AGP Executive Report

Coastal Conditions: A strengthening nor’easter is bringing gusty winds, rough surf and a risk of minor flooding to vulnerable Delaware beach communities through Wednesday. A second sailboat has also run aground near Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park; its owner is working with the Coast Guard and DNREC to refloat it. Fall Food Stops: A new guide highlights 10 places to enjoy pumpkin-season dishes, from Hockessin’s Back Burner pumpkin mushroom soup to seasonal treats near the beaches; check menus before making the trip. Seasonal Outings: A statewide guide rounds up unusual ways to celebrate Halloween after dark, while a ferry partnership is steering fall visitors toward coastal businesses. Getting Around: The Woodland Ferry’s future remains uncertain as Delaware considers fares and changes to its operations.

Coastal Conditions: A brewing nor’easter threatens Sussex County beaches with high surf, erosion and minor tidal flooding through Wednesday, with low-lying roads and back-bay areas most at risk. Fall Flavors & Festivities: Delaware’s pumpkin picks range from Hockessin’s signature soup to seasonal treats near the beaches, and a statewide guide highlights 10 unusual Halloween events after dark. Getting Around: Delaware is weighing fares or other operational changes for the historic Woodland Ferry near Seaford and Laurel; no decision has been made, but the proposals could affect a familiar coastal-area crossing.

Coastal Conditions: A slow-moving nor’easter is bringing rough surf, beach erosion and minor coastal flooding risks to Sussex County through midweek. Gusts could reach 35 mph, with high tides threatening low-lying roads and back bays; beachgoers should expect hazardous marine conditions. Woodland Ferry: Delaware is weighing fares or a new operator for the historic free crossing near Seaford and Laurel. The ferry costs about $755,000 a year and carries an average of 87 vehicles daily, but local leaders warn charging riders could further reduce use. Sussex Events: Navy Week runs through Oct. 25, with public displays, live music, school visits and community outreach. Halloween & Weekend Plans: Delaware’s seasonal options include after-hours paranormal tours at Wilmington’s Queen Theatre on Oct. 28 and 29. “The Wiz” also runs Oct. 23–25 at Wilmington’s Playhouse on Rodney Square.

Coastal Conditions: A nor’easter is bringing dangerous surf, strong winds and coastal-flooding concerns to Delaware’s beaches through midweek. Visitors should check conditions before heading to the shore or boating. Woodland Ferry: Delaware is weighing fares or a change in operator for the historic free crossing near Seaford and Laurel, which costs about $755,000 a year to run. Local advocates oppose charging riders. Fall Events: Halloween plans range from after-hours tours at Wilmington’s Queen Theatre to the Delaware Renaissance Faire’s season opening. Rehoboth’s Jazz Festival also drew visitors and supported local businesses, while CAMP Rehoboth’s block party brought nearly 4,000 people to Baltimore Avenue.

Coastal Weather: A developing nor’easter is bringing strong northeast winds, dangerous seas and growing coastal-flooding concerns to Delaware’s beaches. Gusts could reach 25–30 mph near shore, while hazardous boating conditions are expected offshore. Boating: A Texas sailor was rescued unharmed after his sailboat ran aground near Herring Point at Cape Henlopen State Park; officials are planning to refloat the vessel. Rehoboth Events: Nearly 4,000 people attended CAMP Rehoboth’s annual block party, which featured live music, vendors and local businesses. Dewey Beach: The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends keeping the town’s bar cutoff at 1 a.m., citing public-safety demands from late-night crowds. Fall Tourism: A ferry partnership is directing visitors to coastal businesses, while the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is drawing crowds and supporting local shops.

Coastal Weather: A nor’easter is expected to bring strengthening northeast winds and building seas to Delaware’s coast Monday. A Gale Warning begins at 6 a.m. for Atlantic coastal waters, with Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and nearby shore towns in the storm’s path. Dewey Nightlife: The town’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended keeping bars’ closing time at 1 a.m., citing public-safety demands from late-night crowds. Town Council must still approve the ordinance. Fall Tourism: Rehoboth Beach’s Jazz Festival is helping local businesses, while a ferry partnership is steering autumn visitors toward coastal shops and attractions.

Hiking: Chestnut Hill Trail at White Clay Creek State Park offers a scenic 3.5-mile loop with a manageable 282-foot climb—an unusual challenge in flat Delaware. Coastal Conditions: A brewing nor’easter could bring strong winds, rough seas and coastal flooding risks across the Mid-Atlantic into next week; check conditions before heading to the shore. Dining: Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to open Oct. 23 at Tanger Outlets Seaside near Rehoboth, its second Delaware location. Fall Tourism: A ferry partnership is directing autumn visitors toward coastal businesses, while the 37th annual Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is helping lift local business. Lodging: The Bellmoor Inn & Spa in Rehoboth Beach has sold for $31 million.

Coastal Weather: Strong northwest winds and gusts of 30–40 mph are making Delaware’s beaches blustery this weekend. A Gale Warning remains in effect for Atlantic coastal waters through early Sunday, so boaters should avoid unnecessary trips. Fall Tourism: Rehoboth’s 37th Jazz Festival runs through Sunday, drawing visitors and supporting local businesses during the off-season. A Cape May–Lewes Ferry promotion pairing discounted crossings with lodging and dining offers has generated about 35 bookings and continues through mid-December. Rehoboth Updates: The public library closes Monday, Oct. 19, for a move ahead of the next renovation phase and expects to reopen in early November. Dave’s Hot Chicken at Tanger Outlets Seaside is slated to open Oct. 23, adding another dining option for visitors.

