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No Tricks, All Treats

It’s almost that time of year again, and Coastal Delaware no longer slows down in the Fall like it once did. We appreciate living in Delaware all year long, but there is something special about Fall in Delaware. After most of us spend all summer at the beach, the cool ocean breeze, corn fields and farmland that makes Delaware perfect for the Fall. We love to share the word about the best places and the most fun amusements you can enjoy in Delaware, so here we go! No matter what you like to do, whether it’s enjoy a cold drink or spend time with your kids, there is a ton you can enjoy in October.

We’ll start off by providing you the links to the most comprehensive October activity lists that already exist, and then below that hit on a few of our Lessard Builders favorites for October 2018 Fall Fun. The two links below are exceptional websites that have compiled all the October fun going on in Delaware and on Delmarva.

Visit Delaware’s Complete Fall and Halloween Event List

Delaware Haunted House’s Delaware 2018 Halloween Event Calendar

Those of us at Lessard Builders may not be full fledged Halloween experts, but we know a thing or two about Reese’s Cups, Snickers bars, trick or treating and Fall fun. Here are three local October events that are our:

October 2018 fun favorites

Boast The Coast, Saturday October 6th &  Coast Day, Sunday October 7th

Coast Day has been a University of Delaware Fall tradition for decades. It’s sibling event, the Boast the Coast celebration, is occurring for the 23rd year in conjunction with it. These back-to-back local festivals celebrate Delaware’s relationship with the ocean and Coastal Delaware’s centuries of nautical heritage. If you are looking for some first weekend of October fun, look no further!

We recommend you start off the festivities on Saturday exploring Downtown Lewes and Canalfront Park for Boast the Coast. Boast the Coast is a psuedo festival where many local businesses set up for a huge sidewalk sale with the very best of their ocean spirit: so, you can expect tons of food (seafood in particular), vendors, and activities. There will also be an Oktoberfest celebration from 2pm to 6pm in Canalfront Park for the second year in a row.

The next day, Sunday, University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp (Pilottown Road) campus hosts their traditional Coast Day event! Coast Day is magnificent because it provides a fun, engaging, hands on event where people of all ages can learn about the ocean, modern ocean research, and our ocean history. Coast Day activities include seafood cooking demonstrations from local chefs, ship tours, touch tanks filled with ocean creatures for kids to learn about, food vendors, shopping, and over a dozen rooms filled with different talks and presentations. 

Bottom line: Boast The Coast and Coast Day are worth a definite earmark for the 6th and 7th!

 

Rehoboth Beach Sea Witch Parade Oct 26th-28th 

Sea Witch Festival Program- https://www.beach-fun.com/images/SWProgram2018.AsOf9.14.18.pdf

We love the Sea Witch Festival and Parade! The Sea Witch Festival is one of Coastal Delaware’s biggest Fall attractions and has continued to improve and grow with each year. 2018 should be more fun than ever. Residents and visitors alike flock to downtown Rehoboth on Saturday to watch as hundreds of local businesses and residents parade down the Rehoboth avenue in extravagant costumes and on ornately crafted floats! The parade and parade float/costume contest is one of the highlights, but there are also dozens of other activities. From a “witches cackle” contest, to dog costume competitions, to face painting and trick or treating you won’t want to miss this crown jewel of Fall Fun in Coastal Delaware.

Oh, be sure to keep an eye out for us and our Lessard Builders float in the parade on Saturday!

 

Cape Henlopen State Park’s 30th Children’s Halloween Fantasy Trail

Saturday October 26th 6pm – 8pm,  Sunday October 27th 6pm – 7:30pm

One of the best child-friendly Halloween activities in Delaware. Cape Henlopen State Parks transforms into a Halloween Fantasy Trail wonderland the weekend before Halloween. The State Park sets up their Fantasy Trail as a walking trick-or-treat trail filled with candy, toys, and it’s lined with all your kids favorite storybook characters along the way. Once your kiddies are finished trick or treating there is also entertainment, games and activities taking place under their big tent each evening. It’s a great way for you to take your kids whether you’re solo or you have a huge group of their friends. If you have questions about Cape Henlopen’s Fantasy Trail, call 302-645-6852.

 

We hope you all enjoy your October! 

 

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This morning I watched an interview on USA Today with a business analyst who spoke on the self storage industry. The analyst explained that the demand for self storage has doubled since 1998. The reasons stated were very similar to those that we’ve seen in the real estate industry over the past few years. The average house size has evolved due to downsizing to smaller square footage for retirement, people are moving more frequently and soon to be retirees are building vacation homes in places like the Delaware beaches for future retirement. In addition to recent real estate trends, people just need a secure place to store their stuff! About ten years ago we built and opened All Climate Storage Center, a self storage facility with climate and non-climate controlled storage units in Lewes, Delaware. Over the years we have realized that the need for self storage is not limited to homeowners. Self storage needs are important to nearby businesses, pharmaceutical representatives, local charities, real estate organizations and restaurants. As the demand for storage in the Delaware beach community grew so did All Climate Storage Center. We started with one building consisting of approximately 100 self storage units and we just finished the new construction of our third building with extra spacious storage units boise.

Self Storage Lewes Delaware All Climate Storage in Lewes

All Climate Storage Center in Lewes, Delaware Clean and Secure Self Storage Facility If you’ve shopped around for self storage before you know that not every facility is equal. Our goal at All Climate Storage is to provide a clean, well lit, secure facility with professional staff. Accessible from both Plantation Road and Delaware Coastal Highway Route One, All Climate Storage is open seven days a week with a manager on site during business hours. The gated facility is equipped with an alarm system, security cameras and each rental comes with an individual lock, key and digital key code for gate entry.

