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Upon entering the city of Lewes, one would wish
that they could capture all of its charming ambiance, put it in a bottle and
keep it forever, opening it up when needed, to recapture the serene feeling it
provides. Lewes is a charming, romantic seafaring city located near the infamous
Cape Henlopen park, and a short 5 miles from Rehoboth Beach. Though Lewes was
discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609, the city was not established until 1631
by Dutch settler's who desired the land to be a trading post. Lewes is now one
of the most visited resort cities with tourists traveling from all parts of the
country, enraptured by it's tranquil, peaceful and nautical beauty. Located on
the Atlantic ocean and Delaware Bay, Lewes is a city rich in history, with its
beginning consisting of a community of whalers and fishermen. Lewes' infamous
Cape Henlopen, filled with miles of calm, inviting beaches, rustic nature trails
and bird sanctuaries, at one time protected the shipping lanes of the Delaware
Bay and the river. In World War two, it served as the US Army base Fort Mills.
For the history buff or museum lover, this city
could entertain you for days. Downtown has a half square mile that unveils all
the enduring history of Delaware's past. The Historic district is filled with
museums, Inns, B&B's, restaurants and shops. The Zwaanendael Museum as well
as the Cannonball House displays Cape Henlopen's history as well as the
remarkable story of the sinking of the H.M.S. DeBraak ship. While strolling down
the Ship Carpenter streets, visit 1700 Rabbit Ferry House, and Delaware's oldest
house, named after the chief justice of the three lower counties in Delaware,
the Ryves Holt House.
Like most seafaring cities, Lewes is famous for
it's historic lighthouses. Off of Cape Henlopen, is the Delaware Breakwater east
end lighthouse. It was established in 1885 to guide ships safely into the
Delaware Bay. The Cape Henlopen lighthouse was established between 1765 to 1767
and upon it's completion, was the seventh lighthouse of the American
colonies.
Another special attraction to visit is the Cape
May-Lewes Ferry. Established in 1964, the ferry travels 17 miles to the
Victorian Cape May in New Jersey where one can enjoy the beautifully restored
historic homes, visit the Stone Harbor bird sanctuary or take part in the
excitement and thrills of the the casinos in Atlantic city.
Lewes is known for their quaint downtown shops and
variety of mouthwatering eateries. For a fine meal with charm and a Victorian
ambiance, The Buttery has a variety of American and International food, and
offers veranda dining as well as a scrumptious Sunday brunch. The Lighthouse,
which is located on fisherman's wharf, has great food with a nautical
atmosphere, specializing in appetizers, seafood, steak and lobster. A wonderful
place to rekindle happy memories and create new ones is Irish Eyes pub and
restaurant, with its special events, weekly specials, comedy night once a week
and outdoor patio dining. If it's a lite bite you want, stop in Robson's coffee
shop where the aroma of fresh roasted coffee fills the air along with the smells
of fresh baked scones and cakes. Robson's offers an afternoon tea and lunch as
well. Truly there is something for everyone in this seafaring city.
Entrancing Lewes is a perfect location for people
of all ages, single or married. Not only is Lewes on the water, yet close to all
the accommodations of a more extensive city life with it's neighboring cities of
Rehoboth and Ocean City, it is close in proximity to Historic Annapolis,
Baltimore, Wilmington and Washington DC. So whether one is looking for a place
to vacation or to settle down, Lewes offers something special for everyone.
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