AGP Executive Report

Coastal Weather: A nor’easter is expected to bring strengthening northeast winds and building seas to Delaware’s coast Monday. A Gale Warning begins at 6 a.m. for Atlantic coastal waters, with Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and nearby shore towns in the storm’s path. Dewey Nightlife: The town’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended keeping bars’ closing time at 1 a.m., citing public-safety demands from late-night crowds. Town Council must still approve the ordinance. Fall Tourism: Rehoboth Beach’s Jazz Festival is helping local businesses, while a ferry partnership is steering autumn visitors toward coastal shops and attractions.

Hiking: Chestnut Hill Trail at White Clay Creek State Park offers a scenic 3.5-mile loop with a manageable 282-foot climb—an unusual challenge in flat Delaware. Coastal Conditions: A brewing nor’easter could bring strong winds, rough seas and coastal flooding risks across the Mid-Atlantic into next week; check conditions before heading to the shore. Dining: Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to open Oct. 23 at Tanger Outlets Seaside near Rehoboth, its second Delaware location. Fall Tourism: A ferry partnership is directing autumn visitors toward coastal businesses, while the 37th annual Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is helping lift local business. Lodging: The Bellmoor Inn & Spa in Rehoboth Beach has sold for $31 million.

Coastal Weather: Strong northwest winds and gusts of 30–40 mph are making Delaware’s beaches blustery this weekend. A Gale Warning remains in effect for Atlantic coastal waters through early Sunday, so boaters should avoid unnecessary trips. Fall Tourism: Rehoboth’s 37th Jazz Festival runs through Sunday, drawing visitors and supporting local businesses during the off-season. A Cape May–Lewes Ferry promotion pairing discounted crossings with lodging and dining offers has generated about 35 bookings and continues through mid-December. Rehoboth Updates: The public library closes Monday, Oct. 19, for a move ahead of the next renovation phase and expects to reopen in early November. Dave’s Hot Chicken at Tanger Outlets Seaside is slated to open Oct. 23, adding another dining option for visitors.

Rehoboth Events: The 37th annual Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is drawing visitors and giving coastal businesses an October boost; performances continue through Sunday, Oct. 18. A weekend guide also highlights the Hagley Craft Fair and fall events around the state. Off-Season Getaways: The Cape May–Lewes Ferry’s “Dock, Dine & Dream” offer pairs discounted crossings with local lodging and dining deals. It has brought in about 35 bookings since mid-September and runs through mid-December. Lodging News: Rehoboth’s Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million. Halloween Plans: The Delaware Renaissance Faire begins its fifth season on Halloween.

Off-Season Draw: Rehoboth Beach is buzzing as the 37th annual Jazz Festival brings visitors and business to town; concerts run through Oct. 18. The weekend also offers Hagley’s craft fair and family-friendly events across Delaware. Coastal Stays: The Bellmoor Inn & Spa in Rehoboth Beach has sold for $31 million, while new owners are elevating another local favorite, Shorebreak Lodge. Beach Travel: Lewes is taking public comments through Nov. 13 on proposed dredging at the ferry terminal, a project to watch for travelers and coastal businesses. Family Outings: Ocean View has scheduled public discussion of a $1.27 million John West Park playground upgrade, with accessible equipment planned to open by June 2027. The Delaware Renaissance Faire also returns for its fifth season on Halloween.

Dewey Beach: A University of Delaware survey found pedestrian safety is the top improvement priority for both locals and visitors, while 82% praised the town’s walkable access to restaurants. Weekend Plans: Rehoboth hosts Bark on the Boards Saturday and the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party Sunday; Ocean City also has a free “Night of the Living Dead” screening Saturday. Coastal Access: Dredging is proposed at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, with public comments open through Nov. 13. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars. Lodging & Dining: Rehoboth’s Bellmoor Inn & Spa sold for $31 million, and Southern Delaware Brewing plans a Fenwick Island brewpub.

Coastal Lodging: Rehoboth Beach’s Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million, while new owners at Shorebreak Lodge are updating another local favorite. Rehoboth has also hired a team to begin planning the city’s future. Getting Around: A proposed dredging project at the Lewes Ferry Terminal is open for public comment through Nov. 13. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel costs climb. Fall on the Shore: Beach access has largely been restored after storm damage, and volunteers recently hauled 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches. The Delaware Renaissance Faire returns for its fifth season on Halloween.

Beach Weather: Cooler air settles over Delaware’s coast Thursday, with showers and possible thunderstorms overnight and a stronger storm expected Friday — worth watching if you’re heading to the beaches. Rehoboth Lodging: The 79-room Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million to DiamondRock Hospitality, which calls southern Delaware a strong leisure market. Ferry Access: The state is reviewing a plan to dredge the Lewes Ferry Terminal basin and channel this winter; public comments are open through Nov. 13. Upcoming Events: Sussex County Navy Week runs Oct. 20–24, with a military display at Delaware Coastal Airport and sailors in Rehoboth’s Sea Witch parade. The Delaware Renaissance Faire returns to Townsend for three weekends starting Halloween.

Hotel News: Rehoboth Beach’s 79-room Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million to DiamondRock Hospitality, which sees the resort town as a strong leisure market. Ferry Access: The Delaware River and Bay Authority is seeking approval to dredge the Lewes Ferry Terminal basin and channel, with public comments open through Nov. 13 and work proposed for December and January. Things to Do: Sussex County’s first Navy Week runs Oct. 20–24, with events in Rehoboth Beach and Georgetown; the Delaware Renaissance Faire returns to Townsend on Halloween for three weekends. Getting Around: Georgetown’s Park Avenue railroad crossing is set to close Oct. 23 through Nov. 5 for maintenance, with detours for passenger vehicles and trucks. Dining: Rehoboth’s Shorebreak Lodge owners are drawing attention for elevating the local restaurant favorite.