Self Storage Lewes Security Gate All Climate Security Gate

Self Storage Unit Sizes The self storage units at All Climate Storage Center are like massive walk in closets or multiple car garages depending on the sizes you choose. Depending on the number of items you need to store, you’ll be able to utilize the ceiling height of each storage unit with shelves and ladders. There are climate and non-climate spaces available, please call for availability and current specials. 5 x 5 Self Storage Unit 5 x 10 Self Storage Unit 10 x 10 Self Storage Unit 10 x 15 Self Storage Unit 10 x 20 Self Storage Unit 10 x 25 Self Storage Unit Get Rewarded For Planning Ahead! For a limited time only, All Climate Storage Center will be offering exclusive specials for storage units in the brand new building. Lessard Builders’ Homeowners If you are looking to build a home with Lessard Builders we do offer complimentary storage during the construction phase. About All Climate Storage Center Locally owned and operated by local home builder, Lessard Builders, A member of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Self Storage Association. Located next to Grotto’s Grand Slam near the Five Points intersection in Lewes, Delaware. Self Storage in Lewes Rehoboth Delaware All Climate Storage Center Location 17485 Shady Road Lewes, Delaware 19958 Phone: (302) 645-0006 Email: [email protected] Visit All Climate Storage on Facebook! Twitter: @SelfStorageInDe   Self Storage Lewes Delaware

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In 2010 American Express launched a Small Business Saturday campaign to encourage consumers to remember the little local guys during the holiday shopping season. Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving and since 2010 the trend has grown exponentially. American Express has done a great job with providing marketing tools to the small businesses to help communicate the “Shop Small” message to local communities and simultaneously offer a Small Business Saturday incentive to bring people to their store. If you are purchasing items with your American Express card, you can register you card ahead of time to receive statement credits by purchasing at verified small businesses.

Shop Small at All Climate Storage Center
All Climate Storage Center: Shop Small Marketing Image

We think that you should shop small all year round but love that there is a day dedicated to supporting small business. It helps create awareness in our small state and gives small business owners a platform to say what they do and why they do it.

This post’s intention is to remind you the importance of living local, shopping small and supporting the community you live in. You’ll see statistics pulled from resources around the web, primarily the American Express Open Website. I’ve also created #ShopSmall and #LiveLocal images specific to Delaware. Feel free to use them and share them with your community Thanksgiving week and throughout the year!

Small Business Helps Community

One more thing – share with us some of your favorite places to eat and shop small on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. If you want to share why one of the reasons you will shop small this Saturday- we’d love to hear your thoughts too!

I’ll go first! I love the experience that comes with shopping small – the “mom and pop shop” feel that you get from a unique atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable service. I love that you can talk to the owners and truly see what makes them so passionate and thrilled to do what they do. They are always asking for feedback and trying to see what they can do to fine tune the art of their industry.

Here are a few of my favorite “little (but awesome!) local guys” in Delaware:

Nottinghill Coffee, Lewes, Delaware
Teller Wines, Lewes, Delaware
Chateleine’s (Jewelry), Lewes, Delaware
a (MUSE.), Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Browseabout Books, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Pickled Pig Pub, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Pig + Fish, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The Backyard, Milton, Delaware
Dolce Coffee & Bakery, Milford, Delaware
Abbott’s Grill, Milford, Delaware

Witt Brother’s Market, Wyoming Delaware
Delaware Bay Trading Company, Camden, Delaware
Fifer’s Orchard, Wyoming, Delaware
TA Farms, Wyoming, Delaware

Bayard Pharmacy, Dover Delaware
Bel Boutique, Dover Delaware
Frankfurt Bakery & Deli, Dover Delaware
Dinos & Darlings, Dover, Delaware
Restaurant 55, Dover, Delaware
Kaizen Karate Academy, Dover, Delaware

Painted Stave Distillery, Smyrna, Delaware
The Young Bean Cafe, Clayton, Delaware
Willey Farms, Townsend, Delaware
Cantwell’s Tavern, Odessa, Delaware

1861 Gastropub, Middletown, Delaware
First & Little Boutique, Middletown, Delaware
Purple Sage Tea, Middletown, Delaware
Fromage Cheese Shop, Middletown, Delaware
La Piazza Italian Restaurant, Middletown, Delaware

Soffritos Italian Grill, Newark, Delaware
The Corner Bistro, Wilmington, Delaware
BellaVista Trattoria & Pizzeria, Wilmington, Delaware

Outside of Delaware:
We had such an amazing time here that they are certainly worth mentioning to remember the little guys when you are on vacation too!

Oh My Chocolate, Stevensville, Maryland
Southsides Bar & Grill, Chesapeake City, Maryland
The Aldrich House, Williamsburg Virginia
Tria Wine Bar, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
The Lotus Guest House, Provincetown Cape Cod Massachusetts
The Pickle Jar Kitchen, Falmouth, Cape Cod Massachusetts
The Quahog Dive Bar, Falmouth, Cape Cod Massachusetts

I’d love to hear your favorite places to live local!

Shop Small Business Delaware

Shop Small Delaware

American Business Story: Shop Small

Shop Small Delaware

Shop Small Community Local

Shop Small Infographic

Shop Small Live Delaware

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In early 2014, Gals That Give held an event for Cancer Support Community Delaware. It was an amazing event and there was not a dry eye in the room during their education presentation, a testimony from cancer survivor, Ray Failing.

The Gals That Give event for Cancer Support Community and the October event for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition were both very eye opening because out of 150 to 230 women, almost everyone in the room acknowledged that they have been affected by cancer in their lives.

