Ocean City, Maryland – (January 16, 2019):The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) recently received a generous grant of $99,000 from the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation. The contribution was used to buy two training devices, including the Gaumard Scientific Advanced Patient Simulators (HAL), which allows the department to provide realistic simulation training.
“HAL allows us to perform a number of skills such as monitoring cardiac rhythm, insertion of intravenous lines, endotracheal tubes, and monitoring of routine vital signs like blood pressure, breath sounds, pulse, and end tidal carbon dioxide,” said OCFD Assistant Chief Eric Peterson. “HAL is completely wireless, has a drug recognition system and runs on a very user-friendly interface, allowing us to get the most lifelike training possible at our disposal at any time.”
The foundation’s grant contributed $36,000 toward the purchase of HAL, which had a purchase price of $76,000. In addition, the contribution by the foundation enabled the department to purchase a mechanical chest compression system. The device, LUCAS III, is a user-friendly piece of equipment that can be used on adult cardiac arrest patients. The foundation purchased three of these devices at a cost of $33,000.
The remainder of the grant will be used for personnel training, including the EMS Today Conference, the Fire Department Training Network, and an Advanced Airway Anatomy course. “The Paramedic Foundation’s donation not only gives us state of the art equipment to train with, but it allows us to attend national training courses to assure we’re the most prepared to do our jobs,” Peterson finished.
Along with the recent donation, the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation’s Robert T. Adkins Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance for educational purposes to those wishing to enter the field of Emergency Medical Services. To learn more, visit: https://ocpf.org/ocean-city-paramedics-scholarship/
On Tuesday night, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 4.7-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland at 6:30 p.m.
The earthquake was reported about 136 miles off the coast at a depth of about 6.2 miles.
USGS said the location was 37.240°N, 73.007°W.
The Town of Ocean City reported on Facebook that while we’ve seen no effects from the earthquake here, the Emergency Services Department will be monitoring the situation as needed.
The Dough Roller announced via Facebook on Monday, Jan. 14, that they would offer a free meal to members of the Coast Guard and furloughed federal government employees as long as the government shutdown continues.
The Coast Guard is the only branch of the military to be furloughed during the government shutdown. Approximately 42,000 Coast Guard members have been working without pay since the shutdown began on Dec. 22, and missed their first paychecks on Monday. Additionally, approximately 800,000 federal employees have been affected by the shutdown, and government contractors have been impacted as well.
“For every week of the government shutdown,” the Dough Roller said, “Coast Guard and Govt. furloughed workers are not being paid, The Dough Roller will give a FREE meal to those employees. All must present a valid Government employee ID to redeem the offer.”
At the restaurant’s 41st and 69th Street locations, eligible government workers can receive a Little Roller (two buttermilk pancakes, one egg and a breakfast meat), a Big Roller (three buttermilk pancakes, two eggs and a breakfast meat), a personal one-topping pizza or a medium one-topping pizza, for dine-in or carry-out.
Individuals are advised to message the restaurant on Facebook with any questions.
In the summer we do a Photo Friday contest almost every week, where we invite readers to submit their best vacation photos from Ocean City for a chance to win a gift card to a local business and to have their photos featured in an article like this one. In the winter, we’re a bit more sporadic… But days when we’re missing summer a little more than usual (like the Monday after we’ve received the first snowfall of 2019!) call for a summer throwback post. So here we are.
Featured below are a handful of the pictures that were submitted to us between late August of 2018 and just last weekend. Our randomly-selected winner of the bunch was Georgia Corso, who will receive a $25 gift card to Captain’s Table for her ambient nighttime Ferris wheel shot.
If you’re feeling nostalgic today for warm weather and sunny beach days, here’s where you can find our collection of Photo Fridays from last summer and beyond. There’s no telling when our next photo contest will be until spring hits (though there’s a chance it’ll follow the next big snowfall…), but you’re always welcome to submit your best vacation shots for a chance to win! As usual, remember to include your name and email address along with your submission so we can easily contact you if and when you win.