Rehoboth Events: The 37th annual Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is drawing visitors and giving coastal businesses an October boost; performances continue through Sunday, Oct. 18. A weekend guide also highlights the Hagley Craft Fair and fall events around the state. Off-Season Getaways: The Cape May–Lewes Ferry’s “Dock, Dine & Dream” offer pairs discounted crossings with local lodging and dining deals. It has brought in about 35 bookings since mid-September and runs through mid-December. Lodging News: Rehoboth’s Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million. Halloween Plans: The Delaware Renaissance Faire begins its fifth season on Halloween.

Off-Season Draw: Rehoboth Beach is buzzing as the 37th annual Jazz Festival brings visitors and business to town; concerts run through Oct. 18. The weekend also offers Hagley’s craft fair and family-friendly events across Delaware. Coastal Stays: The Bellmoor Inn & Spa in Rehoboth Beach has sold for $31 million, while new owners are elevating another local favorite, Shorebreak Lodge. Beach Travel: Lewes is taking public comments through Nov. 13 on proposed dredging at the ferry terminal, a project to watch for travelers and coastal businesses. Family Outings: Ocean View has scheduled public discussion of a $1.27 million John West Park playground upgrade, with accessible equipment planned to open by June 2027. The Delaware Renaissance Faire also returns for its fifth season on Halloween.

Dewey Beach: A University of Delaware survey found pedestrian safety is the top improvement priority for both locals and visitors, while 82% praised the town’s walkable access to restaurants. Weekend Plans: Rehoboth hosts Bark on the Boards Saturday and the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party Sunday; Ocean City also has a free “Night of the Living Dead” screening Saturday. Coastal Access: Dredging is proposed at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, with public comments open through Nov. 13. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars. Lodging & Dining: Rehoboth’s Bellmoor Inn & Spa sold for $31 million, and Southern Delaware Brewing plans a Fenwick Island brewpub.

Coastal Lodging: Rehoboth Beach’s Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million, while new owners at Shorebreak Lodge are updating another local favorite. Rehoboth has also hired a team to begin planning the city’s future. Getting Around: A proposed dredging project at the Lewes Ferry Terminal is open for public comment through Nov. 13. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel costs climb. Fall on the Shore: Beach access has largely been restored after storm damage, and volunteers recently hauled 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches. The Delaware Renaissance Faire returns for its fifth season on Halloween.

Beach Weather: Cooler air settles over Delaware’s coast Thursday, with showers and possible thunderstorms overnight and a stronger storm expected Friday — worth watching if you’re heading to the beaches. Rehoboth Lodging: The 79-room Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million to DiamondRock Hospitality, which calls southern Delaware a strong leisure market. Ferry Access: The state is reviewing a plan to dredge the Lewes Ferry Terminal basin and channel this winter; public comments are open through Nov. 13. Upcoming Events: Sussex County Navy Week runs Oct. 20–24, with a military display at Delaware Coastal Airport and sailors in Rehoboth’s Sea Witch parade. The Delaware Renaissance Faire returns to Townsend for three weekends starting Halloween.

Hotel News: Rehoboth Beach’s 79-room Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million to DiamondRock Hospitality, which sees the resort town as a strong leisure market. Ferry Access: The Delaware River and Bay Authority is seeking approval to dredge the Lewes Ferry Terminal basin and channel, with public comments open through Nov. 13 and work proposed for December and January. Things to Do: Sussex County’s first Navy Week runs Oct. 20–24, with events in Rehoboth Beach and Georgetown; the Delaware Renaissance Faire returns to Townsend on Halloween for three weekends. Getting Around: Georgetown’s Park Avenue railroad crossing is set to close Oct. 23 through Nov. 5 for maintenance, with detours for passenger vehicles and trucks. Dining: Rehoboth’s Shorebreak Lodge owners are drawing attention for elevating the local restaurant favorite.

Coastal Policy: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s review of US Wind’s offshore project back for a new look, including a fresh public notice and fuller review of potential coastal effects. Dewey Beach: Town planners unanimously recommended keeping alcohol sales capped at 1 a.m., despite a state proposal that could allow bars to stay open later. Travel Update: Park Avenue in Georgetown is set to close at the railroad crossing from Oct. 23 through Nov. 5; detours will be posted. Fall Visits: Return Day, Georgetown’s centuries-old election tradition, returns Nov. 5 with a parade and celebrations downtown. Rehoboth’s Bellmoor Inn has also sold for $31 million, marking a major change for the resort’s lodging scene. On the Coast: Unseasonable heat is expected through Wednesday before much colder weekend weather arrives.

Coastal Wind Review: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board sent DNREC’s review of the U.S. Wind project back for further evaluation, including its potential effects on coastal views, recreation, fishing and public lands. Return Day: Georgetown’s 230-year tradition returns Nov. 5, with a parade and winners and losers riding together in horse-drawn carriages, antique cars and convertibles. Lewes Lodging: The Bellmoor Inn & Spa has sold for $31 million, a major change for one of Rehoboth Beach’s best-known hotels. Ferry Costs: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel prices rise. Beach Stewardship: Volunteers collected 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches, while beach access has largely been restored after the recent storm.