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        <title>Delaware Beach Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/deldot-to-widen-shoulder-on-fred-hudson-rd/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/deldot-to-widen-shoulder-on-fred-hudson-rd/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title> DelDOT to widen shoulder on Fred Hudson Rd</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
DelDOT will not build a separate pedestrian and bicycle pathway along Fred Hudson Road as part of its upcoming bridge repairs, but changes to the project will provide additional space for cyclists and pedestrians.


State Rep. Ron Gray said he remains hopeful that a dedicated pathway could eventually be constructed over the wetlands adjacent to Fred Hudson Road, connecting the area more safely to Route 1 in Bethany Beach.


According to Gray, DelDOT revised its bridge design following input from the Safer Fred Hudson coalition and discussions involving Gray and state Sen. Gerald Hocker. The updated plan will reduce vehicle travel lanes to 10 feet wide, allowing for 5-foot shoulders on both sides of the bridge. The speed limit in the area will also be reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph.


The Safer Fred Hudson coalition has advocated for a separate multi-use pathway for several years, citing concerns about pedestrian and bicycle safety along the heavily traveled road. Members previously helped advance a safety walkway extending from McCoy’s Way, near the entrance to the Salt Pond community, to North Beach Drive, but have continued pushing for an eastbound connection toward Route 1.


A major obstacle is the bridge culvert beneath Fred Hudson Road, which DelDOT says is deteriorating and requires timely replacement. Adding a separate pathway would require environmental review and permitting because of surrounding wetlands, a process officials say could take several years.


DelDOT has said delaying the bridge project while pursuing those approvals could increase the risk of the existing structure failing, potentially resulting in a complete closure of Fred Hudson Road.


Funding is another consideration. Money has been allocated for the bridge replacement, but not for construction of a separate pathway alongside it. DelDOT also noted that the nearby Fresh Pond Trail currently provides an alternative multimodal route and that the department must balance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure needs throughout the state.


For now, DelDOT says the revised bridge design provides an opportunity to improve pedestrian and bicycle access without disturbing adjacent wetlands or delaying the necessary structural repairs. The narrower travel lanes, 5-foot shoulders and reduced speed limit are intended to make the crossing safer while leaving open the possibility of additional improvements in the future.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:53:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/labor-day-weekend-2026-in-bethany-beach/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/labor-day-weekend-2026-in-bethany-beach/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Labor Day Weekend 2026 in Bethany Beach </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but along the Delaware coast, there’s still plenty of summer fun ahead. From live music and fireworks to one of Bethany Beach’s most beloved traditions, the weekend of September 4–7, 2026 offers plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the beach.


This year is particularly special in Bethany Beach, where Labor Day weekend festivities coincide with the town’s 125th anniversary celebration. Whether you’re spending the weekend in North Bethany, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island or Ocean City, here are some of the events to have on your calendar.





Friday, September 4 | Kick Off the Weekend in Bethany Beach


Labor Day weekend gets underway Friday evening with live music at the Bethany Beach Bandstand.


At 7:30 p.m., Love Seed Mama Jump takes the stage for a free concert in downtown Bethany. The popular Delaware band has been entertaining crowds for decades with its high-energy mix of rock, pop and dance favorites.


Grab dinner downtown, take an evening walk on the boardwalk and stick around for the show.


Saturday, September 5 | Evening performance at the Bandstand


 Get into the groove of celebration with a performance by The Jimmies at the Bethany Beach Bandstand in the evening at 7:30pm, where you'll be brought back to the 80's with their flashback show.


Sunday, September 6 | A Big Day in Bethany Beach


Sunday is shaping up to be the biggest day of Labor Day weekend in Bethany Beach.


At 12 p.m., the Independence Day Parade makes its way through downtown. Originally planned for July, the parade was postponed because of the summer heat and rescheduled as part of the town’s Labor Day and 125th anniversary festivities.


This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes &amp; Shorelines,” makes the celebration especially fitting as Bethany Beach commemorates its 125th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.


