Dela-Where?

In this festive episode of Dela-Where?, hosts Christine and Ryan McCoy sit down with Alyssa Titus, Director of Marketing for Schell Brothers, to pull back the curtain on Coastal Delaware’s premier holiday attraction: Schellville. 

Alyssa shares the incredible origin story of how a simple idea for a single interactive gingerbread house at the Lewes ferry terminal snowballed into a sprawling, 5.5-acre winter wonderland behind Tanger Outlets. Tune in to hear how the Schell Brothers team and local volunteers bring the magic to life—from installing 1,000 live Christmas trees and running 28 snow machines to hosting local artisans, bars, and a brand-new Grinch’s Lair. Plus, Alyssa shares insider tips on the best nights to visit, how to navigate parking, and why keeping this massive community gift completely free is at the heart of the Schell Brothers mission. 

Episode Highlights:

• From Gingerbread to a Village: How a 2017 pitch turned into 9 little houses—and eventually a 30+ house village complete with a skating rink, train ride, and sled hill. 
• What’s New This Season: A sneak peek at the new Grinch’s Lair, a larger train to cut down wait times, and private "Alpen Globes" and Lodge rentals. 
• Supporting Local: How Schellville spotlights 30+ local artisans and small businesses during the off-season. 
• Insider Visitor Tips: Why Thursday and Sunday nights are a local's best bet, how to use the free shuttles, and details on weekend quiet hours. 
• Life in Coastal Delaware: Alyssa’s journey from New York City and Pennsylvania to Rehoboth Beach, plus her favorite local spots for dinner and morning walks. 

Plan Your Visit: Schellville opens for the season on Saturday, November 21st. Find hours, event schedules, and volunteer sign-ups at schellville.com. 

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Step inside Sussex County’s vibrant creative community with hosts Christine and Ryan McCoy on Season 2, Episode 18 of The Dela-Where? Podcast. In this episode, local artists Jan Crooker and Susan Callahan stop by to preview the 30th annual Artists Studio Tour—a free, self-guided weekend tradition celebrating local talent while giving back to area schools. 

Jan and Susan discuss their transition to coastal Delaware living, their unique creative processes, and the community mission behind the tour. You'll hear how Susan transforms thrifted garments and kitchen motifs into wearable textile art, and how Jan captures the saturated, blooming colors of Bethany Beach in vibrant acrylics. Plus, they share a sneak peek of the dozens of participating makers—from potters and pastels to jewelers, woodworkers, and glassblowers—along with their favorite under-the-radar food and leisure spots around Sussex County. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Tour Highlights & Logistics: How the self-guided studio tour works across a convenient 5-mile radius within the Indian River School District. 
• Giving Back to Art Education: How the annual artist raffle has donated more than $100,000 to fund classroom supplies and special projects for local public school art teachers. 
• The Creative Lifestyle: Living with home studios, tapping into daily creative momentum, and finding inspiration in coastal scenery. 
• Local Sussex County Favorites: Insider picks for local dining and recreation.

Event Details:

• When: November 14 & 15 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
• Cost: Free admission; raffle tickets are available for $20 for a pack of five 
• Map & Artist Directory: Browse artist profiles, download the brochure, and map your route at artstudiotour.com. 

Follow and rate The Dela-where? Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the iHeartRadio app to discover more stories, culture, and coastal life across the First State. 

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In Season 2, Episode 17 of the Dela-Where? podcast, hosts Christine and Ryan McCoy sit down with Heidi from the Ocean Waves Quilt Guild to uncover the incredible charitable impact of this 250-member organization.   

Stitching a Stronger Community

Beyond the artistry of their craft, the Ocean Waves Quilt Guild operates as a powerful force for good throughout lower Delaware. The guild’s dedicated sewists donate countless hours to create specialized, handcrafted items that provide tangible comfort to residents facing difficult life transitions.   

Featured Charitable Initiatives:

Foster Care Support: Crafting handmade canvas duffel bags and toiletry bags—supplied with toothpaste, shampoo, and essentials—to give displaced foster children a dignified way to carry their belongings instead of using trash bags.   

