Fall getaway weekends Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park just south of Rehoboth Beach is offering two weekend vacation packages this fall: the Fall Fishing Weekend and the Autumn Shores Getaway. Each package will include a variety of programs, several meals, and a discounted rate for a two-night stay at waterfront cottages along the Indian River Inlet.
Fall Fishing Weekend will take place Oct. 17-19. It will begin Friday evening with a program called Gilled to Grilled, in which participants will clean and fillet their own fish and cook it for dinner.
On Saturday morning, the group will learn the basics of surf fishing during a half-day introductory program led by park staff on the beach. In the afternoon, the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware will provide a hands-on demonstration of fly casting in the surf.
On Saturday evening, guest speaker Richard Seagraves, a representative from the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, will discuss current initiatives of the council and techniques used to manage fisheries. To close out the weekend, participants will enjoy a half-day ocean fishing trip aboard a head boat from Indian River Marina.
Fall Fishing Weekend is $165 per person, which includes all activities, one dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches. For out-of-towners, there is an option of a discounted stay at the Indian River Marina cottages. This package is recommended for ages 15 and up.
Delaware Seashore State Park’s other weekend package, Autumn Shores Getaway, will be offered Oct. 31-Nov. 2. This weekend will focus on the natural beauty of Delaware’s coast in the fall, something many summertime visitors do not get the opportunity to experience. It will kick off Friday evening with a guided night hike through the Burton Island Nature Preserve just a short walk from the cottages.
On Saturday, participants will enjoy a guided hike of Thompson Island Nature Preserve at the north end of the park. A park naturalist will lead the group, explaining the Native American ties to the land and identifying wildlife along the way. After leaving Thompson Island, the group will travel to Ocean View for a local, organic lunch served at Good Earth Market, complete with a tour of its certified organic farm. On the way back to the park, there will be a stop at the James Farm Ecological Preserve, an oasis of wild land on the south shore of Indian River Bay that is managed by Delaware’s Center for the Inland Bays. The day will end with a relaxing campfire and stargazing on the beach.
On Sunday, participants will enjoy a two-hour boat cruise along the Rehoboth-Lewes Canal. This trip will cruise past the towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, as well as Cape Henlopen State Park and Thompson Island Nature Preserve.
The fee for the Autumn Shores Getaway is $75 per person and includes all outdoor activities, transportation, two breakfasts, and one lunch. For out-of-towners, there is an option of a discounted stay at the Indian River Marina cottages. This package is recommended for ages 8 and up.
For more information about Delaware Seashore State Park’s cottages, go to www.destateparks.com/camping/cottages. For more information about weekend vacation packages, or to make reservations, contact the Indian River Life-Saving Station at Delaware Seashore State Park at 302-227-6991.