Haven’t seen this guy lately! I think he was waiting for Kohr Bros to open.This photo was taken the week of December the 19th at the Ocean City Marina, I spend a lot of time in that area taking photos of the boats in the summer and all the seasons. . The sky was particularly gorgeous this evening and I was lucky enough t get this shot. Submitted by Mary Miller, of Berlin, Md.Ollie, Maxwell, Boh , and roxie. Walking on the boardwalk towards Backshore.Dolphin at playSunset photo from the little bridge in the Northside Park 8/27.
Peaceful day at Assateague National Park July 20, 2018 on vacation while camping at Frontier Town. Karen ScaliaFound on Fenwick Beach washed up on the shore. Hundreds of these shells attached!Wild horses assateague parkWashed up on 81st street sat morningOur beach wedding at the inlet! 8/24/18 at 10am! Joey and DanielleFerris wheel on OC Pier, August 13, 2016, 10:11 p.m., “Amusements” Georgia Corso
In case you missed it, the annual Best of Ocean City voting is well underway. Over the rest of the year, we’ll be picking out some of our favorite races and asking you whether it is fair. If it isn’t, feel free to vote until you believe that right has prevailed. This week, we look at some of the bar categories, but, as always, you can vote for any or all of the categories here.
And check out what bars are currently in first place here.
Results as of January 11, 2019
We want to keep you from wasting your vacation on bad food. The Crabcake Factory is currently in the lead for Best Crabcakes, capturing an astounding 49% of the votes, btw.
The best pizza is still up in the air
…And we hope it’ll come down eventually, because we’re hungry. Out of every category on our Best Of poll, Best Pizza has the most votes by far. It always does, because everybody loves pizza, and most people have pretty strong opinions about where to get it from. Like last year and the year before that, the winner is currently “other.” We added Ponzetti’s, Piezano’s and Grotto’s to the multiple-choice selection this year because those were the most popular write-ins last year, but you all still aren’t satisfied with our selection! Anyway, after “other” comes Lombardi’s, followed by The Dough Roller and Grotto’s. Mione’s has fallen a few since last year. Come on Mione’s, step up your game!
2018’s winner? “Other,” followed by Lombardi’s.
Dumser’s takes the (ice cream) cake
If you staunchly disagree that Dumser’s has the best ice cream in Ocean City, you might want to vote now and tell your friends, too. They’re currently in the lead with a whopping 54%. But all hope is not lost. If you’re a fan of King Kone, Island Creamery in Berlin, Julia’s or anyone else, they still have several months to catch up. Kohr Bros, usually our second-place winner, has fallen behind from last year, though there’s still time for the Bros to pull ahead…
2018’s winner? (And the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that…) Dumser’s, of course.
Dumser’s is an Ocean City tradition, plus their ice cream is just plain delicious. Objectively speaking, of course.
Shotti’s Point leads a close race for Best Wings
Shotti’s Point is a relatively new restaurant in town, and they’re already opening a second location on the Boardwalk this summer. That might explain their newfound popularity in the Best of Ocean City voting. We shacked up at Shotti’s Point last January and were mightily impressed with the wings selection, as well as the Rhino Chaser fries. But that’s not to influence how you vote for Best Wings; Kirby’s is coming in second, Hooter’s in third, and the Original Greene Turtle in fourth.
2018’s winner? Kirby’s, followed by the Original Greene Turtle. Shotti’s Point was third.
Mother’s Cantina and Tequila Mockingbird are neck and neck for Best Mexican Food
We love a little friendly competition, and one of the closest races always seems to be Mother’s Cantina and Tequila Mockingbird, both respectable local options for tacos and margaritas. There’s currently only a 3% difference between the two, while Guido’s Burritos and Plaza Tapatia trail behind.
2018’s winner? Mother’s Cantina, predictably followed by Tequila Mockingbird.
