What goes best with sunshine and a day off? Rehoboth Beach, of course! Whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth trip to the vibrant beach town, you’re sure to uncover a new favorite spot. As a local, I’m constantly fielding questions about the best go-to spots in Rehoboth; and I have to tell you, it’s tough to choose!
The beach speaks for itself, with the iconic boardwalk and host of classic eateries just steps from the sand. When I need to grab a bite but don’t want to stray too far from my beach towel, I head to Louie’s Pizza for a slice of their famous pizza or a cheesesteak. And for an afternoon treat that is a staple of Rehoboth, you simply can’t go wrong with a bucket of Dolle’s caramel corn or some finger-licking salt water taffy – both equally delicious for kids of all ages! Not only do I love the Schell Brothers new home gallery at Mug & Spoon; their rich coffee is locally sourced. They also just so happen to serve the coolest milkshakes around, and carry a selection of mugs and gifts with inspirational, beachy flair. For a fun-filled adventure, look no further than the aptly named Funland. Located right on the boardwalk, Funland is the best way to liven up a lazy beach day for your kids or grandkids.
One of the many reasons I love Rehoboth is because I can lie on the beach, shop ‘til I drop, and have dinner and drinks – all without ever moving my car! Need something to wear for your summer evening out? Hula Sue never disappoints with effortlessly stylish outfits and unique accessories. Quiet Storm and The Edge are both beloved surf shops of mine with clothing for men and women. And locally owned Carlton’s makes for a memorable shopping experience with more upscale clothing that has a resort feel (think Patagonia and Tommy Bahama). I never leave Rehoboth without visiting Browseabout Books. I am a self-proclaimed book lover, and there is certainly no shortage of bestsellers and beach reads here; but I often find myself browsing through the charming collection of home décor and delightful gifts too! Bella Luna and M Squared, also located on Rehoboth Avenue, are two more of my favorite stops that always seem to have that perfect new piece for my home or specialty gift for a friend.
Once I’ve rinsed all the sand off – the true sign of a memorable beach day – I head to Salt Air to start the evening off with happy hour. When your biggest decision of the day is choosing which refreshing craft cocktail to order, you know life is darn good. The PEI Mussels are a classic there, or order up the Oven Roasted Old Bay Chipotle Wings if you’re feeling adventurous (just a tad spicy!). Want to try somewhere else in town for dinner? The intimate atmosphere of Eden, combined with their fresh take on fine dining and notable wine list, has made it a go-to on my list for date night or a small dinner party with friends. Blue Moon is another favorite, as they have mastered the art of dinner and Sunday brunch, plus offer late-night entertainment! The smoked salmon Eggs Benedict is served all around at our girls’ brunches, and the entrée of choice for dinner is their Braised Lamb Bolognese or vegetarian dish created especially for each of our dietary preferences.
You will certainly need more than one day in this perfect little beach town to enjoy everything Rehoboth has to offer. And with its close proximity to several Schell Brothers communities, you too could enjoy the downtown buzz and breathtaking beach every day!
Want to learn more? Take a look at our new home communities by clicking the link below, or contact Sara at 302.745.9614 for all the beachy details.
http://schellbrothers.com/find-new-homes/delaware-beaches/
A sure, and very welcome, sign of summer is the familiar sight of a good old fashioned farmers’ market. From the brightly-colored veggies and fresh-cut flowers to the artisanal accessories and homemade gifts…I just love it all!
Not only is a trip to the farmers’ market the perfect summer outing; it’s also a great way to truly shop local by way of our region’s small farms and businesses. Take a look at some of our favorites and pop by this summer for your own taste of local flavor. And those of you in our Schell communities are in luck – these markets are just a quick trip from your front door!
