Several Delaware Stores Are Closing. Others Are Opening.

Rise and Shine, 302. If you said "let’s play it by ear," you absolutely have a preference.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

If you have not been to Uncle John’s BBQ lately, consider this your sign. Tucked along Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, this independently owned spot serves brisket, ribs, and pulled pork smoked low and slow, the old-fashioned way. No shortcuts. Just real smoke, real flavor, and the kind of place where you can settle in and stay awhile.

On Saturday, March 7, Uncle John’s becomes more than a BBQ joint. It is one of two hubs for a one-day community art festival celebrating local artists, small businesses, and connection. Stop by for the collaborative mural reveal by Ramos Art Gallery and Vinnie Beenrich, plus live art and a full-on neighborhood gathering.

Come for the brisket. Stay for the art. Maybe grab extra ribs for later.

Uncle John’s BBQ, 2509 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont

Once your kids are officially adults, everything changes a bit. The relationship matures, and so does the communication style. How often are you talking these days?

Riverfront Wilmington is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a month-long giveaway event in March. Since 1996, the Riverfront Development Corporation has transformed the once-abandoned industrial area along the Christina River into a lively hub for living, working, and playing. Now, the Riverfront is home to residential communities, corporate offices, and various entertainment venues.

To mark the occasion, Riverfront Wilmington will host 30 Days of Giveaways. Each day, followers on social media can win prizes like gift cards to local restaurants, branded merchandise, and tickets to Delaware Blue Coats and Wilmington Blue Rocks games.

Community members are invited to participate by engaging with daily posts on Riverfront Wilmington's social media accounts. This initiative encourages residents and visitors to join in the festivities and celebrate the area's transformation over the past three decades.

The University of Delaware is making it easy for families to find the perfect summer camp for their kids. They've just rolled out a comprehensive guide that highlights a wide range of camp options across the state. From academic subjects to sports, there's something for every interest.

The guide is available both online and in print, with the digital version offering a handy search feature by camp category. Print copies have been distributed to UD offices, local libraries, schools, and YMCAs, ensuring easy access for everyone.

The listings include camps run by the university and independent operators using UD's facilities. It's worth noting that camps not sponsored by UD are clearly marked, and the university isn't responsible for their operation. Keep an eye out for the guide at your local library or check it out online.

A total lunar eclipse, also known as a 'Blood Moon,' is set to occur on the morning of March 3. The moon will take on a reddish hue as it passes through Earth's shadow. This celestial event will be visible from Delaware starting around 6 a.m., just before the moon sets. Make sure you have a clear view of the western horizon to catch the best glimpse.

Unlike solar eclipses, you won't need any special equipment or safety gear to enjoy the show. However, binoculars or a camera with optical zoom can enhance your view. If you miss this one, don't worry too much; the next lunar eclipse will be a partial one in August. The upcoming full moon is also called the 'Worm Moon,' marking the end of winter and the return of earthworms as the ground begins to thaw.

The Delaware Tourism Office is gearing up to host two big World Cup watch parties in Newark this summer. As North America welcomes the World Cup, matches will be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with several games in Philadelphia. Delaware officials expect a tourism boost, with fans booking local hotels and the Côte d’Ivoire team staying in Wilmington.

To join the excitement, watch parties are planned in all three counties. In New Castle County, events will take place at the University of Delaware athletic complex. On June 12, the Bob Carpenter Center will show the USA vs. Paraguay match, and on July 19, Delaware Stadium will host the World Cup final viewing. Both events promise a festival vibe with local vendors and games. Tickets go on sale March 5.

Christiana Mall is about to look a little different. Nordstrom, one of the mall’s longtime anchor stores, is closing its doors on April 30 after 15 years in Delaware. The two-level department store opened in 2011 in the former Strawbridge’s space and has been the state’s only full-line Nordstrom ever since.

A company representative confirmed the closure in this Delaware News Journal report. That means the nearest locations will soon be in King of Prussia and Cherry Hill.

For shoppers who relied on it for special-occasion dresses, beauty splurges, or just a solid shoe selection, it is definitely a shift. Now the big question becomes: what will fill those 123,000 square feet next?

Heart & Home is saying goodbye to its Peoples Plaza location after 30 years. Owners Catherine Wilkins and Lynn Bouscaren announced the closure, citing it as a tough decision. They expressed gratitude for the support from customers and staff, highlighting the community bonds formed over the years.

To mark the end of an era, the store is hosting a closing sale, offering deep discounts and a chance for customers to snag final merchandise. This sale is a thank you to everyone who has been part of their journey at Peoples Plaza.

While this location is closing, Heart & Home is not disappearing. Their Pike Creek location will stay open, and they plan to focus on future opportunities and growth, with an online store continuing to serve their loyal customers.

Downtown Newark is gearing up for a wave of new businesses. Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. is setting up shop at the old California Tortilla spot on Main Street, offering traditional Yemeni coffee and pastries. The Juice Pod will take a corner spot at Main and Choate Streets, serving smoothies and acai bowls. Meanwhile, Sizzling Bites Halal Grill plans to open at the Washington House building, specializing in halal platters and gyros.

Over at The Grove at Newark, a transformation is underway. Currito, known for its customizable grain bowls, will soon open next to Del Pez Mexican Gastropub. An AT&T store and StretchZone studio are also on the way. This bustling hub will see even more action in June with Lefty’s Alley & Eats, bringing bowling, axe throwing, and more to the former Kmart building.

