Located in historic downtown Lewes alongside the canal, the Dogfish Inn is the perfect basecamp for exploring all that coastal Delaware has to offer! With a nearby kayak and boat-launch, a winding bike trail made for our custom Priority Bicycles and some of the most beautiful beaches, our hospitable Innkeepers will personalize each guest's experience to show that there’s no shortage of adventure right outside the Inn.
The Inn offers 15 modern, yet conveniently styled rooms plus a Cottage Sweet for up to four of your favorite people. Designed by Post Company out of Brooklyn, New York, each room is filled with thoughtful amenities like a Dogfish Head blanket created in collaboration with Woolrich, Apolis tote bags to carry your goods to and fro, and retro American-made beach chairs.
We have local snacks and a Dogfish Inn growler available in our Cottage. Let us know if you need either and we will be happy to snag them for you!
While we don’t sell or serve alcohol on the property, there are plenty of places within walking distance to find our off-centered ales and spirits. Nearly all the restaurants in downtown Lewes serve Dogfish Head beers and spirits and our friends over at R&L Liquors on 2nd Street carries a large variety of our products! You’ll definitely want to make a trip to Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach and our Milton Brewery where you’ll be able to sample and purchase the widest variety of our off-centered ales and exclusive brews! And, be sure to get some fresh seafood sourced directly from the Chesapeake to Maine regions at our James Beard Award nominated Chesapeake & Maine located in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
For an added coastal touch, local artist Steve Rogers has created a treasure hunt of sorts by painting the historic Lightship Overfalls in 16 different variations for each of the rooms. A National Historic Landmark and one of only 17 lightships remaining, the Lightship Overfalls is docked just a few hundred feet away!
Venture to the back corner of our Cottage lobby and you’ll get lost in our City Light Library. Curated by the fine folks of City Light Booksellers and Publishers, you’ll find everything from literary classics to things that make you go ‘hmmm.’ These books can be checked out by guests and even purchased. We dare you to read Infinite Jest in one sitting...
At night, gather on the patio or around the Cowboy Cauldron while counting shooting stars. The next morning, fix yourself a cup of coffee with our custom-roasted Basecamp Blend from our friends over at Rise Up, and get ready for another day chock full of exploration.
Mother Nature, Let’s Do This!
HECK YEAH, DOGS!
We’re cool with dogs, as long as you’re cool with your dogs. Deal? Just give us advance notice and we’ll get you and your pooch set up in one of our seven dog-friendly rooms*. (We keep half pet-free for those with allergies.) Here’s the deal: Two small dogs or one large dog per room, please. If your dog weighs more than 80 pounds, first of all, whoa. Second of all, call us and we’ll try to work something out.
*not available in the Cottage SWEET!
There is a one-time $75 flat rate fee to have your pup sleepover at the inn with you.
- No fleas, please. We welcome clean, non-aggressive dogs with proof of up-to-date vaccinations.
- Our inn-mates love dogs, but they don’t have time to dog-sit. Please care for your dog for the duration of your stay.
- A leash is a no-brainer. We’re next to a road and a canal, so keep 'em leashed. Inn-mates can only service your room if your dog is gone.
- No beer for Fido. It’s not good for him and he’s probably underage anyway. (Dog years don’t count).
- Please pick up the poop.
Awoooooo!
Off-Centered Gear Shed!
You can’t always bring everything you want with you on vacation. Bikes, beach chairs, coolers, your favorite Dogfish Head apparel (and beers) – it all takes up space! Thanks to our Off-Centered Gear Shed partners, we've got the gear you need for some serious outdoor exploration, and it’s all available for you to borrow and use during your stay.
To borrow something from the Off-Centered Gear Shed, check with an INNmate at the front desk. Items are available on a first come, first served basis. Each item can be borrowed for up to 24 hours and must be returned to the front desk, where it will be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
Please note: Items that are not returned after checking out will be billed to your account.