The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market is a wonderful pick-me-up during the week, held on Tuesdays from 11am-3pm at Grove Park in downtown Rehoboth. There is certainly no shortage of delicious food to sample while shopping, or to take home for dinner! Take Anita’s Guacamole, serving up a savory guac with a hint of lime and a mango salsa with just the right amount of kick. Bennett Orchards is the stand to visit for mouthwatering summer produce, especially those sweet, in-season blueberries and peaches we’re all craving right now. They hand select fruit daily from their fields to bring straight to the market. And you can expect to find a unique collection of lavender-infused soaps and other body products, in addition to fresh and dried lavender from Lavender Fields. A different live performer each week will keep you entertained while you shop.
The Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market caters to both weekend and weekday warriors. Their Summer Saturday Market is held 8am-12pm in George H.P. Smith Park, close to downtown Lewes; and the Wednesday Market at Crooked Hammock Brewery is from 8-11am. Expect a mini-version of the Saturday Market on Wednesdays at Crooked Hammock, with a smaller sampling of local goodies. The Saturday Market packs a bit more punch with over 30 vendors to peruse. Stop at Surf Bagel’s stand to grab breakfast and a cup of coffee to fuel up for shopping. And be sure to check out all the local favorites, including Baywater Farms, Fifer Orchards, Backyard Jams and Jellies, and Hattie’s Garden!
The Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers’ Market is my go-to for a lazy Sunday afternoon, with an atmosphere that’s a bit more relaxed than the usual hustle and bustle of a farmers’ market. Held from 12-3pm every Sunday with vendors set up on the vineyard grounds, I particularly enjoy browsing the stands before grabbing lunch from one of the many tasty options…paired with a glass of wine of course. The accessible seating among the trees and live music will keep you lingering long after you’ve made your last purchase.
Further south in Bethany, the Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market is also held on Sundays from 8am-12pm in downtown Bethany, adjacent to Town Hall and PNC Bank. Stock up on local honey from Honey Bee Lake Apiary and decadent baked goods from Old World Breads. Davidson Exotic Mushrooms is another awesome vendor at this producers-only market. And when you’re finished here, stop in the adorable shops along Garfield Parkway or head to the boardwalk for a morning stroll!
Enjoy sweet summertime with this season’s local farmers’ markets…happy shopping!
Now that it’s full-on beach season, the Schell team is dishing on their favorite spots to hit the sand and spend a day in the waves.
We sure are lucky to be surrounded by so many charming beaches in southern Delaware, and each and every local seems to have one spot on this stretch of sand that they call home on summer weekends. Read on to hear about the hidden gems of the Delaware beaches – whether for beauty, seclusion, or ease of having kiddos and pups in tow – plus learn more about our awesome team and how they like to spend their R&R time. Tough problem to have, right…which beach should I head to this weekend?
Grace, Community Sales Manager
“I absolutely love going to the drive-on beach at Gordon’s Pond State Park. We often have friends from out of town visit in the summer, and we love having the ability to drive on or park and walk on. This comes in handy when our guest list for the weekend far exceeds the amount of seats we have in the Jeep – which tends to happen a lot when we put out the beach signal to our friends. Gordon’s Pond gives us the best of all the beach worlds; it’s both a drive-on and walk-on, and we are in close proximity to downtown Rehoboth in the event the mood strikes me to jump on the Sea Dragon at Funland!”
Lance, Continuous Innovation
“We love going as a family to the Herring Point access at Cape Henlopen State Park (north of the naval jetty). It’s easy to get on and off, and close to a great surf break for the kids! Don’t forget to bring your surf pole and bait, or you may get a visit from the ranger.”
Lanie, Graphic Designer
“My all-time favorite beach spot is 3 R’s Crossing in North Bethany in the Delaware Seashore State Park. At 3 R’s you can drive on the beach or walk on – perfect for me because I haven’t gotten my surf fishing license yet for the season! The vibe on the beach is super chill, and I always find it to be less crowded than other beach spots in Bethany. Dogs are also permitted at 3 R’s, which is awesome because having your furry friends along always makes for a fun beach day!”
Andrew, Sales
“I always go to Tower Road Beach in the Delaware Seashore State Park. Located just south of Dewey, it offers pain-free parking. The beach has plenty of space, lifeguards, and a scenic backdrop of natural sand dunes. There is also a bath house with restrooms and concession stands available. However, the best part: no drop-off…meaning ocean fun is much more safe for the entire family because there is no shore break!”
