Enjoy A Visit to Area Farms and Farm Markets VOL. 31 NO. 5 - Memorial Day/June 2026COMPLIMENTARY Use your phone photo app to read this issue 30 th Year Highlighting Southern Delaware’s Treasures 11th Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival 14th Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash Millsboro’s Stars & Stripes Event Kicks Off Area’s DE250 Celebrations Explorer Southern Delaware Attractions and Events Magazine Shopping • Antiques • Area Map • Events • Real Estate Now Featuring Southern Delaware Real Estate SectionPage 2SouthernDelawareExplorer.comMemorial Day/June 2026 For Information: (302) 515-0001 ext. 1162 cheerde.com/cruise-in FREE to Participate and Sightsee. Bring Your Car! Model Car Show in Activity Center!Donations Accepted June 10 th Wednesday 4:30 - 7:30 pm Milton CHEER Activity Center 24855 Broadkill Road Milton, DE 19968 Greenwood CHEER Activity Center 41 Schulze Road Greenwood, DE 19950 June 25 th Thursday 4:30 - 7:30 pm JUMBO Hot Dog, Baked Beans, Chips & Drink $5 Cruise-In Cruise-InMemorial Day/June 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 3 Welcome to Southern Delaware’s Summer Season Vol. 31 No. 5 Southern Delaware ExplorerMemorial Day/June 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 unofficial start to the summer season in Southern Delaware begins every Memorial Day Weekend. With warmer weather upon us it is the perfect time to attend the many outdoor events and programs planned dur- ing Memorial Day weekend and June. Take time during Memorial Day weekend to remember those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice or are no longer with us. See the calendar beginning on page 9 for Memorial Day weekend events. The Bowers Beach Museum will be hosting their 14th annual Buccaneer Bash on May 23rd & 24th. The Town of Bethany will be hosting their 11th annual Poseidon Festival throughout Memorial Day weekend, beginning on May 22nd and concluding on May 25th as well as a Bandstand Songwriter Showcase on May 29th- May 31st, a Craft Show on June 6th and weekly Bandstand concerts beginning on June 11th. Other June events include the Lewes Historical Society’s 19th annual Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival on June 6th & 7th, the 69th edition of Selbyville’s Old Timer’s Day on Saturday, June 20th, the 35th and the Lewes Garden Tour scheduled for June 20th, and the 25th annual Milton Garden Tour on June 27th. The Town of Millsboro and the Millsboro Chamber of 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 Commerce kick off the area Independence Day celebrations with their annual Stars & Stripes event with many new activities on June 27th. There are many other events scheduled throughout Memorial Day weekend and during the month of June which can be found in our calendar. Area Farms and Farm Markets offer many opportunities to be outside and enjoy local fruits, vegetables and plants. See page 18 for a variety of area farms and markets to explore. As always, you will find many unique places to shop, eat, and visit in this issue. Thanks in advance for mentioning that you read about them in the Explorer. Look for July 4th event information and July events in the July issue at area newsstands the week of June 22nd and online at southerndelawareexplorer.com. You can sign up for a free digital subscription by emailing us at delawareex- plorer@gmail.com to receive an email when our free issues are posted online. Like or follow the Explorer on Facebook to see our daily updates at Facebook.com/SouthernDelawareExplorerMa- gazine. Until then, Hope you Have a safe Memorial Day week- end and Have Fun Exploring Southern Delaware! 14th Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash, May 23rd & 24th......... 4 Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival, May 22-25..........................5 4th Annual Bethany Beach Songwriter Showcase....................6 20th Bethany Beach Craft Show Returns June 6th ..................7 Milton Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival, May 23rd ............. 