We’re big fans of the Cancer Support Community and what they do so naturally, we were more than happy to be contenders as guest bartenders at their “Give Cancer The Boot” Guest Bartender Showdown event. Christina Lessard, Kim Willson, Stephanie Preece, Erin Barrett and I will be serving a #DoGood cocktail competing against The Friends of Cancer Support Community Team serving the “Good JuJu Cocktail”.

Give Cancer The Boot at Cowboy Up

 

A Family Friendly Event! In addition to delicious drinks, fun company and a good cause there will be line dancing lessons, music and ten percent of the food sales will go directly to Cancer Support Community. We’re hoping for a great event and we’d love for you to join us! The event starts at 6:00 pm and will be held at Cowboy Up Saloon, 1036 Lafferty Lane in Dover, Delaware.

Cancer Support Community Delaware Mission

To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. http://www.wellnessdelaware.org/


Gals That Give Mission
Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day. There are five founders that lead the organization:

Kim Willson, Ruggerio & Willson

Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center

Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders

Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch

(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

 

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Whew! What an uplifting Gals That Give year! I’m not sure that any of us predicted that we would be able to pack a room of 240 attendees and raise over $40,386 in eleven events. The past year has been quite the whirlwind with the rapid growth of Gals That Give and we are so excited to celebrate our one year birthday on November 20th as a fundraiser for the City of Dover Fraternal Order of The Police. We’re planning for an extraordinary first birthday event therefore we decided that just this month we’re inviting the guys to join in on the fun. We are expecting a larger than usual turnout this month so we will be limiting the amount of tickets available and they must be purchased online by November 17th.

Gals That Give Benefit for Dover Delaware Police Community

Join us for a fun #dogood night sponsored by Lessard Builders!
The event will follow the typical format which includes a three course dinner with appetizers and dessert prepared by Outlook Events at The Duncan Center. There will be a Chinese or “pick a prize” style auction and a 50/50. Our friends at the Painted Stave Distillery will be providing tastings and local musician Emily Moses will be rockin’ out our favorite hits. Dinner is typically served around 6:40 pm but can vary depending on the events of the evening.

Gals (& Guys) That Give Ticket Options:

$25 ticket includes admission & dinner
$35 ticket includes Dinner ticket + (1) bottle of wine (you choose red or white)

(New!) Must Pay Online Prior To The Event
This is a necessary change this month due to the size of the event. Limited seating will be available so please, please, please mark your calendars and RSVP early via Eventbrite! We would love for everyone to join us but space will be limited so do not wait until the last minute!

(New!) #Gals4Charity Social Media Photo Contest
We LOVED looking through the pictures for the #gals4charity picture contest at the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition last month. We will be doing this again – so get creative and tag your event photos with #Gals4Charity on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. The winner will win a prize after dinner.

Gals That Give Social Media Picture Contest

(New!) Auction Tickets: We added another level!

The Gals That Give community is so lucky to have the support of local businesses and individuals that donate items to our “pick a prize” or “chinese” style auction every month. For the month of November, the list has been pretty extensive with higher priced items such as Philadelphia Flyers tickets, Baltimore Ravens tickets, a low digit auto tag, a capital tour with lunch in the exclusive members only U.S. Senate room, an Apple iPad and other items at a similar price point so we have decided to add another level of auction tickets that allows you to purchase 150 tickets for $100. All proceeds from the auction ticket sales go towards the Dover Fraternal Order of The Police.

Attendees can purchase auction tickets at the event for the following levels:

Gals That Give Auction Items for Dover FOP

(New!) Super Sponsor of the Month:
The recently launched sponsorship gives businesses the opportunity to be in front of the Gals That Give community and attendees before, during and after the actual event via social media and signage.

The 2015 Schedule To Be Announced at November Event
The 2015 events calendar and assigned non-profits will be announced at the November 20th Anniversary Party. At this time, businesses can also request months that they would like to be a Super Sponsor. For non-profits interested in applying, you must be a 501c3 and if you’d like to be considered for 2016, please submit your application prior to June 1st, 2015. Email [email protected] for an application or Super Sponsor information.

First Friday Dover
As a reminder, the downtown merchants get together every first Friday of the month to throw fun events similar to a block party with music, refreshments, activities and sales. All proceeds go towards the corresponding  Gals That Give Charity of the Month. The checks are presented the charity at each Gals That Give event.

The Education Piece
In one year, we have learned about eleven additional non-profits and resources that support the area where we live. Prior to dinner the non-profit takes a few minutes to present to to the audience through testimonials, experiences and statistics. I feel that this is the most inspirational part of what we do with Gals That Give. Everyone has faced struggles in their lifetime. When someone stands up to share their story with us you can feel the energy in the room pull together as a support system. The sense of community is so powerful it gives me goosebumps every time I think about it.

About the Dover Fraternal Order of Police:
The mission of the Dover Fraternal Order of Police is to assist a fellow members in need and protect and serve their community and the citizens who represent it.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers and has become the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. The F.O.P. is dedicated to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation. Lodge #15 represents the Officers of the City of Dover Police Department.

In fact, there is more you can do if you wish to support some interesting social projects. Check out MAKEITHAPPEN.ORG.AU for details.

Dover Delaware FOP Community

Dover Delaware FOP Community Events

Dover Delaware Police Department Community

Dover Delaware Community Outreacb

Dover Delaware Police Community Night

 

 

Heroes and Helpers
Outside of their daily routine the police officers of the Dover F.O.P. give back to the community by organizing fundraising events and participating in various programs such as the Special Olympics, Toys for Tots and Dover Night Out. During the holiday season they continue to work with organizations like Heroes and Helpers to raise funds so they can brighten the holiday for families who need it most by taking a group of children in need shopping at Target for the holiday.

