Photo by Maria DeForrest

Beach Boutique

Editors: The Bungalow on 2nd

Downtown Lewes is a haute spot for unique clothing finds. Bungalow on 2nd calls itself a “lifestyle boutique,” carrying everything from apparel and accessories to home décor accents. It’s a perfect place to shop for yourself and for small gifts, where owner Kaitlin Weaver says she aims to create a joyful shopping experience by choosing high-quality brands with attention to detail. 142 2nd St., Lewes; 644-1544; thebungalowon2nd.com

The Bungalow on 2nd/Photo by Maria DeForrest

Bike Shop

Upstate, Readers: Garrison’s Cyclery
2864 Creek Rd., Yorklyn; 384-6827; garrisonscyclery.com

Downstate, Readers: Lifecycle
10 SE Front St., Milford; 233-1657; lifecycledelaware.com

Claire’s Fashions is a favorite for wedding, prom and other formal frocks./Photo courtesy of Claire’s Fashions

Bridal Wear

Upstate, Readers: Bella’s Younique Bridal Boutique
101 Jestan Blvd., New Castle; 669-9366; bellasyouniquebridal.com

Downstate, Readers: Bridal Boutique
2454 Bay Rd., Milford; 335-5948; the-bridal-boutique-ltd.com

Consignment

Upstate, Readers: Designer Consigner
7185 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin; 239-4034; designerconsignerde.com

Downstate, Readers: Christine’s Consignment
42 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View; 829-1425; facebook.comchristinesconsignment

Custom Framing

Editors: Carspecken-Scott Gallery

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill framing shop. The Trolley Square landmark has been offering custom art and picture framing, art restoration, picture lighting and more since 1973. The gallery also exhibits works by contemporary local artists from the mid-Atlantic, and is currently featuring artwork by Frances Roosevelt, a Pennsylvania resident who paints dreamy landscapes.1707 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington; 655-7173; carspeckenscott.com

Designer Jewelry Selection

Editors: Sidney Thomas Jewelers

Sidney Thomas Jewelers makes finding a fine-jewelry piece for that special someone or occasion perfectly easy (unless you consider the dilemma of having so many beautiful things to choose from). Classic Mikimoto pearl drop earrings, an 18-karat gold Roberto Coin choker and a traditional TAG Heuer timepiece are among the variety of statement pieces. 112 Christiana Mall, Newark; 369-3255; sidneythomas.com

Dog-Washing Station

Editors: Concord Pet Foods & Supplies

Did Coco, your usually good-natured cocker spaniel, decide it would be fun to roll around in the mud (or worse)? Forget the tub or sink, and take her to Concord Pet, where you can clean her up in one of the handy dog-washing stations. Shampoo and a dryer are provided—all you need is your dirty pooch, a few towels and, of course, patience. 2800 Concord Ave., Wilmington; 478-8966; concordpetfoods.com

Florist

Upstate, Readers: Flowers by Yukie
916 N. Union St., Wilmington; 658-8292; flowersbyyukie.com

Downstate, Readers: Not Too Shabby
614 NW Front St., Milford; 200-0752; nottooshabbyflorist.com

Gift Shop

Upstate, Readers: Heart and Home
4770 Limestone Rd., Wilmington; 999-8980; heartandhomede.com

Downstate, Readers: Farmhouse 302
10322 Coastal Hwy., Milford; 698-7681; facebook.comfarmhouse302

Gift Shop/Florist

Editors: Wild Thyme

Nestled along Kennett Pike in historic Centreville, this charming, full-service flower and gift shop specializes in wildly stunning arrangements and a changing kaleidoscope of fabulous finds for family, friends and party hosts. Eccentric trinkets, pottery and plush toys are among the array of presents to be discovered. 5725 Kennett Pike, Centrerville; 656-4454; havingawildthyme.com

Hair Stylists

Editors: Bad Hair Day

Featuring cruelty-free Aveda products, Bad Hair Day’s team of stylists are experts at crafting the personalized cuts for men, women and stylish kids. Need a blowout or updo? They do that, too. And thanks to the five-minute stress-relieving scalp massage (a bonus with your shampoo), you’ll leave looking good and feeling a little less tense. And who couldn’t use that in 2021?20 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-4247; badhairday.biz

Jeweler

Upstate, Readers: AR Morris
3848 Kennett Pike, Greenville; 777-4367; armorrisjewelers.com

Downstate, Readers: Ocean View Jewelers
35785 Atlantic Ave., Millville; 537-1121; oceanviewjewelers.jewelershowcase.com

Kids’ Clothes

Upstate, Readers: F + L Boutique
25 W. Main St., Middletown; 378-8524; shopfandl.com

Downstate, Readers: The Lilypad Children’s Boutique
149 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-4464; shoplilypad.com

Men’s Apparel

Upstate, Readers: Wilmington Country Store
4013 Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 656-4409; wilmingtoncountrystore.com

Downstate, Readers: Carlton’s
31 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-7990; carltonsapparel.com

Men’s Formal Attire

Editors: Formal Affairs

Black, blue, brown, gray, ivory, mulberry— they’re all color options at Formal Affairs. A Delaware staple for nearly 50 years, it’s the go-to spot for suits and tuxedos for proms and weddings alike. We love the helpful staff, who helps guide you to a flawless fit. 257 E. Main St., Newark; 737-1519; formalaffairsnewark.com

New Wedding Venue at the Beach

Editors: Signatures at Bayside

Salty ocean air and the gentle lilt of seabirds add to the ambiance at this stunning wedding venue. The elegant space is open and airy and can accommodate both indoor and outdoor celebrations. Situated on nearly 1,000 acres, Bayside Resort Golf Club feels removed from the bustle of everyday life. Even better? Couples can sink their toes into the sand or take portraits on the Jack Nicklaus golf course. 12021 N. Haven Dr., Selbysville; 436-3200; livebayside.com