Quilts of Valor: Sewing and presenting patriotic red, white, and blue quilts to local veterans, wrapping them in comfort to honor their service and sacrifice.   

Hospice Memory Bears: Partnering with Sussex County Hospice to transform the clothing of deceased loved ones into custom keepsake bears for grieving families.   
Medical Comfort Items: Designing specialized heart-shaped pillows to alleviate pain for breast cancer patients recovering from axillary dissections.   

Community Comfort Quilts: Providing lap-sized quilts for wheelchair users and creating warm bedding for residents in local care facilities.   

#DelaWherePodcast #SussexCountyDE #OceanWavesQuiltGuild #QuiltsOfValor #CommunityService #CoastalDelaware #RealMcCoyGroup #DelawarePodcasts 

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Join hosts Christine and Ryan McCoy on this episode of the Dela-Where? podcast as they sit down with Rob and Hilary, the husband-and-wife duo who took the helm of Fenwick Island’s beloved Ocean Side Pizza in April 2023. 

Hilary shares her deep, nostalgic connection to the restaurant, having eaten there constantly during her childhood since the shopping center opened in 1983, while Rob discusses bringing his culinary and management background from a Pennsylvania brewery to the Delaware coast. Together, they explore the grueling but rewarding realities of resurrecting a local staple, the vital importance of keeping the open sign glowing consistently for the local community, and the chaotic joy of balancing a bustling beach restaurant with raising three wild, outdoorsy boys. 

Tune in to hear the story behind their menu revamp, including the fan-favorite Gringo pizza, their massive summer-hit cheesesteaks, and their upcoming transition to scratch-made meatballs. Whether you are a lifelong local or a summer visitor looking for a great slice and a nostalgic game of Pac-Man, Rob and Hilary’s dedication to preserving a piece of Fenwick history will have you ready to place an order. 

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Running one restaurant is a lifestyle, but managing three is a marathon. Melissa Hekl joins the podcast to dish on the organic farm-to-table magic of Good Earth Market in Ocean View, Delaware and her accidental pop-up turned permanent staple, Melissa’s Dinner & Lounge in Millville, Delaware. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at sourcing local Delaware produce and fruits, the secret to surviving the summer tourism rush, and why the ultimate local luxury is a drive-on beach day. 

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This week, Christine and Ryan sat down with fellow Rotarian, community leader, and newly published author, Donald G. Thomas Sr. At 75 years young, Donald has just released a beautiful, interactive children's book titled Why Can't I Fly? 

The book follows Prince, an Emperor Penguin who desperately wants to soar like the birds and bees above him, only to discover that his wings are actually flippers perfectly designed for the water. It’s a powerful metaphor for finding your own unique superpower, having faith, and taking the leap—lessons Donald has spent a lifetime teaching. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• A Lifetime of Leadership: Donald’s incredible 35-year career mentoring inner-city youth through the Boy Scouts of America.
• The Making of Prince the Penguin: The hilarious and heartwarming story of how Donald—who is colorblind—drew all the book's illustrations himself with a little help from his granddaughter and the internet.
• A Family of Superstars: From his wife's career as an educator to his son's unforgettable journey to the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
• Loving Sussex County: Downsizing, embracing the beach life, and the inevitable reality of flat tires on the local bike trails.

Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, or just someone looking for a little inspiration to take a leap of faith, Donald's story and his infectious energy will leave you smiling.

 Links & Resources:

• Search for "Why Can't I Fly?" by Donald G. Thomas Sr. on Amazon to grab a copy for the little ones in your life.
• Watch the animated book trailer: Search "Donald G. Thomas Sr. Why Can't I Fly?" on YouTube to see the 42-second cartoon created by Donald and his wife!

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Tucked just minutes off Route 113 along scenic Pepper Creek in Dagsboro, Delaware, lies one of Coastal Sussex County’s most breathtaking natural treasures: the Delaware Botanic Gardens.