About the Gals That Give Charity
Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day.

There are five founders that lead the organization:
Kim Willson, Ruggerio Willson & Associates
Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center
Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders
Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch
(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

Event Details:
The Outlook at The Duncan Center in Dover, Delaware
Thursday, November 20th
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
We can be reached via email at [email protected], on Facebook or by phone (302) 698-1091

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Fifer Orchards in Wyoming, Delaware has to be one of the best places where childhood memories and family traditions are made in our little state.

Fifer Orchards Delaware Farm Logo
Family owned and operated since 1919

What’s not to love about Fifer Orchards Family Fun festivals with live music, pick your own fruit, hayrides, petting zoos, hand dipped ice cream, pick your pumpkin, choose your fresh cut Christmas tree, freshly baked apple cider donuts, corn mazes, s’mores by the fire and homemade apple cider? Whether it is a larger featured festival or just a fun, U-Pick strawberries weekend there is always a reason to get out of the house, save the television shows for later and enjoy the sunshine at Fifer’s farm.

strawberry picking at fifer orchards delaware
You Pick Strawberries!     Photo credit: Fifer Orchards

 

U Pick Blueberry Season Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards
You Pick Blueberry Season   Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards
Pick Your Pumpkins! Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards
Pick Your Pumpkins!       Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards

From April to December, Fifer’s hosts a variety of events geared toward the current growing season. August is national peach month and I could not miss the popular Camden-Wyoming Peach Festival with peach ice cream day at Fifer Orchards. Every year the famous peach festival gets better and better!

Fifer Orchards Delaware Peach Festival
Just peachy!

A little bit of peach history. Delaware was the place to be for peaches in the 1800 and early 1900s. Spain first introduced them to our state in the 1800s and the crop flourished in Delaware’s fertile environment dubbing us the “Peach State”. In 1919 Charles Frederick Fifer moved to Delaware from the Shenandoah Valley in nearby Virginia.  He started with 300 acres of land and a vision of growing high quality produce, crop diversification and farmland stewardship. Ninety five years later, his third and fourth generation family members are dedicated to growing and selling high quality produce while preserving the environment, serving the community and maintaining family values.

As the “Peach Blossom” state, you can find many peach festivals in our small towns during the month of August but Fifer’s is the first weekend and always well attended. I attribute the popularity to Fifer’s Peach Ice Cream Day!

They have various activities including live music, food vendors, games for the kids, train rides a petting zoo and free peach ice cream! The foodie in me was very impressed by the food selection, everything was well thought out and usually had a peach flair to it. My personal favorites were Nage Restaurant, Abbott’s Grill and Frankfurt Bakery.

Fun at Fifers Peach Festival
Climbing wall, inflatables and games for all

 

Chance of rain was no match for this crowd!
Chance of rain was no match for this crowd!
Live Music at Fifer Orchards
Live music! I even heard some of my favorite songs!
Frankfurt Bakery at Fifer Orchards
Frankfurt Bakery – they had peach cupcakes! So good!
Nage at Fifer Orchards Peach Festival
Peach Cobbler and Crab Cake from Nage = A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Don’t miss a Nage Restaurant & Fifer Orchard event on September 12th! See below for event details.

Peach Ice Cream at Fifer Orchards
Fifers Peach Ice Cream! A Delaware Favorite.
We took a tractor tour of the Fifer farm!
We took a tractor tour of the Fifer farm!
We learned about the new tomato tunnels!
We learned about  each crop & the new tomato tunnels!
The land was beautiful!
The land was beautiful!
Peaches at Fifer Orchard Delaware
Getting expert peach advice!
What is a farm festival without a corn or peach costume?
What is a farm festival without a corn or peach costume? Too cute!
Fifer Orchard Express Train for Kids
All smiles on the Fifer Express!
Grilled Peach Chicken from Abbotts Grill in Milford. Yum!
Grilled Peach Chicken from Abbotts Grill in Milford. Yum!

While August is a great month for celebrating peaches, it is also a great reminder that my favorite season, fall is just around the corner! That means apple cider donuts, hot apple cider, pumpkin spice everything, delicious farm to table foodie events and s’mores! Fifer Orchards is a great place to visit with your loved ones to make great memories and support a local family owned and operated farm.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events at Fifer Orchards:

– September 12th:  Dinner on the Farm with Nage Restaurant, local beer tastings, local music, local wine tastings & 3 course localvore dinner!

– September 15th to November 1st: Fall Fest at Fifer Orchards! Corn Maze,  hayrides, you pick pumpkins, you pick apples, apple cider donuts, pony rides, farm tours & much more !

– October 25th: Harvest Hustle 5K, proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society in Memory of Pat Vincent.

– November 29th – December 13th: Fifers Cider Fest Enjoy hot apple cider, holiday hayrides, s’mores by the fire, fresh cut locally grown Christmas trees, fresh locally made wreaths, handcrafted gift baskets and more.

– May: Annual Strawberry Festival

– June: Annual Blueberry Festival

– August: Annual Peach Festival

 

Connect with Fifer Orchards on Facebook, Twitter (@fiferorchards), Google Plus, YouTube or sign up for their newsletter.

 

Locations in Kent and Sussex County:

Farm & Country Store 1919 Allabands Mill Road Camden – Wyoming, DE 19934

Phone: 302-697-2141

Open: Monday – Saturday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Closed Sundays

Fifer’s Farm Market Cafe 200 Cullen Street Dewey Beach, DE 19971

Phone: 302-227-8680

Open: Monday – Saturday Call for hours, Closed Sundays

Fifers Farm Market Cafe in Dewey Beacb
Fifers Farm Market Cafe. They have coffee too!