The Crab Bag has the Best Crabs, for now
When you’re in Ocean City, you’re probably going to want crabs. And not just any crabs–the best crabs. At this moment in time, the best crabs can be found at The Crab Bag, followed by Hooper’s Crab House and Crabs To Go in Ocean Pines. Crab Alley is the most popular write-in.
2018’s winner? The Crab Bag.
Help your fellow vacationers avoid bad food in Ocean City! Vote for your favorites and let your voice be heard.
Ocean City, Maryland – (January 10, 2019): The Ocean City Mayor and City Council have expressed their opposition to seismic blast testing off the coast of the resort community. In a letter sent to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Acting Director Dr. Walter Cruickshank, Mayor Rick Meehan stated opposition against any actions off the coast which could potentially harm Ocean City’s ocean environment.
“The process, done to locate potential under-sea oil and gas deposits, uses high powered compressed air cannons to blast sound waves into the ocean,” stated Meehan. “The impact of seismic blasting can cause harm to marine mammals as well as highly migratory fish species such as tuna, which are critical to the commercial and recreational fishing industries in Ocean City.”
Ocean City’s disapproval of offshore oil drilling and waste dumping dates back to 1974, when the Town’s elected officials passed a resolution to oppose similar legislation to seismic blast testing. Further, in 2015, the Mayor and City Council joined with several other coastal communities and unanimously passed a resolution against seismic blast testing.
“The recent permits issued by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, combined with the pending permits being reviewed by BOEM, open the door for seismic blast testing and ultimately offshore oil and gas drilling off the Ocean City coastline,” Meehan continued. “The short term benefits of oil and gas exploration or any large scale industrial activity in the ocean pale against the permanent catastrophic environmental and economic harm that such activity will cause. We are urging BOEM to preserve our beach and ocean by denying any permit applications related to oil and gas exploration and development off the coast of Maryland.”
Sometimes it pays to plan ahead and avoid procrastination when planning your summer vacation. A handful of Ocean City’s top hotels are offering ‘Book Early and Save’-type deals that started when the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1. Many of the deals are only good until Jan. 31, though it varies by hotel, so it’s a good idea to click the links below and read the fine print before making your decision!
Pros to booking early: You save money and you have something to look forward to all winter long.
Boardwalk Hotel Group, which includes the Howard Johnson hotels on 12th and 24th Street and the Days Inn Oceanfront hotel on 23rd Street, is offering an Early Bird Special that entails booking before April 15, 2019. The special includes 20% off weekday rates and 10% off weekends, plus a free large bucket of Thrasher’s fries. This Early Bird special is featured in the article’s cover image.
This package is for the people whose stay in Ocean City, Maryland wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the musts of the Boardwalk. The Best of the Boardwalk package allows you to stay and play for two-nights on the Boardwalk at an all-inclusive price.
At the Flamingo Motel, located on Motel Row just off the beach on 31st Street, book by Jan. 31 with the promo code “WINT” and receive 20% off your reservation.
Discount Bookings 20% Off Reservations Booked In December and January (promo code WINT) Reservations must be booked by 1/31/2019 56th Anniversary Specials $56 Special Anniversary Weekends (4/20, 5/11).
The Grand Hotel & Spa welcomes you to enjoy our convenient services and contemporary accommodations at affordable rates by taking advantage of our hotel specials, vacation packages and current deals. Whether you’re traveling to Maryland for a family vacation, a weekend escape or if you are traveling here on business, we have a deal, package or special that will meet your travel needs and budget.
Rodney the Lifeguard wants you to have an excellent summer vacation by taking advantage of the Park Place’s Rodney Summer Budget Deal: Book early, for a minimum of three nights, and enjoy a discounted rate in a bay view double efficiency room.
SIDE OCEANVIEW OR POOLVIEW ONLY June 16 – June 27, 2019; weekday only 3 nights including 1 breakfast buffet for 3 mornings for up to 4 guests per suite; $699+ tax. Additional persons over age 12 (over base of 2 people) are $20.00 pp/pn + tax for room; (breakfast up to 4 ppl).
