Now it’s our turn!

Goodness knows we keep things hoppin’ in the fall season, and our esteemed visitors love it. But in the wake of jazz fest and Sea Witch, it’s finally time for us locals to venture out into our various downtowns. After all, we’re lucky enough to live close to the beach, and the value added is that the parking meters are history.

Our tiny shore resort is loaded with leisurely dining, whomped up by longtime locals at Blackwall at the Beach, Grotto Pizza, Nalu Rehoboth and Mariachi. Two of the newest lunchtime kids in town are Downtown Blues (wait ‘til you see their bar!) in the original Nicola Pizza spot and Lydia’s Grab & Go in the old Touch of Italy/GrandpaMac/Rudy’s spot on Baltimore Avenue. Speaking of Baltimore Avenue (I call it “party central”), treat yourself to its lineup of amazing eateries including Café Azafran, DiFebo’s, Bodhi, Drift, Blue Moon, Somewhere, The Pines, Theo’s, Ava’s and Eden.

Both of our local Turkish eateries are still up and running. Semra’s starts at 11 a.m., and Aroma rolls out delicious dinners around 5 p.m. Fins Fish House over by Hotel Rehoboth dishes up lunches on the weekends. Across from Aroma, Henlopen City Oyster House does lunch daily (Rehoboth Foodie pick hits are best enjoyed at the bar: the chowder, the Lobster Reuben and the Chicago Dog).

Breakfast for lunch is a staple in Rehoboth at Crystal (ahhh, the pancakes), Robin Hood (feta omelet with well-done scrapple), Sammy’s Kitchen (multiple syrups, IHOP-style) and the upbeat Goolee’s Grille (carnivores will swoon for Cousin Yogi’s Sandwich). And don’t forget the very friendly Sunny Bay Café where Pig & Fish/Cuvee Ray used to be. Venture south to enjoy the beachy and informal Sunrise Restaurant in Dewey Beach. “No shoes, no shirt, no problem!” What’s not to like?

Speaking of the Dewey Way of Life, mainstays continue to be the always-reliable Starboard, Woody’s (and the new Woody’s 2 Go), the relatively new Starboard Claw, the Lighthouse and Mama Maria’s. Be sure to check out the hours – some restaurants take a well-deserved break when the vacationers aren’t looking.

But wait! There’s more! Victoria’s in the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel is open daily with a generous helping of ocean views. Summer House is consistently good, with quick service, and on warm days, the new patio is a don’t-miss. Dos Locos’ afternoon specials are generous, especially at the bar where you can try not to make an afternoon of it.

Quickie carryout for ambulatory chomping includes Louie’s (a pepperoni slice or two), Gus & Gus’ Place (burgers and good fried chicken for warm fall days), The Point Coffee House & Bake Shoppe, Alison Blyth’s Go Fish!, Arena’s downtown, and semi-new kid on Rehoboth Avenue, Tiki Jac’s, the sister to Zogg’s, another tucked-away favorite on Wilmington Avenue.

Downtown Lewes is not without its lunchiness. Hang out at Grain on the Rocks to watch the ships roll in and watch ‘em roll away again. I like to sneak my Rose & Crown vittles into the lobby of the Rodney Hotel to enjoy the artsy look of the place. The award-winning Lewes Oyster House is the place to see and be seen, while Touch of Italy still dominates the corner of Savannah Road and Second Street alongside Striper Bites and the delightful Raas, where kibitzing with Chef GG is always a special treat. He’ll brighten your day. Quality dining continues on that block at Heirloom, right next door to Raas. Owner Meghan knows her stuff!

Hiding behind King’s Ice Cream on W. Market Street, find great Lewes breakfasts and lunches at Café Azafran’s little sister, Olive & Oats, and Elina Kamalova’s Eggcellent, where Café Azafran first opened. Like canal views? Irish Eyes and the Wheelhouse are both open every day, while the upscale Harbour (where Gilligan’s used to be) opens at 10 a.m. for Sunday brunch. And don’t forget the tiny but delicious Pig & Publican just past the drawbridge on the way to Lewes Beach (and the DQ!)

At Patty’s Carryout on Savannah Road, you can fill up on made-to-order lunches (don’t miss Patty’s egg salad!) while getting your car fixed at nearby Hazzard Auto Repair. Patty’s is doing great under the watchful eye of Nectar boss Lisa McDonald, and Nectar is still open in Neils Alley. It’s worth the search, trust me.

Trek west a little more and you’ll find authentic Thai tastes at Sticky Rice next door to longtime favorite Capriotti’s sandwich shop. Around the corner is Kaisy’s Delights. I love the La Colombe cold brew coffee, but beware; it packs a wallop! On Kings Highway, Crooked Hammock Brewery Chef Ted Deptula has elevated the menu to new heights. And while you’re perusing that part of town, drop by Big Oyster Brewery (early evening entertainment is back!) and the very lunchy Station on Kings, open every day.

This homage to downtowns is by no means comprehensive, but with the Atlantic Ocean glistening in the distance, a relaxed bite in Rehoboth, Dewey and Lewes is certainly the best bang for the buck you’ll get almost anywhere.