Eating Rehoboth Winners!!!

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities

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The competition is over, the winners have been picked.  Are you painting the town red with me this Summer?  Check out the video and see who got lucky.

 

Running like crazy!

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities

Wes and Carson at Mud Run
Life at the beach isn’t just about the beach. The year round activities and events keep you busy, trust me. From the SeaWitch Festival to Chocolate festivals, there is always something going on.
One of the big activities at the beach is running! When I first came to the beach it was a big shock to me as well. No, not surfing, or swimming but running – and not just for the exercise. Running / walking are big social events at the beach. You’ll find a race most weeks of the year.
Just recently we participated in the Quest Fitness Mud Run. Yes, crazy people run and overcome obstacles and lots of mud! Why do it? Well why not. Check that item off your bucket list. Have fun, and don’t just live but live well.
Top reasons to participate:

  1. Delaware is as flat as a pancake! NO hills 🙂 I call it the Amsterdam of America
  2. Awesome chance to meet new people with various levels of running ability and have fun at the same time
  3. There’s usually great food, and at some events, even beer (Dogfish Dash in particular)
  4. A chance to dress up and most of the time you get a t-shirt just for signing up
  5. Oh yeah and to stay active

 
Top races of the year (well from what I know:)

  1. Dogfish Dash
  2. Seawitch Fall
  3. Huffin for Pumpkin Pie
  4. Dewey Beach 10 Sisters Roas Series (any which end up at the Rudder deck 🙂
  5. Quest Fitness Mud Run

If you’re interested, check out Seashore Striders. They are a local company who arrange a large number of the races in the area and their website gives you a full run down, pardon the pun, of races throughout the year.

Oliver in the Mud Run Carmen Jordan at the Mud Run Wes and Carson in the Quest Fitness Mud Run

 

Kayak + Beer = Schell Brothers NEWEST Competition

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities

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After the recent success of our Rehoboth Foodies competition, I came across another gem which just totally fits Schell Brother’s culture of fun, being active and partying. So I went to me ole buddy Chrissy boy (“Mr. Schell” in person of course) and pitched him my idea. Once again the accent worked wonders.
So, I’m announcing my second competition: Pints & Paddles! To participate and have a chance at winning you just have to SHARE this post and also COMMENT below and tell me why you should win. The competition ends June 30th. 5 winners will be announced here on the Schell Blog and also on Facebook on the 1st of July.
The title of the Pints & Paddles tour was enough for me! That and the word ‘sample’. I’m in 🙂 Check out the details below from Dogfish Head and leave me a comment.

Pints & Paddles

A kayaking excursion for the beer enthusiast! Brought to you by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Quest Kayak.

What is it?

A relaxing out-and-back paddle along the scenic Broadkill River suitable for novice or seasoned paddlers. We paddle out through the McCabe Nature Preserve (a Nature Conservancy property) where we often see herons, ospreys, turtles, occasional eagles, and other wildlife. This trip runs from May through October, so the flora of the area is always changing (magnolias, cardinal flowers, etc. are some of the plants we see). After the paddle, we visit the Dogfish Head Brewery and tour the facility and sample (for those of legal drinking age). A keepsake DFH Pint Glass is included with this excursion.
This is an excellent trip for first time paddlers.

 
Read more details about Pints & Paddles on the Dogfish Head blog.
 

Welcome Rehoboth Foodies!

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities

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Yes, I’m definitely a Rehoboth Foodie. I’m always trying to check off restaurants, as I need to try them all… at least twice!!! I came across a new venture called Eating Rehoboth with Walking Tours. From the website:

eat. sip. walk. discover.
Embark on a 3-hour culinary adventure through downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware! Enjoy exclusive food tastings at five of Rehoboth’s best eateries, paired with delicious wines, local beers or signature cocktails.​
Tours also include specialty food shops and beachy outdoor venues. ​​As your tour winds through the streets of Rehoboth Beach, Rehoboth’s seasoned guides will bring you up-to-date on local history and restaurant lore. The combined tastes on your tour add up to a delicious lunch, and everything — including some great take-home items and exclusive Eating Rehoboth coupons — are included.​
You then have the opportunity to return to your favorite spot for lunch or dinner. Three of Rehoboth’s top restaurateurs have been nominated for prestigious James Beard Awards for culinary excellence. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour now!​

Join me on a Walking Tour! Comment and Share to Win.

