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Adam Pettengell

Adam Pettengell

October is the NEW In Season

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities
October 2, 2013 | Comments (8)

October is the NEW in season
I’m sure most people think that when the Summer season is over that the roads clear, restaurants close and tumble weeds wonder through the streets of Rehoboth and Lewes. Okay, maybe that was a little over the top, but you get what I mean.
Well, if October is anything to go by, then your diary is going to be full to the rafters twice over! Check out the events below that keep everybody busy during this so-called ‘off-season’.
 

Thursday, Oct 3 – Saturday, Nov 2: Screams at the Beach

“2012’s scariest attraction is back! They have more horror, longer trails, and shocking mayhem. The scream team longs for the return of more victims to touch, terrorize, and torture. Don’t miss out on this year’s screams and frights. We all look forward to seeing you very soon!”
 
Friday, Oct 4 – Sunday, Oct 6: Fall Sidewalk Sale! Rehoboth Beach & Lewes
Locals’ favorite! Great time to park (for free) and stroll.  Pick up some great deals and grab a bite at the same time!
 
Saturday, Oct 5: Boast The Coast Day Maritime Festival, Lewes
“The Lewes Chamber of Commerce presents the 18th Annual BOAST THE COAST event that takes place in Lewes on Saturday, October 5 with maritime-themed activities throughout the day and into the evening.”
 
Sunday, Oct 6: Coast Day, Lewes
“Coast Day will highlight how UD scientists, staff, and students are improving understanding of ocean environments and serving coastal communities. Coast Day attendees can interact with researchers, tour ships, try hands-on activities, and attend presentations on a range of topics.”
 
Sunday, Oct 6: Celebrity Chefs Beach Brunch (advance tickets needed)
“Join us this October for our Celebrity Chefs’ Beach Brunch, held at Delaware’s iconic Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach. Beach Brunch guests enjoy delicious food prepared by top area chefs, live music and an exciting live auction!”
 
Friday, Oct 11: A Taste for Art of Southern Delaware (advance tickets needed)
“Join us for a unique creative arts and culinary experience. SAVOR signature dishes by the area’s top restaurants. SHOP beautiful works by locak artisans. ENJOY soothing sounds of live jazz. SIP beer, wine & cocktails.”
 
Friday, Oct 11 – Saturday, Oct 12: Bridgeville Apple-Scrapple Festival

“More than twenty years ago, the locals decided to create the Apple Scrapple Festival to showcase the local agricultural industry. The fair grounds are guaranteed to delight children of all ages, and the car, trade and craft shows will make the adults happy. With incredible food stalls, there is no reason to leave the fair grounds, so plan for a whole day of fun at the Apple Scrapple Festival this fall!”
 
Thursday, Oct 17 – Sunday, Oct 20: Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
“Shows this year will be held on 5 stages – The Performing Arts Theater at Cape Henlopen High School, the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Epworth Church, Delaware Distilling Co. and Saketumi Restaurant.  Plus there will be many local resturants and bars, in both Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, offering great entertainment.”
 
Sunday, Oct 20: Delaware Wine and Beer Festival
“Drink Local, Eat Local, Buy Local is the perfect theme for the fourth annual event that blends Delaware’s finest wineries, breweries and now distilleries into one great event.  A number of select local eateries will be preparing everything from brick oven gourmet pizza to seafood and barbecue.”
 
Friday, Oct 25 – Sunday, Oct 27: The 24th Annual Seawitch Halloween & Fiddlers Festival, Rehoboth Beach
Join the festivities with the Sea Witch Parade and Costume Contest. Plus, a Fiddlers Contest with prizes awarded in Banjo, Fiddle, and Bluegrass categories, the Sea Witch Cottage and Heritage Craft Shows at the Rehoboth Outlets and Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, and a Best Costumed Pet Contest for Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets.

 
It really looks like October is the new in season. I just wonder if November can top all the events that October has to offer.
 
Cheers Adam
 

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The Whimbrel at Bayfront

By Adam Pettengell, in Bayfront at Rehoboth
September 30, 2013 | Comments (1)

Whimbrel-Elevations
If you look up what a Whimbrel is, you’ll be surprised to find it’s a shorebird common to the coast here in Delaware. Well, this Whimbrel is new to the Bayfront community.

