Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach worth the trip

I just returned from a wonderful visit to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which I now think is my favorite resort town along the East Coast.

It is certainly the perfect spot for families, groups of adults or teens and anyway who wants to enjoy all the pleasures of a beach town.

The main drag, Rehoboth Avenue, is filled with shops, restaurants, lodging and those tiny stores beach towns are known for where you can get ice cream, candy, caramel corn and all the other delights dentists love.

But is doesn’t seem too much. The Avenue is loaded with tourists taking leisurely strolls.

And strolling the Avenue seems to be a very popular activity. Whether it is morning, afternoon or evening this street is jammed with summer tourists looking for great bargains, looking just to kill time and it’s something to keep the kids occupied.

Parking is at a premium in the summer so parking off this street is probably recommended.

But I suggest you do what I did: park the car at the hotel and leave it there until it’s time to go.

During my visit I stayed at the Boardwalk Plaza, directly on the boardwalk – and I mean directly. It’s on the corner of Olive Avenue.  The location therefore is ideal and the place is lovely.

I want to talk here about the restaurant, Victoria’s.

It’s open for all three meals, including Tea from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. everyday but Sunday. But sure to try the chocolate covered strawberries. Reservations are a good idea and the cost is $19.95.  It offers five teas, plus sandwiches. And it is not stuffy.

It’s a good place to meet and chat with fellow hotel guests.

The first thing you’ll notice is the view.

Out the windows is the Atlantic Ocean, which should be enough to calm you.

The dress code was described to me as resort casual.

Hey folks, this is the beach after all. Formal wear isn’t even allowed in ocean towns.

Just don’t wear sandals and black socks, please.

The breakfast is  American and continental. I had great pancakes. Lunch always offers fresh fish and specials. Early Bird dinner is from 5-6 p.m. with a special three-course menu for $29.95.  Dinner from 5-10 p.m. is also filled with many delightful entrees.

Victoria’s also offers an attached bar with a fireplace, a pub menu and two TV’s.

In the summer a piano player in the main part of the restaurant from 6-8 p.m.

If you want to throw a party there’s a room for that too.

Part of the enjoyment of dining here is the Victorian atmosphere.  Or as Dining Room Manager Stephen Griffith described it to me, summer Victorian. He meant the décor has lighter tones.  Some of the Victorian style can be rather dark. You don’t want that in a resort town. But the walls will cheer you.

In the summer about 25 percent of the staff are young European girls there on a work visa. I loved all the accents. And the girls will gladly talk to you about their home country.

I learned a lot by listening to them describe life back home.

I imagine it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be working in America. Likewise, the hotel has the benefit of many hard working young ladies.

This, by the way, was true in many places I went.

Seems as if the town goes out of its way to hire these girls for the summer.

Obviously during that season the businesses need lots of help.

Staying at the Boardwalk Plaza was certainly one of the highlights of my trip.

And by the way, when in the lobby say hello to two parrots who are living there. One will even let you put him on your shoulder.

If you can’t get there in the summer, don’t fret: many firmly believe September and October might be the best time at the ocean, and for the usual reasons. Crowds are less on the beach, boardwalk and restaurants, parking is readily available and prices are lower.

Sounds like good reasons to head to Rehoboth Beach.

You can reach the restaurant at 302-227-0615, the hotel at 800-33-BEACH  or go to boardwalkplaza.com.