8 Milton Garden Tour, June 27th..................................................8 Southern Delaware Calendar of Events.....................................9 19th LHS Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Fest, June 6th & 7th ....10 Coastal DE Restaurant week....................................................11 69th Selbyville Old Timer’s Day Car Show, June 20th..........12 35th Lewes Garden Tour.................................................................................12 Seaford Historical Society Summer Events............................15 Millsboro Stars & Stripes Festival, June 27th.........................16 Enjoy A Summer Visit to Area Farms & Farm Markets.........18 Southern Delaware Cooking ...................................................23 Antiquing in Southern DelawareAtrractions Locator Map.....26 Southern Delaware Real Estate Section.............................27-32 M eMorialday / june 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.comMemorial Day/June 2026 Celebrate USA’s 250th at the 14th annual Bowers Beach Buc- caneer Bash, to be held on May 23rd- 24th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Watermen’s Park, Bowers Beach. This family friendly festival will feature interactive living his- tory demonstrations, traditional colonial crafts, and a live cannon line. Children can interact with pirates, take part in a treasure hunt on the beach, and engage in a scavenger hunt that takes them throughout the pirate camp and to the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum. Attendees will also enjoy craft, food, and beverage vendors, plus three stages of sea shanties, pirate rock, and swash- buckling pirate fun. Join in the golf cart contest and interact with Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash, May 23-24 the animals of the Little Farm Petting Zoo. There is something for everyone at this handicapped accessible event. Afterwards, on the big stage, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., attend a concert by Kurt Stevens. Bring a chair and enjoy a trip to Mar- garitaville. The Bowers Beach Maritime Museum opens for the season. The museum will be open on both days of the festival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. as part of the Scavenger Hunt. Follow the Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash, and the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum on Facebook or call 302-222-6341 for more information. Upcoming Events! LawnCare Angels Antique & Gift Shop LLC 302-233-3382 May 18-22 - Summer Open House Come by to see our NEW summer products May 23 - Memorial Day “Plant Swap” Customers bring a plant to swap with other customers. Call for details. May 25 - Memorial Day - Closed June 10-20 - Father’s Day Raffle For every purchase made receive an entry for a lucky father gift basket drawing. June 13 - Succelents Class 1 to 3 pm Call for details June 20 - Yard Sale Day Call to register for a spot June 27 -Vintage Birdfeeder Class2 to 4 pm Call to register 332 Weiner Ave., Harrington, DE lawncareangelsllc.com lawncareangelsllc@outlook.com Shop On-Line Pickup in Store: lawncareangelsantiqueandgiftshop.com Vegetable Plants Arriving Daily 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! www.antiquealleyde.com BOTH LOCATIONS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! TWO UNIQUE STORES IN ONE SMALL TOWN - BRIDGEVILLE, DELAWARE Celebrate Summer Our shops are filled with Summer Decor and Gift Ideas for Dad Sunday, June 21 st Father’s Day Specials Free Gift for Dads while supplies last. Both locationsMemorial Day/June 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 5 The Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival returns Memorial Day Weekend, May 22nd–25th to downtown Bethany Beach, bringing four days of live music, oceaninspired entertainment, family activities, and a meaningful Memorial Day observance to the heart of town. The festival celebrates Bethany Beach’s coastal culture with performances, immersive experiences, and educational programming for all ages. The festival kicks off Friday evening, May 22nd, with a live performance by Jah Works from 7:30–9:00 p.m. at the Bandstand. Jah Works sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, May 23rd–24th, the Bandstand Plaza transforms into a maritime wonderland withPirates on the Plaza and Mermaid Mania. Visitors can experience swashbuckling pirate sword demonstrations, learn about life on the high seas, and meet live mermaids. A Costume Parade and Contest on Saturday, May 23rd, from 2:00–2:30 p.m. invites guests of all ages to dress as pirates or mermaids and parade from the boardwalk to the Bandstand stage. Live music continues throughout the weekend, starting Saturday with the CAISO Steel Band at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., bringing vibrant Caribbean sounds to the stage, followed Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival, May 22-25 • 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 Poseidon The Town of Bethany Beach PRESENTS 2026 WWW.TOWNOFBETHANYBEACH.COM Celebrating the sea and inspiring ocean awareness with live music, pirates, mermaids, & more! Scan or visit our website for a full schedule