Lewes is known as the first town in the first state! Since Lewes was first settled by the Dutch in 1631, the townspeople have taken great pride in their historic and seafaring heritage and enjoy sharing this with visitors. This historic town can be found between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, right next to Cape Henlopen State Park. Lewes offers the bay and ocean beaches for swimming , boating and fishing. Cape Henlopen Park offers beautiful, natural beaches where there are many nature trails you can hike and bike. This central location has made Lewes an attractive tourist destination, weekend get-away, and a home base for those commuting to their jobs in larger cities.
Lewes is a walking town where you can explore the historic district, containing many of the older preserved homes and museums. It is great to visit the Lewes Historical Society where you can experience educational, entertaining programs like our Speaker Series and Tavern Talks to fun annual fairs and festivals like our Craft Fairs, Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival and Antique Show. The Lewes Historical Society’s Campus offers nine historic buildings and four additional off campus museums for your historic pleasure. There are also many unique shops that range from antiques, art galleries and great restaurants right on the canal. There are Bed and Breakfasts and motels where you can enjoy a comfortable night’s rest after a day on the town. If you are not sure what you want to do you can always go to the Lewes Chamber of Commerce where they will have the latest activities and events going on in the area. They offer many brochures and magazines to direct you in what interests you most.
Lewes, as well as the other Delaware Beach Communities, are becoming more popular for retired people who wish a more relaxed lifestyle. There are many benefits offered to retirees such as one of the nations lowest property real estate taxes, no sales tax and no estate tax. Even with new construction and development Lewes offers the balance between modern living and historic preservation. Growth, both in the business and residential areas, has been encouraged but controlled, so that Lewes continues to be the family-oriented town that has attracted many people over the years.
