October 18
Dewey Beach 2012 – Lewes
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Today is the last day I’ll talk about my vacation to Dewey Beach, Delaware, for Greyhounds Reach the Beach. To finish up, I’ll tell you about one of my favorite outings…to Lewes, Delaware.
I first heard about Lewes in a 2011 Tales and Tails post. I love history, and this town, which calls itself “the first city in the first state,” was a delight.
Lewes had its beginning in 1631 when the Dutch selected it as an ideal site to establish a whaling station, but as a result of a dispute over a Dutch coat of arms the settlers had mounted on their settlement, all 32 settlers were massacred by a local tribe of the Lenni Lanape Indians.
Lewes is named in honor of a town in Sussex County, England.
I parked at the Lewes Presbyterian Church.
I LOVE this style of church building.
I walked to the Zwaanendael Museum that was just down the street. This building was constructed in 1931 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the town’s settlement.
Then, I wandered through the town, stopping in some of the cool shops and the antique mall.
My next stop was St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, which calls itself “the first church in the first city in the first state.” It was fascianting to me how the graveyard surrounds the church, right up to the front door.
My final stop was the Lewes Historical Society. This historic complex holds 9 historic buildings dating from the mid 1600’s to the late 1800’s.
With the exception of the Hiram Rodney Burton House, all the buildings have been moved from other locations in Lewes or surrounding communities.
There is so much more to see in Lewes. I hope to make it back there one day.
Daily Inspiration
One travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more.
Thomas Jefferson
Oh, isn’t Lewes just so pretty? I absolutely love that town, and we always make time to stop there when we go to Dewey. It’s like something out of a post card! I keep thinking how fantastic it would be to live there. I’m so glad you got to go up there and look around!
Funny you say that…the whole time I was there, I was thinking, “I would love to live here.”
Excuse this person from across the Big pond but I’m wondering what the first state is. The town is so quaint! I love the Z museum (it would take me too long to spell the name LOL).
Delaware. Duh.
What a gorgeous little town Lewes is! I love all the old quaint buildings and churches. That is something how the graveyard goes right up to the door of the one church! Thanks for the history lesson it was very interesting. 🙂
The tombstones in front of the church is different. I have never seen that before. Definitely looks like an interesting place to visit.
What an interesting place. They have some beautiful old buildings, it must have been a treat to look around them.
Lynne x
Looks like a lovely place. I use to live near Lewes, Sussex, England and often drove past it to get to Bournemouth on the coast.
How cool. Perhaps I’ll get to visit your Lewes one day (I hope).
What a beautiful place to explore!
Nola
Well don’t tell anyone over here, I said it, but I think your Lewes is nicer! Mind you, ours isn’t bad…. it has a castle, obviously!! Deccy x
We went to Lewes, too!! And I photographed that same house with the pumpkins over the door! What a coincidence! And what a gorgeous little town it is.
Did you go on the day of the craft fair? I was taken along to that by one of our friends, and it was fun!
Great photos – love the details you’ve picked out. 🙂
I went on Wednesday, October 10, which turned out nicely since it was a pretty day after all that rain on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I am sad I missed the craft fair though. I would have loved that.
Me has really enjoyed following your posts on your trip. Me has not posted much, Mommy has not been able to types very well.
Kisses
nELLIE
Nellie…I hope your mommy gets better real soon.
You are an AWESOME photographer! Loved reading all the details on Lewes 🙂
Thank you, Michelle. You and Michael would love Lewes. Future vacation idea.