Selbyville is a small town in Sussex County, Delaware, whose history stretches back to its founding in 1778. The town covers about 3.6 square miles of mostly land, sitting just inland from Delaware’s eastern shorelines. As of recent estimates, the population stands at roughly 3,005 residents.
From its early days known as Sandy Branch, the settlement was renamed when Sampson Selby opened a country store in 1842 — marking packages “Selby-Ville.” The town was incorporated in 1902. In the early twentieth century the area became famous for its strawberry production, supplying much of the eastern coast until that industry waned after the 1930s. Of note, Mountaire Farms operates a poultry processing plant in town, which remains a major local employer. Another piece of unique lore is tied to Mumford Sheet Metal Works, which once built the world’s largest frying pan in 1950, a story still remembered fondly by locals.
Life here moves at a more measured pace than in larger cities, yet there are several restaurants and businesses that give the area character. Among eat-out options, Doyles Restaurant attracts folks with its old-style diner ambience, serving hearty breakfasts, lunch classics, and its reputation as one of the oldest continuously operating diners in the state. Cactus Cafe offers a twist of Mexican fare—tacos, burritos, and other flavors that local diners enjoy when they want spice. For seafood lovers, Twining’s Lobster Shanty features fresh catches and coastal dining experiences. The Crabcake Factory Bayside is well known among visitors and residents alike for crab cakes made with generous portions of seafood.
There are also popular local businesses beyond restaurants. Sweet Dispositions Bakery crafts desserts and pastries that people mention often when looking for a treat. Yellowfins Bar & Grill is another spot that comes up repeatedly, valued not just for its food but for being a gathering place. For those who enjoy ice cream or frozen treats, Fenwick Ice Co. offers flavors and social space where families tend to linger.
What to do when not eating? The town has a public library which occupies the historic home of former Senator John G. Townsend Jr., built in 1904. That building includes Senator Townsend’s former dining room, which hosted notable visitors such as Eleanor Roosevelt and later Richard Nixon. This gives the place a historical depth that many find surprising. Outdoors, there are opportunities to enjoy nature nearby—wooded areas, creeks, and farms provide scenic walks, bird-watching, and seasonal views. The town lies along road networks including U.S. Route 113, Delaware Route 54, and Route 17, making access to other coastal attractions relatively easy.
Community customs and festivals are part of life here; for instance, local fairs or gatherings around harvest time often celebrate agricultural heritage, though no single large annual event dominates the calendar. People tend to know their neighbors, local businesses are family-oriented, and there are often informal events—farmers’ markets, local holiday parades, seasonal decorations—rather than massive commercial fairs.
At Delwood Construction, we specialize in enhancing homes with outdoor additions that give properties extra personality and function. If you’re considering expanding or upgrading your outdoor living space in Selbyville, we’ve got the expertise and local experience to bring your vision to life. We work with quality materials, understand local codes, and focus on building structures that blend well with existing homes. Let us help you enjoy more of your surroundings, whether for family time, entertaining, or simply relaxing outdoors. Contact us today, and let's discuss your project, get an estimate, and see how we can help you make the most of where you live.