Colene, Warranty Service
“Lewes Beach is a great place to take the kids. There are not a lot of waves, and it’s shallow enough that the kids can play in the water without being knocked over. It’s kind of like a hidden gem in the sense that not a lot of people know about it. It’s quiet and a great place to hang out with family or friends to relax and, of course, get a tan.”
Organization: something we all love, but may not have the time to accomplish.
How many months in a row have you told yourself you’ll clean out your closet? And yet, each morning when you step into what should be a tranquil and organized space to start your day, you’re left staring at clothes you no longer wear and rummaging through hangers to find the perfect outfit. This can apply to any area of your home really – an over-crowded pantry, a laundry room in disarray, or a chaotic playroom for your kiddos or grandkids. Well, we have the perfect person to help you – our friend Kristi of Edit Living Co.!
Kristi Sutliffe, who is coincidentally in the process of building her own Schell home with her adorable family, is the owner of Edit Living Co. – a residential and commercial organization company based in Lewes, DE. We recently partnered with Kristi to “edit” a lucky homeowner’s kitchen pantry as part of a social media giveaway. Meet our winner Valerie (pictured below, right, with Kristi), a Peninsula Lakes homeowner who loves to entertain and cook delicious meals in her Schell kitchen!
Upon entering Valerie’s warm and welcoming home for the project consultation, we instantly perceived that she puts her pantry to good use each day. Kristi also pointed out – almost immediately – some edits that could be done to make Valerie’s life easier when cooking for herself, her husband and their frequent visitors. The goal of Edit Living Co. is to create a customized space, ultimately leaving Kristi’s clients with a highly functional and effective space that works for them.
Kristi went to work drawing up a blueprint for Valerie’s new and improved pantry, using every ounce of Valerie’s input. From the beginning, Kristi aimed to reorganize the pantry in a way that made sense for Valerie’s cooking habits and how she lives in the home with her family…right on down to a labeled basket of snacks for their pup Nila! Kristi’s plan included pantry lighting, additional shelving on the inside of each door, and various types of containers to bring in texture and at the same time complement Valerie’s love of turquoise and her newly painted pantry walls.
Valerie, and those of us on the Schell team watching this project progress, could not be happier with the finished and reorganized pantry space! And more importantly, it creates flow and easy living in Valerie’s kitchen – a place where she happily spends much of her time.
Edit Living Co. specializes in all aspects of organizational needs – from the kitchen and pantry to laundry rooms and bathrooms, any closet in your home, playrooms, office spaces and garages. Check out Edit Living Co. online or give Kristi a call to edit your tired space in need of some TLC!
Our Harvest invites you to make the short drive to scenic Fenwick, DE and pull up a seat at their table, an outing I’d certainly recommend. The menu at this farm-to-table restaurant – in the truest sense of this moniker – highlights meats, produce and other fresh ingredients from trusted sources that change seasonally, and even daily, to represent the current harvest. And don’t just expect a distinctive dinner at Our Harvest; the hospitable and knowledgeable staff are sure to provide a complete dining experience that you won’t soon forget.
In fact, this unique experience was the inspiration behind restauranteur John Trader, who also owns Liquid Assets in Ocean City, opening Our Harvest. He wanted to create an atmosphere where friends and family can gather and slow the pace of their chaotic lives for a few hours. Enjoy craft cocktails, like the Hickory Smoked Old Fashioned, while lounging on the couch and catching up in one of many intimate seating areas. And dinner here is reminiscent of dinner at your grandmother’s house, with a menu designed for sharing from Smalls and Wood-Fired Flatbreads to Feasts and Desserts.
