Wines and Pies

The menu at Half Full asks, “Is it possible to turn 500 square feet into a restaurant?” Our answer is the same as theirs: “Absolutely.” Of course, on a Saturday night during the height of summer when you’re trying to squeeze onto a stool at one of the half-dozen tables, you might not be so enthusiastic. Regardless, Half Full is a great concept: It only serves gourmet pizzas and wine. Each pie is 8-by-12 inches and gets topped with such delicacies as porcini mushrooms, braised flank steak, Point Reyes blue cheese and artichokes. If the tiny space is packed, don’t fret: Get your ‘za to go. 113 Market St., Lewes, Del., 302-645-8877, http://www.halffulllewes.com. —J.S

Rub-a-Dub

Being dirty can be so much fun— especially when you can hit the shower with handmade, scented selections from The Soap Fairy. The fairy’s factory lies in Milford, but owner Scott Blackson recently opened his first retail store in Lewes. Super scents include the licorice-y Star Anise, the nearly edible Fudge Sickle (the bar is mounted on a real Popsicle stick) and a Tangerine/ Grapefruit sugar scrub. Men are included in the clean equation, with a handful of earthy, rugged soaps made especially for him (Naked Man, Into the Woods and Metal). And be sure to save room in your basket for the glow-in-the-dark rubber duckies! 130 2nd St., Lewes, Del., 302-424-4243, http://www.soapfairy.com. —K.B.

Smart Food

When cholesterol-inducing boardwalk fare just won’t do, check out Neva Café. Home to organic and natural foods grown by local farmers, the café serves an abundance of breakfast and lunch items, from yogurt, fruit and granola bowls to salads, such as jicama slaw, orange beet and tabbouleh herb. Need something cold to sip? Try one of its six smoothies, including vanilla mint, a concoction of non-fat vanilla yogurt, mint leaves and skim milk. 4113 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach, Del., 302-226-2233. —K.B.

Good Stuff

Good For You Natural Market stocks more than 4,000 organic and natural products, ranging from phosphate-free dishwasher detergent to organic hot peppers. But you don’t have to eat organically to appreciate its G4U Beach Box. Here’s the deal: Before heading to the beach, visit http://www.good4uorganic.com and pick out all the steaks, chicken, organic produce, cleaners, etc., you’ll need for your stay (or just the first night). You can pay online and by the time you reach the market, it’ll all be waiting for you in a sturdy (recyclable) box. No more crazed trips to the supermarket when you should be relaxing. Don’t forget to visit The Happy Fish upstairs for cool clothes made from hemp, soybeans and other natural materials. 28841 Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), Lewes, Del., 302-684-8330. —J.S

Hail Caesar!

The hotel on the corner of Second and Market streets in Lewes was built in 1917 and named the Caesar Rodney Hotel after the Delaware patriot. Years later, it became known as the Zwaanendael Inn, but now Caesar Rodney rides again. The 18-room, five-suite boutique Hotel Rodney boasts a sophisticated lobby with cherry-paneled walls, glossy ipe wood flooring, back-lit fireplace and cushy chairs for relaxing. Guest rooms are small, but well appointed, with black-and-white tiled bathrooms, mirrored walls and all-new upholstery and bedding. Plus, the location can’t be beat: right in the heart of Lewes’ commercial district. 142 2nd St., Lewes, Del., 302-645-6466, hotelrodneydelaware.com. —J.S.

All the Right Bites

Small plates are still all the rage these days. The Spanish have tapas, the Turks call them meze. But it’s the melding of cuisines that makes Béseme unique. “We’ll do an Indian dish here, a Spanish one there, and everything in between,” says co-owner Eban Brittingham, of his “small bites” dinner menu. Think global delicacies like crispy scallops with wasabi mayo or a shrimp Creole crepe. The cafe, located on the ground floor of the Hotel Rodney, is also open for lunch and features a sophisticated mix of sandwiches, crepes, omelets and salads. (Kumquat, fennel and goat cheese over soba noodles, anyone?) 142 2nd St., Lewes, Del., 302-645-8108. —J.S

Grin and Blair It

Blair Elizabeth is taking shopping at the beach to new heights. The first retail venture of 23-year-old Blair Falck, who learned the trade from her retail maven mom (owner of Ta Da in Berlin, Md.), the stark-white shop is stocked with elegant, Palm Beach-y home design finds: Jack and Lulu station-ery, Beatriz Ball silver metal ware, L Luminary scented candles (take a whiff of the coconut and lime verbena), silver teardrop lamps and picture frames. Also check out Falck’s handmade jewelry, designed with natural elements, from oversized shells to coral. 110 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del., 302-227-3363, blairelizabeth.com. —K.B. 

