Rainy days aren’t the only dilemma for visitors along the coast. When Indian summers prove elusive, it might be too chilly to sit on the sand. Here are some activities that will take the edge off of inclement weather.
1. Go shopping
This is a no-brainer. When the clouds come in, the turning lanes to the outlets get long, and the resort towns’ main streets grow crowded. For fun, mix it up. If you’re in Rehoboth, go to Lewes or Bethany and vice versa. Get a jump on your gift buying.
2. Perfect your game
Do you bowl? Head to Lefty’s Alley & Eats located just outside the city of Lewes. Dave Marshall Tennis & Fitness, also in Lewes, has indoor tennis courts and drop-in clinics, as well as private lessons. So does Sea Colony Tennis, located just south of Bethany Beach.
There is a YMCA in Rehoboth Beach with an indoor pool and basketball gym.
3. Play tag
Speaking of Lefty’s, the entertainment venue also has laser tag. If you’re in the southern beaches, cross the state line and visit Planet Maze in Ocean City, Md., home of Lasertron.
To up the difficulty, play a game of traditional tag on trampolines. Shell We Bounce recently opened a new park on Route 9 outside Lewes.
4. Get zen
Fitness buffs have a variety of choices, from yoga to Pilates to barre classes. Right Balance Studios, situated in The Plantations community, offers Pilates mat and reformer classes. In Ocean View, Ocean Vayu Yoga is a 2017 Best of Delaware winner.
5. Find a flick
The most obvious choice for the latest releases is the Movies at Midway, which has 14 screens. The Cube, a 6,300-square-foot, 200-seat theater, has been under construction and will hopefully be done in time for the holidays. It will feature a floor-to-ceiling screen and 15-channel Dolby Atmos sound system.
Fans of independent releases and art films head to the Cinema Art Theater, operated by the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. It’s located near Lefty’s. For old-fashioned fun, drive inland to Dagsboro to see a movie in The Clayton Theatre, which was built in 1948. It’s the state’s last-remaining single-screen theater showing current releases.
6. Put the pieces together
Rainy days at the beach are meant for jigsaw puzzles, and you can find them in several area shops, including Puzzles in downtown Lewes and Tidepool Toys & Games in Bethany Beach.
7. Read a good book
There’s nothing like curling up with a book to feel warm and cozy. For a juicy tome, head to Biblion in Lewes (used books), Browseabout Books in Rehoboth and Bethany Beach Books near the boardwalk in Bethany. You can also visit the local library in Lewes (brand new), Rehoboth and Bethany Beach.
8. Start sipping
Sussex County is home to the lion’s share of the state’s breweries and wineries, and it also has a craft spirits business and new meadery. For ideas, check out the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail’s website. Don’t want to drive? Several businesses offer guided excursions, including Delmarva Discovery Tours.