The festivities continue that evening at the Bandstand. At 7:30 p.m., Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis brings the music of Elvis Presley to downtown Bethany.


Then, around 9:15 p.m., look to the sky for a special drone and fireworks show over the beach. The show should be visible from multiple locations along the shoreline, making for a memorable way to celebrate the final weekend of summer.


Monday, September 7 | The Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral


Labor Day wouldn't be complete without one of Bethany Beach’s most distinctive traditions.


The 41st Annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral begins at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7. Each year, residents and visitors gather for a lighthearted New Orleans-style procession symbolically mourning the end of another summer season.


Dixieland jazz, colorful costumes and plenty of personality have made the Jazz Funeral a longtime Bethany Beach favorite. If you've never experienced it, Labor Day 2026 is a great year to join the procession.


One More Weekend of Summer at the Beach


Labor Day may signal that another summer is coming to a close, but here at the beach, there’s no reason to rush the season away.


With concerts, a parade, fireworks, drones and the return of the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, Labor Day Weekend 2026 is packed with opportunities to enjoy everything that makes our coastal communities special.


Whether you're here for the weekend or fortunate enough to call the beach home, we hope you find some time to get outside, enjoy the festivities and celebrate one more great summer weekend along the coast.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:58:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bennett-orchards-receives-delaware-research-grant/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bennett-orchards-receives-delaware-research-grant/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Bennett Orchards Receives Delaware Research Grant </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Credit to: CoastTV, Alyssa Baker


Photo: Bennett Orchards


Bennett Orchards has received a $53,999 grant through a Delaware program designed to improve access to healthy, affordable food in communities with limited grocery options.


The sixth-generation family farm, which has been growing fruit in Delaware since 1867, was one of 28 recipients selected during the spring 2026 funding round of the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Grant Program.


The Delaware Division of Small Business presented a ceremonial check at Bennett Orchards, located at 31442 Peachtree Lane, on Aug. 17. Division Director CJ Bell and state Sen. Darius Brown attended the presentation.


Bennett Orchards plans to use the funding to continue research into ways to protect fruit crops from damaging spring frosts.


The farm previously studied the effectiveness of a wind machine in protecting its peach crop. According to Bennett Orchards, peaches grown near the machine showed differences compared with fruit from trees outside its immediate area.


Temperatures below 28 degrees can significantly reduce or even eliminate a fruit crop's yield, Henry Bennett explained. Wind machines are permanently installed in orchards and work by circulating warmer air from above with colder air closer to the ground.


Building on its peach research, Bennett Orchards will now install a wind machine in a portion of its blueberry acreage. The farm will study whether the technology can limit frost damage and ultimately increase blueberry yields.





Bennett said the farm is optimistic that the research will help it provide more peaches and higher-quality blueberries to the surrounding community.


The Delaware Division of Small Business says the grant program supports projects that increase access to nutritious, affordable food in communities considered food deserts or at risk of becoming food deserts.


Funding was available to a variety of participants in Delaware's food system, including farmers, independent and community grocery stores, businesses offering culturally diverse foods, food banks, food pantries and other organizations involved in the food supply chain.


The 28 recipients selected in the spring funding round received a combined $712,500, with individual grants ranging from $12,000 to $65,000.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:47:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/wags-witches-warlocks-2026/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/wags-witches-warlocks-2026/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Wags, Witches &amp; Warlocks 2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Get ready for costumes, canines and plenty of Halloween fun Wags, Witches &amp; Warlocks is returning to downtown Bethany Beach on Saturday, October 24, 2026, bringing together pets, families and the community for a festive fall celebration benefiting the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA).


Whether you have a four-legged friend ready to strut their stuff or you simply love Halloween at the beach, this event offers a full morning and afternoon of activities — all while supporting animals in need.





A Halloween Tradition for People and Pets


The fun gets started bright and early at 8:00 a.m. with Puppy Yoga at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church, located at 117 Maplewood Street. Registration at the Bethany Beach Bandstand opens at 9:00 a.m., followed by one of the day's highlights: the Halloween Parade on Garfield Parkway at 10:00 a.m.