Before you go – 3 More Things About Fifer Orchards:

1. Fifer’s participates in Delaware’s Farm to School Program to give students healthier choices at lunchtime.

2. In addition to local produce they offer local grass fed beef, free range eggs, local ground turkey, glass bottled local milk, homemade peanut butter, homemade almond butter & apple butter!

3. They have an amazing CSA or Community Supported Agriculture program that everyone raves about. Just take a look at one of the weeks below and find out more about it on their website.

Fifer
Fifer CSA Box    Photo credit: Fifer Orchards

 

Peach Festival
Making peachy memories at Fifer Orchards!

What are some of your favorite Fifer memories? If you haven’t had the Fifer’s Farm experience yet, I hope this post helps you get there! Fifer Fall Fest

Do you have a favorite Fifer Orchards Family Fun festival?! Feel free to share your thoughts with us. 

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Did you know that the first Friday of every month, the downtown Dover shops pretty much throw a big block party with refreshments, fun activities and live music for the whole family? Stop searching for inexpensive things to do with your family on a Friday night! Get outside, walk around and enjoy what downtown Dover has to offer. It is a much better way to spend your time (and money) than two hours at the movie theater or in front of the television on a beautiful summer night.

Check out everything there is to do for all groups of age or interest at First Friday Downtown Dover:

August Theme: Downtown Dover Beach Party! First Friday, August 1st: from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Frankfurt Bakery on S. Governors Ave – Arts in the Alley, face painting, cupcake decorating, and an origami demonstration for the kids! DJ & live performance from the Blecher Trio, a family of kids singing the Disney Hits.

Bayard Pharmacy on Loockerman St. – Free refreshments from Frankfurt Bakery & a free summer gift basket for the first 15 kids who stop in.

Bel Boutique on Loockerman St. – Throwback Party Vintage Style! Fun for all – stop by to check out the real, vintage hot rod in front of the shop and check out the Alex & Ani Vintage ’66 collection. If this were me – it would be a great way to get the fiancé to shop with me! I could check out the Alex & Ani bracelets for as long as I wanted! Clever setup here, ladies.

Dover Art League on W. Loockerman St. presents “Shades of Georgia O’ Keeffe”, talented local artists will be able to demonstrate their appreciation for the works of this famous, accomplished artist. The criteria for submitted artworks it that the art works be in a style inspired by the works of O’Keeffe. This could mean art works done in modernist style, vibrant color, similar subject matter, or any other way that may show Georgia O’Keeffe’s influence.There will be a reception from 5pm to 7pm.

33 West on Loockerman St. – Live music by Tim Jardon starting at 8:30 pm

Golden Fleece on Loockerman St. – Hors d’oeurves and live entertainment featuring Brian McDaniels followed by Stacks Entertainment

Beyond Dimensions on Governors Ave – Hosting singer/songwriter Rick Hudson & light refreshments

Blue Hen Auction Company on Loockerman St. – Free Antique Appraisals from 5 to 7 pm

Dover News Stand on Loockerman St. – Live music by J.D. Sage

Rouge: 50% all bikinis

Partners In Design: 20% off everything

Additional First Friday participants in downtown Dover: Suds Bar & Essentials, Forney’s & Forney’s Too, Cendel Foundation, Beehive Beauty Shop, Emmanuel’s Book Shop, Amore Bridal, Chereveux Salon, J La Salon, Maxine’s Fashions, Dover Public Library

First Friday Downtown Dover Give Back to the Delaware community The participating First Friday Downtown Dover merchants all donate a percentage of sales to a chosen charity of the month as part of “First Friday Gives Back”. The Downtown Dover Partnership merchants have decided to partner with the local Gals That Give charity which means that the proceeds from “First Friday” in the beginning of each month will go to the corresponding Gals That Give charity of that month. 

The August 1st, 2014 “First Friday” will benefit Foundation for a Better Tomorrow to correspond with the July 17th Girls Night benefit.

Downtown Dover First Friday Gives Back

Time to open up that smart phone calendar and invite your your friends, family or co-workers to stop by downtown Dover the first Friday of each month to enjoy a big party and give back to the community. Enjoy art, face painting, live music, food, community and fun for the whole family. Follow their happenings on Facebook.

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Teller Wines Philosophy: “To inform, inspire and share the passion of great wine through wine education”

A few weeks ago, I stopped into Teller Wines for the first time. Lessard Builders was hosting a happy hour at our model home for the Women’s Council of Realtors in Sussex County and picking up wine was on my “to-do list”. I had bumped into the owners, Kevin and Catherine at a few chamber mixers and liked the fact that were they local. It was even better that they were right down the street from The Villages of Five Points.

teller wines lewes outside picture

I walked into the store thinking it would be a “typical” liquor store setup – guy behind the counter that says hello and the usual everyday wines grouped by region or type. I was pleasantly surprised that the setup and staff went above and beyond the usual “fend for yourself” liquor store experience. The wines are arranged by flavors which saves you the time it would take to decipher whether the notes might match to your sweet, fruity, dry or tart liking. If the layout doesn’t jump start you in the right direction, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will. I love wine and I know what kind I like but choosing wine for a group of forty people can be a little tricky. I especiall
y find it difficult to select for the super sweet taste buds since I prefer a very dry wine. Kevin happened to be present at the time and was exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful for what I was searching for. I was able to choose a variety of reds, whites and he helped me select the perfect sparkling wine to put the finishing touch on the “Fifer’s Peach Bellini” I was whipping up (with real Fifer’s peaches)! The day of the Women’s Council of Realtors event went so well – we were fully stocked with wine and the six gallons of Fifer’s Peach Bellini was a gone by the end of the evening. Catherine even stopped in to support the event – how fantastic was that?