Coastal Policy: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s review of US Wind’s offshore project back for a new look, including a fresh public notice and fuller review of potential coastal effects. Dewey Beach: Town planners unanimously recommended keeping alcohol sales capped at 1 a.m., despite a state proposal that could allow bars to stay open later. Travel Update: Park Avenue in Georgetown is set to close at the railroad crossing from Oct. 23 through Nov. 5; detours will be posted. Fall Visits: Return Day, Georgetown’s centuries-old election tradition, returns Nov. 5 with a parade and celebrations downtown. Rehoboth’s Bellmoor Inn has also sold for $31 million, marking a major change for the resort’s lodging scene. On the Coast: Unseasonable heat is expected through Wednesday before much colder weekend weather arrives.

Coastal Wind Review: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s review of the U.S. Wind project back for further evaluation, including its potential effects on coastal views, recreation, fishing and public lands. Return Day: Georgetown’s 230-year tradition returns Nov. 5, with a parade and winners and losers riding together in horse-drawn carriages, antique cars and convertibles. Lewes Lodging: The Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million, a major change for one of Rehoboth Beach’s best-known hotels. Ferry Costs: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel prices rise. Beach Stewardship: Volunteers collected 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches, while beach access has largely been restored after the recent storm.

Road Updates: DelDOT says nighttime paving will close the Kennett Pike intersection at Presidential Drive and Briars Lane Oct. 15–19, and the Route 40 eastbound turn lane at Porter Road Oct. 16–19. Wiggins Mill Road in New Castle County remains closed for bridge repairs through Oct. 23. Lodging: Rehoboth’s 79-room Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million to DiamondRock Hospitality. Visitor Attractions: Rockwood Museum is upgrading climate controls and planning better mobility access; the Wilmington-area attraction hosts seasonal events including holiday lights and a haunted trail. Coastal Travel: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel costs rise. Beach access has largely been restored after storm damage, while volunteers recently hauled 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches. Fall Plans: Festivals, films, football and family activities are on the calendar across Delaware this weekend, Oct. 16–18.

Visitor Attractions: Wilmington’s Rockwood Museum is upgrading climate controls to better protect its collection and improve accessibility. The work comes as the popular attraction prepares for a temporary closure. Lodging: Rehoboth Beach’s 79-room Bellmoor Inn & Spa has been sold to DiamondRock Hospitality for $31 million. Getting Around: Delaware’s Bicycle Council still has no applications for $50,000 in cycling-infrastructure grants, despite renewed outreach to towns. Coastal Travel: The Cape May–Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel prices rise. Tourism and Planning: Rehoboth Beach has awarded a contract for a master-planning initiative, while the Scenic Eclipse’s arrival at the Port of Wilmington offered a recent boost for cruise tourism.

Coastal Protection: Phase II of the Thompson Island shoreline project in Rehoboth Bay is moving ahead with thousands of oyster-castle blocks designed to limit erosion and create habitat. Delaware leaders are also seeking more federal funding to rebuild beach dunes after nor’easter damage, while beach access has largely been restored. Rehoboth’s Future: The city has hired Dover, Kohl & Partners to guide a new master plan as officials weigh tourism, aging commercial buildings and future development. Places to Stay and Eat: DiamondRock Hospitality has acquired Rehoboth’s Bellmoor Inn for $31 million, and Southern Delaware Brewing is planning a third brewpub in Fenwick Island. Getting Around: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel prices rise. Wilmington Airport’s bus service to Philadelphia has marked two years, offering another option for travelers looking to avoid PHL parking and security lines. Fall Outings: Delmarva’s Halloween calendar is filling up with town events, while Delaware’s Coastal Cleanup drew more than 1,200 volunteers who collected 3,800 pounds of trash.

Coastal Weather: The remnants of Isaias could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and rough surf to Sussex County’s beach towns Sunday, with hazardous driving and marine conditions possible. Rehoboth Planning: The city hired a consultant to shape a new master plan as tourism generates 63% of its general-fund revenue; officials want future development to protect the town’s character. Hotel News: DiamondRock Hospitality bought Rehoboth’s 79-room Bellmoor Inn for $31 million and plans offseason improvements. Fenwick Island: Southern Delaware Brewing is planning a third brewpub at Bayside Marketplace, adding another dining stop for visitors. Travel Costs: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge per car, each way, through Dec. 31. Beach Cleanup: More than 1,200 volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware’s shorelines, wetlands and waterways.

Rehoboth Planning: The city has hired a consultant to shape a new master plan as tourism generates 63% of its general-fund revenue. New Coastal Stop: Southern Delaware Brewing is planning a third brewpub in Fenwick Island, adding another dining option near Bayside Marketplace. Shoreline Cleanup: More than 1,200 volunteers collected 3,800 pounds of trash at 45-plus sites during Delaware’s annual Coastal Cleanup; beach access has since largely reopened after storm damage. Hotel News: DiamondRock Hospitality bought Rehoboth’s 79-room Bellmoor Inn for $31 million and plans offseason improvements. Ferry Costs: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 vehicle fuel surcharge per crossing through Dec. 31—$14 for a round trip. Airport Link: Wilmington Airport’s bus service to Philadelphia has reached its two-year mark, offering another option for travelers heading to PHL.