Costumes are strongly encouraged, and creativity could earn you some bragging rights. The Costume Contest Awards Presentation begins at 10:45 a.m., with categories including Funniest, Scariest, Cutest, Best with a Pet, Best Family, Best Pet and Most Original.


From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., families can continue the celebration with trick-or-treating and Halloween fun throughout downtown Bethany Beach. Participating businesses will be marked with flags, making it easy to find your next treat. At noon, the Puppy Pals Dog Show adds even more four-legged entertainment to the day.


Visitors can also look forward to Halloween crafts, pet adoptions and raffle prizes.





Halloween Fun That Makes a Difference


Beyond the costumes and festivities, Wags, Witches &amp; Warlocks has an important mission: proceeds from the event benefit the Brandywine Valley SPCA.


The BVSPCA works to help animals in need, and Wags, Witches &amp; Warlocks gives the Bethany Beach community a fun way to rally around that mission. Every registration, donation and sponsorship helps turn a day of Halloween fun into support for a meaningful cause.


The 2026 event has set a $25,000 fundraising goal, making community participation especially important.





Registration Details


Registration donations are:




$20 per individual


$10 per dog


$10 per participant for groups of four or more




So gather your friends, family and favorite furry companions, start planning those costumes and make a day of it in downtown Bethany Beach.


And don't worry if Mother Nature has other Halloween plans — a rain date of Sunday, October 25 is scheduled.





Join the Fun in Bethany Beach


Wags, Witches &amp; Warlocks is more than a Halloween celebration. It's an opportunity to bring together neighbors, local businesses, families and animal lovers while raising money for pets who need a helping hand.


Come for the parade. Stay for the costumes, trick-or-treating and puppy-filled fun. Most importantly, come knowing that you're helping support the Brandywine Valley SPCA.


Save the date: Saturday, October 24, 2026, in downtown Bethany Beach.


Ready to register, donate or learn more? Visit WagsWitchesAndWarlocks.com for event information and registration.


Grab the leash, dust off your witch's hat and get ready for a spooktacular day at the beach




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bayside-market-balanced-for-buyers-and-sellers/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bayside-market-balanced-for-buyers-and-sellers/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Bayside Market Balanced for Buyers and Sellers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 




*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in Bayside. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


As another busy summer season winds down, many Bayside buyers and sellers are beginning to think about what's next. Whether you're planning for next year or simply keeping an eye on the market, we've put together a snapshot of how the first seven months of this year compare to the same period last year. 


The Bayside market has become more balanced than it was a year ago, but demand for quality homes remains strong. While sales and overall volume are down modestly, homes are going under contract 10 days faster than they did last year, and average sale prices have increased by 8. With inventory increasing from 21 to 30 homes, buyers have more options, making thoughtful pricing and presentation more important than ever.


If selling or purchasing has been on your mind, we would be happy to provide a current market evaluation, answer your questions, and help you decide if the timing is right for you. Please call our Bayside Experts: Kiki Hargrove (302) 569-2959 &amp; Mary McAllister (302) 681-6553
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/inventory-remains-limited-in-sea-colony/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/inventory-remains-limited-in-sea-colony/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Inventory Remains Limited in Sea Colony</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in SEA COLONY. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


As another busy summer season winds down, many Sea Colony buyers and sellers are beginning to think about what's next. Whether you're planning for next year or simply keeping an eye on the market, we've put together a snapshot of how the first seven months of this year compare to the same period last year. 


The Sea Colony market has become more selective than it was a year ago, with fewer sales and lower overall sales volume. However, inventory has also declined by 36, leaving just 14 properties available for sale. While median sale prices have moderated from last year's levels, well-priced and well-presented properties are going under contract in an average of 19 days, compared to 39 days last year - a positive sign that buyers continue to act when the right property becomes available.


