Attending a friend’s wedding at Dewey Beach was more than just a weekend getaway; it was a chance to immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and colors of the Delaware coast. Between surf fishing, boardwalk rides, and mouth-watering crab cakes, the scenes of the day unfolded like a living canvas. As an illustrator, coastal towns have a magnetic pull—the way the light moves over the waves, the unexpected patterns, and the vibrant splashes of color in the details.
Morning on the Sand: Sketching the Wild
The morning after the wedding, we kicked off the day with bagels from Surf Bagel and iced coffees in hand as we headed to Cape Henlopen State Park. The beach was already alive with activity—locals casting lines into the surf, families spreading out beach blankets, and a few kids attempting to fly a kite against the breeze. Thanks to my friend’s local drive-on tag, we parked right by the water, fishing poles in hand and sketchbook at the ready. I started sketching the sweeping line of the shore, the rise and fall of the waves, and the soft play of light on sand and water.
Just as I was getting lost in my drawing, something unusual caught my eye down the beach—a small film crew setting up, with lights and a camera pointed at the ocean. Curious, I walked over and realized they were filming a commercial for the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl, a personal injury firm known for helping beachgoers and locals alike.
The person in front of the camera—Taylor, as I soon learned—was reciting lines with a practiced ease, speaking about the firm’s commitment to the community. I couldn’t resist watching for a bit, and during a break, I struck up a conversation. I told Taylor I was an illustrator here for a wedding and joked about how I had just sketched them into my morning scene. Taylor laughed, telling me about their plan for the commercial. I can’t wait to see it once it comes out, it sounds like a hoot. It felt like a small, spontaneous connection in the middle of my quiet beach morning—a reminder of how, even on vacation, art has a way of introducing us to new stories.

Afternoon Vibes: Color and Motion on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Leaving the peaceful shore behind, we made our way to the lively Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, a stretch full of retro charm and seaside delights. I was in my element, surrounded by the bright signs, old-fashioned fonts, and rich textures of beach life. We wandered into Funland, the local amusement park, where I couldn’t resist taking out my pencil to capture the excitement. There’s an energy to boardwalks that’s hard to replicate, and sketching the lively scenes—children clutching cotton candy, couples hand-in-hand, and the vibrant neon lights—brought the whole experience to life on the page.
We eventually hopped on the bumper cars, and after a few rounds, I found myself giggling like a kid as we jostled each other back and forth. It’s hard not to feel transported back in time in a place like Funland. Between rides, I did some quick sketches of the scene, adding in the vivid colors of the neon lights and the gleeful expressions of people on the boardwalk. These moments felt electric, and capturing that energy was as challenging as it was fun.
Evening Feast: Crab Cakes and Coastal Cuisine
By evening, we were more than ready to sit down to a meal, and Woody’s was the perfect spot. Known for its crab cakes, its one of those places that feels like a small town at its finest, with locals at the bar sharing stories and the smell of Old Bay seasoning wafting through the air. When the crab cakes arrived, they were the size of my palm, golden brown on the outside, and packed with fresh crab inside—no filler here. Each bite was a burst of flavor: tender crab, a hint of lemon, and just the right amount of seasoning.
Dewey’s seafood scene really shines in spots like Woody’s, where the food feels like a conversation with the ocean. As I savored the crab cakes, I watched locals and tourists chat and laugh, realizing how much the sense of community ties this place together. It’s as if Dewey’s small-town charm extends through its food, inviting everyone to take a piece of its identity with them.
Capturing Dewey Beach: The Soul of a Seaside Town
Dewey Beach turned out to be more than just a backdrop for my friend’s wedding; it was a vibrant, inspiring experience, one that wove its way into my sketchbook and memory. From the tranquil morning shores of Cape Henlopen to the nostalgic hustle of the Rehoboth Boardwalk and the comforting warmth of Woody’s crab cakes, each moment was a reminder of the charm only a coastal town can offer.
As I look back on my sketches from the trip, I realize that places like Dewey Beach hold a special magic. They invite you not only to relax but also to observe, connect, and create. Here, life moves in colors and stories, from local fishers casting lines to a quirky law office commercial being filmed in the surf. Dewey has a way of blending simplicity with surprise, making every turn feel like part of a grander, colorful canvas. For artists and travelers alike, Dewey Beach is a place to savor, to sketch, and, ultimately, to return to.