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After Bethany Beach's recent beach-replenishment project, there's no more need to head for land when the tide comes in. It's a new landscape with plenty of packed sand for all-day lounging and boardwalk crossovers that lead to the tops of majestic, re-created dunes. For information, go to bethany-fenwick.org.
HOTELS
On a smaller scale, Bethany offers the same range of accommodations as its northern neighbors.
Sea Colony, Coastal Route 1, Bethany Beach, 800-500-4254. Condo rentals with a residential feel, tennis courts and shuttle services. Rates vary.
Cedar Breeze Bed & Breakfast, 30680 Cedar Neck Road, Ocean View, 302-537-7015. A quiet getaway in a charming Dutch colonial, one mile from the beach. Rates: $200-$300.
RESTAURANTS
There's nothing like gathering around a homemade meal in a beach cottage. But even die-hard chefs deserve a night off.
Catch 54 Fish House, Highway 54, Fenwick Island, 302-436-8600. Take a boat to dinner and feast on seafood. Entrees: $15.95-$26.95.
Bethany Blues BBQ Pit, 6 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, 302-537-1500. Wood-fired barbecue, local corn and kids' meals served on a Bethany Blues Frisbee. Entrees: $10.95-$24.95.
Penguin Diner, 105 Garfield Parkway, 302-541-8017. A recent addition offering breakfast, lunch and dinner - plus smoothies. Burgers start at $7.95.
The Artful Bean, 20 Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, 302-541-8160. Java plus art exhibits.
NIGHTLIFE
There's not really a lot of nightlife. But here are two places with live music:
Cottage Cafe, Route 1, Bethany Beach, 302-539-8710. Live music Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Chalkboard Tavern and Grille, Marketplace at Sea Colony, 302-539-7482. Live entertainment Wednesdays through Saturdays.
FUN
Bethany lends itself to slow afternoons of reading. But it is also known for its marshes, biking and wildlife. Aquatic Marine, 302-537-3839, boat tours to Assateague Island, Assawoman Bay and the lighthouses of Lewes, as well as SEAdventures Kids Camp, a day camp that teaches water skills and safety.
SHOPPING
Bethany and Fenwick are coming into their own as shopping havens.
Farmers' Market, 8 a.m.-noon Sundays at Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue. Another market opens for the first time at the north end of Fenwick Island from 8 a.m. until noon Fridays. Both offer organic eggs, artisan bread, lavender soaps and other artful necessities.
Cattails, Marketplace at Sea Colony, Bethany Beach, 302-537-1142.
Newly open source for home accessories, stationery, toys, and bath and body products.
Bayside Rug Company, Fenwick Island, 302-537-1377. In the Village of Fenwick, this shop features hand-hooked Claire Murray rugs with whimsical nautical themes.
Gems by the Shore, 26D Pennsylvania Ave., 302-539-6151. Custom-designed jewelry, watch repair and an upstairs boutique with fun and inexpensive clothing.
BEACH INFO
Bethany Beach
Pass required: No.
Pets allowed: No dogs May 15-Sept. 30.
Lifeguard hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 weekends, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
Rentals: Yes.
Public Restrooms: Yes.
Showers: Footwashes.
Concession stands:No.
Parking: Meters.
Fishing allowed: Not during lifeguard hours.
Camping: No.
Worth noting: Get a photo with Whispering Giant, the town's totem pole.
MORE INFORMATION
Chamber of Commerce