I absolutely think this concept is just a super-duper idea. So, Chris Schell has agreed, I can take 4 winners from this blog on one of the first tours and then I obviously have to blog about the experience. He’s a good chap isn’t he? He is 🙂
So how do you win? Just comment (below) on why we should choose you and share this blog to your facebook page. Simple enough. I can’t wait to take the winners out to paint the town red!
Cheers Adam

The grass is greener on the other side!

By Adam Pettengell, in Bayfront at Rehoboth

On the Bay
Maintenance-free lifestyle. Isn’t that why we all come to lower, slower, Delaware. I know the taxes help but isn’t it all about slowing down, living life and not life living you.
Bayfront at Rehoboth is all about living. Whether it’s kayaking from the private beach, walking the dogs along the walking trails in the community, playing horseshoes by the pool, or playing volleyball on the sandy court. It’s not about making time to cut the yard or about making time to pack for a day at Rehoboth Beach.  It’s all about everything being available at your fingertips on your door step.
People ask “Adam doesn’t that mean you’re paying more fees?”. Yes you are BUT there’s huge value in our HOA monthly charge. Remember amenities in abundance, full lawn care, trash, snow removal and common areas. All under $250 a month. Remembering again that all the home sites in the community are over 20,000 sqft!
A normal ‘cut’ on half an acre is roughly around $35-$45! I’m going to let you do the math but with our longer hot season, mulching, lawn treatments and looking after of your irrigation system I’m telling you it’s amazing value just for the lawn care alone and that’s without taking into account the amazing pool, clubhouse and private beach.
SO for $244 per month what do you get?
Billed Monthly $244.00
Common Areas Budget $1,297 per year ($108 per month)
Landscaping of all common areas: Ponds, Pool, Pool House, Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Beach, Floating Pier, Snow Removal
Your Yard Maintainance Program $1,355 per year ($113 per month)
Lawn Mowing ($28 x 26 mowings) $728.00
Mulch and Bed Prep (1x year) $129.00
Lawn Treatments (4x year) $348.00
Irrigation Start and Shut Off (2x year) $150.00
(The yard maintenance program is a true value. Bid out with two other companies for individual lawns and it would cost over $2,000 per year for this lawn program on a 1/2 acre lot.)
Trash Removal $276.00 per year
Weekly pick up $23.00 per month
If you think you’ve found this value anywhere else then in all honesty you should snap it up but remember does that community have Schell Brothers in the package as well?  If not, best to stay with Bayfront 🙂
Still not sure?  Then come and visit me and I’ll show you a community that is full of living.
Cheers Adam

What’s in a beach?

By Adam Pettengell, in Bayfront at Rehoboth

The beach at Bayfront at Rehoboth
I would say everything is about the beach! Every day in our very long season the beach is the place to go. Feel the sand between your toes, the water and that repeated term ‘life is good’. Life doesn’t get any better than a chillin’ beach day.
Bayfront at Rehoboth has its own private beach, kayak launch and gazebo on the Rehoboth Bay. Obviously this is a rare commodity in most communities. Yes I like to brag about it and why not.

Marsh Island

Marsh Island

What does it mean? Why is this important? Well, it means there is no traffic to suffer through to get to my beach. As you become a local you realise that the beaches are busy places in the warm season. At Bayfront, you will avoid spending precious beach time looking for a parking space, and then once you’re on the beach you’ll have no worries about finding a nice spot. I think these all make for a valid argument for having a private beach in your community. Don’t you think?
Kayaks, rowing boats and I’m sure jet skis will allow everybody to change up from the lying prone sunbathing position AND feel the beach breeze as you glide through the water. We also have a small island called Marsh Island which is very reachable. I’m thinking kayak races across to the island and back. Or kayak across and leave Frank stranded on the island.
There’s no doubt we’re going to have some fun on the beach this year that’s for sure. With horse shoe pits, a beach volleyball court, the private beach, and more than likely, some adult beverages mixed in with more fun and games, and of course sunshine, it really is going to be an exciting 2013 at Bayfront at Rehoboth.
Cheers Adam

What is it that puts the ‘gourmet’ into a gourmet kitchen?

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities

Minnie in the kitchen
I’m lucky in many ways – or so the wife tells me! When we built our Schell home, the gourmet kitchen wasn’t on the table for discussion – it was a must! I just wish the wife would use it. I jest… somewhat. Sorry wife. Hopefully she doesn’t read these.

