Exploring Southern Delaware's Culinary Coast

Southern Delaware is known for its miles of beaches and casual atmosphere. It is a Mecca for world-weary travelers who want to escape the stress of everyday living and relax. But there is much more than the “Lure of the Shore” to Southern Delaware. It is a “Foodie Find”. Anyone who enjoys Culinary Travel will enjoy the adventure of Discovering Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast.

Throughout Southern Delaware travelers will find an array of exceptional restaurants with world-class chefs and an international array of gourmet food experiences.

But to really explore Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast, it is important to appreciate the whole culinary experience.

Farmer’s Markets
Driving past miles and miles of Southern Delaware farm land, it is easy to see why so much of the food tastes so fresh. Much of it is grown right here. More important - especially during these trying economic times - it is “Sustainable Agriculture”. It is a means through which local farmers, producing locally fresh produce and goods, deliver them directly to the consumer, without a middle man. Local farmers, conscious of the environment that supports them, in turn, are wise about preserving its. Consequently, they produce an abundance of healthy foods without depleting or polluting the earth’s resources. In addition, there is a growing worldwide movement to help small farmers stay in business while providing the consumer fresher, healthier foods

Products from local Farmer’s Markets include: fresh produce, eggs, fruits, breads, baked goods, meats, fish, cut-flowers and herbs, Many local Farmer’s Markets also sponsor workshops by local chefs (using food from the market), master gardeners, and sustainable agriculture experts.

Local Farmer’s Markets include
Bethany Beach Farmers' Market, Fenwick Island Farmers' Market, Historic Lewes Farmers' Market, Downtown Milford Farmers' Market, Rehoboth Beach Farmers' Market and Western Sussex Farmers' Market.

U-Pick Produce
Continue on this food adventure and journey to any one of a variety of U-Pick Farms located throughout Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast. The variety of vine-ripe, pick-able produce includes: apples, nectarines, peaches, pears, blueberries, strawberries, watermelons, cantaloupes, pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, turnip greens, mustard, kale and more.

U-Pick Farms include
Bennett Orchards, Blueberry Lane Berry Farm, Broadcreek Strawberries, Dickerson Farms, Donnie's Market, Jeff's Greenhouses, H&H Brand Farms, Johnson's Country Market, Magee Farms, Southfork Farms, The Barnyard Farm Market, and The Hen House.

Want to know what’s in season? For produce peak season information
http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org/wp-content/hlfm-fruit-and-veggie-availability.pdf

Breweries
No foodie trek would be complete without tours and tastings, especially when it involves libations. Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast boasts the delightful brewery with the funny name - Dogfish Head. In their own words, “Ever since the summer of 1995, we have been brewing, cooking, selling and talking everything beer. It's our pastime, our passion, our life. Since the beginning, we have always wanted to bring original beer, great food and local music to the Rehoboth Beach area.”

While many of their beers are available throughout the year - and in about 28 states - many are once-a-year releases. So, definitely take time to tour their facility and do spend time at their tasting bar sampling their unique beers.

Dogfish Head has two locations, their original Dogfish Head Brewery & Eats in Rehoboth Beach and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton.

For a truly enjoyable Brew-venture, Dogfish Head and Quest Kayak have put together “Pints & Paddles”, A kayaking excursion for the beer enthusiast! Enjoy a relaxing kayak trip out on the Broadkill River. The paddle is suitable for kayakers of all skills - including the novice. They paddle out to McCabe Nature Preserve (a Nature Conservancy property) where kayakers can view  herons, ospreys, turtles, occasional eagles, and other wildlife.

16 Mile Brewing Company is Delaware's newest microbrewery. In their own words, “16 Mile concentrates on creating full-bodied ales with the clean honest taste of hops and malted barley. Each hand-crafted recipe features smooth flavors, free from distracting additives and bitterness. The simple, yet distinctive tastes of 16 Mile ales truly complement the delicious flavors of Delmarva.” It is owned and operated by Chad Campbell and Brett McCrea, Delaware natives who understand this area and its residents. 16 Mile Brewing Company welcomes groups!

Evolution Craft Brewing Company, a boutique production brewery, was opened in April 2009 when brothers Tom & John Knorr joined forces with Brew Master Geoff DeBisschop and Chef John Scheckells. They were intrigued with the artistry in beer and decided that brewing their own beer would be a great new venture.

EVO Beer is available on draft and bottle throughout Maryland, Washington DC and Delaware.

Wine Tours & Tastings
For the wine-loving foodie, there is Nassau Valley Vineyards, an award winning winery.

Located a short distance from the beaches, this farm winery is open for tours and tastings year-round.

The farm winery grows their own grapes and produces a wide variety of wines from sweet to dry and white to red. They grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc and supplement their production with high quality regionally grown fruit.

Fenwick Wine Cellars is the areas newest award winning winery. Their motto is “Try before you buy!”In their own words, “The atmosphere is Tuscan chic, from the stone accents, to the orange hued walls; you may envision yourself in a winery in Tuscany, Italy, instead of Fenwick island. That's just what Fenwick Wine Cellars wants you to think!” Fenwick Wine Cellars is open to the public for tours and tastings. They also have a unique gift shop carrying specialized wine products. Fenwick Wine Cellars welcomes groups.

Restaurants
Restaurants are diverse and there is something to please every palate. The Culinary Coast offers everything from hand-made candies and ice creams to fine dining.

Nantuckets, in quiet Fenwick Island, is well known for serving the highest quality seafood straight from the docks, "dry aged" steaks, lamb, "the best crab cakes", wonderful wines and a professional staff.

Tavern On The Circle is an upscale restaurant with local influences and contemporary flare located in the Brick Hotel on the circle.

Some of the local restaurants, like Nage, located in Rehoboth, are active in a Farm to Table Concept. Working with local farmers and other food purveyors they are bringing local, farm fresh, organic foods to their restaurant. They are focusing on cooking those items that are in season, guaranteeing their patrons nothing but the freshest, most wholesome fare.

For more information on Southern Delaware's Culinary Coast, including Culinary Events, Places to stay and more, Go to -http://www.destinationstravelmagazine.com/vacation_destinations/index.html?pageNumber=50