Bethany Beach, Delaware History - City Information
Unlike most town's beginnings, the town of Bethany Beach was actually founded by members of a Christian church from the Washington DC and Pennsylvania area. The church members originally had it in their minds to secure a piece of land for an abiding, yearly seaside congregation meeting place for Christian churches to gather from all around the country. A gentleman by the name of H. L. Atkinson won a nation wide contest and his prize was a lot on the beach, and he named it 'Bethany'. They called it a 'Haven of rest for quiet people'. In July of 1901, Bethany's first building, 'The Tabernacle' was proudly constructed. The Tabernacle endured 60 years until a fierce storm hit and destroyed it's beautiful structure. Later in 1903, the first boardwalk was built, another proud addition to this seafaring town.
Today, Bethany Beach is a beautiful, seaside community with a half mile boardwalk graced with eateries, volleyball, basket ball and video arcades. It is a town with serene sandy beaches, cozy lodgings and plenty of vacation homes for returning residents to come and enjoy the warm sun, ocean breezes and calm atmosphere. On the Bay side of the town, there is plenty of swimming, fishing, surfing, and raft riding. Bethany, along with Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey , South Bethany and Fenwick Island make up Delaware's Beach resort area, where tourists from all over the country frequent all summer long. It is known as "The Quiet Resort" with both the infamous Delaware Sea Shore State Park, as well as a 6 mile barrier Island just north of it's borders Within this quaint, maritime town, there are plenty of wonderful eateries to please every palate, both simple and sophisticated. For fresh seafood, steaks and a friendly atmosphere, you can't beat Bethany Blues BBQ. It's a restaurant with a "Southern blues twist" and a captivating 2 story high wall fountain. Bootsie's Bar-B-Que has a fired up charcoal pit serving mouth watering beef, chicken and pork BBQ, with plenty of home cooked side dishes to make all their customers feel as if they are right at home in their mom's cozy kitchen. For a more elegant dining experience, Parkway Restaurant is a lovely place to eat. With it's Hawaiian, Pacific cuisine and candle lit dinners, each guest is sure to feel pampered, and leave with a wondrous sense of peace and plenty.
Nearby to Bethany is Rehoboth Beach., an
entrancing city that offers everything from great shopping, fine dining,
delicious seafood, movie theaters, the infamous boardwalk, fabulous B&B's,
hotels, museums, fishing, divine Sunday brunches and beautiful, serene, sandy
beaches. For tax free, endless shopping, the Tanger outlets is a must to visit.
With over 130 name brand shops, there is something for everyone and there are
plenty of places within the outlets to stop for a meal or a quick snack. When
visiting in Rehoboth, there are two places that every visitor is highly urged to
stop in to see. Nicolas Pizza and Victoria's Restaurant. Both are completely
different in the gift they will send one home with. Nicola's is a very famous
Pizzeria with an ambiance that will take one back to their childhood with the
fresh aromas of garlic, tomatoes and fresh baked bread....Their homemade pizzas
are worth the long lines that gather outside in the summer months. On each wall,
beside every table, is a famous face with a personal autograph, as these stars
and renown people have frequented Nicolas. Seeing these gives one the hope, that
perhaps one night, they may see someone famous sitting across the restaurant and
feel that magical feeling. Another enchanted feeling to experience is the train
that circles the restaurant, creating the feelings of being a child
again....bringing back the memories of the train that traveled around the spruce
Christmas tree as presents were opened with such joy and excitement.
For the connoisseurs of Vintage wines, art and
history, Lewes, Bethany's other neighboring city, beckons all to come, explore
and enjoy. The Nassau Valley Winery offers free self guided tours to all three
of their galleries. For History lovers, a must see in Lewes is the Zwaanendael
Museum as well as the Cannonball House where displays of Cape Henlopen's history
and the legend of the H.M.S. De Braak ship is told. Two Historic Lighthouses on
the Delaware shore that are worth exploring are the Delaware Breakwater east end
lighthouse and the Cape Henlopen lighthouse. Both, are a sure attraction that
will bring one a sense of awe and peace as the history and magnificent
architecture are viewed.
Bethany Beach is a perfect seaside community with
all of the amenities of bountiful city living . With many great schools, public
libraries, grocery shopping, fitness centers, and an ideal location to such
historic cities as Annapolis, Baltimore, Wilmington and Washington DC, Bethany
is a wondrous place to visit or relocate to.
Bethany Beach Delaware's extraordinary qualities rate high on most people's wish list. With no
state sales tax, no personal property tax, and one of the lowest
property tax rates in the nation, it certainly has its advantages to
residents. Consider the fact in Delaware, you've got lower housing costs
than most of the people in the nation. Clean air and water, great
shopping a short drive from any part of the state, beaches, bays and
beautiful parks make it the ideal place for your home. Centrally
located, Delaware is a short commute away from Philadelphia, PA,
Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and other major metropolitan hubs.
Why Sussex County?
Sussex County is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, with
gorgeous beaches, vast forests, state parks, and other attractions
minutes away. Come see why this thriving community is the perfect spot
for your home or business!
|
|