Joie de McLean

You’ve found Joie de McLean—our new weekly column that is all about the joyful life in McLean. 

We’ll be posting news and tidbits about everything that is fun and fashionable in town.

Got a hot tip? Feel free to share with us. Like you, we’re always on the hunt for great finds.

These days, taking a dip in the neighborhood pool is just about as refreshing as taking a bath in an outdoor Jacuzzi at noon. We need something colder. We’re thinking a cool ocean breeze and body surfing through water that is actually a refreshing temperature.

So we were delighted to see that the Natural Resources Defense Council recently released a report assessing the nation's best and worst beaches. Good news for us—two of the four "superstar" beaches with unblemished water-quality results are Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches in Delaware, just a hop, skip, and a drive over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Joie fully endorses Rehoboth Beach. Take your family for a stroll on the classic boardwalk, or your sweetie to one of the beach-chic restaurants that grace Rehoboth Avenue. Either way, you’re going to get a timeless summer weekend away.

Stay:

Beach View Motel

It’s a casual, flip-flops and swim trunks kind of place, and its location on the boardwalk cannot be beat. Free beach chairs and a continental breakfast will set you up for a perfect sand-between-your-toes day. Ask for an ocean view room, and let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep.

Eat:

The Henlopen City Oyster House opened last summer, and is already a local favorite on the surprisingly sophisticated Rehoboth Beach culinary scene.  Dozens of craft beers by the bottle, lobster mac & cheese, and an Eastern Shore staple—Maryland crab cakes—are all on the menu.

Do:

For 50 years, kids have been going crazy for Funland. So many memories are made at this small amusement park on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. The boat and fire engine rides are perfect for little tots; and, believe us, the stomach-dropping Sea Dragon will have you and your older ones screaming with glee. Bonus: fill up on homemade salt water taffy at the iconic Dolle's Candyland nearby.

Ride:

Heaven! The Delaware seashore is as flat as a sand dollar. Rent a cruiser at Bike To Go, and pedal your way down to the bars in Dewey, or up to the historic shops of Lewes.

And if you want to make Rehoboth a more permanent getaway, there is always this house, for sale for a cool $3.15 million. Just make sure you invite us.