Ocean City, Maryland – (January 7, 2019): 2019 is now well upon us, and with a New Year comes new and exciting concerts to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center.
The first show features six-time Grammy Award winners The Chieftains coming to the Performing Arts Center Tuesday, March 5, 2019. The Chieftains have been highly recognized for reinventing traditional Irish music on a contemporary and International scale. The Chieftains were formed in Ireland in 1962 by Paddy Moloney, one of the top traditional folk musicians in Ireland and around the world. Their ability to transcend musical boundaries to blend tradition with modern music has notably hailed them as one of the most renowned and revered musical groups to this day. They will be celebrating their 55th Anniversary Tour in Ocean City, Maryland on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day!
Later in the year, Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys will play their Shine The Light On Christmas show on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Performing Arts Center. A mixture of traditional and contemporary songs—including religious, romantic and fun holiday tunes—makes up the setlist, which includes songs from the Oak Ridge Boys’ seven bestselling Christmas CDs. Known for their iconic and multi-platinum selling hit “Elvira,” along with other chart-toppers like “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” and “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” The Oak Ridge Boys have achieved a decorated career. The band is made up of members Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban, whose unmistakable bass on the lyric “oom poppa, mow mow,” has become one of music’s most recognized sing-alongs on an international scale.
More concert announcements will be coming soon. Tickets can be purchased online at SpecialEventPro.com, by calling Ticketmaster 1-800-551-SEAT or by visiting the OC Box Office.
In the early 1950s, the Harrison Hall Hotel on 14th Street would become the northernmost hotel on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Motel Row, between 15th Street and 33rd, was only just starting to emerge as a region in town where tourists could lodge. The luxurious new hotel would set the standard for those who followed, as the first hotel in Ocean City to include a private bathroom in each room.
Orlando Harrison, the grandfather of the Harrison Group’s current owners, moved from Roxana, DE to Berlin, MD with his family in the latter part of the 19th century. The son of a farmer, Orlando grew up studying techniques for growing and sustaining fruit trees. Between 1904 and 1906, Orlando would plant large orchards in Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia, and years later, Harrison’s Nurseries would become the largest grower of fruit and shade trees in the world. They’d be best known, of course, for their peaches.
In the 1960s, a peach blight tragically eradicated the Harrison’s orchards, and most of the company’s assets were lost. Luckily, Orlando’s oldest son G. Hale had been acquainting himself with Ocean City’s growing hospitality industry and investing in hotels in town.
In 1951, G. Hale built Harrison Hall as a gift to his wife, Lois Harrison. When G. Hale passed away in 1961, Lois was left in charge of the hotel, which she ran with their sons John and Hale. The two boys did whatever work was needed on the property, from manning the front desk to keeping grounds, working after school and on weekends and even living at the hotel in the summer. “We both have always known that’s what we wanted to be when we grew up,” John said. “We wanted to own hotels.”
In 1964, when John and Hale were still in high school, they purchased their first property, the Barbizon, with the help of their mother. In 1970 they’d purchase their first property on their own, the Plim Plaza. But it was at Harrison Hall where they were practically born and raised.
Today, after 68 years, Harrison Hall still stands as elegant as ever on the Boardwalk at 14th Street, within walking distance of the beach, amusements, restaurants and shops. While it hasn’t been the northernmost property in town in a long, long time, it still stands out among the rows of Boardwalk hotels with its old-fashioned facade and big, wraparound front porch.
A very mid-century modern look at the inside of Harrison Hall, many years ago.On the beach in front of Harrison Hall in the 1980s.
This is part of a series on Ocean City Hotel History. If you have any interesting stories or photos from Ocean City’s older hotels, don’t hesitate to share them! Contact Kristin@OceanCity.com.
For the Harrison Hall’s website, click here. For a comprehensive list of Ocean City hotels, go here.