I’ve stopped into many wine stores throughout the state and I’m very impressed at the overall Teller Wines experience. It is the perfect place to stop in to test out a new bottle and if you are nearby on a Saturday, they have free wine tastings from 3pm to 6pm. Locals rave about the quality of their events and how much you actually learn about the wines you are tasting. In fact, I’ve had several conversations with homeowners and realtors that say it is a great place to stop in, try a new wine with a friend or meet a new one. If interested – you should sign up for their newsletter or check their calendar for annual events like a wine expo (yay!) or their Memorial Day BBQ (pictured below).

Teller Wines Lewes BBQ

Teller Wines Lewes Memorial Day

 

Teller Wines Lewes Charity

I did a little research and realized that in addition to being local and overall nice people they also give back to community. In just a few minutes of searching I found out that they have given back to The Food Bank of Delaware Culinary School, the Beebe Medical Foundation, St. Jude’s Apostle Church and Coastal Concerts.

Last week, a couple that we recently built for stopped into the model to show their friends and while on the topic of wine they mentioned how much they love going to the events at Teller Wines and I found out that the story of Catherine and Kevin is just as charming as they are!

From their website: “When a Chinese immigrant girl falls in love with an Irish boy from Pittsburgh, the result is a 40-year partnership of love, fun and wine. After college on opposite coasts, Kevin and Catherine were married. We began our careers and raised our family (son Sean and daughter Caitlin) in Columbia, Maryland. After family, our passion has been wine, travel and food. When we attended our first educational wine weekend in St. Michaels, Maryland, we were hooked.”

Following my interactions with both Catherine and Kevin, it was no surprise to read that they have spent the past two decades journeying across five continents to expand their wine wisdom. I’m just happy that they decided to land it here in Lewes, Delaware. I can’t wait to go again! Headed to a wine tasting? Let’s go together!

Check out a few of Catherine’s blog posts on Rehoboth Foodie under Chasing The Grape!

What people are saying about Teller Wines Lewes:

Nice wines, excellent selection. I drove from DC (about 3 hours) to visit, and I plan on going back at least once a month. There is a free wine tasting every Saturday from 3pm to 6pm. Looks like fun – I wish I had had time to stay for that.

– Guy S., Yelp Review

Now that we have lived here a few months and even able to visit other stores, we will stick with the Saturday tastings at Teller. The reps that come in to do the tastings always are knowledgeable about their products, the region it came from and how it was produced. The staff and owners always acknowledge your interests and always show appreciation for your patronage. A nice tasting to meet people and learn about wines from other enthusiasts.

– Robin K., Yelp Review

This is the best place to get wine. The owners are so knowledgeable and helpful. Great wine tasting event every Saturday. An elegant addition to Lewes, Delaware.

– Linette G., Foursquare Review

Do you have a reason why you love Teller Wines too? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Teller Wines in Lewes, Delaware

Don’t forget! Teller Wines Lewes Wine Tasting on Saturdays from 3pm to 6pm

Address: 1201A Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware 19958

Phone: (302) 644-7400

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM & Sunday, Noon to 5 PM

Email: [email protected]

Connect with them on Facebook or Twitter.

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The history of Willey Farms in Townsend, Delaware reminds me of one of those cute, inspiring videos you might see before a Pixar or Disney movie. It all began with a farm and an old baggage cart in 1975. Donald and Irene Willey would pack up the produce from their farm and sell it on an old airline baggage cart at the end of their lane. A year later, their success allowed them to upgrade to a pole building roadside stand complete with a passionate sales team – their six children and a few nieces and nephews. The family business continued to grow exponentially through the years, establishing relationships with farmers in Georgia and South Carolina opening up the opportunity to provide sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon and cantaloupe when it was still out of season in Delaware. With each year, the demand for additional products grew rapidly and Willey’s expanded to pole building 2, 3 and more. Today, you can’t miss the considerable Willey Farms location while driving through Townsend along Route 13. Currently managed by 2nd generation family members, Chris Willey and his wife Sarah, friends and family still refer to the expanded location as “the stand” or “the market”.

I truly enjoyed reading the success story of Donald and Irene Willey because time and time again I’ve heard heartwarming stories of their kindness and support of other struggling local farms throughout the years. In addition to the kind stories of the past, I’ve never had an unfriendly or poor experience at Willey Farms myself. We go there often, stopping in for Beaverdam dog food, the healthy all-natural items that you cannot find at the chain grocery stores, produce and gardening supplies. They also sell the “not so healthy but delicious” premium chef’s choice cut bacon from Kirby & Holloway. If you try it, I promise you’ll never forget it!

A niche market to Delaware with a unique personal touch, Willey Farms has grown to six departments, each serving a different convenience to the consumer.

Quality Fresh Produce Willey Farms Produce High quality, fresh produce is always available at Willey Farms. It is from various local farmers when in season and from farms around the world when unavailable locally. I love to cook with fresh vegetables and I can verify that the produce at Willey Farms is much more robust than the vegetables and fruits at nearby chain stores. In fact, I’m pretty sure they last longer too. Once you purchase the massive local asparagus from Willey Farms, you’ll never want to purchase it from a chain store again!  

Garden Center and Nursery Willey Farms Garden Provides a variety house plants, vegetables, trees, annuals, perennials and more for every level of gardening skill. Soil, guides and tools are also available. Have a question, the friendly staff is more than happy to assist you.  

Natural Foods Wide selection of grocery choices including organic, preservative free, gluten free, dairy alternatives and sugar free options. Includes Bob’s Red Mill products, local honey, coconut milk, vegetarian options, meat and fish.

