This weekend and next, celebrate the history of Lewes, Del.
Surrounded by nature and the sounds of the ocean and bay, Lewes is a walking town filled with museums showcasing its history, as well as unusual shops and preserved architecture.
Garden Festival
This Saturday, Lewes will hold its annual Garden Tour. It consists of eight private gardens and a public one, but there is more to see than just the greenery. During the day, a series of garden-related lectures will take place. Among the speakers is featured lecturer Richard Koogle, director of operations for Lilypons Water Gardens.
Participants can also see the work of artists and quilters, stationed throughout the gardens. In addition, the food tent will be open throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so walkers are encouraged to stop by. There will also be local vendors.
Betsy Reamer, executive director Lewes Chamber of Commerce, says, "This is the 20th anniversary of the Lewes Garden Tour, and the event's longevity is indicative of its popularity."
Tickets to the 20th annual Garden Tour are $15-$20 and can be purchased through the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. The event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday in and around Lewes. Locations and descriptions of the gardens and a map are included with the ticket. The Garden Market takes place at Zwaanendael Park (Savannah Road and Kings Highway, Lewes). Call 302-645-8073 or go to leweschamber.com.
Chautauqua Tent Show
The Chautauqua Tent Show is advertised by the state of Delaware as a "quintessentially American cultural experience." Held under large tents in downtown locations, the actors in the show will take on the roles of celebrated historical figures, including Edgar Allan Poe and Washington Irving, author of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
The Tent Show is an interactive form of "edutainment." Admission is free, and it takes place Sunday through Thursday at various times at Zwaanendael Park. Go to history.delaware.gov for more information.
Sea Glass Festival
Next weekend, the Lewes Historical Society will host the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass Festival.
Collecting sea glass is popular pastime for beachgoers, and this festival attracts hobbyists of all types.
Michael DiPaolo, executive director of the Lewes Historical Society is looking forward to the event: "In 2008, Lewes hosted the North American Sea Glass Festival, and that brought 5,000 people, so we're really excited to host it here," he says. "We hope to host it ever year. It's going to be a fun event."
The festival will feature lectures on glass collection, photography, history and function, and how this craft relates to Lewes' nautical history.
Craftspeople from around the nation will display jewelry, art, and decorative pieces made of sea glass.
Admission to the Sea Glass Festival, which runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 26 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 27, is $5, and kids under 12 are free. It takes place at the Lewes Historical Society, 110 Shipcarpenter St. Call 302-645-7670.
Getting there
Driving is the best bet. From Interstate 95, merge on to US 301 N via the Bay Bridge. Turn right onto Ocean Gateway and left at Queen Anne Highway. A right at Route 404 and a right on Franklin Street lead to Shore Highway. A left on Greenwood Road means Maryland is long gone. One left at Route 16E, followed by a right onto Coastal Highway, a left at Savannah Road, and a left at Third Street leads to Lewes. The length of the trip is about 2 1/2 hours, but be sure to calculate traffic into the equation. The trip is approximatley 112 miles. Look to spend $18 minimum on gas. There is a toll on the Bay Bridge of $5 round trip.