Delaware Today Magazine, a lifestyle publication in that state, has recognized Odysea, a seaside retailer in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, as the best store in the state for First State Souvenirs. First State is a state nickname for Delaware because it was the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Odysea has been a staple souvenir and gift shop in Rehoboth Beach for about 40 years. Co-Owner Patrick Turner notes that Fred Pie, the store’s original owner, was a popular graphic artist in the area.
“We are fortunate enough to still have his artwork that we can put on T-shirts, apparel and other things,” says Turner. “We are most known for the unique artwork that we have on all of our shirts. Both Fred’s designs and other designs that we have, no one else has. So we have a cadre of very loyal customers who come in again and again to see the new designs that we’ve printed.”
Customers also love the store’s variety of souvenirs bearing the Rehoboth Beach and Delaware name drops as well as the quality of materials used for souvenirs. Turner adds that the store also carries coastal home decor, beach hats, local art, coffee and more.
Turner says he and Co-Owner Mary Anne Callaghan purchased the beachside store in December 2023 from its previous owners Rick and Carol Dryer, who owned it for about 20 years. He notes that he hopes he and Callaghan can continue to grow the shop’s 40-year legacy as a go-to shop in Rehoboth Beach for First State souvenirs.
“We’re very honored that people recognized the good quality work that we do,” he says. “We are proud to continue Odysea’s 40-year tradition as the go-to place for unique, classic T-shirt and sweatshirt designs that you won’t find anyplace else. We try to recognize what is going to interest people. I think the thing that we’ve learned this year is that we can’t be everything for everybody, and we have our niche.”
