AGP Executive Report

Rehoboth Beach: Grove Park is set to get 10 native replacement trees next week, restoring shade after five diseased red oaks were removed. Cape Henlopen: A $1.25 million trail is planned for the state park, adding a new outdoor draw for visitors. Holiday Outings: A Delaware gift guide points to local experiences, while seven Brandywine Valley attractions are aligning their holiday offerings for a December window. Coastal Travel: A proposed cell tower near the Cape May–Lewes Ferry terminal has drawn mixed reactions; Sussex County’s gusty winds and possible late-week coastal storm could also complicate trips. Fishing: Strong northwest winds and rough seas are expected early in the week, with conditions easing by Wednesday.

Ferry Access: Lewes officials are weighing an 80-foot AT&T cell tower near the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Supporters say better coverage could help travelers access electronic tickets; others worry about the view. Coastal Conditions: Gusty winds are affecting Sussex County, with a possible nor’easter later this week bringing heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding concerns. Boaters should also note small-craft advisories for the ocean and Delaware Bay. Holiday Planning: Seven Brandywine Valley attractions—including Winterthur, Hagley and Nemours—will overlap from Dec. 3 to 30, offering visitors a concentrated stretch of holiday displays, historic sites and seasonal train rides. Outdoor Recreation: Cape Henlopen State Park is set to get a new $1.25 million trail, adding another option for visitors exploring the coast.

Ferry Access: Lewes officials are weighing an 80-foot AT&T cell tower near the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Supporters say better coverage could help passengers access electronic tickets; others worry about the tower’s appearance. Coastal Travel: Gusty winds are expected Monday, with a possible late-week nor’easter bringing heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding concerns to southern Delaware. Holiday Trips: Seven Brandywine Valley attractions—including Winterthur, Nemours and Longwood Gardens—will overlap from Dec. 3 to 30, offering visitors a concentrated stretch of seasonal displays and events. Road Updates: DelDOT has announced upcoming I-95 and other road closures and lane restrictions; travelers should check current advisories before heading out. Outdoor Plans: A new $1.25 million trail is planned for Cape Henlopen State Park, adding another future option for visitors.

Holiday Getaways: Seven Brandywine Valley attractions, including Winterthur, Nemours and Longwood Gardens, will be open together Dec. 3–30, giving visitors a long window to plan a festive trip. Outdoor Adventures: A new $1.25 million trail is planned for Cape Henlopen State Park. Travel Alerts: DelDOT warns of I-95 northbound lane closures near Route 141 and the I-495 split Nov. 9 and Nov. 13–16, plus a Cypress Branch Road closure for bridge repairs through early December. Check detours and allow extra travel time. Seasonal Events: Milton Theatre will host a Winter Wonderfest pop-up, while Bethany Beach is planning its annual Holiday Happenings.

Beach Weather: Sussex County is set for a sunny, calmer Sunday, with highs in the low 60s—welcome conditions for a Delaware beach visit after Friday’s rain and Saturday’s gusty chill. Air Travel: This winter, five regional airports, including Wilmington, are scheduled to offer nonstop flights to 16 Florida destinations. Overall flights are down slightly, but travelers will have more direct airport-to-destination options than last winter. Holiday Attractions: Milton Theatre’s free Winter Wonderfest pop-up opens Nov. 13, with light displays and holiday photo spots through Jan. 3. Outdoor Access: A new $1.25 million trail is planned for Cape Henlopen State Park, adding another draw for visitors. Beachbound Traffic: Sussex County and state officials will hold a Nov. 17 workshop on Route 9, where congestion increasingly complicates trips toward Lewes and the beaches.

Beach Weekend: Sussex County should stay dry, though Saturday’s gusty winds will make the coast feel chilly; Sunday is forecast to be calmer and milder. Seasonal Attractions: Milton Theatre’s free Winter Wonderfest pop-up opens Nov. 13, with light displays staying through Jan. 3. Bethany-Fenwick’s Fire & Ice Festival returns Jan. 29–31, 2027, for its 10th anniversary, with more than 100 ice sculptures and family activities. Arts & Events: The Rehoboth Art League’s Holiday Fair Fine Craft Show runs Nov. 7–8 at its Henlopen Acres campus. Getting Around: A Nov. 17 public workshop in Georgetown will discuss the Route 9 corridor, where growing congestion also worsens seasonal beach traffic. Outdoor Access: A new $1.25 million trail is planned for Cape Henlopen State Park.

