Weekend in . . . Lewes, Del.

Eat: Agave serves up serious south-of-the-border dishes and the tequila bar has more than 70 varieties of the Blue Agave-based spirit (Happy Hour is 1 p.m.-5 p.m.). This tiny restaurant is very popular (reservations not taken), so expect a wait. Dinners from $9-$15; 137 Second St., 302-645-1232.

Experience: Situated where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet, historic Lewes (pronounced Lewis) was founded in 1631. This quaint community is popular for its 17th-century homes and buildings and four miles of pristine bay beaches with gentle waves at the 7,000-acre, oceanside Cape Henlopen State Park. Climb the 114 spiral steps of one of the 11 concrete military towers used during World War II for the views of the coastal woodlands or visit the nature center and bird sanctuary. Admission is $8; www.destateparks.com. Plan to attend the Boast the Coast Maritime Festival on October 2. Highlights include seafood tastings, tours of historic ships, crafts, music and an evening boat parade on the Lewes Canal; http://www.leweschamber.com.

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MODERATE:

Getting there: A drive from Philadelphia to Lewes is 76 miles. One-way rates during sale periods start from $69; nonstop on AirTran, Delta or USAirways. A 21-day advance purchase required on regular rates from $137.

Stay: Sleep Inn & Suites in the Rehoboth Beach area offers newly remodeled guest rooms. Standard rooms of 250 square feet include a microwave, refrigerator, coffee, leather chair and desk. Rates range from $139 in autumn to $215 per night in summer. Included is deluxe continental breakfast and high-speed Internet access; www.rehobothsleepinn.com, 18451 Coastal Hwy., 302-703-0380.

Eat: Go to The Surfing Crab for the best hot steamed blue crabs, crab cakes and consistently friendly service. Indulge in the delicacies from the sea and other entree choices in a casual atmosphere at butcher paper covered tables. Popular with locals and located slightly apart from the high traffic tourist area; entrees $15-$25; 16723 Coastal Highway, 302-644-4448.

Experience: Take a three-hour Dolphin & Whale Watching cruise with Fisherman's Wharf Fishing & Cruising. Adult rates are $35; $20 for children ages 12 and under. Afterward, hang out at the wharf at the historic Lewes Rehoboth Canal for lunch, dinner, or just to watch the fresh catch that comes in at the end of a fishing day; www.fishlewes.com, 302-645-8862. Visit during December for the Annual Christmas House Tour; $15; www.historiclewes.org.

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SPLURGE:

Getting there: One-way, walk-up Business Class rates on non-stop AirTran service to Atlantic City start from $313.

Stay: The Nantucket-style Inn At Canal Square sets a scene of romance with a seaside location and is within a mile of the beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park. Accommodations include breakfast, use of the fitness center and WiFi access. Rates range from $235, $250 to $275 weekdays; $260, $280 to $310 weekends; www.theinnatcanalsquare.com, 122 Market St., 888-644-1911.

Eat: Besame ('kiss me' in Spanish) is a classy bistro open from breakfast to dinner. Located in the Hotel Rodney, this eatery serves an array of crepes throughout the day and evening. Choose from signature dinner entrees ($16-$26) to small plates to share ($5-$13); www.beseme.biz, 142 2nd St., 302-645-8108.

Experience: For more Victorian scenery, take a popular 17-mile scenic modern ferry ride across the Delaware Bay to Cape May, N.J. The 80-mile journey operates daily to award-winning beaches and the charming, historic resort town, designated as the oldest seaside resort in the nation. Climb the 218 steps of an 1857 lighthouse for dramatic views. One-way rates for foot passengers (with or without bicycle) are $10 for ages 14 and up; $4 ages 6-13. One-way rates for vehicles are $36; www.capemaylewesferry.com, 800-643-3779.