The summer is winding down on the east coast of the U.S. and many are thinking about one last dash to the beach. A spot popular to many in Maryland and Pennsylvania is Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  But the seaside community is more than just sand and surf.

The Junction & Breakwater Trail located between the towns of Lewes and Rehoboth is one of the smooth-level trails made from converted abandoned railroad tracks.  A ride or walk along the trail carries you along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the rural landscapes and wetlands.

If the biking and hiking has worked up a thirst the Nassau Valley Vineyards is there to quench it.  The vineyard boasts of being Delaware’s first and only award-winning winery. Nassau Valley Vineyards grows, presses, ferments and bottles on the farm creating four different varietals.  The vineyard is open year-round Monday through Saturday 11am – 5 pm and noon to 5 on Sunday.  You can take free self-guided tour and have a tasting when you’re done for just $5.

So, now that you have had a lovely wine tasting, let’s wash that down with some beer.  The Purple Parrot Grill is a restaurant and bar with half off drinks during happy hour (3-6 pm) if you order at the bar Monday-Friday.  But the beer isn’t the only attraction. If you want to belt out your favorite hits by Journey they have Karaoke every Friday and Saturday starting at 9pm. Just when the weekend couldn’t get any better Tara Austin and the Birdcage Bad Girls Drag Show is every Sunday at 10pm.

If drinking and drag isn’t your idea of a great evening the Clear Space Theater Company brings the best of Broadway to the beach with musicals like Oliver and The Full Monty. The theater is celebrating its 10^th year in its mission to “educate and inspire audiences, artists and students to explore and participate in the performing arts through high-quality experiences.”

If you really want to slow it down the Indian River Life Saving Station Museum at Delaware Seashore State Park is as about as sedate as it gets. The life saving station, built in 1876, was used by the United States Life-Saving Service, a precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard.  The museum is filled with information on shipwrecks, history and life along the windswept coast around the turn of the century.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the last days of summer without wanting to risk a last-minute sunburn, Rehoboth Beach has plenty of alternatives.

I also want to thank my amazing Aunt Cynthia (part-time resident of Rehoboth) for her help with this post.