Summer is upon us and that means car caravans of giddy friends and family members headed for a couple of days (or more) of basking in the sun and sand. But, perish the thought, what happens when it rains? Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in the coastal towns when the weather does not cooperate, or any time for that matter.
Let’s start with The Brush Factory on Kings. This eclectic combination of antiques, home goods, crafts, art, clothing, and furniture is housed in a spacious one-story building that was a brush factory that opened in 1932 on nearby McFee Street and later moved to its current space on Kings Highway (near Cape Henlopen High School). The venue is a favorite “go to place for visitors” regardless of the weather and it is almost impossible to browse without buying anything. Ray’s Produce was added later allowing customers to discover a dream treasure and get the necessary ingredients for dinner all at the same time.

Most of the merchandise at The Brush Factory is new compared to The Mercantile at Milton located in the heart of the quaint former mill town, directly across Union Street from the Milton Theater. Like The Brush Factory, the interior of The Mercantile is set up as a series of vendor spaces filled with mostly collectibles, antiques, and unique gifts. Where else can you find a slightly used stuffed purple dragon for a grandchild, a giant gold giraffe or vintage license plates for that special collection? Both establishments boast between 60-70 vendors. The Mercantile vendors are displayed on two floors.
Looking for a little more action, especially if kids are involved? Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park is a cavernous building on RT 9, near Five Points that houses air bags, foam pits, a basketball slam dunk, dodgeball, a kids zone with slides, an arcade and a café. The facility moved to its current space from its original location on Coastal Highway known as The Forgotten Mile.
Shell We Bounce isn’t the only arcade in town. Lefty’s Alley and Eats on Coastal Highway is probably better known for its expansive bowling alley, but its arcade is substantial. Additional family and friend attractions include a Top Golf Swing Suite, a private karaoke suite, and a billiards table. Unlike the very informal café at Shell We Bounce, Lefty’s offers more of a full blown restaurant complete with a “Cheers-like” bar and TV monitors for watching sports.
Rehoboth Beach’s iconic boardwalk is home to two family-friendly amusement/arcade centers - Funland and Zelky’s arcades. If you don’t want to venture into town, check out the Zelky’s location in the Tanger Bayside Outlet Mall.



Perhaps the Crown Jewels of Rehoboth’s rainy-day things to do juggernaut are the three Tanger Outlet Malls spread out along Coastal Highway from Rehoboth to Lewes. The three large strip malls house a variety of shops ranging from athletic wear to children’s’ products and featuring brands such as Under Armor, Chico’s, The North Face, Merrill, and Build a Bear.
Of course, everyone’s rainy day fall back is to go to the movies and The Movies at Midway will not disappoint. The multi-theater complex houses nine films. Show times vary.
There is no point in sulking at home if it rains in Rehoboth with such a variety from which to choose.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist

Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