of events! SeeBETHANY BEACH POSEIDON FESTIVAL - page 7Page 6SouthernDelawareExplorer.comMemorial Day/June 2026 Bethany Beach Songwriters Showcase The Town of Bethany Beach will host its 4th Annual Song- writer Showcase on the Bandstand from May 29–31, 2026, fea- turing three evenings of original music written and performed by artists with strong regional and national ties. Performances run nightly from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and are free to the public. Launched in 2022, the Songwriter Showcase was created to celebrate the depth and diversity of original music talent in Delaware and surrounding states. “When I ask people why they haven’t attended, I often hear, ‘it’s not my thing,’” said Julie Malewski, Events Director. “My goal is to help audiences appreciate original music and the creative process behind it.” Continuing the tradition of stylistic variety, the 2026 lineup highlights artists across Americana, roots, country, soul, and rock. Friday, May 29th features The 19th Street Band, a high- energy Americana group known for rich vocal harmonies and driving rhythms that blend hillbilly, gypsy rock, and roots music. The band has performed at major festivals across the U.S. and abroad, tours Ireland and the U.K. annually, and is celebrated for its infectious, crowd-pleasing shows—showcas- ing artistry shaped by a full-time pursuit of music. Saturday, May 30th presents a Writers Round with Craig Bickhardt, Sarah Williams, and Faith Noel, offering audiences an intimate look at the stories behind the songs. Each artist will perform six songs with brief introductions. Bickhardt, a veteran of the Showcase, will again lead the round. A Nashville song- writing mainstay since the 1980s, Bickhardt’s work has been recorded by artists including Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, and The Judds. He also wrote and performed the closing theme for the Academy Award–winning film Tender Mercies. Joining him is Sarah Williams, a Nashville-based singer- songwriter and pianist whose sound blends country, soul, and rock influences inspired by 1970s icons such as Carole King and Gregg Allman. Williams has released multiple albums and previously formed the pop duo Sarah & Lindsay. Faith Noel, the third artist of the evening, is a rising Nashville recording artist recognized for her powerful vocals and multi-instrumen- tal performances. She has performed with bluegrass legend Rhonda Vincent, earned multiple industry awards and nomina- Bands & Tributes Family Nights Special Events Something for everyone! Thursdays in June; Thursdays & Saturdays in July & August; Fridays & Saturdays in September. Wednesdays in July feature family focused acts designed especially for our younger audiences. More than just music. See variety acts & extended schedules in July, August, & October 2026 Seaside Concert Series Scan for the full schedule Anglers Fishing Center Lewes Charter Boats - Anglers Party & Head Boat - Pirate King II Charter Boat Kids Shark Fishing Trips, Daily 2:30. Call to Reserve http://www.anglersfishingcenter.com/ 213 Anglers Rd Next to Lewes Harbour Marina Lewes, DE 302-644-4533 Cell: 302-745-5576 SeeBETHANY BEACH SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE - page 11Memorial Day/June 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 7 The Bethany Beach Seaside Craft Show returns for its 20th year on Saturday, June 6th. The time has changed back to its original schedule of 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This nation- ally recognized event will feature over 100 juried artisans in diverse media including wood, jewelry, pottery, glass, and more. Sponsored by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee, the show will take place along the boardwalk, bandstand area, Garfield Parkway, Hollywood Street, and Parkwood Street. The Joe Baione Trio will perform jazz standards from 11 – 3 p.m. on the Bandstand. To see a list of participating artisans and to be informed of weather announcements regarding the show, visit the Town’s website: www.townofbethanybeach.com under Activities, Seaside Craft Show. The show is rain or shine. 