Bird Description

  • Large shorebird.
  • Long, down-curved bill.
  • Long neck.
  • Long legs.
  • Streaked and buffy overall.
  • Crown dark with a distinct light stripe in the middle.

House Description

  • Starts at 1900 sq ft but has the ability to grow to 4993 sq ft.
  • Open plan, Great room, Kitchen and Dining areas.
  • Ability to add a second floor and storage.
  • Great Owners Suite with two W.I.Cs.
  • Ability to add our amazing courtyard at the back of your home.
  • Colors can be chosen from our set color packages (no stripes).

 

To start this amazing floor plan in the community we are offering the Whimbrel starting with a base price of $396,900 on selected home sites, all backing the wetlands, with an amazing $50,000 incentive for the months of September and October. Contact the sales team for further details.

These home sites sit within minutes of the private beach and the Rehoboth Bay.  It’s Bay living at it’s best.

If you’re interested, please contact Adam or Frank on 302-228-2719.

Cheers, Adam.

Posted in Bayfront at Rehoboth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

The Best Investment at the Beach?

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities
September 21, 2013 | Comments (11)

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Chris Schell has always told the company the best investment for your money is in real estate.  At the moment with prices on the increase and rates rising lots of people are agreeing with him and trying to get a jump on the market.
HOWEVER, there is another item in Delaware which is is a pretty good bet when it comes to investing your cash.  It certainly doesn’t give you a beach home, with an amazing courtyard BUT it’s a quirky Delaware ‘thing’.  I’m taking about license plates and the limited white and black tag number plates.
It is doubtful there is another U.S. state with a higher “license plate consciousness” than Delaware. Folks everywhere are aware that low digits bring high dollars.  I’m amazed by the craze and am constantly aware of the plates on the roads.  Delaware is quirky in many ways, which is why the State suits me, and one of the things that many don’t notice until they have been here for a while is the “black tag” license plate. Whether they are a sign of elitism or just because they look cool, owners of cars in Delaware have the option of getting a “black” tag (as opposed to a “regular” tag) if their license plate number is low enough. The tag has to be below 87,000.
Tag 1 is for the governor, tag 2 is for the lieutenant governor, tag 3 is for the secretary of state, and the rest are available to the private sector.
There is even a website, http://www.thedelaware3000.org/ , where you can go to view pics of plates, NEW SIGHTINGS and a marketplace to sell them.
Ed Troise, recently purchased his new Delaware tag No. 67. Troice paid the winning bid of $170,000. That’s correct 170k! Wowzer.  If the price of a two-digit license tag is any indication, Delaware’s economy is improving.
Well, as great as an investment that white and black tags are, I’m not sure how much happiness you truly get from them.  A beach home certainly gives you more in terms of memories, stories, lifestyle and happiness. Chris is still right in my books, but please don’t tell him I said that 🙂 The best place to invest your money is at the beach and in a beach home.
I bet next time you’re at the beach though you’ll be looking at the tags on the road a little closer than normal now! Have fun.

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Eating Rehoboth Winners!!!

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities
May 3, 2013 | Comments Off on Eating Rehoboth Winners!!!

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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.

 

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Running like crazy!

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities
May 1, 2013 | Comments (8)

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

 

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Kayak + Beer = Schell Brothers NEWEST Competition

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities
April 24, 2013 | Comments (15)

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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.
 

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Welcome Rehoboth Foodies!

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities
March 27, 2013 | Comments (19)

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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

Posted in All Communities, Bayfront at Rehoboth, The Avenue, The Villages at Herring Creek | Tagged | Comments (19)

The grass is greener on the other side!

By Adam Pettengell, in Bayfront at Rehoboth
March 25, 2013 | Comments (7)

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

Posted in Bayfront at Rehoboth | Tagged , | Comments (7)

What’s in a beach?

By Adam Pettengell, in Bayfront at Rehoboth
February 13, 2013 | Comments Off on What’s in a beach?

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

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

By Adam Pettengell, in All Communities
February 6, 2013 | Comments (4)

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

Posted in All Communities, Bayfront at Rehoboth, The Avenue, The Villages at Herring Creek | Tagged , , | Comments (4)