Two Stones Pub in Middletown is set to close in April, with a new owner taking over the lease and operating a different restaurant at the location. The decision to close was influenced by the challenges of supporting the southernmost location, not its performance. Rising lease rates in the area also played a role.

Owner Michael Stiglitz assures that the 20 employees at the Middletown pub have been informed and offered positions at other Two Stones locations. The incoming restaurant has also shown interest in hiring the current staff.

While the Middletown spot will close, Two Stones is eyeing potential new locations in New Castle County and southern Pennsylvania. Middletown's rapid growth and rising lease rates have made it a challenging environment for the business to maintain operations.

Delaware State Housing Authority has announced that eight towns and Sussex County will receive free technical assistance to update zoning and land use policies. The aim is to increase affordable housing options by allowing more diverse housing types and promoting compact, mixed-use development.

The selected jurisdictions include Bridgeville, Dover, Georgetown, Laurel, Lewes, Milford, Newark, Rehoboth Beach, and Sussex County. Each has chosen specific reforms from a menu of options, such as allowing accessory dwelling units and increasing building heights for multifamily housing.

Consultants like McCormick Taylor, Rossi Group, and Smart Growth America will work with these areas to modernize their zoning laws. This initiative was made possible through Delaware's Zoning and Land Use Reform Pilot Program, ensuring no cost to the participating municipalities.

Governor Matt Meyer has signed Executive Order 18, launching a statewide Permitting Accelerator to fast-track approvals for key projects in Delaware. This initiative aims to reduce review times from up to two years to just four months for developments such as housing, energy, and infrastructure. Key stakeholders support this change, which includes a coordinated effort and a single point of contact at each state agency.

The order is expected to enhance housing affordability and infrastructure development without compromising environmental standards. Housing Authority Director Matt Heckles emphasized its potential to address Delaware's housing shortage and reduce costs. Legislative leaders also highlighted the order's role in tackling the state's energy challenges, as it establishes an energy concierge to manage new projects.

While state agencies will lead this effort, coordination with local governments is crucial for successful implementation. The Permitting Accelerator is seen as a step towards greater efficiency and competitiveness for the state.

On Mondays, opening acts and exhibits are listed here when they debut. After that, you'll find individual dates in the regular Theatre/Arts listings.

Stages of Discovery Presents Alice in Wonderland at Copeland Hall Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in this lively musical adaptation by the Barter Players, where the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and Queen of Hearts bring the classic tale to life with imagination and heart. Tuesday at 9:30 AM and 12 PM. Designed for grades K to 6, this whimsical adventure blends storytelling, music, and theatre into a fun and educational morning at The Grand.

Griffin Theatre Presents: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church This high-energy adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story follows brilliant young Matilda as she outsmarts her neglectful parents and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, proving that even the smallest voice can spark big change. Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays through March 15. Tickets range from $15 to $20.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Wilmington Drama League Tennessee Williams’ searing Southern drama unfolds on a Mississippi plantation as Brick and Maggie’s fractured marriage collides with buried secrets and a looming inheritance. Friday and Saturday at 8 PM; Sunday at 2 PM, March 6–15.

The George Cope 24-Hour Play Festival – Chapel Street Players At 8pm, the curtain rises on six brand-new short plays written, rehearsed, and staged in just one whirlwind day as CSP’s NEXT Playwriting Group races the clock from Friday auditions to Saturday night performance. Saturday at 8 PM. $5 tickets plus fee for an evening of spontaneous storytelling where no one, including the cast, knows what’s coming until the lights go up.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

Spot is the kind of dog who settles in like he has always lived there. Two years old and already a seasoned professional in loyalty and love, he is equal parts walking buddy and couch companion.

He is crate trained, knows sit, down, and stay, and takes playtime seriously. Balls, tug toys, squeaky things, he is in. After a good round of fetch or a long stroll around the neighborhood, he is happiest curled up beside you, head resting gently like he just wants to make sure you are still there.

Lately, Spot has been spending time in the shelter office and has earned rave reviews as the ultimate coworker. Quiet, gentle, and always ready to show off a toy, he brings calm energy wherever he goes.

He is ready for a fresh start and a family to call his own. Go meet Spot at the Brandywine Valley SPCA in New Castle and see how quickly he fits right in.

Sheer Mag w/ Special Guests Dirty Fences & Brower at Elkton Music Hall brings a night of high-energy rock and roll with a punk edge. Known for their raw sound and gritty performances, Sheer Mag will be joined by the equally dynamic Dirty Fences and Brower. Monday at 8 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

35 🌡️ 29 | ☁️ Cloudy | 2% | 💨 ENE 9 mph

37 🌡️ 35 | 🌧️ Rain Likely | 81% | 💨 ENE 5 mph

52 🌡️ 42 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers | 48% | 💨 NNE 5 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 35ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

We’ve been getting a lot of love lately (thank you!). But here’s a little behind-the-scenes truth: when you click on things in this newsletter—links, polls, even the little “Read more” button—it tells the internet powers-that-be that Above the Canal is something people care about.

So if you like what you’re reading, tap below and let us know. It’s a small gesture that helps this whole local thing keep growing.

Thanks for reading. If you have been meaning to leave a Google review, this is your gentle nudge. 😉

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up
Want your business featured in Above the Canal? Partner with us!
Interested in promoting your music? Feature your band!
Got a live show or event I missed? Just hit reply and let me know!

If Above the Canal adds value to your day, consider supporting it.

Let’s make it official—follow us on Facebook and Instagram!