20th Annual Bethany Beach Craft Show, June 6th by Delmarva’s premier yacht rock band, 3 Hour Tour, performing smooth hits of the ’70s and ’80s at 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening. Earlier that day, beachgoers can catch the Super Jam Bash from 5:30–7:00 p.m. on the beach off Garfield Avenue, hosted by Bethany Surf Shop with skimboard and bodyboard demonstrations by pro riders. Sunday, May 24th, emphasizes ocean awareness with handson learning from 1:00–5:00 p.m. New Logic Marine Science offers interactive exploration of sharks, fossils, and marine giants, while M.E.R.R. (Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute) highlights marine mammal and sea turtle rescue efforts. Live beach music continues with the Chris Sacks Band at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., followed by a First Responder Meet & Greet from 5:30–7:00 p.m. and an evening concert by the Chad Frick Band at 7:30 p.m., whose coastalinspired sound reflects life at the Delaware beaches. Bethany Beach 20th Annual townofbethanybeach.com 10 am - 5:00 pm on the Boardwalk Sat, June 6, 2026 Seaside Craft Show Featuring an array of vendors in this juried fine crafts show sponsored by the Bethany Beach Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee. Music by Joe Baione Trio 11 am - 3 pm Dinker-Irvin Museum JUNE - SEPTEMBER OPEN MON, WED, FRI 10 AM - NOON Discover the history behind these walls. 318 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE (across from Central Park) Bethany Beach Poseidon Fest from page 5 The weekend concludes Monday, May 25, at 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Day Service hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. For more info visit www.townofbethanybeach.com/261/ Bandstand.Page 8SouthernDelawareExplorer.com Memorial Day/June 2026 25th Annual Milton Garden Tour Tickets: $20 in advance or $25 the day of the tour. Pre-Tour tickets available at: Pepper’s Greenhouse, The Mercantile at Milton, Lewes Gourmet & Puzzles, and Bella Terra Landscape & Garden Center. On the day of the tour, at the ticket booth at the Milton Historical Society at 210 Union Street Milton DE www.themiltongardenclub.org Saturday, June 27 9 am - 2 pm 6 private gardens and 1 public community garden Save the Date! Saturday, May 23 rd 2026 NATURE •FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES• PETTING ZOO 60 LOCAL VENDORS• FOOD TRUCKS INFORMATIONAL BOOTHS INCLUDING PRIME HOOK REFUGE, DUPONT NATURE CENTER AND MUCH MORE! Visit MiltonChamberde.org ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Southern Delaware Tourism, Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub, The Nitan Soni Group, Saltwater Roots Events, NV & Ryan Homes, Dogfish Head, Milton Theatre Hosted by August 22nd: Broadkill Bash & Great Duck Race Join the Milton Chamber of Commerce for the 22nd Annu- al award-winningHorseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd. Always FREE for all that attend, this year’s festival will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Milton Memorial Park. The Chamber invites residents and visitors to Milton for a day of fun, shopping, learning, entertainment, and dining. Expect to see educational booths from Prime Hook NWR, the Delaware Center for Inland Bays and the DuPont Nature Center, over 60 local vendors, food trucks, entertainment, kayaking, and a petting zoo to entertain the children. Local’s favorite, the Milton Lions Club will be running the Milton Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival, May 23rd ever-popular Milton Clipper Express train in Memorial Park once again The festival is sponsored by the Milton Chamber of Com- merce, Southern Delaware Tourism, Dogfish Head, Irish Eyes Restaurant and Pub, The Nitan Soni Group, Saltwater Roots Events, NV Homes, Ryan Homes, and the Milton Theatre. For more information, follow The Greater Milton Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiltonDelawareChamber at miltonchamberde.org or by emailing info@miltoncham- berde.org. Milton Garden Tour, June 27th The Milton Garden Club’s annual garden tour will take place from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th. The self-guided tour will highlight six private gardens and one public community gar- den where residents have plots and primarily grow vegetables. Club President Ingrid Bogen, garden tour co-chair said, “The Milton Garden Club welcomes guests to our 25th Annual Garden Tour. There will be a variety of gardens including acres of regis- tered daylilies, pollinator and vegetable gardens, a tropical garden with palm trees and a meadow garden. There are many native plants for bees, butterflies, and birds. Also featured are two new gardens showing what can be done with small spaces.” A feature of the Milton Garden Tour is the fact that the garden owners are available in their gardens to answer questions. Artists and vendors will be selling their wares and creations. The garden club will have baked goods and plants for sale and a very special raffle. This will be a flower pot of “gifts” and gift cards to local nurseries and garden centers. This raffle is on-going and the