Celebrate Bethany Beach’s 125th & DE250 Founder’s Day Weekend VOL. 31 NO. 8 - September 2026COMPLIMENTARY Use your phone photo app to read this issue 48th Nanticoke Indian Powwow 48th Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival Explorer Southern Delaware Attractions and Events Magazine Now Featuring Southern Delaware Real Estate Shopping H Antiques H Area Map H Events H Homes 30 th Year Highlighting Southern Delaware’s Treasures 26th Milford Riverwalk Freedom FestivalPage 2SouthernDelawareExplorer.com September 2026 Visit Isaacs’ Farms & Market Isaacs’ Farms & Markets 20980 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE (Between Rt. 9 & 404) CALL FOR CURRENT HOURS 302.856.7245 FALL PRODUCE & PUMPKINS COMING SOON! Choose From Our Large Selection of Fresh Local Fruits, Vegetables and Melons Flowering Plants Perennials Mums 112 Market St. BRIDGEVILLE 302 956-6984 18208 Sussex Hwy. BRIDGEVILLE 02 337-3137 20,000 sq. ft. shopping mall extravaganza on Route 13.Easy access and plenty of Free parking. 6,000 sq. ft. store located in downtown Bridgeville filled with unique flair and plenty of Free Parking! BOTH LOCATIONS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Red Tag Every item with a Red Tag will be 50% Off! August 16 th - 31 st Sat., Sept. 12 th Fall Open House At Downtown Alley Enjoy Specials & Refreshments! TWO UNIQUE STORES IN ONE SMALL TOWN - BRIDGEVILLE, DELAWARE www.antiquealleyde.com SeeSOUTHERN DELAWARE CALENDAR - page 12 Southern Delaware Calendar of Events We suggest visiting the listed websites or calling to verify the most up-to-date information before visiting. Now-Sept. 6- Biggs Museum Member’s Show. The Biggs2026Members’ Showcelebrates the artists who make up our creative community, highlighting the talent, perspectives, and artistic practices of the individuals who help shape The Biggs. Free admission. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 federal St., Dover. Visit www.thebiggsmuseum.org or call 302-674-2111. Aug. 13, 27 – Town of Ocean View Concerts in the Park, 6:00 p.m-8 p.m. at John West Park, Ocean View. Aug. 13-West of One, Aug. 27-Charlie & the Cool Tones. For info call 302-539-9797 or visit www.oceanviewde.gov/EventsinthePark. Aug. 14 & 28, Sept.11, 25, Oct. 9, 23 - Revolutionary Lewes Walking Tour. This 90-minute walking tour explores Lewes’ role in the American Revolution at 6 p.m.$15, 110 Shipcarpenter Street, Lewes. Visit www.historiclewes.org/tours Aug. 17-31 – Red Tag Sale Days 50% off deals at Antique Alley of Bridgeville, 18208 Sussex Hwy., Bridgeville and Down- town Alley of Bridgeville, 112 Market St. Call 302-337-3137 or visit antiquealleyde.com. Aug. 16-Oct. 25- Historic Lewes Architecture Tour. Explore five centuries of Lewes architecture on this one-hour evening walk- ing tour Sundays at 6 p.m. featuring the exteriors of historic homes, September 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 3 Variety of Events and slower pace make September the perfect time to enjoy Southern Delaware Vol. 31 No. 8 Southern Delaware ExplorerSeptember 2026 Keep UpWith What’s Happening in Southern Delaware! 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 fast pace of summer is almost over in Southern Delaware. Weekends will remain busy through Christmas, thanks to the many festivals, events, scenic outdoors and shopping opportunities. Labor Day is the unofficial kickoff to the fall festival season with many weekends having several events taking place at the same time. Bethany Beach will celebrate the town’s 125th anniversary with a variety of events includ- ing concerts, their postponed July 4th parade and a fire- works and drone show. See page 4 for info. The Bethany Beach Boardwalk will be full of arts and crafts the following Saturday during the 48th annual Bethany Boardwalk Arts Festival on Sept. 12th. See page 6 for info. The Nanticoke Indian tribe is preparing for their 48th Powwow celebration, which is now held at Hudson Fields off Coastal Highway near Milton. The Powwow will be held on Sept. 12th & 13th. See page 7. The 26th Milford Riverwalk “Freedom” Festival returns with a variety of activities throughout the day 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 planned on Sept. 26th concluding with a fantastic fire- works display. See page 9 for info. The Delaware Seafood Festival will once again be held at Schellville this year also on September 19th. See page 