Candy Willey Farms Deli in Townsend, Delaware& Gourmet Foods Old fashioned candies and sweets, galore! You’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop again.

The Deli The deli offers meat and cheeses, sliced to order. Many do not know that they also make subs, sandwiches, hot entrees and side dishes. You can order in advance while you are passing through or pick it up after you shop!

Home Accents & Décor When you walk through the Willey Farms’ home décor section, you feel right at home. From homemade candles, your favorite Yankee Candles, humorous signs, greeting cards, furniture pieces from This Site, paintings and the latest seasonal décor, you’ll want to walk through the section whether it is on your “to-do” list or not, the best part is that you’ll even find tools that you would normally buy from a hardware store. 

There is More! Willey Farms also provides fruit baskets and party trays, homemade on site by their in-house chef. You can order hot entrees and sides made from scratch right from the Willey Farms kitchen.  

Weekly Specials at Willey Farms:

  • Wednesday: Seniors receive 10% off
  • Thursday: Receive $1 off Willey Farms sub order

What other people are saying about Willey Farms:

“We try to hit Willey’s every week! We love the selection of produce, and all the local and organic items. Also love browsing all the candies, snacks, specialty items, jams, honeys, etc.” – Vicky F. via Facebook Reviews

“A true treasure. My favorite local place. I am a believer in fresh, grown from the ground goodness, and Willey’s has it. Plus fabulous home decor, an old time candy shop, a great hot/cold bar and deli, and more. This place is the best Townsend has to offer.” – Nicole A. via Facebook Reviews

“I have been going to Willey Farms since I was a little girl, everyone is very helpful and nice , and they have the best produce around!! Love going around November and December, they have beautiful decorations for the Holidays!” – Sheila K. via Facebook Reviews

“My wife and I shop at willies form every Sunday we buy our produce their soups that they make we also buy plants candles & gifts from the their store service is excellent they’re very knowledgeable staff they are friendly and helpful prices are extremely good a must stop for all your gardening needs and your culinary needs also very large selection of small gift items and candles, etc.” – Charlie G. via Yelp Reviews

“I learned quickly when I moved to Delaware, that you don’t buy your produce at the grocery store. You buy it at a farm stand. {But} calling Willey’s a farm stand is not quite right–this is a huge establishment on Route 13 between Townsend and Odessa.” – Gwenydd D. via Yelp Reviews  

Willey Farms is located at 4092 Dupont Pkway, Townsend, Delaware 19734 Phone number: (302) 378-8441 You can receive their award winning newsletter via email here. Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.    Tell us why you love Willey’s in the comments below! Thank you for reading Live Delaware! Feel free to share your comments in a discussion below. If you have a favorite local business, event or non-profit, we’d love to feature them. Tell us why you love them here.

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Did you know that according to The WorldWatch Institute, the vast majority of produce travels over 1,500 miles from farm to plate and during the transport, it loses much of its nutrients, freshness and vitality?

Buy Fresh, Buy LocalOver the past few years, there has been an increasing amount of conversation about the benefits of Community Supported Agriculture, a partnership with a local farmer during the appropriate growing season(s). Once I began to research the concept, I found few online resources that listed Delaware CSA programs. After a few chats with local farmers and friends, I discovered that not only do Delaware CSAs exist, but people absolutely love the entire CSA experience.

Once you understand the history of Delaware and the attraction to CSAs, participating in a Delaware CSA is common sense. Forty percent of the state’s land use is still dedicated to the agriculture industry. Farming has flourished in Delaware due to its prime location and temperate climate since before the 1600s. To this day, the legacy has endured as a family business with 90% of farms listed as either sole or family proprietorship or family-owned corporations in Delaware

If you are interested in participating in a Delaware CSA program you can find the locations, websites, social networks and contact information of local farms that offer programs listed below. If I have missed one, please do not hesitate to let me know in the comments.

CSA Basics:

A CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture”, a program in which consumers can purchase produced directly from the farmer. People can purchase a “share” or “membership” from a specific farmer for a growing season. Every week during the season, members can pick up a unit of vegetables or other farm products such as eggs, bread, meat or fruit products depending on the particulars of that particular CSA subscription.
CSAs provide fresh, nutrient packed food directly from the farm, new produce varieties to try and a relationship with the local farmer that grows their food. Depending on the farmer and current crops, there will be a level of customization to what goes in your share.

 

New Castle County

 

Highland Orchards: Hockessin, Delaware

CSA Season: Year Round

Pickup locations: Hockessin, Wilmington, Pennsylvania, Newark, New Castle

Contact: Matt Linton, (302) 478-4042

A seasonal mix of a variety of CSA choices. Select from a mixture of vegetables, fruit, meat, honey, preserves, dairy, bread and live plants. Delivers in northern Delaware and the Philadelphia areas. Visit Highland Orchard’s website, or connect with them on Facebook.

 

Kranz Hill Farm: Newark, Delaware

CSA Season: May – October

Pickup Location: Newark

Contact: (302) 540-0912

Kranz Hill Farm CSA grows a wide variety of naturally grown vegetables and some kitchen herbs. Within certain limits, shareholders choose the contents of their share. The selection and quantity varies weekly, slowly and subtly following the changing seasons. Produce is usually distributed on the same day it is harvested. This contributes to the exceptional taste and wholesomeness of our food. Connect with Kranz Hill on Facebook.

 

Bayberry Farm: Middletown, Delaware

CSA Season: June – October

Pick up locations: Newark, Middletown, New Castle

Contact: Toby Hagerott, (302) 689-3010

Receive a seasonal mix of the finest local produce. Each week’s share will feature the vegetables that are currently ripe and ready for you on the farm or other local farms. Additional options such as bread and cheese shares are also available. Connect with Bayberry Farms on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Kent & Sussex County

 

Fifer Orchards: Camden-Wyoming

Pick up locations: Camden, Smyrna, Dover, Milford, Dewey Beach & Lewes.

