The Weekend's Delaware Delights

* After much though and read-throughs of the News Journal, I've decided to change the title for my weekly weekend suggestion to The Weekend's Delaware Delights. Sounds more like a treat to look forward to now, and aren't weekends just that?

Seems like yesterday I was packing up my car for Dewey for Memorial Day weekend! It's always sad to end summer, but a three day weekend and cooler September weather are more than enough compensation for having to pack up my beach towels and sunscreen for the year. There are plenty of ways, at both land and sea, to end your summer properly... starting with my favorite sleeper beach town Bethany Beach.

2008 Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral - Monday Sept 1 - Bethany Beach DE - 5:30 p.m.

Down in LA (Louisiana, not Cali), New Orleans folks often hold Jazz Funerals to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. Bethany takes on this tradition to say farewell to summer by holding their own Labor Day Jazz Funeral. Head to the boardwalk to catch a peak at the 2008 Summer casket being transported to its final "resting place" at the Bethany Bandstand. Two Dixieland Jazz Bands ( each with 16 or more pieces!) will perform music at this event. Afterwards, my personal suggestion is to get a Dickey's custard and wait for a table at Bethany Blues BBQ. (Pulled pork sandwich is the way to go.

Victorian Walking Tour - Monday Sept 1 - Rose Cottage, State Street, Dover, DE - 12:30 pm for program, 2:00 pm. for tour

Join First State Heritage Park for a walking journey through the Victorian Era in Dover. Nate Davidson will lead this program beginning with an informational program at the Rose Cottage to learn more about the Victorian Era, followed by a walking tour down State Street to learn more about Dover homes and figures. After the tour check out the newly opened Zippy's Ice Cream parlor that recently opened up on Rt 13 south of the St. Jone's River Bridge. There's nothing like ice cream on a summer holiday.

Arden Craft Fair - Saturday Aug 31 - Arden, DE, All Day

The Arden Craft Fair rules the Wilmington area this weekend, featuring food, crafts (107 vendors), music, antiques, amusements, books, plants, and a variety of Gild booths. The Arden Fair features the creations of many friends and neighbors, as well as many new local craft people. Saturday forecast is looking iffy, if rain prevails, Arden Craft Fair will be held Sunday.