Lewes voted among top beach towns in America!

According to the website www.retirementandgoodliving.com, 10 cities represent a selection of the best retirement destinations in the United States. The list includes Santa Fe, San Diego, Asheville, Austin, Pittsburgh, Charleston, Bend, Burlington, Savannah and Napa. These cities “provide a variety of retirement features including great recreation options, art and culture, festivals, nightlife, historic sites, good healthcare and low to moderate taxes.”

Curious about the 10 top retirement cities and countries overseas? Cuenca, Ecuador; Boquete, Panama; Bali, Indonesia; Ambergris Caye, Belize; Queenstown, New Zealand; Granada, Nicaragua; Le Marche, Italy, Barcelona, Spain; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Perignan, France.

The April 21, 2017 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine lists 46 Best Beach Towns in America. Guess what? Lewes, Delaware is No. 7! “The highly walkable town features a small historic district, and an easy pace of life that’s heavenly for those who don’t want the hustle and bustle of busier beach towns.”

While I’ve enjoyed visiting many cities, I am in love with Lewes for precisely that description, an easy pace of life. Last Sunday afternoon, I needed a birthday gift for my soon-to-be 2-year-old granddaughter. The outlets hold limited appeal for me. I slipped into an empty parking space on Second Street. No meters yet. Sigh. No crowds. Yes. The sales clerk at Kids’ Ketch was eager to help me find the correct size bathing suit, and suggested appropriate toys. Plus they gift wrapped my purchase for free.

I enjoy shopping and eating in our town because the stores and restaurants are unique and not part of a chain. That’s what makes Lewes so special!

A woman was seated on the bench in front of King’s Ice Cream store licking a cone while her little dog’s tail wagged in anticipation of a taste. The sun had just come out when I walked past the gazebo where a husband and wife were admiring the tulips. “I think we should buy yellow ones for our yard too, don’t you think, dear?” And he nodded.

Santa Fe National Forest has 320,000 acres. San Diego boasts 600,000 acres in the Anza-Borrego Desert, but Lewes has 150 miles of paved trails in Cape Henlopen State Park, plus the Seaside Nature Center and a live osprey cam. Even Thatch the osprey knows a good home when he sees it!

Spring seems colder than normal, and even though we want summer to arrive, it’s nice to appreciate the peaceful moments that a small town has to offer. A quiet morning walk along the canal or a bike ride on the Junction & Breakwater Trail. Visit the Lewes Chamber of Commerce website, www.leweschamber.com, and download the 2017 calendar of events.