Outdoor Plans: Cape Henlopen State Park is set to add a $1.25 million bike-trail segment linking the main bathhouse parking lot with The Point’s comfort station; work is expected to start soon and finish by year’s end. This Weekend: The Rehoboth Art League’s Holiday Fair Fine Craft Show runs Nov. 7-8, with 30 artists on its Henlopen Acres campus. Holiday Lights: Milton Theatre’s free Winter Wonderfest pop-up opens Nov. 13 and runs through Jan. 3, with five displays. Festival Preview: Bethany-Fenwick’s Fire & Ice Festival returns Jan. 29-31, 2027, with more than 100 ice sculptures and free main-festival admission. Dover Outing: Dover Movies 14 has opened at Dover Mall, bringing a theater back to the capital after more than two years. Beach Forecast: Friday’s rain has cleared; travel conditions across Delaware should improve, with a cool, breezy Saturday and sunnier, milder weather Sunday.

South Coastal Events: Sponsorships are open for Bethany-Fenwick’s 10th annual Fire & Ice Festival, Jan. 29–31, 2027. The free festival plans more than 100 ice sculptures, live entertainment and family activities across the Quiet Resorts. Milton’s Brimming Horn Meadery hosts its free Wild Hunt fall party Nov. 7–8, with live music, food trucks, vendors and fire performances. Arts & Crafts: The Rehoboth Art League’s Holiday Fair Fine Craft Show returns Nov. 7–8, featuring 30 artists and handmade gifts at its Henlopen Acres campus. Outdoor Access: Cape Henlopen State Park is set to add a $1.25 million bike-trail segment connecting the main bathhouse parking area with The Point’s comfort station; work is expected to begin soon. Sports Tourism: Kirkwood’s upgraded Sprinturf Performance Park now has five additional turf fields, lights, expanded parking and improved facilities. The complex draws more than 1.5 million visitors a year. Beach Dining: A new guide highlights coastal Delaware restaurants serving seasonal favorites, including lobster pumpkin bisque, crab-and-pumpkin bisque and year-round cream of crab soup.

Coastal Travel: Rain is expected across Sussex County overnight and Friday, with 1–2 inches possible in some areas. Showers should ease from west to east Friday afternoon, but wet roads and reduced visibility may slow travel on Coastal Highway, Routes 113 and 13. Local Traditions: Georgetown’s Return Day brought parades and horse-drawn carriages Thursday, as political rivals set aside campaign differences in a more than 200-year-old Sussex County tradition. Sports Tourism: Sprinturf Performance Park at Kirkwood has completed $10 million in upgrades, including new turf fields, lighting, parking and improved amenities. The 65-acre facility hosts 19 major tournaments a year and draws more than 1.5 million visitors. Ferry Access: AT&T is seeking approval for an 86-foot cell tower near the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, saying it would improve coverage for ferry users. A Lewes community group is urging the company to consider another location. Travel Planning: Delaware flyers without REAL ID can review TSA’s accepted ID options ahead of Thanksgiving trips.

Ferry Access: AT&T is seeking approval for an 86-foot cell tower beside the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, saying it would improve coverage for ferry users. Lewes residents are urging the company to find another site. Weather Watch: A major storm could bring heavy rain and travel disruptions across Delaware through Saturday; Rehoboth Beach could see more than two inches Friday. Georgetown Today: Return Day brings a parade and ceremonies to The Circle on Nov. 5. Park Avenue is closed at the railroad crossing until 5 p.m.; drivers should follow posted detours. Arts & Outings: Newark Arts Alliance’s “Backroads: Recent and Local” exhibit showcases Delaware-area landscapes through Nov. 19, with a reception Nov. 13. Flying from Delaware: Thanksgiving travelers without REAL ID can use a passport, Global Entry card or other TSA-approved ID; a temporary driver’s license won’t work. On the Road: Sussex County’s lowest reported regular-gas price was $3.65 a gallon for the week ending Oct. 31; the county average was $3.90.