Gourmet details

Gourmet details

I digress. It has only been since we’ve lived in the home that I’ve realised in particular what a huge difference it does make. Sounds a bit ‘salesy’ Adam. Trust me this is real, everyday true occurrences. For me the ‘fully extending’ drawers are the best thing since sliced bread. One of my many chores is loading and unloading the dishwasher. The satisfaction of lifting big pots out of the dishwasher knowing that I don’t have to get on my hands and knees to rearrange the back of the cupboards is huge. I swear on it. Then when I push the drawers in – with my super human strength – they don’t slam shut, as they have soft close gizmos (for lack of a better name), so they close nice and smooth. The only issue with fully extending drawers is that ‘little ones’ like my little Minnie can get into everything and more.
Unless you have these things I guess you never know the difference but believe me there’s a difference. I don’t think I could ever go back. Adam, you’re just talking about drawers! I know but it makes your life so much easier.
In-drawer trash

In-drawer trash

I best not forget the in-drawer trash units. No more rumagining underneath the sink and picking up all the trash that missed! You know what I mean. Simply pull out the drawer and it’s as easy as that.
There’s more to the gourmet kitchen then just what I’ve already mentioned. Although gourmet kitchens vary, they all have their own special additions like glass cabinets, wine glass holders, wine bottle slots, cabinet ‘style’ end panels, quirky corner cabinets, wall ovens, cook tops, ranges, kitchen gadget storage (this is very cool), and this all brings together the unique design features with contours and angles rather than straight lines.
Anyway I just wanted to share my revelations about my dishwasher experiences with you. It truly does make me smile. What are your favorite gourmet kitchen elements?
Cheers Adam

Traditions That Help Sell Your Home?

By Adam Pettengell, in Bayfront at Rehoboth

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It has recently come to my attention that many people believe St. Joseph has helped millions of home owners to sell their homes!
I’m not a religious chap but I was gobsmacked to hear of this tradition. My buddy Arch swears by it and has recently sold two homes in next to no time.
I know your thinking “Adam, why are you telling me this?” Well, why not. I actually thought it was pretty interesting. Are there any other traditions out there that people believe are helpful in real estate transactions? I’m in the industry so I would love to gain more insight on this subject.
According to the tradition, St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus Christ, is honored as the patron saint of married couples, families, carpenters and workingmen. March 19, his feast day, is especially celebrated by people of Italian and Polish descent.
Also, my birthday is March 19th 🙂
Over the years, the tradition arose of St. Joseph having a special power in real estate transactions. European nuns buried a medal with his likeness on property they hoped to aquire for convents. Gradually the medals were replaced with statues and the focus changed from buying to selling. The statue is buried upside down in the front yard with the feet pointing to heaven. It may face towards the home (or towards the street if you want your neighbor’s home to sell!) The location of the statue can vary: near the “For Sale” sign, in a flower pot (popular for condo owners), etc.. As long as you can find it once the home has sold. After the home has sold, the statue should be removed from the ground and given a place of honor in your new home.
Pretty cool right? So have you heard of this? Have you heard of other traditions?
Cheers

Time to become a local!

By Adam Pettengell, in The Avenue

The List is back for another year and I wanted to share this good news with you again. For those people who already know about ‘the list’ this post serves as a timely reminder to print it off and keep it safe. For those people whom are new to ‘The list’ this blog is the jackpot!

It’s going to save you money, increase your awareness of restaurants in the local area, increase your waistline BUT is sure to create happy memories with your family and friends.
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. 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.

Places to try:

Last year I mentioned the Blue Moon, and well that’s still top of my list. Tasting Tuesday is a 5 star night out all the way. A must, a definite, get it off your bucket list now!
Also on My List are:
Cultured Pearl Special on Mondays! It’s a great deal BUT beware its very busy.
Port in Dewey – I heard great stuff about this place. Just past Ruddertowne on the left. Tuesday night special looks good PLUS chicken & dumpling on Sunday!
a(muse) – Mr. Cameron’s All-American $5 & $10 Menu (Tuesday to Sunday).
This is just a small 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.

Download:

The List – Locals Only Restaurant Specials 10-30-2012 PDF provided by the Locals Only Blog

Bayfront at Rehoboth

By Adam Pettengell, in Bayfront at Rehoboth

The newest Schell Brothers community to come on-line is Bayfront at Rehoboth, a waterfront community with an abundance of trees and the ideal place for us to add our fantastic homes.

Bayfront is about elegance, exclusivity and picturesque surroundings. On top of these striking characteristics of the community, Bayfront, also has an all inclusive maintenance free lifestyle.
This is the first of our communities that has access to it’s own private beach, kayak launch, and swimming pool overlooking Rehoboth Bay. Frank Ryan and I are super excited to go to work in our swim shorts and head to the beach after work or play beach volleyball ‘top gun’ style!
See you on the Bay!
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