Imagine riding along Ocean City’s back bays while the sun’s going down, a cold drink in your hand and all of your closest friends by your side. They’re snapping pictures, taking turns picking which song to play next, pulling snacks and sodas out of the cooler and passing them around. There’s a captain steering the ship, and your only worry in the world is whether you’d been wearing enough sunscreen that day. It sounds like a dream, but it’ll all be totally possible this summer when the Liquid Limo kicks into high gear this spring and begins offering its private charter service all season long.
The Liquid Limo first hit the waters during its soft opening last summer. Now it’s returning to the bay for its first full year, and will be available to any group of people looking to spend a day or an evening travailing Ocean City’s famously beautiful bayside, with the luxury of being driven around by a Coast Guard-certified captain. Last year, the charter boat’s first summer up and running, bachelor and bachelorette parties were common renters, but so were families and groups throwing birthday parties.
“It was a really nice mixture,” Croker said. “We did everything from birthday parties to bar crawls.”
Anyone’s welcome, for blocks of two, four, six, and even up to eight hours, and food and drinks can also be brought aboard. Bachelors and bachelorettes have been known to bring bottles of wine or coolers packed with beer, while families bring snacks or picnic lunches to be unpacked when the charter reaches their requested destination.
The perfect venue for drinking icy, summery drinks with friends.
That’s the beauty of the Liquid Limo: Once you step onto the boat, it’s up to you to decide what adventures the day will hold. In fact, the way the Limo operates is similar to a water taxi in that it can pick up and drop off its patrons at a variety of bayside restaurants and even private docks, so long as the docks can accommodate a 32-ft. vessel. Additionally, groups looking to explore Ocean City’s nightlife are just as likely to choose a club like Seacrets, for example, as their final drop-off destination.
The Liquid Limo can also be a catalyst for spending the day floating around with a drink in hand and taking in the natural beauty of the Shore.
“We had a lot of people who wanted to raft up behind Assateague and get in the water and float around, and then they’d just have their lunch or drink whatever they brought aboard,” Croker said.
“We’d take ‘em down behind Assateague, they’d have fun and then we’d power the boat back up and go to say, De Lazy Lizard or Harborside, grab some lunch, cruise around for another hour or so. That’s what people loved, was just the experience. They loved being on the water.”
Although the Limo’s career began last summer as a cut-and-dry water taxi service, Croker and his team notice a swift uptick in interest after they began offering it as a private charter. It became clear that the boat was made for groups of friends and family who wanted to spend time with one another on the water, whether that meant a tranquil tour of the peninsula or a full-blown party.
The Limo can hold up to 24 passengers and includes WiFi, LED lights above and below the water and a premium sound system, so a party atmosphere it can easily make.
There’s no better view.
When a group isn’t as familiar with the Ocean City area, the charter’s captains and mates are well-versed with the most scenic views and boat-accessible restaurants and drop-off points the boat can reach.
“If there’s kids on board, they get a real kick out of us powering the boat up full speed and taking them on a fast ride along the back bay,” Croker said. “It’s extremely flexible. They’ll customize their adventure to what we have to offer, it’s not a cookie cutter experience.”
Toward the end of the season last year, they noticed that businesses in town like De Lazy Lizard and Dumser’s were chartering the boat as an end-of-summer celebration for employees. At the end of the day, Croker said, it’s all about what the group wants.
“If they charter it for a birthday party, then it’s a birthday party,” he said. “If it’s for a bar crawl, then it’s a bar crawl.”
The Liquid Limo’s second season begins on May 15, 2019, and will run through Oct. 15. It can be booked online or at 410-430-2120, and it’s highly recommended that parties book in advance.
2019’s Winter Delmarva Birding Weekend will be held Jan. 25 – 27, signaling for local birders to dust off their binoculars and zoom lenses and prepare for a peaceful weekend watching for waterfowl, shorebirds, seals and more.
The fowl-centric weekend includes various field trips Friday through Saturday. Bundled-up birders drive, hike and boat to prime wildlife-watching locations on the Shore from the historic landings of Chincoteague Bay to Berlin Falls Park and Delaware’s Indian River Inlet.
