Welcome to Delaware Beach Area Real Estate, Lewes, Rehoboth and Beyond

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Lewes Area Guide

Welcome to Lewes, Delaware, the first state to ratify the Constitution! Nicknamed “The first town in the first state,” Lewes is named after the town of Lewes in England, which is also in the county of Sussex. With just over 3,000 people, Lewes has maintained its small town charm, while continuing to grow as a popular beach resort area. Through all its history, and even as its become a ‘must-go’ spot for vacationers, Lewes is still a seafaring town. A great harbor makes it a port of call for the East Coast and a large fleet of charter fishing boats call it home.

Come visit our beautiful beaches, historic inns, bed and breakfasts and after a great day at the park, or at the beach and you’ll want to stay in this picturesque town full of friendly people!

History

History buffs love Lewes! With a history that spans 379 years, the past is always with Lewes in the present. Lewes was the site of a whaling and trading post created by the Dutch in 1631, the very first European settlement in Delaware, named Zwaanendael (Swan Valley). Although the colonists didn’t last, the settlement eventually became Lewes and by 1862, the land that is now Delaware was conveyed to William Penn. Visited by pirates as late as 1698, and bombarded by a British frigate during the war of 1812, Lewes still survived, with the only casualties being a wounded pig and a dead hen. One of the buildings still even has an embedded cannonball in it from the bombardment!

Attractions & Activities

Zwaanendael Museum
Welcome to the Zwaanendael (Swan Valley) Museum! A showcase for all things Lewes, including area maritime, military and social history, the museum is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands and commemorates the founding of the first settlement by the Dutch in 1631. To learn more, visit: Zwaanendael Museum

Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation
A short boat ride will transport you to a time past when there were light house keepers who stood watch over the sea and their ships. Learn what it was like to live in an off shore lighthouse, climbing the cast iron steps to the top and seeing a view that will take your breath away. Once there, you’ll see what light house keepers saw, the majestic Cape Henlopen seascape, all while enjoying a trip to the past. To learn more: Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation

Ryves Holt House
Believed to be the oldest house still standing in the State of Delaware, this shingled house from around the mid 1600’s has survived everything from pirate invasions and fires to the vagaries of architectural improvement. Once a Colonial inn, it’s the former home of the first Chief Justice of Sussex County, Ryves Holt, for whom it’s named.

Parks & Recreation

Cape Henlopen State Park
Two designated swimming beaches, a picnic pavilion and an 18 hole golf course are just some of the amenities you’ll find at Cape Henlopen State Park. Water sports, hiking and biking along the park’s beautiful landscape that will take your breath away will make your vacation worth while. After you’ve had lunch, make the short climb that takes you to the top of a World War II Observation Tower, where you can drink in the 360 degree view. So much to do, so little time, you’ll want to come back again and again, soaking in the atmosphere of Cape Henlopen! To learn more about the Parks and Recreation in Lewes, visit: Delaware State Parks

Lewes Calendar of Events

Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
Honored for its hard work and dedication for the efforts of preserving the architectural heritage and the history of Lewes, the Society has been recognized as one of Delaware’s greatest assets by the National trust for Historic Preservation as well as the American Association for State and Local History. Join them at the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival. For more information: Lewes Historical Society

Historic Lewes Farmers Market The HLFM, a producer-only farmers market, provides a family friendly, community gathering place where visitors can purchase the freshest food available. For a day of enjoying the fresh air, and great fruits and vegetables, visit: Historic Lewes Farmers Market