1. The Antiques & Resale Shops
Treasure-hunting, once confined to rainy days, is now a major beach activity, even in the nicest weather. It helps that there are so many antiques and resale shops within easy driving distance.
Cellar Door Antiques’ goods range from reproductions to primitive furniture to Federal pieces to stoneware. Themed rooms make it easy to sort through the items. For instance, there’s one for Asian antiques, which includes pieces from the 1700s and 1800s. A “beach room” holds such goods as the beach furniture made by the owners’ son, Walt Wilson Jr. 16587 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, 645-2216
Also new is The Old Screen Door off Freeman Highway in Lewes. Owned by Sally Lawton, who also owns The Cottage on Second Street, and Tony Romano, the store is named for the nostalgia that the squeak or slam of a screen door evokes, and you’ll find plenty of vintage goodies that will make you “remember when.” Expect some larger pieces than you’d find at The Cottage, since the space can accommodate them. The store will buy items and take trade-ins. 209 Monroe Ave., Lewes, 827-2149
Lizzie & Ducklettes is not new but it now has some new offerings. The resale shop, which opened in 2010, initially was a consignment shop with children’s clothes and toys. In December, the shop began carrying women’s items, including clothes from size 0 to 24 and from petite to XXX, says owner Liz Irwin. You’ll also find shoes, jewelry and handbags. “Just this weekend, someone brought in Louis Vuitton and a Talbots purse with the tag still on,” she says. Irwin also added a room for crafts and art, and she now offers books, since so many vacationers stopped in looking for beach reading material when they left their bestsellers at home. 1145 Savannah Road, Lewes, 827-2166