Experience faraway places - close to home

Visitors to Rehoboth Beach and locals know that one of the town’s main attractions is the wide variety of stores with unique mementos of a trip to the shore. Faraway Places in Penny Lane is now in its 12th year of offering Greek, Turkish, Indian, and Cypriot jewelry, clothing, beads and other gift items to its customers.

Many are regulars who say a trip to Rehoboth Beach isn’t complete without a visit to the colorful shop. The business began when owner Sheila Ryan would return to the area from her home on the island of Cyprus, bringing gifts of jewelry for her friends.

This grew into annual sales tours of regional shows and markets. Finally, Ryan opened the shop in Rehoboth Beach, where the family has spent many summers.

Now, Ryan and family members travel every spring to Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; and Cyprus to buy exotic items for the shop. Unique clothing is sent from the manufacturer in India who has worked with the Ryans for many years.

Penny Lane is a brick-lined pedestrian mall between Rehoboth Avenue and Wilmington Avenue. Shoppers stroll in the shady lane, where they also find Old Salt, a beach-themed gift shop; Gifts of Serenity, featuring Crabtree and Evelyn and scented candles; Bed of Roses and its fabulous flowers and home design accessories; Fun for All, toys and candy for all ages of children; and Café Papillon, famous for its French pastries and crepes.

Shop owners in the lane cooperate to provide a pleasant experience for their customers. Faraway Places and Bed of Roses, for example, are teaming up to offer a selection of wedding gifts and jewelry. For more information about Faraway Places, call 302-227-3303.