Explorer Get Ready for the Holidays at Area Shops Open Houses & Events VOL. 31 NO. 10 - NOVEMBER 2026COMPLIMENTARY Attractions and Events Magazine Now Featuring Southern Delaware Real Estate Use your phone photo app to read this issue Schellville Winter Celebration Sussex County Return Day ShoppingAntiques Map Events Calendar Homes SouthEastern DE Artists Studio Tour 30th Year Highlighting Southern Delaware’s TreasuresNovember 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 3 Vol. 31 No. 10Southern Delaware ExplorerNovember 2026 Start your Subscription to the Southern Delaware Explorer today to receive12 MONTHLY printed issues and 3 Seasonal Vacation Planners for ONLY $ 24. Name __________________________ Address__________________________ City, State, Zip____________________ Email:___________________________ The Holidays kick into high gear throughout the month of November in Southern Delaware. A wide variety of area shops are hosting Holiday Open Houses and events during November and December to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, offer their patrons some holiday cheer, a friendly personalized shopping experience, a visit with Santa and or Mrs. Claus or maybe the Grinch and introduce their seasonal offerings. Our calendar of Holiday Open Houses, begins on page 4, and offers a helpful guide to use to plan your Holiday shopping trips. November 3rd is election day throughout the country and November 5th officially marks the end of the political season with the 200-year old tradition of Sussex Return Day. Return Day features a parade of local high school bands and dignitaries from both political parties in carriages and antique automobiles. Before the parade hundreds of food and craft vendors will be set up off of the circle. After the parade the election results are read in front of the Sussex County courthouse followed by the ceremonial burying of the hatchet. Entertainment on the circle will be held the night before headlined by local favorites “The Funsters”. See page 10. The Delaware Heritage Festival, formerly known as the 18th Century Market Fair, will be held on the Historic Green in Dover on November 7th featuring demonstrations and representatives from area museums and historic sites, artisans, performers and gifts from many different eras. See page 15 for details. The 28th annual Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival The SouthernDelawareExplorer.com is published monthly by Southern Delaware Publishing Inc. P.O. Box 990, Ocean View, DE19970 302-745-3029 E-Mail: delawareexplorer@gmail.com will be held on November 1st through the 8th featuring 113 films from more than 32 countries. See page 14 for details. The artists of Southeastern Sussex County will open their stu- dios for holiday shoppers and tours for their 30th annual studio tour on November 14th and 15th. Visit the 13 talented artists working in a variety of media as they open their studios to the public. See page 12 for info. The Schellville Christmas Village reopens November 21st and will add the Grinch’s Lair as they continue to build on their previ- ous years of enchanting children and adults alike with their many free Christmas attractions located behind Tanger Outlets Seaside. See page 11 for details. There will be a variety of Holiday events including Tree Light- ings, beginning on Black Friday, Nov. 27th and Small Business Saturday on Sat. Nov. 28th to kick off the Holiday season! See our calendar beginning on page 16 for a complete listing of events scheduled through November 30th. Our Holiday Gift Guide/December issue of the Explorer will include many more Holiday events available the week of Novem- ber 16th and include great gift ideas for the holidays from area shops as well as a comprehensive list of holiday events, activities and recipes. You can view it online after the 16th at southern- delawareexplorer.com or email us at delawareexplorer@gmail. com to receive monthly updates when it and upcoming issues are posted online. Until then, Have Fun Shopping and Preparing for the Holidays and Exploring Southern Delaware! Star Your Holiday Shopping at Area Open Houses 4 Sussex County Return Day, Nov. 5th...................10 Schellville adds Grinch’s Lair................................11 30th SEDAST Tour, Nov. 14th $ 15th..................12 28th Rehoboth International Film Fest, Nov. 1st-8th..14 Delaware Heritage Festival, Nov. 7th...................15 Southern Delaware Calendar of Events................16 Southern Delaware Cooking.................................18 Southern Delaware Antique Map..........................20 Southern Delaware Real Estate Section...........24-28 november 2026 I ndex Jim Klinedinst Michelle Klinedinst Publisher/President Vice President Publisher of www.SouthernDelawareVacationPlanner.com www.SouthernDelawareExplorer.com www.CentralDelawareVisitorsGuide.com Composed by Morning Star Publications Mail Your Payment of $24.00 For Each Subscription to: Southern Delaware Publishing P.O.Box 990 Ocean View, DE 19970With the holidays soon to be upon us, area shops will be hosting Holiday open houses to kick off the Holiday shopping season and offer unique gift ideas for your loved ones. Following is a calendar of area oliday open houses and spe- cial events. Plan a shopping trip or weekends to enjoy friendly personal service, free refreshments and special discounts on gift ideas during their Open Houses and special seasonal hours. Many other shops and markets are featured in this issue that offer great gift ideas, however do not have a special day or night planned. Please plan to include a visit to see their Holiday offer- ings as well, when planning your Holiday shopping trips. Nov. 5-8, Nov. 21 & Dec. 5- LawnCare Angels, LLC, 332 Weiner Ave., Harrington, 302-233-3382, lawncareangelsllc.com. The gift & antique shop will be hosting many holiday theme events. On Nov. 5th - 8th the shop will host a Holiday Open House followed by a yard sale(weather permitting) Saturday on Nov. 21st. On Dec. 5th the shop will participate in the Har- rington Holiday Stroll. Nov. 6 - Hudson’s General Store, 34621 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, 302-539-8709, www.hudsonsgeneralstore.com. The shop will host their Christmas Open House from 4-7 p.m. on November 6th. The shop features vintage and retro Christ- mas decorations. Williamsburg-style decorations, Santa Clauses and snowmen, hand made in the United States, as well as Amer- ican-made pewter items. They also have a variety of Christmas candles and potpourris. Nov. 7 & Dec. 5 - The Somerhouse, 34610 Atlantic Ave. Rt. 26, Clarksville, 539-3049. The Somerhouse will be hosting coin appraisal days on the first Sat. of each month from 10 a.m.-2 Page 4SouthernDelawareExplorer.comNovember 2026 Start your Holiday Shopping at Area Holiday Open Houses Follow us on Facebook ~ Email: SimplyCharmingbs@gmail.com 11 Mill S., Wyoming, DE 19934 302-697-6100 Simply Charming that share your passion for decorating and all things vintage. Proprietress Barb Gooden Kim Bomberger Decked Out for the Holidays... Just dripping with Vintage Christmas and Holiday Inspiration. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 to 5 * Sun. 12-4 Small Business Day OPEN Tues.-Sat. 10-5 Sunday 12-4 Closed Holidays Open House Enjoy Sips and Snacks, Holiday Music One-of-a-Kind Vintage Finds Nov. 28 th 10-5 Mark Your Calendar for our Holiday Sip & Shop December 10th from 5-7 p.m. See HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES - page 5 & Parke Green Galleries 325-331 St. State St., Dover 302-674-1787 Located in the Historic Golden Fleece Tavern on The Green Check our Facebook pages @delawareShoppes and @parkeGreenGalleries for updates at Great value and excellent service Large Selection of Delaware Books Join Us! November 27 & 28: Shop Small Special Sale Weekend and every weekend thereafter December 7: Delaware Birthday Party - 17.87% Off Your Entire Purchase and Cake!November 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 5 Holiday Open Houses - from page 4 Two Unique Stores in One Small Town..Bridgeville, DE AT ANTIQUE ALLEY OF BRIDGEVILLE & DOWNTOWN ALLEY Saturday, November 7 th 18208 Sussex Hwy. (Rt. 13) 302 337-3137 112 Market St., 302 956-6984 Fri., Nov. 27th - Black Friday Sales Discounts & “Pick Me Up” Snacks Sat., Nov. 28th - Small Business Saturday Free Gift While Supplies Last Fri., Dec. 11th - Ladies Night Out, 6-8 p.m. at Antique Alley - Door Prizes, Wine & Snacks Fri., Dec. 18th Christmas Cookies Day at Downtown Alley Thurs., Dec. 24th - Closing at 5 p.m. for Christmas Eve A 6,000 sq. ft. store with a unique flair. Local Artisans, Over 35 Individual Small Business. Mix n Match K-Cups, Gourmet Dips, Jellys, Sauces, Bridgeville & Delaware Memorabilia, Alley Pets, Puppy Love A 20,000 sq. ft. shopping mall extravaganza on Rt 13. Easy access and plenty of parking . Over 125 small individual business. Elite Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint Retailer. Visit us today or visit us on facebook to see many of our featured items from our dealers at www.antiquealleyde.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! p.m. as well as offering estate jewelry and many other great gift ideas. Nov. 7 – Orchard Point Market, 9045 Redden Rd, Brid- geville, 302-727-1983, www.tssmithandsons.com. The market will host a Harvest Fest. The day will feature local vendors, delicious food and family fun. Later in November, shop their Holiday décor, Christmas trees and wreaths. Daily you can take home some apple cider, gift baskets, apple cider donuts, fresh baked fruit pies, breads or their famous apple dumplings. Nov. 7 – Small Town Treasures, 123 Pennsylvania Ave., Sea- ford. The shop will host a Re-Grand Opening celebrating their 2 year anniversary from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.Enjoy baked goods, refreshments, new inventory and vendors. Nov. 7 – Antique Alley of