CSA Season: May – September

Contact: Jessica (302) 697-2141

The Fifer’s CSA provides an adventure each week with new fruits and vegetable varieties that you might not find in the grocery store. In addition to produce shares, you can select free range brown eggs, local free range ground turkey or grass fed beef. Connect Fifer Orchards on Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Twitter.

 

Jubilee Back Forty: Milton, Delaware

CSA Season: May – October

Contact: Keith & Lisa Wilhelm (302) 542-9642

Pickup locations: Milton, Delivery Options Available

CSA members enjoy the first produce directly from the farm. Everything is guaranteed to be natural from a farm focused on ecological sustainability. Delivery options available. Connect with Jubilee Back Forty on Facebook.

 

Evans Farms: Bridgeville, Delaware

CSA Season: June-September

Contact: Katey Evans, (302) 245-5525

Pick up locations: Bridgeville, Milton, Milford, Georgetown

Each week members are greeted with boxes of freshly harvested, local produce for half the cost of what you would pay at the grocery store. Shares average one bushel of produce each week and feeds a household of three to five people. Other items that may be included in boxes during slow weeks include jarred items (jams, jellies, hand packed peaches, salad dressings, marinades, etc.). Connect with Evans Farms Produce on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Community Organics: Greenwood, Delaware

CSA Season: Year round

Contact: Tim and Aspen Bell, (302) 448-0800

Pickup Locations: Bethany, Greenwood, Dover, Georgetown, Lewes, Milford, Rehoboth

A naturally grown, full choice CSA where members can select what they want from our weekly availability list. Orders are filled before our products are offered to non-members or farmers markets.

 

TS Smith & Sons: Bridgeville, Delaware

CSA Season: May – November

Contact: Tom Smith, (302) 337-8271

Pickup Locations: Georgetown, Milford, Millville, Milton, Bridgeville

Members can select from three share options: summer, fall or full season. Shareholders can request items to be added into each week’s box and choose from a variety of pick up dates and locations. Connect with TS Smith & Sons on Facebook.

 

Woodland Harvest Farm: Seaford, Delaware

CSA Season: May – September

Contact: Ricky & Faith Robinson (302) 629-2686

Pick up location: Seaford

Woodland Harvest Farm and CSA is a small scale farm located west of Seaford, Delaware that provides a seasonal abundance of organically grown vegetables and herbs.

 

I hope that you have found this post on Delaware CSAs helpful and informational! If you have a favorite, local Delaware CSA, please let us know in the comments – if it is one I missed, I will update the list. You can also refer your favorite locally owned or operated organization for a featured post here. 

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Keep It Local Delaware

Over the past few years, Delaware has been making headlines as one of the “best places to live” and “best places to retire” due to affordable property taxes, low income tax and reasonable travel time to Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C. While these are the most talked about features that bring visitors to our state, those that live or spend a little extra time here understand why people fall in love with Delaware’s small town charm. From the beaches Lewes and Rehoboth to the capital, downtown Dover and the northern towns of the state like Middletown, Greenville and Trolley Square, there are so many local shops, restaurants and events distinctive to Delaware. There is always an opportunity to catch a nearby event like peach festivals, brewery tours, wine tastings, music festivals, the infamous Apple Scrapple Festival and of course, the good ol’ Punkin Chunkin.

5 Reasons to Live Local Delaware

1. Preserve Small Town Character & History

Delaware has the small town feel and historical character that you see on postcards with brick buildings, authentic cedar shake exteriors, lighthouses, cobblestone roads and traditional farm houses. Local business owners are more willing to keep the historical factor of the area, striving to blend in artistically with the surrounding town compared to the bigger “box” stores looking to replicate their chain of nationwide stores.

2. Locals Give Back To The Community

According to NFIB research, more than 9 in 10 small businesses owners give back to community. Studies show that local non-profits receive substantial continued support from locally owned and operated businesses. Local business owners care about the community they live in and often serve on boards to support numerous causes and community interests.

3. What Goes Around Comes Around 

Money spent locally has 3 times the impact on a community than dollars spent in large chains or other places. The concept is fairly straightforward, if you shop at locally owned and operated businesses, your dollars provide for local families, schools, community events and non-profits.

4. Shop Local To Keep A Relevant Supply Of (Diverse) Products

I’ll never forget the day that I stopped into the nearest Delaware Wal-mart to grab Old Bay for a birthday crab feast we were hosting and they did not have it available.  This scenario is a prime example of how national stores tend to stock items based on regional or national numbers, not by local demand. Local stores tend to have a broader range of choices because they cater to the needs of local people. In most cases, they will even start carrying a new product per your request.

5. Mom & Pop Shops: Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Who doesn’t love the “mom and pop shop” in their town? They add a level of character and friendly service exclusive to their town and community. Local business owners view their work as an extension of themselves and bring an extra level of care to what they do. They get to know who you are and if there is a question or concern, you are only a few people away from the decision makers. You won’t have to submit a claim, complain on social media or call a 1 800 number repeatedly to receive service.

 

These are just few of the many benefits that come with supporting the area we live in. Do you try to “keep it local”? What would you add to this list? 

 

Thank you for reading Live Delaware! We hope you’ll visit often. You might even find or discover a new favorite place to eat, shop or live! Have a favorite local business, non-profits or event in Delaware? We’d love to hear about them. You can fill out this referral questionnaire, tweet them to us or start a discussion in the comments below!

Don’t forget to support the local small businesses who support the area where you live – Live Local Delaware!