On your first visit, starting off with the baker’s selection of warm artisan Daily Bread is a must. Other delicious Smalls on this season’s menu include Fifer Farms Grilled Asparagus (grown right here in Sussex County), Artisan Cheese, and House Made Lamb Merguez Sausage Meatballs. I always love to order a flatbread too, perfect for enjoying over the first (or second, or third) glass of wine. The Proscuitto di Parma and Local Arugula Flatbread pairs nicely with a bottle of Do Ferreiro Albarino. Prefer a different white wine or rose during these warmer months? Our Harvest’s wine list is sure to impress you with endless options of bold, oaky and sweet wines for any occasion or palate.
Next up is arguably the star of the show – the large platter-style Feasts. The presentation and rich flavors of the chef’s daily steak or fish harvest will both wow and satisfy everyone at your table. (Check the menu before visiting Our Harvest for the day’s specific Feasts.) And you can’t possibly end your dining experience without dessert. The Beignet Feast is a classic here and one of my personal favorites, while the Strawberry Shortcake promises all the tastes of summer.
When you find yourself wanting to unwind and connect with an old friend, or perhaps your family when on vacation, head to Our Harvest. The inviting and cozy ambiance to everything served from the kitchen and bar will encourage you to linger awhile and focus on what’s truly important: gathering and sharing both good food and memories around the table.
We love reading here at Schell Brothers, so much that we even have our very own book club! Call us nerds – we prefer “scholars” if you will – but we do live in one of the very best places for grabbing a great book and getting our read on. As the weather warms up and beach and pool season approaches, our team’s dishing on some of their favorite reads to dig into by the water. And we thought we’d share them with you, just in time to pop one (or all) of these fabulous books onto your summer reading list!
Joni Von Vorys, Senior Sales & Settlement Coordinator
“My favorite book of all time is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. The story is incredibly interesting, but what makes it my all-time favorite is the writing. The author’s writing style is compelling and I was completely immersed in this book page after page. No wonder it was a national bestseller! I picked it up at Browseabout Books by chance one summer and am so very glad I did!”
Tony Forrest, Project Coordinator
“My favorite book is by a favorite author – Stephen King – Night Shift,written in 1978. This was the first horror book I ever read, and it terrified me and got me hooked. His books took me far away from reality, which I needed during those formative years. I have kept on reading (and escaping) ever since.”
Nikki Southard, Community Sales Manager
“No matter how many books I read (and no matter how old I get), Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll will forever be my favorite book. I think the story itself is a complete escape. The characters, setting, plot – it’s all magical. I can’t say how many times I have read it, but that book changed me. ‘Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.'”
John Sertich, Clean Energy USA
“Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner is a book I really enjoyed, as someone who was raised in the West and with a keen sense of history. The author’s descriptions of people and places truly take you there and make you feel as though you know the characters.”
Alyssa Titus, Director of Marketing
“I love The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. The main character inspires greatness and positivity despite tough circumstances. This historical fiction novel is a must-read!”
Schell Brothers’ VP of Warranty Service Dan Matta has been with the company since the beginning, and he’s worn many hats throughout his sixteen years here. I sat down with Dan to hear all about his journey from an on-site laborer working in Schell communities to his current role, and how he’s believed in the company vision since day one.
Q: How did you start working for Schell Brothers?
A: I was actually a Health and Physical Education teacher for 3 years, and decided that I didn’t want to teach forever. I had signed up for a real estate class right before I became friends with Chris Schell through lifeguarding at Rehoboth Beach. We were talking at a party and Chris said he was looking for energetic and smart people to join his new, young company. I had a non-traditional interview with him where we drove through some communities, and a week later I was hired as Schell Brothers’ twelfth employee! I ultimately decided to take the job because I believed in Chris and the vision he had.
Q: How many years have you been here?
A: I started in November 2003, so I’m in my sixteenth year.
Q: As the company has grown, how has your role changed?
A: I’ve had a lot of different roles here at Schell, starting as a laborer and then eventually an assistant superintendent, assistant project manager, project manager, and now my current position as VP of Warranty. I’ve spent time in the field learning about construction and then project management. When I was a project manager for Echelon custom homes, I started taking over the warranty of our homes with clients. Chris recognized that and asked me to take over warranty for the entire company.