Return Day in Georgetown: Sussex County’s 214th celebration is today, with a parade, historic ceremonies and free ox-roast sandwiches. Park Avenue is closed at the railroad crossing until 5 p.m.; check detours before driving through town. Thanksgiving Flight IDs: No REAL ID? TSA accepts passports, passport cards, Global Entry cards and several other credentials. A temporary driver’s license won’t work, and travelers with an approved ID can avoid the $45 ConfirmID fee. Rain and Road Conditions: Showers are forecast Thursday, with heavier rain possible Thursday night into Friday. Some areas could get 1–2 inches, slowing travel on I-95 and other major roads. Fuel Check: The lowest reported Sussex County gas price was $3.65 a gallon for the week ending Oct. 31; the county average was $3.90. Sports Tourism: Kirkwood’s planned $10 million makeover aims to put Delaware on the sports-tourism map.

Sussex Tradition: Georgetown’s 214th Return Day celebration brings a parade, town crier and ox roast to The Circle on Thursday, offering visitors a lively look at a long-running local custom. Beach Travel: Work at Route 1 and Holland Glade Road is expected to wrap up by late November or early December, when a new traffic signal can be activated. Historic Getaway: Milton’s Victorian streets, historic homes and Broadkill River waterfront make the town an appealing day trip for visitors exploring Delaware’s past. Holiday Plans: Bethany Beach’s free Holiday Happenings on Dec. 5 will include rides, activities with Santa and an evening tree lighting.

Beach Weather: Delmarva’s mild spell continues Wednesday, but a slow-moving front could bring heavy rain Friday. Travelers should watch forecasts and allow extra time on wet roads. Historic Getaway: Milton’s Federal Street and downtown offer a walkable look at Victorian architecture, historic homes and the Broadkill River waterfront. Bethany Beach Events: Holiday Happenings returns Dec. 5 with free family activities, rides and a tree lighting. Sussex Traditions: Georgetown’s Return Day parade on Nov. 5 brings election winners and rivals together in a distinctive local celebration. Coastal Heritage: Rehoboth’s Poodle Beach, a longtime gathering place for LGBTQ visitors, now has a state historical marker. Road Update: Work at Route 1 and Holland Glade Road is expected to wrap up by late November or early December; the new signal still needs electrical installation.

State Parks: Delaware State Parks are waiving admission Tuesday, Nov. 3, for their 75th anniversary. Parks are open from 8 a.m. to sunset; November events include a foliage pontoon tour at Trap Pond and history hikes. Local Tradition: Georgetown’s biennial Return Day is Thursday, Nov. 5, with a parade, horse-drawn carriages and the ceremonial burying of a hatchet on The Circle. Beach Heritage: Rehoboth Beach’s Poodle Beach has a new state historical marker recognizing its long role as a welcoming gathering place for LGBTQ visitors. Family Trips: A new children’s book, The Adventures of the Explorers’ Club in Delaware, spotlights family-friendly stops including Cape Henlopen State Park, Fort Miles, the Brandywine Zoo and the Air Mobility Command Museum.

Free Park Day: Delaware State Parks are waiving admission Tuesday, Nov. 3, for their 75th anniversary. Visitors can also join a foliage pontoon tour at Trap Pond or history hikes at Killens Pond and White Clay Creek. Family Travel: A new children’s book, The Adventures of the Explorers’ Club in Delaware, spotlights attractions including Brandywine Zoo, Fort Miles and the Delaware Kite Festival. Regional Getaway: Delaware residents can visit the Battleship North Carolina for $13 through Dec. 31, part of the “$13 for 13” offer for residents of the original colonies.

Beach Travel: DART plans upgrades to Rehoboth’s Park & Ride, while DelDOT is changing Route 1 crossovers near Milford. Both could affect beach access, so check for updates before heading south. Deauville Beach has also added a hydration station for visitors. Sports Tourism: Kirkwood’s $10 million makeover aims to put Delaware on the sports-tourism map, and its soccer program is rebranding with hopes of attracting more visitors. Regional Getaways: Delaware residents can get $13 admission to the Battleship North Carolina through Dec. 31 as part of the America 250 promotion.