While the winter birding expedition is only in its third year, the Spring Delmarva Birding Weekend will celebrate its 23rd anniversary this April. The downside of the winter weekend being, of course, the brisk weather. However, Delmarva Birding Weekend organizer and guide Jim Rapp says that to him, and other bird watchers along the coast, it’s well worth bearing the cold to see the winter wildlife.
“The animals that show up, the birds, even the seals, are really brilliant,” Rapp said. “You’ll see year-round species and migrants, and those will be gone by April.”
A handful of the Birding Weekend field trips allow birders to view wildlife by boat. Photo courtesy of Delmarva Birding Weekend.
According to Delmarva Birding’s website, 108 species were tallied during their Winter Birding Weekend last year, including the Snowy Owl, the Great Cormorant, the Purple Sandpiper, the Snow Bunting, the Common Merganser, the Red-necked Grebe, and 27 species of waterfowl.
Because there’s such a wide range of land and sea-based habitats on the Shore, Delmarva is a paramount region for spotting birds and other wildlife in any season (there’s also a spring Birding Weekend, in addition to a number of events hosted by Delmarva Birding throughout the year). When asked what makes Delmarva the perfect location for birding and nature expeditions, Rapp said, “First of all the wildlife, second, the people.”
“We are really fortunate to have amazing habitats like the Chesapeake Bay, the Delaware Bay, the Coastal Bays, all the water as well as some of the greatest parks and wildlife refuges,” he said. “And we’re on an awesome resort. You can travel, get a hotel, go to a fantastic brewery. Wildlife and amenities, we’re fortunate enough to have both.”
Tourism as it relates to bird-watching brings money into the local economy, which goes back into promoting and supporting bird and habitat conservation. Tourists flock (get it?) to Delmarva year-round to view and photograph birds on their own, but the field trips and boat trips planned by Delmarva Birding turn the solitary pastime into a community-involved group effort.
Those who wish to partake in this weekend’s field trips should register online. We’ll be hoping you get a weekend of beautiful weather and that all the birds and wildlife come out to enjoy it!
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for January weather near the ocean!
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes,” Rapp said. “Don’t hesitate to pack on some extra layers.”
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. You can still get sunburn in the winter.
Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine.
Try to arrive a little before the scheduled trip departs.
Boat trips usually fill earlier than other trips; please make your reservations early.
Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and turn off cell phones during trips.
Vegetarians & guests with seafood allergies must make their restrictions known for trips that include lunch.
There are no restroom facilities on most trips.
For general bird watching:
Be prepared with multiple layers of clothing, and anything else that’ll be necessary for the environment and the weather (a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.). Bring along a bag to stash extra layers if it gets warmer.
Two staples of a bird watcher’s wardrobe should be sturdy boots and an insulated coat that can stand up to wind, rain and snow.
Bring a notebook to mark what species you see, or even create a log based on the species, the habitat and the season.
Watch birds from your own backyard by putting up a bird feeder or two. These are especially great for birds in the winter, when bad weather can make food harder to find.
For photographing birds:
Birds are small and fast, so photographing them can be difficult. However, it’s a lot easier if you have a DSLR camera with a high shutter speed, the ability to auto-focus and a zoom lens.
Shoot at a high shutter speed, around 1/800 and above.
Get as many shots as you can. The more, the merrier.
Have patience! That’s the number one rule of bird watching in general, isn’t it?
Photography Life has an article with lots of great resources and tips for photographing birds, for the novice to the professional photographer.
Our “birding” adventure
My fiancé and I headed to Assateague one morning in the hopes that we might be able to spot a few cool birds and snap a few pictures to share. We were a little overly optimistic, especially considering we were not even out of bed by sunrise and missed the prime early-morning hours for bird watching. Also, our cameras are better geared toward photographing big, slow ponies rather than tiny, quick-moving birds.
So, on that note, here are some ponies and foxes with a lone bird thrown in the mix! May anyone looking to photograph birds this weekend have better luck (and expertise) than we did, but remember, horse pictures are always okay, too. In fact, on Assateague, they’re practically required. Photos by me and William Strang-Moya.