Q: What does your day-to-day look like?
A: Warranty operations and customer service for our homeowners is my priority, which includes ensuring that post-settlement operations are running as smoothly as possible. I also go into our communities to meet with homeowners so that I can better understand concerns or challenging situations they may have. What I really love about my job is helping homeowners and hearing the feedback they have. Anything they share with me can help my team to grow, which is a positive!
Q: What do you believe is the key to Schell Brothers’ success?
A: Our team members and the passion we all have to make our homeowners and each other happy. We’ve built an environment that we want to work in. That passion and the culture that we embrace goes into our day-to-day operations here and truly does lead to happiness.
Q: Have you always been the resident Schell Brothers motivator?
A: Yes. I’m someone who tries to view everything in a positive light. I love getting my team hyped up and motivated, because I think we should all bring an energy and excitement to what we do each day. I also like to remind everyone of the “why” – why we do what we do every day at Schell Brothers. And the answer is our company mission: to bring happiness to ourselves and our homeowners.
The list of reasons to live at the Delaware beaches is seemingly endless; but the reasons to buy a beach home here are all the more compelling. From the fiscal perks right down to the simple joys of beach living, purchasing a beach home in coastal Delaware is an excellent (and savvy) decision!
1. It’s a Great Investment. While real estate markets, like most other economic indicators, ebb and flow, beach homes are proven to retain their value extremely well over time. Think about it…there are only 26 miles of Atlantic coastline in Delaware, a finite amount of area where homes can be built. And as long as the ocean is right next door, this land and these homes are going to remain highly sought-after. While homes in this area cost more to purchase initially, they are proven to be a fantastic investment over time.
2. Rental Income. If you’re not living in the home full-time, then you’re looking at a nearly certain second income by renting the property out to tourists when you’re not using it. The rental amount, in southern Delaware or in any coastal area, will vary according to the time of year. You’ll most likely be able to charge a higher amount for weekly rentals in the summer of course; however the shoulder seasons of spring and fall have become increasingly popular for visitors to vacation at the Delaware beaches.
3. Head Start on Retirement. It’s no secret that southern Delaware has become a mecca for retirees in recent years, leading to the birth of the term “Florida of the North.” Our awesome tax benefits have certainly enhanced the number of people who want to end up in Delaware. Even if you’re not yet retired from your career, why not buy your dream home now so it’s waiting for you when you are finally ready?
4. Unscheduled Vacations. If you have a home at the beach and don’t live there year-round, you’ve got a ready-made home base anytime you feel like getting away! You can vacation with family and friends, without a reservation, for a short weekend or extended amount of time. And vacation gear (think beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, the kiddo’s sand toys) can be stored at your place so there’s no need to carry it back and forth from your primary residence.
5. Health Benefits. Okay, so this one is a little more difficult to quantify as it’s more of a state of mind than an opinion based on hard facts. But how often have you visited the beach, smelled that pure salt air, felt the cool ocean breeze on your face and just automatically felt better? It’s easy to feel at peace when you’re close to the water, and that often leads to mental and physical benefits that are far-reaching.
Despite the cold days of March, our minds have been wandering to sunshine and those quintessential warm spring days that make us downright happy. This is the time of year that many people hop on a plane for a tropical getaway to make it through the last couple weeks of winter.
Well, we’re not jetting off to any tropical locales here at Schell Brothers; in fact, we’re hard at work getting ready for a busy spring/summer season! But we can still dream, right? I asked a few members on our team to tell me about their dream vacations. Their answers will have you wanting to throw a few more pennies in that travel piggy bank!
Caitlin, Graphic Designer
“My dream vacation is going to become a reality in April! My husband and I are taking a late honeymoon to Greece. We’ll get to see the ruins, go sailing and hiking, and try all kinds of food. But as long as we’re dreaming big, I would also love to go to Bora Bora some day and stay in one of those amazing bungalows and explore the island.”