win- ner will be drawn at Hollyfest on Saturday, December 12th. SeeMILTON GARDEN TOUR - page 13 Antiques Artisans Gifts A unique shop located in the heart of historic downtown Milton, DE. 55 dealers who are stocked with wonderful antiques, gifts, jewelry, vintage items, art, beach décor, and so much more! 109 Union Street Milton, DE 19968 (302) 664-1840 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK 11 AM TO 5 PMMemorial Day/June 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 9 www.facebook.com/irishrosegiftshop Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-4; Closed Sun. & Mon. “The only Irish shop in Delaware” doors open at Noon 7/4 3 bands kicking off w/ The Funsters Los Amigos del Jefe Mike Hines & The Look Food & Craft Vendors Fireworks Southern Delaware Calendar We suggest visiting the listed websites or calling to verify the most up-to- date information before visiting. Tues. May 19-June 30 - Finding Their Voices: The History & Legacy of the African American Community in Lewes, Tuesdays April -Oct., 4–5 p.m. This 60-minute tour highlights and celebrates the history and accomplishments of an often overlooked and diverse community in Lewes. Tickets cost $20.00 and are available online at historiclewes.org/tours May 19 – 22 - UD By the Sea - A Four Day OLLI Event in Rehoboth Beach. Kick off your summer with a fun learning event at UD by the Sea! Designed by and for OLLI members, UD by the Sea provides OLLI members and guests with programming, activities and social time in Rehoboth Beach. Registration is open to the public, as well as all past and current OLLI members and guests at the Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center, Rehoboth Beach. Visit www.olli.udel.edu/ud-by-the-sea for more info. Wed. May 20 thru Sept. 9- Milton Concerts in the Park.7 p.m., Milton Memorial Park. Visit www.milton.delaware.gov/ Wed. -Sat. May 20-June 27 - Lewes History Highlights Walking Tours. 11:00 a.m., select days starting at 110 Shipcarpenter Street. Explore key moments in Lewes’ 300-year story that shaped the character of this First Town in the First State. Admission is $10.00, and tickets must be purchased online before the tour’s scheduled start time. Sussex Tavern on the Shipcarpenter Street Campus. Call 302-645-7076 or visit www.historiclewes.org/tours/ to reserve your spot. Wed. & Sun. May 20-June 28 - Lewes Legends Evening Walking Tours. Wed. & Sun. Step into Lewes’s haunted history on this 90-minute walking tour, where legend and reality blur. Discover eerie tales of the 1631 settlement massacre, the unknown sailors’ cemetery, and hauntings at the Ryves Holt House and the Cannonball House—one of Delaware’s most haunted sites. 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m. April-Oct. Call 302-645-7076 or visit www.historiclewes.org/ tours/ to reserve your spot. May 21—Canalside Happy Hour. Lightship Overfalls (LV118) at Lewes Canalfront Park from 5–6:30 p.m. with live music. Visit overfalls.org. May 21, 30, June 4, 18, July 2,11, 16, Aug., 6,8, 20, Sept. 3,12,17—The HMS DeBraak Tours. Tours include an opportunity to see remnants of this unique 18th century shipwreck. Contact the Zwaanendael Museum for more details. Call 302-645-1148 or email zmuseum@delaware.gov Thurs. thru Sat. - Walking Tours of the Dover Green. Unreserved walking tours of Historic Dover led by historical interpreters in period clothing are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and leave from the John Bell House, 43 on The Green. For more information visit www. destateparks.com/park/first-state-heritage/ or call 302-739-9194. May 22- Town of Fenwick Island Memorial Day Ceremony. The event features patriotic tributes remembers the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service at 5:30 p.m. in the Fenwick Island Town Park, 800 Coastal Hwy. May 22, June 12 & 26 - 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 May 22-25 - Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival. Celebrate the sea with island-inspired entertainment while learning to prepare for potential coastal emergencies.Activities include live music, pirates, mermaids, marine sci- entists & more at the Bethany Bandstand! For updates contact the Town of Bethany Beach at 302-539-8011 or visit www.townofbethanybeach.com May 23 - Annual Milton Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival. Celebrat- ing nature in Milton. This festival usually celebrates horseshoe crabs and migrating shorebirds, long considered by many to be a natural wonder of the Delaware Bay. Activities include craft vendors, kid’s activities, nature explora- See SOUTHERN DE CALENDAR - page 22Next >