- Nathan Sports Neutron Fire Headlamps
- Nathan Sports Reflective Vests
- Priority Bicycles Beach Cruisers, E-Bikes & Helmets
*E-Bikes can be rented for a separate fee. - LEKI Hiking Poles
- Nikon USA Monarch Binoculars
- Cornhole Bags & Boards
- Spikeball Sets
- Disc Gold Discs
- Apolis Tote Bags
- TriggerPoint GRID Foam Rollers
- TriggerPoint GRID STK® Foam Rollers
- TriggerPoint STK Contour™ Recovery Sticks
- ENO Islander Blankets
- ENO SingleNest Hammocks with Straps
- Woolrich Blankets
- Lawn Chair USA Beach Chairs
- A Collection of Books Curated by City Lights Library
Coastal Delaware
Coastal Delaware offers some of the best scenery and adventure on the East Coast. Here at the inn you’re only a short walk from beautiful Lewes Beach, where you’ll find families flying kites, tossing frisbees, or just taking a stroll along the Delaware Bay. You can also pedal to Cape Henlopen State Park to hike, fish, bird-watch, play tennis or disc golf, and of course, take a dip in the ocean.
You’ll be well-equipped to head out on the adventure of your choice since each room has a couple of chairs and a tote that we encourage you to use. You can borrow bikes and head out to explore the ever expanding bike trails.
If you’re looking for more ways to go exploring, check out what a few of the local businesses have to offer:
Quest Kayak - 302.745.2925
More than just kayaks, Quest also rents out stand up paddle boards (SUP), chairs, umbrellas, and floating party mats. You can take the boats, boards and floats out on your own, or you can sign up for one of the guided tours, including Pints and Paddles which includes a tour of the Dogfish Head Brewery (don’t forget the free tasting)! Quest can also help you plan the ultimate beach party for your friends and family. They’ll set up (and clean up!) everything you’ll need including games to play and a bonfire on the beach to top it off! Check out their website at www.questkayak.com and give them a call to start planning your adventure!
Seagreen Bicycle - 302.645.7008
While we have a few stellar bikes here at the inn for guests to borrow, we may not have enough or the right size for you! Seagreen’s Lewes location is convenient 15 minute walk from the inn, and right next to the Junction/Breakwater Trail where it’s an easy ride down to Rehoboth to grab a bite at either of our restaurants. With bikes of all sizes available to rent, they’ll have the right bike for everyone in your group - they even have trailer attachments for the little ones! Visit www.seagreenbicycle.com to check out options and rates for 2016.
Cape Water Tours and Taxi - 302.644.7334
With both narrated and non-narrated tours available, Cape Water Tours has plenty of options that’ll get you out onto the local waterways. Eco tours, evening cruises, historical tours, and cruises with live entertainment - it’s a great way to kick back and relax for a couple of hours while still exploring coastal Delaware. You can even bring along a picnic and your favorite beverage to enjoy on the ride! See all of the options available and reserve your spot here: www.capewatertaxi.com
Milton Brewery
The production brewery is in the neighboring town of Milton, about 11 miles away. It's certainly possible to ride a bike to the brewery, but expect busy roads and a careful crossing of Coastal Highway.
Brewings & Eats
The pub, where founder Sam Calagione started Dogfish Head over 25 years ago, offers a wide selection of off-centered ales (including some you won’t find anywhere else!), our hand-craft spirits, a menu of wood-grilled dishes, and live music on the weekends. The pub is just six miles from the inn, and you can count on it taking about 35 minutes via the bike trail.
Chesapeake & Maine
Inspired by founder Sam Calagione’s summers spent in Maine, and Dogfish Head’s connection to the Chesapeake region, Chesapeake & Maine is our geographically enamored seafood restaurant. With seafood sourced exclusively from the Chesapeake to Maine regions. Right next door to the pub!
Lewes
At night, downtown Lewes offers a bunch of great restaurants within easy walking distance.
At the end of the day, come on back to the inn and relax with friends by the Cowboy Cauldron in our courtyard. It’s the perfect end to a great day in Coastal Delaware.