In this episode of the Dela-Where? Podcast, we sat down with Deputy Executive Director/COO Mark Carter, to discover the story behind this 37-acre living masterpiece. Learn how an old farm field transformed into a world-class public garden featuring a 2-acre meadow designed by renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf (famed designer of NYC’s High Line), 12 acres of accessible woodland trails, and community spaces supported by local favorites like Dogfish Head.

Whether you're a lifelong Delaware resident, or planning your next beach day getaway from Bethany Beach, Lewes, or Rehoboth Beach, see why this hidden gem is worth adding to your Delmarva itinerary.

 

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What’s All the Buzz About? 🍯

Ever wondered what happens inside a beehive—or why local honey is such a game-changer?

In this episode of the Dela-Where? podcast, Christine and Ryan welcome Patrick Carey, owner of Carey Apiary in Frankford, DE. Patrick shares his journey from accidental beekeeper to Master Beekeeper, breaking down the wild realities of bee life (spoiler: it involves royal coups, waggle dances, and 8,000-acre flights!).

Whether you're curious about apitherapy, hive rentals for your farm, or just want to know how to stop swatting at wasps, this episode is packed with sweet insights you won't want to miss. 

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 Ever thought about trading a high-powered legal career for the perfect pour-over? On this episode of Dela-Where?, we sit down with Janet Forlini, the inspiring founder and owner of Clove & Cedar Coffeebar in Bethany Beach, Delaware.

Janet shares her fascinating journey from working as a public policy lawyer on Capital Hill to becoming a dedicated student of specialty coffee. Inspired by her mother’s own bold career leap into the newspaper industry later in life, Janet decided to chase her passion for community—eventually navigating the highs and lows of the service industry to bring her unique coastal vision to Sussex County.

Inside the Episode: Brewing Community & Coastal Pivots

Running a local business takes serious grit. Janet opens up about the unpredictable waters of launching her initial shop right before the pandemic, adapting through unprecedented lockdowns, and finally establishing her dream "happy place" in Delaware's vibrant beach community.

Here is a taste of what we discover in this episode:

• The "Third Space" Philosophy: Why coffee shops are the ultimate hubs for human connection, acting as a welcoming neighborhood anchor where locals and vacationers alike can slow down and chat.
• Crafting a Premium Menu: The intentional science behind Clove & Cedar’s flavor profiles, featuring regional partnerships with Annapolis-based Ceremony Coffee Roasters and freshly delivered treats from Old World Breads.
• Signature Sips to Crave: The secrets behind their legendary 18-hour slow-brewed cold brew—including the crowd-favorite Creamsicle variant—and their high-quality, whisked-to-order ceremonial Matcha's like Strawberry Shortcake and Vanilla Ube.
• Coffee with a Cause: How Clove & Cedar purposefully integrates philanthropy into its business model, proudly giving back to local organizations like Operation Seas the Day, Justin’s Beach House, and the Delaware Botanic Gardens.

Why Tune In?

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking for real-world inspiration, a specialty coffee lover, or a beach local looking for the ultimate walkable morning oasis, this conversation is packed with warmth, business wisdom, and plenty of caffeine inspiration.

Get ready to meet the incredible team keeping Bethany Beach energized, and find out why Clove & Cedar is quickly becoming the most talked-about independent coffee destination on the coast! 

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Join Christine and Ryan McCoy as they welcome their good friend, team coach, and former Delaware resident, Lisa Condon, to the podcast! 

In this episode, Lisa shares her journey from the corporate world to celebrating 20 years in her own business, explaining how she helps people align their business paths with their authentic selves. 

Dive into a discussion about values, the importance of stopping to celebrate wins, and how a daily practice of gratitude can physically change your brain and transform your business. 

From her favorite spots in Sussex County to her new life in Nashville, Lisa brings a wealth of wisdom, energy, and a touch of "Gypsy" spirit to the conversation. 

#LisaCondonEnterprises  #DelawareRealEstate  #SussexCountyDE  #DelawareBeachLife 

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