Jump-start your day with a beachy breakfast!

Breakfast by the ocean is a big deal. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve fidgeting in line at the Robin Hood or at the long-gone Avenue Restaurant, inhaling the heady mix of ocean breeze, bacon, fresh coffee and hot doughnuts at Garrison’s just a block away. All were way too convenient from the old Carlton Hotel. No wonder I have to walk on the treadmill every day.

Sunday brunches in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes are a cherished tradition, and Blue Moon, Front Porch Café, Bramble & Brine and The Buttery make for relaxing, upscale experiences. Upscale not your thing? You can’t go wrong at Crystal, Robin Hood, Dave & Skippy’s, Sammy’s Kitchen, Royal Treat, and Dewey’s Sunrise and Starboard. Some have been around forever (the Robin Hood location has been a breakfast spot since 1948!).

By the way, this is Delaware, and here in the First State we give good scrapple. Enough already with the eye rolling! All that bad press is just the food police trying to ruin your stay at the beach. Properly cooked – well done and a little crispy – our own Rapa brand and Hughes Delaware Maid are gently spiced and flavorful. Local eateries are happy to tell you which trademark they serve.

Morning treasures lurk behind modest storefronts and big-chain signs. At the Corner Grille, Chef Georgie dishes-up traditional breakfast fare along with made-from-scratch Greek specialties. And with a little prodding, more than one local will admit to scarfing IHOP’s pancakes, a breakfast sandwich from Panera, a chicken biscuit from Chick-fil-A or grits-laced platters from the southern-flavored Cracker Barrel. And don’t forget that Victoria’s year-round breakfasts come with a side of ocean and Boardwalk views.

Refuel after that early-morning run on the Rehoboth Boardwalk with a treat at Gus and Gus’ Place. They’ve survived decades of hurricanes and nor’easters, so the food police are no match for these guys. Fried chicken is the sleeper there. Not for breakfast, you say? Think out of the box (or the bucket).

You’re at the beach, and you don’t have to rush to work. So relax over hot coffee, a cool mimosa and a regulation-style breakfast in the Nation’s Summer Capital.