.htm

2. Punkin Chunkin’ — Live music, rides, delicious fare, and pumpkins being hurled overhead – what more could you want on a cool autumn weekend? Whether you prefer the craftsmanship of the whirligigs or the sheer power of the air cannons, each “chunker” is a site to behold. November 6-8. www.punkinchunkin.com

And the number one reason the fall is my favorite time of year in coastal Delaware is:
No more meters! Parking is free throughout Lewes, Rehoboth, and Dewey Beach until the summer months return. So come visit and, while you’re here, check out the beautiful Delaware homes for sale so you can linger longer! Maybe you’ll decide that Delaware is the place for you even when the summer sun has set for the season.
Hope to see you out and about over the next few months!
- Erika

One of my favorite things to do in June is pick local blueberries. Here in Sussex County, Delaware, there is a large blueberry farm near Dagsboro where you can go to pick your own berries. The fields are open 7 days a week. Here are some tips from a local:

• Wear a hat no matter how overcast.
• Spray your legs with bug spray.
• Take water to drink.
• Bring a bucket! The farm provides buckets for picking, but don’t forget to take containers to bring the berries home.
• Blueberries freeze well, but make sure you DON’T rinse them before you freeze them. Rinse them when you are ready to thaw and use them.
• They are sold by the pound. Here’s the best part: you can eat while you pick, and they don’t weigh you on the way out!

I use the berries for pies, muffins, pancakes and just plain old snacking. Close to home, fresh off the vine and supplying antioxidants that taste good – what a great way to spend an afternoon!

For information call 302-238-7043.

Happy picking!

Barbara Dean is a Sussex County native, born and raised in Lewes, Delaware. Barbara is the Controller at Schell Brothers and has been with the company for 5 years.

Thanks to Twitter and Schell Brothers (@SchellBrothers) we learned this week that Delaware is officially the best place to retire. Kiplinger’s Magazine researched the total tax burden — income taxes, property taxes and sales taxes — for a typical retired couple in each of the 50 states and Washington, DC. And the results are clear: Delaware retirees pay far less in taxes than retirees living anywhere else in the country.

Retirees who live on a fixed income need to choose their place of retirement wisely. With taxes sometimes taking a big chunk of the household budget, retirees should look for areas that offer low taxes overall, and a state with no income tax (like Florida or Texas) isn’t always the answer.

Kiplinger’s factored in the finances, expenses and incomes of a hypothetical couple with each state’s average home price and compared the “retirement tax bite” state by state. Living in Delaware, the average retired couple enjoys zero income tax, zero sales tax and relatively low property taxes. According to Kiplinger’s a couple in Delaware can expect to pay about $543 a year in taxes.

Taxes in the runner up state, Alaska, are nearly double that at $1,032 and in Pennsylvania, the country’s least tax friendly place for retirees, couples can expect to pay about $7,391 in taxes. For all the results and details, check out the original article here.

You can read the whole blog here.

We’ve been saying it for a long time, and finally it’s catching on! Delaware IS the best place to retire in the US! Read more about why Delaware is for you over at Delaware4U.