In summer, Bethesda’s Nancy Duber trades in her busy schedule and heads to Rehoboth Beach, where her family—husband Marc and their three sons, ages 22, 19, and 16—have had a home for seven years.
Duber is known for her style—from the impeccable philanthropic events she oversees in Washington to the Hermès Birkin bag often on her arm to the bubblegum-pink bike she rides around Rehoboth.
Here she shares her favorite places to shop at the shore.
Distinctive decor: Mark Showell Interiors, 59 Baltimore Ave.; 302-227-2272. Duber loves the mix of antiques and designer finds at this interior-design shop. “Mark is very well traveled,” she says. “If you’re looking for something specific, he will find it for you.”
Unique style: Anything Goes, 149 Rehoboth Ave.; 302-227-2960. This shop—which has a sister spot in Bethany Beach—stocks small European designers and one-of-a-kind buys. Says Duber: “I find things here I’ve never seen anywhere else. When I wear them back in DC, people always ask, ‘Where did you find that?’ ”
Teen fashions: Hula Sue, 149-D Rehoboth Ave.; 302-227-1012. Duber takes all her teenage guests to this local favorite, which is stocked with young, trendy, reasonably priced pieces, including sundresses, tank tops, and accessories.
Artsy accessories: Blair Elizabeth, 110-D Rehoboth Ave.; 302-227-3363. Says Duber: “It has the most fabulous jewelry and accessories—unusual, beachy pieces that are very eye-catching.”
Children’s gifts and more: Sole Boutique & Sole Kids, 110 Rehoboth Ave.; 302-227-6500. These side-by-side shops, Duber says, are great places to grab gifts for kids—or yourself: “The children’s side is full of adorable items. The clothing side has chic labels such as Theory and Diane von Furstenberg—like a little slice of Bloomingdale’s at the beach.”
Heirloom-worthy jewelry: All Saints’ Antique Show, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave.; allsaintsparish-rehoboth.org. “I’ve uncovered some amazing vendors at this annual antique show,” Duber says. “My favorite is the jeweler Crawford DePrince & Co.—they have a knack for finding the most amazing antique pieces.” This year’s sale is July 31 through August 2.
Beach reads: Browseabout Books, 133 Rehoboth Ave.; 302-226-2665. This store’s mix of books, gifts, and friendly service has made it longtime favorite.
Tasty gifts: Nicola Pizza, 8 N. First St.; 302-227-6211. “I love to bring back gifts from the beach you can’t find anywhere else, and one of my favorites is a Nic-o-Boli rolled pizza. It comes half baked and frozen for easy transport.”
Delicious desserts: Double Dippers, 11 N. First St.; 302-226-1374. Duber has sampled the ice-cream shops around town, and this is her favorite: “At this point they don’t even ask what I’d like—they just hand me a cone of coconut vanilla almond.”
Everyday essentials: Lingo’s Market, First St. and Baltimore Ave.; 302-227-7072. A local institution for groceries, locally grown produce, and other essentials. Duber recommends its house-made fruit pies.
Saltwater taffy: Snyder’s Candy, 60 Rehoboth Ave.; 302-227-0668. This taffy stop earns Duber’s raves for its flavors and mom-and-pop camaraderie. A new second location is on the same block as Lingo’s.
Elegant dinner: Nage, 19730 Coastal Hwy.; 302-226-2037. This modern eatery, the sister spot of the newer DC location on Embassy Row, is her favorite place for a nice dinner out. The cuisine is French-inspired American; she vouches for the seafood stew and mango mojitos.
Light meals and lunches: S.O.B.’s Deli, 56 Baltimore Ave.; 302-226-2226. If you don’t feel like budging from the beach, this sandwich spot will deliver your lunch to you by scooter. At night, it’s a casual, New York–style eatery with outdoor seating for prime people-watching.