If selling or purchasing has been on your mind, we would be happy to provide a current market evaluation, answer your questions, and help you decide if the timing is right for you. Please give our Sea Colony Experts a call: Chris Housman (302) 853-0192 and Gail Phelan (302) 233-4909.    
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:53:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bear-trap-market-balanced/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bear-trap-market-balanced/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Bear Trap Market Balanced</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in BEAR TRAP dUNES. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


As another busy summer season winds down, many Bear Trap buyers and sellers are beginning to think about what's next. Whether you're planning for next year or simply keeping an eye on the market, we've put together a snapshot of how the first seven months of this year compare to the same period last year. 


Buyer demand in Bear Trap remains healthy, with sales up 10 and overall sales volume increasing by 8 compared to last year. As inventory has grown, the market has become more balanced, giving buyers additional options and resulting in longer marketing times for some properties. Even so, well-priced homes continue to attract attention, making strategic pricing and presentation more important than ever.


If selling or purchasing has been on your mind, we would be happy to provide a current market evaluation, answer your questions, and help you decide if the timing is right for you. Please give our Bear Trap Expert a call. 


Gail Phelan(302) 233-4909                             
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:39:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/ocean-view-market-remains-strong/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/ocean-view-market-remains-strong/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Ocean View Market Remains Strong</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in OCEAN VIEW. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


As another busy summer season winds down, many Ocean View buyers and sellers are beginning to think about what's next. Whether you're planning for next year or simply keeping an eye on the market, we've put together a snapshot of how the first seven months of this year compare to the same period last year. 


Ocean View continues to demonstrate exceptional market strength. While inventory has increased from 7 to 12 properties, sales activity has held steady. Overall sales volume has increased by 8, homes are going under contract an average of 21 days faster than last year, average sale prices have risen by 9, and sales of $2 million-plus homes are up 29, creating favorable conditions for homeowners considering a sale.


If selling or purchasing has been on your mind, we would be happy to provide a current market evaluation, answer your questions, and help you decide if the timing is right for you. Please give us a call. 


Leslie Kopp                   Christi Arndt            (302) 541-5207           (302) 245-5223          
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:37:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/fenwick-island-market-holds-strong/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/fenwick-island-market-holds-strong/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>Fenwick Island Market Holds Strong </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in FENWICK ISLAND. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


As another busy summer season winds down, many Fenwick Island buyers and sellers are beginning to think about what's next. Whether you're planning for next year or simply keeping an eye on the market, we've put together a snapshot of how the first seven months of this year compare to the same period last year. 


Fenwick Island continues to demonstrate exceptional market strength. While inventory has increased from 7 to 12 properties, sales activity has held steady. Overall sales volume has increased by 8, homes are going under contract an average of 21 days faster than last year, average sale prices have risen by 9, and sales of $2 million-plus homes are up 29, creating favorable conditions for homeowners considering a sale.


If selling or purchasing has been on your mind, we would be happy to provide a current market evaluation, answer your questions, and help you decide if the timing is right for you. Please give us a call. 


Leslie Kopp                   Christi Arndt              Wayne Lyons(302) 541-5207           (302) 245-5223          (302) 858-7347
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:34:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/south-bethany-market-holds-strong/</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/south-bethany-market-holds-strong/</link>
        <author>leslie@lesliekopp.com (Leslie Kopp)</author>
        <title>South Bethany Market Holds Strong</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in SOUTH Bethany. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


As another busy summer season winds down, many South Bethany buyers and sellers are beginning to think about what's next. Whether you're planning for next year or simply keeping an eye on the market, we've put together a snapshot of how the first seven months of this year compare to the same period last year. 


South Bethany continues to perform exceptionally well. Although the average time to secure a contract has increased compared to last year, the market remains highly competitive. Sales are up 7, overall sales volume has increased by 17, average sale prices have risen by 12, and sales of $2 million-plus homes have doubled. With only seven homes currently available, inventory remains limited, creating favorable conditions for homeowners considering a sale.


If selling or purchasing has been on your mind, we would be happy to provide a current market evaluation, answer your questions, and help you decide if the timing is right for you. Please give us a call. 


Leslie Kopp                    Christi Arndt(302) 541-5207           (302) 245-5223 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:29:00 -0400</pubDate>
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