Delaware boasts 28 miles of scenic coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. Some of the most popular beaches in Delaware include Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island. Rehoboth Beach has been nicknamed the “Nation’s Summer Capital” due to the number of people from Washington D.C. who come to enjoy the Atlantic’s sandy shore as a vacation destination.
Fenwick Island is known for its pristine sands, stunning views, and relatively quiet atmosphere compared to some of the more bustling beaches in the region. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and other recreational activities. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, where the worries of the world fade away with each crashing wave. And for my family (The Dinks and The Family), it’s the perfect setting for our annual Labor Day reunion.
The Same
Since the twins visited as a family, there is mostly all overlap on what was done. Fenwick Island is perfect for families, offering a wide array of activities that everyone can enjoy. There’s something special about gathering with family for a vacation, especially when the destination is a place as charming and laid-back as Fenwick Island, Delaware.
The drive into Fenwick Island is a scenic one, with glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the serene bay on the other. The town itself is small and welcoming, with a mix of beach houses, local eateries, and shops that exude a friendly, hometown vibe.
Relax on the Beach
Fenwick Island’s beach is everything you could want in a family-friendly destination. The sand is soft and golden, the waves are gentle, and the atmosphere is peaceful. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches nearby, Fenwick offers plenty of space to spread out, relax, and simply enjoy being together.
Our days were filled with swimming in the cool Atlantic waters, building intricate sandcastles, and engaging in fun beach games. Some of us braved the waves with enthusiasm, while others preferred to bask in the sun’s warm embrace, the rhythmic sound of crashing waves providing a soothing backdrop. Beachcombing is another delightful activity here. Walking along the shoreline, we collected beautiful shells and stones, each wave bringing a new treasure to light. The beach’s pristine condition and the relatively sparse crowds allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us.
Local Cuisine
Evenings are reserved for family dinners, shared around a table laden with seafood delights. Fenwick Island, Delaware, offers a delightful array of local cuisine that captures the essence of coastal dining. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood dishes ranging from succulent crab cakes to flavorful clam chowder, highlighting the area’s access to Atlantic seafood. Restaurants along the beachfront and in town offer a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries serving up fish tacos and fried shrimp baskets to upscale dining with ocean views and innovative seafood creations.
- Blue Crabs: These crabs are a local delicacy, whether enjoyed steamed with Old Bay seasoning, formed into crab cakes, or as part of a sumptuous seafood boil.
- Crab Cakes: Made with locally caught crab meat, typically served with remoulade sauce or lemon wedges.
- Clam Chowder: A creamy soup featuring clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon, served hot.
- Fried Clams: Fresh clams coated in batter and deep-fried until golden brown, often served with tartar sauce.
- Fish Tacos: Soft tacos filled with grilled or fried fish (such as flounder or mahi-mahi), topped with cabbage slaw, salsa, and a tangy sauce.
- Rockfish: Local striped bass, often grilled or blackened, served with sides like rice and vegetables.
- Oyster Po’ Boy: A sandwich filled with fried oysters, lettuce, tomato, and a spicy mayonnaise or remoulade sauce.
- Soft-shell Crab Sandwich: Fried soft-shell crab served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and a choice of condiments.
- Boardwalk Fries: Fresh-cut fries served with Old Bay seasoning or vinegar, a staple at many beachside eateries.
- Saltwater Taffy: A sweet treat available in various flavors, often found at local candy shops.
Ocean City, Maryland
While Fenwick Island itself offers plenty to do, it’s worth noting the proximity to other attractions like Ocean City, Maryland. Just a short drive away, Ocean City provides additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options. For those interested in exploring further, our blog ” Things to do: Ocean City, MD.” offers a detailed guide to making the most of your visit to this lively neighboring city.
The DINKs
Since this was family time, we pretty much did everything together. However, since we arrived a little earlier than everyone else we did have dinner our first night by ourselves.
Captain Mac’s Fish House & Seafood Market
Captain Mac’s Fish House & Seafood Market is a local favorite located on Fenwick Island, Delaware. It is both a Seafood market where you can purchase fresh seafood and take home AND a restaurant where they will cook it for you and serve it to you overlooking the beautiful marshlands. They specialize in fresh, never-frozen fish directly obtained from local fishermen. This means you’re getting the highest quality seafood available, straight from the Atlantic Ocean. They offer a wide variety of fish, shrimp, scallops, crabs, clams, oysters, and more. In addition to fresh seafood, they also carry prepared foods like crab cakes, crab soup, shrimp salad, smoked fish, and smoked fish dip. We got a fried fish sandwich and the shrimp salad. It can get crowded, especially during peak season, so be prepared for a wait, particularly at the restaurant.
Summary
Fenwick Island, with its serene beaches and charming local spots provides an idyllic setting for a family vacation. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply taking in the beautiful views, Fenwick Island offers a slice of coastal paradise away from the hustle and bustle of more crowded beaches. It’s a place where time slows down, and the worries of the world fade away with each crashing wave. For our family, it was the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and memorable Labor Day reunion.
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