...And God Saw That it Was Good

"A Haven of Rest for Quiet People"
That's how the founders of Bethany Beach (also known as the Disciples of Christ) referred to the resort in the late 1800s.

A church goup from Ocean View, DE attends a beach fish-fry.
Heavy clothes + summer day + fish.  Bet they all smelled great.

When you consider that Bethany Beach was a short horse and buggy ride down the coast from the Methodist Camp Meeting of Rehoboth, I think it's fair to assume that things were a little bit different than they are today in the two resort towns.

I often wonder what the founding organizations would think of the Sunday night drag shows at the Purple Parrot in Rehoboth, or the Elvis impersonator who performs at the Bethany bandstand each summer.  I also wonder how rowdy Dewey Beach got stuck in the middle of these two locations.

The "Allie May" was used to transport passengers from
Rehoboth Beach to Bethany Beach from 1910 - 1912
 (that's one way to avoid Dewey Beach)

While neither town has a terribly sordid reputation, things are definitely not the way they used to be.  The little, wooden "tents" that were constructed along the shoreline in Rehoboth Beach have been replaced by condos, stores, and multi-million dollar homes.  And, although the area has many churches close to the sea, you would hardly call it a religious retreat.

This Friday and Saturday (Jan 15 & 16) are predicted to be cloudy and mild (low to mid 50s).  I'm heading back to the beach to check on things and relax a bit with my family.  There are only a few events worth mentioning:

The S* Show at Camp Rehoboth - This special tribute to Sondheim, Sinatra, and Streisand will be performed by select soloists from the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, DC.  Shows are on Saturday at 4 PM and 8 PM and there is a Sunday matinee at 2 PM.  Tickets are $25.

The East Coast Commercial Fishermen's & Aquaculture Trade Expo - This event touts itself as the ONLY commercial fishing expo event in the mid-Atlantic region.  So, Dear God, don't miss it.  It's at the Ocean City Convention Center Friday through Sunday.

If fishing isn't your thing, you can head to the upper level of the OC Convention Center to attend the Nautical and Wildlife Art Festival.  Hours are 10-5 on Saturday and Sunday.  I think there is a small admission fee, but, if I remember correctly, it goes to a charity.

I should also mention that the Ocean Pines Youth Theater is performing "Beauty and the Beast" at the new OC Performing Arts Center.  Admission is $15/adults and $12/students.  Shows are Friday - Sunday.  Click here for ticket info.


Many businesses are closed right now and others are open on weekends only. Gone are the loud engine sounds of muscle cars and banner planes.  Gone are the sirens, the fireworks, and the joyful laughter of families gathered on decks and porches.  All have been replaced by a near-deafening calm and eerie quiet that enables me to stand on my patio and hear the waves crashing on the beach.  I don't like to say that it's "dead" down there. I'd rather say that the area is in a state of peaceful dormancy.

It looks like this weekend at the beach will be a haven of rest for all people - quiet and otherwise.