Now that you’re here I’d like to tell you a little about our area. But, before I do, I know you’ve come to our site to know more about a specific home or to get an idea of the homes we're selling.

     If you’ll go to the Homes for Sale page you’ll find them listed in order by price. Just click on the picture of the home and you’ll go to that home’s photo album. There you’ll find images that represent different areas of the house’s exterior and interior and, in some cases, property. Again, click on the picture of the part of the house you want to see and a new page will open with those pictures. Also, on the photo album page, there are links that will give you flyers and one to open your e-mail to request more information. There’s access to a map to show you the property’s location and a Toolbox link that provides a mortgage calculator and a source for getting community information.

     Lots & Land is where you’ll find building lots and land suitable for development.

     The Rash Team page will tell you a little about me and the other fine agents who are ready to go to work for you. And, there’s a page dedicated to our contact information.

     Now that business is handled, let me tell you about lower, slower, Delaware. The “lower” part of that phrase refers to the southern part of the state, pretty much from Dover south but I’ve heard it argued that lower Delaware actually begins at the C & D canal just south of Odessa. It’s certainly different here than it is in New Castle County and we're good with that. Like us, you’ll probably love the fact that life takes a far less hectic approach when you call this home.

     Summers are for crabs, sunny days at the beach, and pizza at Grotto’s on the Avenue. Our winters are on the mild side but there are ample opportunities to ice skate and enjoy the snow. Our best seasons, in my opinion and that of more than a few others, are the shoulder seasons…spring and fall. Those are the best times for putting the top down or opening up the sunroof. The fall skies are full of migratory birds…geese, ducks, swans, hawks, eagles, herons, and the like.

     There are three towns I want to highlight here - Milford, Harrington, and Lewes.
 

     Milford was a major shipbuilding center for two centuries, thanks to the Mispillion River which runs through town on its way to the Delaware Bay.

     With a population of about 8,200 and growing, there are plenty of restaurants, places to shop, and things to do.

     In March there’s the Annual Chili Cookoff, April brings the Bug & Bud Festival (the Lady Bug is the official State Bug due to the effort of Mrs. Mollie Brown-Rust and her 1974 2nd grade students at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford), the annual Golf Classic at Shawnee Country Club is in May, the downtown Farmer’s Market runs from May through October, September is when the Riverwalk Freedom Festival is held with live music and plenty of good food after getting started with the Smile for Freedom 5K Run/Walk. Every Wednesday during the summer, the Milford Library hosts “Movies and Music on the Riverwalk” in their outdoor amphitheater.

     If you’re a fan of community theater, the Second Street Players have a rich history of presenting musicals, comedies, and dramas at the Riverfront Theatre downtown. So, work on your acting chops and audition!

     Seniors will have plenty to do at the Milford Senior Center with activities ranging from Tai Chi classes to “Milford’s American Bandstand” Gala.

     Relay for Life is a team-based overnight walking event held at Milford Middle School in June. Relay fundraising helps the American Cancer Society. It’s a worthwhile event that’s become a staple of this caring community.

     In 1990, what began as a fund raiser for St. John’s Church, the first Oktoberfest was held. I’d say things went pretty well because they’ve done it every year since. It’s all about (lots of) fun, (lots of) food, and (lots of) music. The turnout’s great and you can be sure that once you’ve gone, Oktoberfest will be an annual event for you!

     It’s about a 10-minute drive to the Delaware State Fairgrounds and the Harrington Raceway and Casino. You can dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean in about a half-hour (Delaware Bay beaches are even closer). NASCAR comes to Dover Downs twice a year and you can be there in about 30 minutes. If you find a need for some city life, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are all about 2 hours away, and you can be in New York in roughly three-and-a-half hours.
 

     Harrington is my hometown. It was a wonderful place to grow up. My father was a local pastor and was very involved in the community. My first job was at Silco when I was 16, then I went to work at the Pennsupreme, and, after high school graduation, the Acme supermarket in Quillen's Shopping Center.

     Harrington was originally known as Clark's Corner when, in 1780, Benjamin Clark built his home and a tavern (which became a stagecoach stop) at the intersection of what were then known as Milford and Frederica roads. In 1869 it was incorporated as the town of Harrington, and, in 1935, incorporated as a city.

     In 1856 the Delaware Railroad put in a junction which spurred growth for about 70 years. Now, the railroad tower, a caboose, and watchman's hut on Hanley Street are part of the Harrington Historical Society Museum.

     While Harrington has a robust downtown and three shopping centers, the local economy is supported in large part by the fairgrounds. In addition to the 10-day run of the Delaware State Fair, there's the Harrington Raceway and Casino. In fact, Harrington Raceway is the oldest continuously operating harness racing track in the country! The Casino has over 1,800 slots, table games, a poker room, several restaurants, live entertainment, and sports betting. Throughout the year there are various events like car shows, horse shows, and antique shows. There's also the Centre Ice Rink, a 49,000-square foot facility open from August 21 through mid-June. During the summer it's used to accomodate exhibits and demonstrations put on by the 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) during the Fair.

     So, if you want to combine small town atmosphere with your active lifestyle, consider Harrington. I think you'll like it, too.
 

     Lewes has a rich history. It is the first town in the first state.

     In 1631, 11 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Dutch traders established the first (Delaware) settlement by Europeans named Zwaanendael (meaning Valley of Swans), now known as Lewes. You can find out more about the settlement by visiting the Zwaanendael Museum.

     Lewes is named after the English town of Lewes (also in a county named Sussex). Lewes, Sussex, Delaware and Lewes, Sussex, England have the same seal.

     During the War of 1812 the British Navy bombarded Lewes. In fact, a cannonball is lodged in the foundation of the Cannonball House to this day. The Cannonball House is now the site for The Lewes Historical Society's maritime museum.

     Downtown Lewes is thriving! Restaurants include fine dining at The Buttery or Kindle, Mexican food at Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant, seafood at Jerry’s Seafood or Striper Bites, gourmet pizza at Half Full, Italian dining at Touch of Italy (I think they have the best deli in town!), or have a jumbo lump crab cake sandwich and your favorite adult beverage on the deck at Gilligan’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. Treat yourself and follow up any (every?) meal with a double scoop at King’s Ice Cream Shop. You can also shop for antiques, boutique fashions, jewelry, handcrafted furniture, and much, much more.

     By the way, and this is important, Lewes is pronounced "loo-iss", not "lous". Get it right and you’re well on your way to being a local!