Signatures at Bayside boasts an airy and elegant space to say “I do” in your signature style./Photo courtesy of Signature Bayside

Noninvasive Beauty Procedures

Editors: MagnifaSkin MedSpa

Whether you’re looking for a boost ahead of a big event or simply wanting to give yourself a little love, MagnifaSkin has you covered with myriad noninvasive procedures. For long, lush lashes, try extensions like the dramatic Russian style or for a more natural look, mink. For brows that wow, MagnifaSkin offers microblading for defined-looking arches. Blue-light therapy treats certain types of acne, while the red light boosts collagen for more youthful-looking skin. 3901 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 505-1000; magnifaskinmedspa.com

Pet Groomer

Upstate, Readers: Riverfront Pets
311 Justison St., Wilmington; 428-9777; riverfrontpets.com

Downstate, Readers: Fur Baby Pet Resort
301 NE Front St., Milford; 725-5078; furbabypetresort.com

Pet Store

Upstate, Readers: Riverfront Pets
311 Justison St., Wilmington; 428-9777; riverfrontpets.com

Downstate, Readers: Yarn & Bone Pet Supply
374 Walmart Dr., Suites 6 & 7, Camden; 278-7845; yarnandbone.com

Portrait Photography

Upstate, Readers: Amy Stamm Photography
Riverview Estates, Frederica; 207-8875; amystammphoto.com

Downstate, Readers: John Mollura Photography
4 Park Ave., Milford; 222-6308; molluraphoto.com

Romantic Wedding Venue

Editors: Hopkins Heartland

Choosing a wedding venue can be stressful. Pulling up to Hopkins Heartland in Lewes brings an immediate sense of calm. With the perfect mix of classic and rustic charm, the site offers two venue spaces and limitless indoor and outdoor options. Ingrid Hopkins, a fifth-generation dairy farmer, turned her family’s 200-year-old farmhouse into the breathtaking wedding destination that’s minutes from the Delaware coast yet feels like an island all its own. 30249 Fisher Rd., Lewes; 542-9605; hopkinsheartland.com

Formerly the Covered Bridge Inn, Hopkins Heartland aptly describes this romantic wedding venue./Photo by Stacey Hart

Selection of Jewelry

Editors: Michael Gallagher Jewelers

In addition to fine diamonds and pearls, MJG features an array of fun yet quality pieces for the more eccentric or stylish customer, such as mineral pendants, carved cuffs and sculptural rings. For a personalized gift, build your own charm bracelet or necklace from a bevy of metal and glass beads for every occasion. 102 Fox Hunt Dr., Bear; 428-6262; michaelgallagherjewelers.com

Wedding Photography

Upstate, Readers: Lydia Joy Photography
803-0972; lydiajoyphotography.com

Downstate, Readers: Photography by Deanna Michelle
19582 Drummond Dr., Milford; deannamichele.photography

Senior Residence

Upstate, Readers: Meadowcrest at Middletown
820 Middletown Odessa Rd., Middletown; 828-0988; www.meadowcrestlife.com

Downstate, Readers: The Lodge at Truitt Homestead
36233 Farm Lane, Rehoboth Beach; 232-6372; www.truittlodge.com

Surf Shop

Statewide, Readers: East of Maui
104 St. Louis St., Dewey Beach; 227-4703; eastofmaui.com

Tattoo Parlor

Upstate, Readers: Poppycock Tattoo
115 W. 8th St., Wilmington; 543-7973; poppycocktattoo.com

Downstate, Readers: Homeward Tattoo & Body Piercing
37169 Rehoboth Ave., Unit 10, Rehoboth Beach; 226-8145; homewardtattoo.com

Wedding and Prom Dresses

Editors: Claire’s Fashions

Stepping into Claire’s Fashions is a bit like stepping into a dream closet. Throughout the charming house-turned-shop, thoughtfully curated gowns—simple sheaths to luxurious lace or beaded numbers—call to the right customer. Need an expert eye? The stylish staff is there to offer a second opinion and help you find the ideal fit for any event.1312 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington; 798-1312; clairesfashions.net

Wedding Reception Site

Editors: Lighthouse Cove Event Center

In two short years—and only one, if you consider its COVID-19 closure— this elegant bayside event center has risen in the ranks as one of the coast’s most desirable wedding venues. Boasting nearly 15,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor space, the Cove gives couples the option of exchanging vows in the sand or perched over the Rehoboth Bay. Plus, there’s a spacious ballroom, cocktail area and patio where up to 300 guests can celebrate. 1301 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach; 581-3314; lighthousecoveevents.com

At Water Lili in Bethany, shop beachy, bohemian garb year-round./Photo courtesy of Water Lili/Rita D. Photography

Women’s Apparel

Upstate, Readers: Nicole J Boutique
17 Wood St., Middletown; 376-7393; nicolejboutique.com

Downstate, Readers: Water Lili (Bethany Beach)
98 Garfield Pkwy., South Bethany; 539-1110; waterlili.com

Women’s Shoes and Accessories

Editors: Peter Kate

This chic boutique has everything you need for an evening or weekend on the town, from fine garments to finishing touches. Shoes range from hip Golden Goose kicks to mod mules and everything in between. Equally stylish is the handbag selection—find versatile carryalls, backpacks, clutches and crossbodies. Belts, socks, scarves, sunglasses and jewelry are polished yet fun, adding bold or subtle statements to any look. 2303 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 656-7463; peterkate.com

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