11. The Lewes Historical Society has a variety of tours and events planned this fall. See page 16 for details. Our Fall Golf Guide beginning on page 20 highlights the many challenging courses in and around Southern Delaware. Our October issue will be available at southerndela- wareexplorer.com and throughout Delaware the week of Sept. 21st. To receive an update when the October issue and future issues are published online and available email us at delawareexplorer@gmail.com. Like or follow the Explorer on Facebook to see our daily updates at Facebook.com/SouthernDelawareEx- plorerMagazine. Until then, have a safe Labor Day and have fun Explor- ing Southern Delaware! Southern Delaware Calendar of Events...........................2 Bethany Beach Founder’s Day events Labor Day weekend4 48th Bethany Boardwalk Arts Festival, Sept. 12th..........6 48th Nanticoke Indian Powwow, Sept. 12th & 13th.......7 26th Milford Riverwalk Freedom Festival, Sept. 19th....8 Delaware Seafood Festival, Sept. 19th..........................11 Lewes Historical Society Fall & Holiday Events..........16 Southern Delaware Cooking .........................................18 Southern Delaware Fall Golf Guide..............................20 Southern Delaware Antique Map...................................24 Southern Delaware Locator Map...................................26 Southern Delaware Real Estate Section...................27-32 SEPTEMBER 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 19970Page 4SouthernDelawareExplorer.comSeptember 2026 The Town of Bethany Beach is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate a historic milestone as the commu- nity commemorates its 125th anniversary with two special events highlighting the Town’s rich history, enduring tradi- tions, and community spirit. Since its founding in 1901, Bethany Beach has welcomed generations of families seeking relaxation, connection, and the simple pleasures of a seaside retreat. While the Town has grown and evolved over the years, its commitment to family-friendly recreation and a strong sense of community remains as vibrant as ever. “We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the found- ing of Bethany Beach and the sense of community that con- tinues to define our town,” said Mayor Ron Calef. The centerpiece of the anniversary celebration will be Founders Day Weekend, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 4th–7th. The event will mark Bethany Beach’s 125th birthday while also recognizing America’s 250th anniversary, creating a unique joint 125/250 celebra- tion honoring both milestones. The weekend will showcase the pride, patriotism, and traditions that define Bethany Beach, including the return of the beloved Independence Day Parade, which was post- poned in July due to extreme heat. The parade will retain its original theme, “Stars, Stripes, and Shorelines”. Attendees can also enjoy three evenings of free entertain- Celebrate Bethany Beach’s 125th Anniversary at Bethany’s Founder’s Day Weekend, Sept. 4th-7th ment at the Bandstand, each celebrating a different era of iconic American music. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 4th: Local favorite Love Seed Mama Jump opens the festivities with an energetic mix of classic and modern rock. Saturday, September 5th: The Jimmies take audiences back to the 1980’s with their crowd-pleasing 80’s Flashback show. Sunday, September 6th: Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis brings the weekend’s concert series to a close with hits span- ning the 1950’s through the 1970’s. Following Sunday evening’s performance, spectators will enjoy a spectacular drone and fireworks display, co- sponsored by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Com- merce and Southern Delaware Tourism. The rescheduled Independence Day Parade will step off at noon on Sunday, September 6th, following its tradi- tional route through downtown Bethany Beach. Information regarding float registration will be announced soon. The celebration concludes on Monday, September 7th (Labor Day) with the 41st Annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This cherished New Orleans- style procession, accompanied by Dixieland jazz musicians, traditionally marks the close of summer and welcomes Bethany Beach’s anticipated “second season.” See BETHANY’S 125TH ANNIV. WKD. - page 5September 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 5 Bethany’s 125th Anniv. Wkd.