Bridgeville, 9121 Antique Alley, 302-337-3137, Downtown Alley, 112 Market St. 302-956-6984, Bridgeville www.antiquealleyde.com. The shops will feature special discounts, door prizes (pictured on the cover), hot choc- olate, giveaways and many more special activities. The shops will also offer Black Friday discounts and pick up snacks on Nov. 27th, Small Business Saturday gifts while supplies last on Nov. 28th, a Ladies Night Out at Antique Alley of Bridgeville on Dec. 11th from 6-8 p.m. with door prizes, wine and snacks and Christmas Cookies Day on Dec. 18th at Downtown Alley. Follow Antique Alley of Bridgeville on Facebook for additional events and details Nov. 13 & 14 – Simply Charming, 11 Mill st.,302-697-6100 in Wyoming. The antique and gift shop will be hosting their annual Holiday Open House featuring door prizes, free refresh- ments and holiday music and specials. Shoppers can select from one of a kind vintage finds, home accessories, gift ideas, antiques and furniture. They will also be hosting a Holiday sip See HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES - page 6Page 6SouthernDelawareExplorer.comNovember 2026 & shop on Dec. 10th where shoppers can browse through the boutiques located throughout the store and enjoy some bever- ages to find the perfect Holiday décor and gifts from 5-7 p.m. Follow them on Facebook. Nov. 14 - Lindenmere Home & Gift Market, 16356 Sussex Highway, Bridgeville, 302-337-3737, facebook.com/lindymkt. The market will be offering beverages, snacks and discounts throughout the day. The shop offers luxe gifts, apparel and jew- elry, Christmas flags and mats, Christmas cards, ornaments and décor, 25 Christmas themed trees and décor, children’s gifts, outdoor décor, flags, wreaths, garland, seasonal candles, orna- ments and many other gift ideas. While visiting check out O.A Newton next door for a large selection of Milwaukee tools and other great gift ideas. Nov. 14 - 2026 Town of Millsboro Holiday Market. The market will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot at Millsboro Town Hall and will feature a variety of gifts, holiday decorations and crafts on display and for sale, as well as food trucks. Visit www.millsboro.org. Nov. 14 - Willey Farms Country market, Gift & Garden Center, 4092 Dupont Hwy., Rt. 13302-378-8441, www.wil- leyfarmsde.com. An easy drive fromDover and beyond, Willey Farms isaDelaware “must visit”. Willey’s has several shops in their Village that feature Christmas décor and gifts as well as fresh cut Christmas trees Thanksgiving week, wreaths, baked goods, hand tied bows and fresh produce. They will be hosting their annual Christmas Open House on Sat., November 14th and will be offering special sales & discounts from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14-15 – 30th annual Southeastern Delaware Artists Holiday Open Houses - from page 5 See HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES - page 7November 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 7 14th 4092 Dupont Parkway (Rt 13), Townsend, DE 19734 willeyfarms.com Studio Tour. A self-guided tour of 13 talented southeastern coastal Sussex artists’ studios, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visit www.artstudiotour.com. Nov. 21- Ole Vintage Finds, 2940 Hammondtown Rd., Har- rington, 302-500-0497. The vintage and antique shop will host a Christmas Open House from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. featuring light refreshments, door prizes and vendor discounts. Visit them on Facebook. Nov. 24- Bethany Sports Cards Plus, 123 Garfield Pkwy., Unit 7, Bethany Beach, 302-537-6330, bethanysportscardsplus. com. The sports cards and collectibles shop will host a Poke- mon trade night from 5-7 p.m. on the 24th at the Christian Church of Bethany Beach Dining Hall. Visit during Bethany’s Dec. weekend wonderland Saturdays and throughout the Holi- days for great gift ideas including vintage and current sports cards, unopened boxes, Pokemon cards, autographed memora- bilia and collectibles. Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 & 19 - Fifers, 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Wyoming, 302-697-2141, www.fifers.com. Fifer Orchards’ Farm Store in Wyoming, is open Mon. through Sat., and closed Sun. offering apples, cider, fall veggies, pumpkins, gourds, apple cider donuts, kettle corn, cider slushies, fresh prepared lunches and more.They will be hosting Donuts with Santa on Saturdays beginning on Nov. 28th through Dec. 19th. They will be offering fresh cut Christmas Trees, wreaths and gift baskets for the Holidays beginning Thanksgiving week. Visit fifers.com for details. Nov. 27, 28 & Dec. 12 - The Mercantile at Milton, 109 Union St., Milton, 302-684-1840 Visit the shop for holiday spe- cials during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Milton’s Holiday Open Houses - from page 6 See HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES - page 8Page 8SouthernDelawareExplorer.comNovember 