Pig Out

The Pig & Fish (as in eat like a ... and drink like a ... ) is Rehoboth Beach’s newest culinary hot spot. The minimalist interior design, complete with pig-theme artwork from a local gallery, give center stage to its homey but gourmet lunch and dinner fare. Specialties of the house include barbecued meatloaf, coriander-crusted tuna steak, gourmet pizzas and, of course, the pig and fish of the day. “We’re upscale casual,” says Denise Stiglitz, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband/chef and brother and sister-in-law. “That means no tablecloths, but linen napkins.” 236 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del., 302-227-7770, http://www.thepigandfish.com. —K.B.

Bag It

There’s nothing quite as girly as a frilly, feminine bag from Blooming Boutique.
Located in Lewes, the shop now has a sister store in Rehoboth, where owner Michiko Seto sells the same vast array (more than 200 styles in stock) of handmade raffia and straw creations. All of the bags, from large totes to petite evening clutches, are trimmed with elegant elements: beads, silk flowers, fur and feathers. And if you don’t see a color and trim combo that suits, Seto will be happy to whip up one for you. 70 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del., 302-226-1216, http://www.bloomingboutique.com. —K.B.

Going the Distance

Where the greatest horses of the 20th century once trained, now golfers swat tiny dimpled balls. The GlenRiddle Golf Club, just west of Ocean City, encompasses the training grounds where Man o’War, War Admiral and Sea Biscuit once galloped to glory. Its two courses, named appropriately Man o’War (public) and War Admiral (private), feature obstacles from the original Riddle farm, including the old starting gates and a section of track. The stables have been repurposed as a clubhouse featuring a Ruth’s Chris Steak House. After playing a few rounds, wander its hallways, which are filled with memorabilia and old photographs of the horse racing greats. Summer greens fees range from $49 to $99. 866-441-4536, http://www.glenriddlegolf.com. —J.S.

Expecting Style

Catering to women throughout all stages of pregnancy, Saltwater Mama offers “clothes that don’t look like maternity clothes,” says co-owner Amy Hayes, who teamed up with her sister Holly Rubenstein (both experienced mamas) to open the store last fall. The duo carries maternity clothing appropriate for all occasions, including beach, casual and work wear. Also check out the infant gifts, such as onesies, baby blankets, lotions and beach-friendly strollers. 42 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del., 302-227-6818. —B.B.

New Looks

Art aficionados—with money to spend— should pop into the Philip Morton Gallery. The smart, white-walled space showcases colorful contemporary originals from a roster of approximately 20 national and international artists. “There are already spaces in town showcasing local artists,” says owner Philip Livingston, who also owns the popular Elegant Slumming boutique. “I’m trying to bring in new names and new looks. I think this town is ready for it.” New works go up every three to four weeks. 47 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del., 302-727-0905, http://www.philipmortongallery.com.—J.S

Sunny Disposition

Color, color and more color! That’s what defines the work of regional artist Liz Lind, who has opened her third gallery, Liz Lind Editions, in Ocean City. (Her other two galleries are located in Annapolis and Edgewater.) Specializing in watercolor and cut- paper seascapes and landscapes, Lind’s work also includes her new Ocean City watercolors series, sold exclusively at the new gallery. “My artwork is fun, happy and whimsical,” says Lind. “Everybody enjoys it.” 9748 Stephen Decatur Highway, Unit 110, Ocean City, Md., 410-213-9404, http://www.liz-lindeditions.com. —B.B. 

More Beach News

Rehoboth Beach’s Amandeline Gallery boasts works by national and local artists. In addition to the mainly large-format oils and watercolors, check out owner Amanda Ponko’s work as well as accessory art: pottery, basketry and painted floor cloths. ... There’s a brand new park in Lewes. Pack a picnic basket and a Frisbee and enjoy the Lewes Canal Front Park. ... Kids get to take the pirate oath and work together to discover sunken treasure on a “real” pirate ship as part of Pirates of Lewes Expeditions. It’s perfect for birthday parties, too. ... Fresh, seasonal produce is available at farmers’ markets in Lewes (Saturdays, 8 a.m.- noon, at the Lewes Historical Society Complex) and in Rehoboth Beach at Grove Park, Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. And if vacationing has become too stressful,look into Concierge By the Sea, which helps vacationers— and residents— with grocery shopping, arranging tee times, spa appointments and getting the most out of time at the beach. —J.S.