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Welcome to Lewes
Family-friendly coastal gem with a bounty of historical sites​​​​​​​
Draped in natural beauty with beaches on the oceanfront and Delaware Bay, scenic trails, and lush nature preserves, Lewes is a charming ocean resort destination popular with vacationers drawn to the historical appeal, eclectic attractions, and fun activities of this quaint beach town. Its historic district features architecture dating back to the 1600s, a cluster of fine restaurants, eclectic shops, and museums lying within walking distance of each other
Lewes lies adjacent to the Cape Henlopen State Park while maintaining other beautiful green parks within city limits. Basking in a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, locals enjoy tons of exciting outdoor events, from farmers’ markets to an annual independent film festival. From a grand selection of single-family contemporary homes, exquisite Victorians, and charming custom-built properties with top-of-the-line amenities, Lewes offers the best in luxury and convenience.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Lewes offers easy access to the beach, and countless miles of trails while being known for its spectacular canal-front dining and sprawling dock, which hosts hundreds of boats every year. Despite its buzzing retail scene, spectacular canal-front dining, and tons of activities going on around town, Lewes maintains its quaint charm and quietness.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
From antique stores to high-end jewelers, gift items, and luxury fashion boutiques, Lewes sprawls with a plethora of options.
Savor the taste of innovative American dishes at Heirloom—an elegant dining establishment set into a large Victorian house, where guests are served from a menu offering grilled octopus, pickled ramps, and asparagus alongside tequila, juice, or wine. For classic Latin American cuisine, stop at Agave Mexican Restaurant. Craving a hot fudge sundae to cool off after a long walk in the sun? King’s Ice Cream has got you covered.
Start your day with a dark chocolate mocha and hearty croissant at Lewes Bake Shoppe, then head over to dine alfresco at Matt’s Fish Camp, offering everything from shrimp and grits to fried clams, oysters on the half shell and more. Settle in and relish the airy atmosphere of Striper Bites while you wait for a plate of mahi-mahi tacos or visit Eggcelent for a taste of assorted egg dishes served with freshly squeezed juice.
Want even more juice flavors? Nectar specializes in different types and styles. Smoothies or rum punch—just tell the servers! Enjoy a flight of beer with friends at Big Oyster Brewery, and don’t miss out on the taste of crab bisque and BBQ chicken nachos at the waterfront patio of the Wheelhouse. Be sure to stop by Raas for chicken tikka masala and vegetable samosas.
Things to Do
Every year, Lewes commemorates Independence Day tradition with the Fourth of July Boat Parade set out from the Lewes-Rehoboth canal to Fisherman’s Wharf. Relish the holiday spirit in the air with a colorful Christmas Parade featuring decorated vintage cars, horses, clowns and marching bands, after which the city officially commences the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Zwaanendael Park. Every Sunday night before that is a chance to join Christmas carolers and musicians from local schools, churches, and community organizations in the Lewes Lights—Concerts on the Canal series.
Find out more about sea life when the University of Delaware College of Marine Studies hosts their exciting Coast Day Event, bringing in thousands to the Lewes Campus in a bid to showcase different aspects of scientists’ exploration of marine life. The Lewes Farmers Market is the place to get every fresh produce you can think of. Each spring Lewes holds an Easter Egg Hunt as well as the Great Delaware Kite Festival.
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