- from page 4 The Town’s second anni- versary event, A Passport to the Past, will take place on Saturday, September 19th, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Dinker-Irvin Cottage. Co- hosted by the Bethany Beach Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee, the event is designed as an interac- tive and flexible, come-and- go experience that invites participants to explore the town’s history through seven themed Experience Zones. Guests will receive a commemorative passport and collect stamps as they visit each area: Welcome Plaza, Activity Village, Jazz Porch, Walk Through 125 Years, Garden Party, Storytelling Tent and His- tory Scavenger Hunt. Visitors may participate in activities in any order while enjoying continuous music, entertainment, historical exhib- its, and family-friendly programming throughout the after- noon. “These celebrations offer a unique opportunity to honor Bethany Beach’s charming history, celebrate its place in America’s story, and envision what’s to come,” said Events Director Julie Malewski. For additional event details and updates, visit www. townofbethanybeach.com.Page 6SouthernDelawareExplorer.comSeptember 2026 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 TH bethanybeachartsfestival.com @bethanybeachartsfestival TM Where the Beach is the Backdrop • One short block to the beach • 63 Upgraded Efficiency Units with stove & refrig. • Walking distance to fine shops & restaurants • Color cable TV • Heat & air conditioning • Private balconies • Swimming pool • Launderette for guests • Private off-street parking Reserve on-line: www.fenwickislander.com (302) 539-2333 or 877-235-8923 Ocean Highway & S. Carolina Ave., Fenwick Island,DE 19944 Newly Renovated and Upgraded FULLY RENOVATED ROOMS IN 2024-25 Bethany Boardwalk Arts Fest The Bethany- Fenwick Area Chamber of Com- merce presents the 2026 Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival, to be held on Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For nearly fifty years, this event has hosted over 100 juried artists annually to showcase and sell their work along the boardwalk and streets of Bethany Beach. Artists showcase an array of mediums including paintings, pho- tography, woodwork, metalwork, clay, and jewelry, all against the beautiful backdrop of the beach. The festival kicks off on Friday, September 11th at the Meet the Artists of Gallery One Reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Gallery One and sponsored by Delaware Division of the Arts, guests are invited enjoy an evening with the studio’s 16 talented partners, wine tastings by Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery, and lite fare by Taste Events. This event is RSVP-only and See BETHANY BOARDWALK ARTS FEST- page 10September 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 7 48th Nanticoke Indian Powwow, Sept. 12th & 13th Hudson Fields of Milton is proud to once again host The Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s 48th Annual Powwow on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th. The Powwow grounds are located at Hudson Fields, 30045 Eagle Crest Road in Milton. Powwow grounds open at 10:00 a.m., and Grand Entry with a parade of dancers on Saturday will be at 12:00 noon. Sunday morning begins with a Worship Service at 9:00 a.m.; Grand Entry on Sun- day is at noon. This event closes each day at 6:00 p.m. Vendors for food, jewelry, souvenirs, arts and crafts, beadwork, leather, and regalia supplies are expected. A kids’ corner will have face painting and make and take crafts. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 11 to 17, and free for children under 10. Shuttles will be avail- able in the parking lot to bring people to the entrance both days. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the weekend. Sponsors who are helping to make this year’s Powwow a success are: Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs, Chuck Hall Insurance and Financial Services, Inc., Dela- ware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Short’s Marine, Beebe Healthcare, Community Bank, Complete Tree Care, Inc., County Bank, Sussex County Council, Mountaire Cares, Allen Harim, Inc., Parker Block Co., as well as many other sponsors of advertisements within our 2026 Powwow Book. The Nanticoke Indian Association is grate- fully accepting further contributions to the event. Please call 302-945-3400 or email info@nanticokeindians.org if you might be interested. The Nanticoke Indians are the native people of lower Delaware. Today there are approximately 700 members of the Nanticoke Indian Association and more than 2,000 peo- ple who can trace their heritage back to the Tribe. For more information about the Nanticoke, go to www.nanticokeIn- dians.org or the Facebook page “Nanticoke Indian Tribe.”Page 8SouthernDelawareExplorer.com September 2026 SeeMILFORD FREEDOM FEST- page 9 www.facebook.com/irishrosegiftshop Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-4; Closed Sun. & Mon. “The only Irish shop in Delaware” 26th Milford Riverwalk Freedom Festival The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford is excit- ed to announce the return of one of Delaware’s most anticipated community celebrations: the 26th Annual Riverwalk Freedom Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 19th. For 26 years, the Riverwalk Freedom Festival has brought thousands of residents and visitors together to cel- ebrate patriotism, community, and everything that makes Greater Milford special. From cherished family traditions to exciting new experiences, this year’s festival promises a full day of entertainment, local businesses, delicious food, and Milford’s only annual fireworks spectacular. As the Chamber continues to evolve under new leader- ship, this year’s festival reflects a renewed focus on creating meaningful experiences that connect generations, celebrate local businesses, and bring fresh energy to the City of Mil- ford. “Community events should do more than entertain—they should create memories, strengthen local businesses, inspire connection, and leave a lasting impact on everyone who attends,” said Jasmine Castañeda, Executive Director of the September 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 9 Milford Freedom Fest- from page 8 2940 Hammondtown Rd., Harrington 302-500-0497 olevintagefinds@yahoo.com Local Artisans • Home Decor Unique Gifts & More! FALL OPEN HOUSE September 12th, 10-5 Food, Door Prizes & Specials CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE November 21st, 10-5 Food, Door Prizes & Specials Visit Us at parsonsfarmsproduce.com or on facebook.com/parsonsfarmproduce/ VISIT PARSONS FOR FALL PRODUCE! Our fully stocked FARM MARKET has all your favorites. Fresh Baked Goods BAKED HERE DAILY ENJOY OUR PETTING ZOO, TOO! Bring the Kids and visit our Goat Mountain where you can feed our goats! Stop by to see Bob the Bull! Christmas Trees, Wreaths and Gifts in Nov. & De c Come Visit Our Cafe! 30381 Armory Rd., Dagsboro 302 732-3336 New Coastal Highway Location 9598 Coastal Hwy., Milford Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford. “Whether this is your very first Riverwalk Freedom Festival or you’ve cel- ebrated with us for the past 25 years, we want this event to be one you look forward to every year and one that reminds you why Milford is such a special place to live, work, and visit.” Attendees can look forward to many returning favorites, including: The Southern Delaware Street Rods Car Show, The Duck Dash on the Mispillion River, Patriotic Pet Park, Kids Corner with family-friendly activities, a marketplace featuring local businesses, artisans, food vendors, and local organizations and nonprofits, Live entertainment throughout the day in Bicentennial Park featuring talented local bands, Milford’s signature fireworks display to close out an unfor- gettable evening & MORE! The Riverwalk Freedom Festival continues to be one of the Chamber’s largest annual fundraisers and one of Greater Milford’s most impactful community events. Festival Chair Angela Dorey of Dorey Insurance & Financial Services has helped guide the festival for nearly 15 years, helping trans- form it into the signature celebration it is today. The Chamber invites businesses, organizations, and com- munity members to become part of this exciting tradition by volunteering, becoming a sponsor, or joining us for an unforgettable day of community celebration. For sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, vendor registration, or event updates, contact the Chamber at 302-422-3344 or email milford@milfordchamber.com. You can also follow the Chamber on Instagram and TikTok at @ccgm.de and the Riverwalk Freedom Festival Facebook page for the latest festival announcements and updatesNext >