Hello Masked Ones! Sending good thoughts to all of you - hang in there.

Was able to confirm that Aldi is indeed going into the KMart space in Rehoboth. My research also led me to the Facebook page, Delaware Aldi Nerds - which is hilarious. I can't wait to shop the AOS aisle. (I'd tell you what it is, but where's the fun in THAT?)

Even more exciting - Taco Reho is taking over the vacant Burger King! It will have a drive thru, expanded menu, and feature their incredible homemade tortillas. YUMMM! Can't wait. (The food truck will still be available for events.)

Rehoboth Ale House will open a second location in the former Forgotten Mile Ale House. Excellent move! Lots and lots of free parking.

Square One Grill (Martini Bar & Lounge) is now open on 1st Street in Rehoboth. Check out the pix on their FB page - beautiful remodel! And don't miss the martini menu on their website - YOWZA!

The Pond has vacated downtown Rehoboth, and are busy renovating the TGIFriday space in the Safeway shopping center, with plans for a spring opening. Freddie's Beach Bar will open a second location in the former Pond space. How fabulous! Their Arlington location was always a fun place to visit.

Party in a bubble! The Dough Bar has a new location, a waterfront view AND, clear, heated, outdoor tents that seat four to six people. The popular restaurant is now situated behind Irish Eyes, near the Milton Memorial Park. Reservations for the "Dough Balls", as owner, Kristen Latham, calls them, are recommended but not required.

Federal Fritter looks to open later this month - menu and photos look DEELISH! From the Gazette article: “The fritters are roughly the size of a doughnut hole... flavors will include artichoke, risotto, spiced cauliflower, a sesame and chickpea combination, and apple pie. There will be a salad option too, which comes with fritters on top. Gray, a James Beard-nominated chef, said the all-vegetarian menu is modest, but will expand as needed.”

When a chef raves about a dish (that is not their own LOL), you know it has to be good. So when Paul Cullen could not stop talking about pasta night at The Blue Hen, I had to go. OMGGGGG ... Melt in your mouth incredible. Seriously. Our entire table could not stop raving. Lemon and Fennel Ricotta Ravioli, Saffron Corzetti with Lobster, Cavatelli with Pork Meatballs... need I say more?

The Rehoboth Foodie reports that Honey's Farm Fresh will open a second location in the former Salted Rim spot in Ocean View. (Salted Rim moved to the former Fat Tuna location. Musical restaurants, anyone?)

Family Dollar near Apple Electric will become a huge American Veteran Thrift Store. This location was near Doggies at the Beach, which has recently closed. Thank you to Jim Reiter and the gang who took such great care of our furballs. After hearing rave reviews on Facebook, we're are now using Pampered Pet for daycare. Delighted to report that owner Melissa and her staff are terrific with our rescues.

Two retailers will open this spring at 200 Rehoboth Avenue (near Dos Locos). Coastal Hobo, (previously on First Avenue), which sells high end towels, clothing, etc from Turkish cotton; and Electric Fish, a whimsical lighting retailer (currently in Penny Lane). Thank you Ann B., for that intel!

A new microbrewery has been proposed on Savannah Road in Lewes; Cracker Barrel has applied for a liquor license so they can serve beer and wine with dinner. Is it just me, or are we all drinking more these days??!!

Old Wood will open a second location in the Preservation Forge in downtown Lewes. They make very cool furniture and such out of reclaimed wood; a Buzz favorite!

Go Delaware! Some of the world’s finest wines sold during a live online auction last week. The event was conducted both live and online by Acker, a New York-based auction house that recently opened a storage and auction facility in Newark, DE. The event netted $6.5 million in sales and broke 152 world auction performance records. Acker – more formally known as Acker Merrall & Condit Companies – has the oldest retail wine shop in America, dating back to 1830, and is the world’s largest wine auction house. In addition to Delaware, Acker has major auction facilities in New York and Hong Kong.

Online Gingham + grace clothing boutique now has a showroom in Harbeson. Owner Jami Jackson, launched the business on social media in October 2018, and has since sold thousands of pieces to customers in more than 30 states. New items are posted for shopping on Facebook and Instagram every evening.

Fells Point Surf Co of Baltimore now has a Dewey location as well. The Shining Sol Candle Company will open in March on Rehoboth Avenue (next to the Avenue Apothecary and Spa.) The "ABOUT" section of Shining Sol is a fun read - soy wax - wood wicks - and rock & roll!

Clear Space Theatre will host a Reader’s Theatre fundraiser to benefit Beebe Oncology Services, and Clear Space Theatre’s Arts Institute. This year’s play is Terms of Endearment.

The Fire & Ice Festival has expanded beyond Bethany Beach to include Ocean View, Millville, and Fenwick Island, with tasting tours, live ice sculpting and more. Feb 26-28

Are you interested in renting a bed at Lewes Community Garden? If so, you must attend an Information Session. These will be held via Zoom on Mar 16 and Mar 20. Email here to register.

Lewes Library's 31 Chances to Win is back - prizes given away every day in March!

The Coastal Camera Club will hold virtual speaker events Feb 27 and 28, featuring David du Chemin and Kristin Odom. Free of charge to the first 500 people who register.

Want an office space with an ocean view? Check this out: Studio Reho For more details - here's a great article in the Cape Gazette.

Volunteers and donations are needed for Meals on Wheels; Mentors needed for Big Brothers, Big Sisters - call (302) 856-7156 for more info. Thanks everyone!

Rehoboth Beach will bring back outdoor dining and continue it this year. The Little Store in Dewey Beach will reopen this spring under new management.

The Possum Point Players will offer a humorous and nostalgic live radio theater show this Sunday.

Texas Roadhouse will open in Millsboro in May. This will be their fourth location in Delaware.

Camp Arrowhead plans to open a new 10,000 sf dining hall and retreat facility, with an outdoor classroom, welcome plaza and butterfly garden. Located on Rehoboth Bay, the new facility will provide a year-round event venue, with a focus on weddings.

Speaking of wedding venues, the Fort Miles Historical Association provides a unique setting with a spectacular view. Read more here.

I love when people come up to me in person and tell me they love the Buzz! Makes my day. Shout out to Tessa, Alex and Michael. Lovely meeting all of you.

Patty Derrick, owner of Sea Shell Shops, Shell We Golf, and Shell We Bounce, emailed to let me know they are open daily, should your kids need a place to release some of that stay-at-home energy. They also have fudge special -buy two pounds and get a third pound FREE (25 flavors!) Patty assured me that they have a special machine that sucks the calories out of the free pound, so I’m headed her way!

Bee sure to follow the Local Buzz Facebook page in between issues for breaking news!

A portion of my real estate commissions go to support Best Friends in Utah, which is the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for animals.