Ann-Margaret, Administrative Assistant
“For my dream vacation, I would pack up a VW Vanagon and head west with my boys. No timeline or set agenda; just the three of us meandering our way across the USA, hitting up roadside attractions state by state and visiting friends and family along the way. I think it’s really important for my boys to experience all our beautiful country has to offer. Toss in a couple nights’ stay in a teepee, treehouse, tiny house or yurt and most definitely a night or two at the Ritz for mom. LOL – I never said I was committed to sleeping in the VW!”
Steve, Innovation Team
“My dream vacation, and one that I try to embark on at least yearly, is hiking in the Virginia mountains of Skyline Drive. The serenity of nature, the steep ascents, the brilliant vistas and the vastness of it all calms and moves me. It’s the perfect mix of woodsy peace with physical challenge, especially in the spring.”
Grace, Community Sales Manager
“My dream vacation is to visit the seven natural wonders of the world in a whirlwind adventure! When I first saw the Pixar movie “Up,” I cried like everyone else. However, what really spoke to me was my connection to the character Ellie. I have always had the heart of an adventurer ever since I was a little girl. I find the world a truly beautiful phenomenon and I love learning everything I can about the place we are lucky enough to call home. As Ellie once said, adventure is out there!”
Tyler, Warranty Service
“My dream vacation would be to take my girlfriend, Maddie, and myself to Bora Bora. It’s a beautiful island and romantic private paradise all in one. Bora Bora offers the standard island atmosphere along with exotic sea adventures.”
Every year on Valentine’s Day, we all try to show a little more love – love for that special someone, family, friends, or for the million-and-one little things we take for granted. We ramp up the number of hugs we give and double the amount of “love you!” texts. We even go out and buy those corny stuffed animals and mushy cards to help say the things we should be saying all year long.
But people aren’t the only ones who deserve love this Valentine’s Day. I say we spend the day showing some love and attention to our homes! Our sweet homes are arguably one of the things we take for granted most of all, even though it’s the haven where our favorite memories are made and our families learn and grow day in and day out. A home – your home – is a special place. So give it a little extra love in these 5 ways:
Happiness: Is there a snug nook in your home where you especially enjoy reading a good book? Or maybe you can’t get enough of the sun shining through those large windows in your great room each morning. You love cooking Sunday dinner in your gourmet white kitchen. Wherever your happy place is, take a few moments to truly savor it, and appreciate the little things that are waiting for you to come home each day!
Get Personal: No one actually lives in a home that’s straight out of a magazine. Well, most of us anyway. Take the time to really make your home feel like a reflection of you and your family, instead of a stranger’s Pinterest board. Buy the piece of art you’ve been eyeing. Order the couch you can’t wait to nap on. Get started on that bright accent wall to give your room pizzazz. The most beautiful homes are those that are well-lived-in. It never goes out of style.
Calm Down: Everyone has that one place where they’re completely at peace; and for most us, that’s somewhere at home. Your home should be your sanctuary from rainy days and all the stresses of life. So breathe deeply, put on some good music, and just relax. Destress and feel the serenity of home to re-charge, so you can rock it again tomorrow!
Organize: Anyone who says they function better in chaos and clutter is just fooling themselves. The research is there, the science has been proven, and organized spaces make for a happier home. I’m not saying there can’t be one messy closet or junk drawer to hide a bit of disorder; but as a good rule of thumb, declutter to destress. Your home – and your sanity – will thank you.
Appreciation: They say home is where the heart is, and you certainly won’t hear any argument from me on that. I’m quite a homebody myself, and cherish the times when I can host family and friends there. Home is a place where we can draw inspiration and also mourn our toughest losses. But I think we can all sometimes take it for granted, and forget the fact that not everyone is as lucky as we are. Because no matter what kind of day we’ve had, our homes keep us safe, warm and healthy. And that’s surely something to be grateful for!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect yearly reminder to show love. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the people and things we adore most, and to acknowledge anything we may take for granted. My challenge for you this Valentine’s Day is to find happiness at home – it loves you more than you know!
