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Sussex’s value-added attractions make their pitch

Southern Delaware Tourism hosts annual Partners Expo in Lewes
April 18, 2017

Story Location:
32165 Winery Way
Lewes, DE 19958
United States

Sussex Countians aren’t the only ones ready for a nice day at the beach.

Soon enough millions of tourists will embark on their summer outing to the Cape Region. In advance of the onslaught, Southern Delaware Tourism hosted its annual Partners Expo to make sure Cape Region businesses don’t forget to tell customers about other countywide attractions.

Scott Thomas, Southern Delaware Tourism executive director, said the event, held April 6 at Nassau Valley Vineyards, gives accommodation and guest services businesses and personnel a chance to see the many group-friendly activities going on throughout the county.

“We’re continuing to try and get the word out about all these hidden gems,” he said. “These places are all value-added items for their businesses.”

Some of the vendors were value-added stalwarts.

Susan Everitt, representing the Delaware Nature Society and the Abbott’s Mill Nature Center in Milford, said the center is a teaching tool for preschoolers to middle schoolers.

There was a crew from Delaware Seashore State Park.

It’s the most-visited park in the state’s park system, said Lowell Markey, a seasonal naturalist for the park with 13 years of experience.

Park historical interpreter Jesse Shetrom has a year of interpreting under his belt at Fort Delaware State Park in Delaware City, but the event was day three as one for Seashore, which has re-enactments of life at a life-saving station. He said he was looking forward to a busy season.

Some of the vendors were Cape Region tried and trues.

Mike DiPaolo, Lewes Historical Society executive director, and Nancy Alexander, Rehoboth Beach Museum director, tag-teamed the event.

DiPaolo said the expo offers a great opportunity for historic sites to get in touch with area businesses. When the Milton Historical Society is added into the mix, he said, more than a day-long packaged tour is available.

Milton Historical Society Executive Director Kimberly Fabbri was on hand also. She said it’s been all gravy since she took over in July 2016. Gardening events, walking tours and a lecture series all call attention to Milton, she said.

Other vendors were new organizations looking to get their message out.

Painting with a Twist owners Lania and John Peterson were celebrating one year in business the day of the event.

“It’s gone by so fast,” said Lania, adding that the local chambers of commerce have been great with their support over the past year. She said she appreciated Southern Delaware Tourism for putting together the event.

The husband-and-wife team of Karl and Donna Steinbiss represented a new nonprofit interested in restoring the one-room schoolhouse in Woodland.

“There are so many wonderful things over there,” said Donna of western Sussex County tourist destinations.

For more information on Southern Delaware Tourism, go to visitsoutherndelaware.com or call 302-856-1818.

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