Start at Crooked Hammock Brewery, which is close to the intersection of Kings Highway and Route 1. To the right of the entrance is a retail area with branded clothing, mugs, glasses and growlers.
Pair these items with a gift certificate (also available online) or a full growler. Currently, there are six seasonal beers, including Winter Warmer, which is made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and orange peel.
Time your visit with a brew tour, lunch or happy hour. No matter the time of day, don’t miss the colossal soft pretzel, served with spicy mustard. It’s big enough for two.
Continue browsing for gifts at the newly opened Big Oyster Brewery, which also has a retail shop to the right of the door. (The socks make great stocking stuffers!) Beer-to-go options include 64-ounce growlers, crowlers (a can instead of a glass jug) and four-packs of 16-ounce cans.
If you’re stopping here for lunch, try the oyster chowder or the cream of tomato soup, which comes with a mini-grilled cheese garnish.
Across the street is The Brush Factory on Kings, which offers a blend of new, vintage and repurposed items from more than 20 vendors.
Peruse refinished furniture, lamps, a selection of Mulberry Street Candles, and local photographer Keith Mosher’s line of clothing that playfully features the 302 area code. Several area stores and groups, including the Fort Miles Historical Association, also have products for sale here.
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Photos by Pam George |
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The newest addition to the highway is The Station on Kings. Like Big Oyster Brewery, it’s located in a barn-like structure that suits the scenery. Inside, the soaring ceiling and white walls create a bright, open space. (The impeccable décor is no surprise: Owner Leisa Berlin also owns Edie Bees, the Parisian-style chocolate shop on Second Street in downtown Lewes. Her son, Chris McKeown, owns Agave; her daughter, Sarah McKeown, owns Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar.)
There’s a retail section for household accessories, gourmet foods and cheeses. Many selections are perfect for the foodies, cooks or style enthusiasts in your life. You can also pick up hostess gifts and goodies for your own party.
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Photo by Pam George |
Grab a latte or chai at the coffee bar, where you can also order a bite to eat. The menu on opening day included potato soup with roasted pork belly and leeks, lentil croquettes with yogurt and goat cheese dip, and a porchetta sandwich with arugula, pickled shallots, caramelized onion and Dijon mustard.
And save room for dessert: The Station on Kings is also a bakery, and the marble counter is brimming with all sorts of scrumptious pastries, including chocolate croissants and gingerbread cupcakes with orange cream-cheese frosting.