2026 www.facebook.com/irishrosegiftshop Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-4; Closed Sun. & Mon. “The only Irish shop in Delaware” Holly Festival on Dec. 12th. The shop has over 50 vendors to choose the perfect holiday gift from. Visit them on Facebook. Nov. 27, 28 & Dec. 7 - Delaware Shoppes & Park Green Galleries, 325-331 S. State St., Dover, 302-674-1787, www. delawareshoppes.com, The shops feature local art by N. Taylor Collins as well as other local artists and Delaware themed gifts. They will offer Black Friday/Shop Small Saturday weekend specials on Nov. 27th & 28th and every weekend in December thereafter. Visit on Dec. 7th to celebrate Delaware’s Birthday with a party and 1787% off your entire purchase and cake! 109 Union Street Milton, DE 19968 (302) 664-1840 Shop with us for Unique Gifts Watch their Facebook page for more details. Nov. 27 - Dec. 31- Shop Your Hometown – Central Dela- ware. The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) has partnered with a variety of their retail members for a season-long holiday promotion that focuses on shopping in the Central Delaware community at locally owned and operated businesses. Visit the CDCC website at www.cdcc.net or their Facebook page. Nov. 27-29- Black Cat Antiques, 225 Main St., Millsboro, 302-934-9841. Located in the heart of downtown Millsboro, (across from the House of Modern Living). “Black Cat Friday” Starts on Black Friday and continues through the weekend. Three day sale at Black Friday prices. The largest sale of the year! Start holiday shopping early!The shop will also host a “Candlelight Christmas” on Dec. 4th from 6-9 p.m. featuring a festive evening of candlelight shopping, cookies, Santa, holiday photo area, and great antique deals. Follow them on Facebook for monthly event updates. Nov. 27-28- Black Friday & Small Business Saturday/Shop Small Saturday, Statewide. Support the many fine shops in Southern Delaware that feature unique and handmade gift items and décor, personalized service, special holiday sales and to help area communities by supporting our small businesses. Nov. 28 – Ocean View 8th annual Old Town Holiday Mar- ket, Tree Lighting & Trail of Lights. John West Park, Ocean View. Enjoy unique vendors, train rides, activities for youth, live musical performances, food sales and a visit with Santa from 1 to 5:00 p.m. Rain date Nov. 29. For info call 539-9797 or visit www.oceanviewde.gov/EventsinthePark. Dec. 3 - Lewes Hospitality Night, 5-8 p.m. Lewes Mer- chants host evening shopping with complimentary refreshments in downtown Lewes from 5- 8 p.m. For more info, call 877- 465-3937 or visit leweschamber.com. See HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES - page 9November 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 9 Tuesday, November 24 • 5–7 PM Christian Church of Bethany Beach Tabernacle Dining Hall BethanySportsCardsPlus.com (302) 537-6330 123 Garfield Parkway, Unit 7 | BETHANY BEACH, DE Mon-Thu 10-4 | Fri & Sat 10-6 | Sunday 10-1 HOLIDAY GIFTS | RARE FINDS | FAN FAVORITES SOMETHING FOR EVERY COLLECTOR Holiday Open Houses - from page 8 Dec. 4- 5- Holiday Village & Market at Historic Lewes & 53rd annual Holiday House Tour. Start your holiday shop- ping on Dec. 4th with unique gifts from vetted local artisans while enjoying First Friday Tavern festivities, outdoor fires, and seasonal cheer from 4-7 p.m. 110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes. Continue your holiday shopping and also take advan- tage of the wonderful Holiday Greens sale at the Barn! Join the Lewes Historical Society for the wonderful annual Holiday House Tour of Lewes where you’ll be welcomed into some of Lewes’s most charming private homes, beautifully decorated for the season. 9:30-3 p.m. For more information, visit www. historiclewes.org/events/ Dec. 5 - Irish Rose Gift Shop, 42 N. Walnut St., downtown Milford, 491-4125, www.irishrosegiftshop.com. The shop will be offering specials December 5th during Milford’s Downtown Holiday Stroll. The shop features great gift ideas from Ireland including sweaters, wool hats, ornaments, Santa’s, snowmen, angels, Christmas cards and much more. Dec. 5 – 50th annual Christmas in Bridgeville Craft Show, presented by the Bridgeville Historical Society. The crafts show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Woodbridge Middle School in Bridgeville, featuring over 80 vendors. Admission is free. Lunch and chances are available. For info call 302-337-7784. Dec. 5, 12, 19 - Weekend Wonderland in Bethany. Every Saturday in December prior to Christmas, shoppers and visitors can take advantage of great shopping, fun activities, visits and brunch with Santa & trolley tours. Visit thequietresorts.com. Dec. 12 – Annual Milton Holly Festival. The Milton Cham- ber will host its annual Holly Festival in the Milton Elementary and H.O. Brittingham Elementary schools featuring over 100 vendors. Visit miltonchamberde.org/events/Next >