First, while walking Assateague’s Life of the Forest trail, we were lucky enough to spot two foxes running and leaping around way in the distance. While the red foxes aren’t an uncommon sight on Assateague, it’s always exciting to see them hanging around.
Will anyone be out looking for the common seagull this weekend?…No?
A sparrow up in the trees.
Some ponies taking in the sun on the beach (and one taking a nap while standing up), with a wild cameraman in the distance.
It pretty warm for the winter, a nice day to be a horse.
Thinking about going out this weekend? Here are some species you might find on your expedition.
This article was originally published on 1/24/18 and was updated for the 2019 season.
When purchasing your new home, remember the old adage in real estate: Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware)!
Caution and
investigation should be exercised long BEFORE a buyer sits down at the
settlement table.
Some concerns may exist with land itself, rather than buildings. Still, most issues that exist with land are generally more noticeable. Within structures, the problems are often hidden from sight. Inspections provide a clear insight into the structural integrity of the buildings located on the property. The inspection process is relatively inexpensive (normally between $250 – $550 per inspection).
However, there are several types of inspections that you should be familiar with:
Home Inspection
Air quality inspection
Mold inspection
Environmental inspection
Termite inspection
Radon inspection
Performing each of these individual inspections will ultimately result in creating a feeling of security for you and your family when you finalize your purchase.
The majority of these inspections are self-explanatory. However, the basic home inspection provides protection against the widest range of possible issues that could be associated with a home or condo. Here is a list of items that are checked by the home inspector.
Basic Home Inspection
The inspector will check:
All appliances to be sure they are in working order
(including hot water heater)
For leaks under sinks, tubs and toilets
Air conditioning and heating systems
Exterior leaks
Windows and frames
Interior and exterior doors
Electrical system (switches, panel box, lights, GFI
switches, etc.)
Ceiling fans
Roof, attic and insulation
Wall & ceiling finishes
Door handles
Decks, porches & railing
Smoke detectors
Foundation
Water supply distribution systems.
These reports are so detailed that the date, time and weather conditions are provided for the day the inspection was completed.
Of all the above mentioned inspections, the only one that seems to be in constant debate would be the radon inspection. Since radon is primarily generated from rock formations, most buyers (and agents) believe a radon inspection is unimportant on the Eastern Shore.
On the contrary, the CDC explains that radon can originate from gas appliances, as well as rock formations or fossils.
Since radon can cause serious health issues, it is an important test for your new home.
Not only are these inspections important for the health of your family, they also provide a level of comfort and flexibility for buyers. A buyer may elect not to purchase a specific property based on the findings of the inspections. Of course, a seller may offer to repair (or replace) any items at fault on the inspection reports.
A buyer may agree to allow the seller to perform required changes, or on the contrary, could decide to move on to another property. Either way, inspections play an important and necessary role in the home buying process.
Another year in Ocean City has come and gone. 2018 saw its share of sunshine, summer travelers, severe storms, sunburns (guilty…), and screams from the Looping Star Roller Coaster, and there’s sure to be plenty more of that coming in 2019 (who knew you could miss being sunburnt?). Here’s a virtual toast to all that the new year has in store. Hopefully, the summer of ’19 already has an umbrella in the sand with your name on it. Until then, we’ll keep keeping you updated with all things going on in OCMD.
A little while before the holidays, I took a brief hiatus from This Week in OC. Not because there’s nothing going on in the off-season — that’s a myth that I live to debunk! — but because most of what there is to do this time of year involves exploring and adventuring on your own, and not so much all the festivals and shows and expos that the summer is known for, and I don’t want to sound like a broken record. Also, it’s been cold (this week having been a glorious exception). I still haven’t gotten around to buying touchscreen gloves that’ll allow me to film on my phone without losing my fingers to frostbite.
Instead I’ll be doing monthly video updates until events and goings-on really start picking up in the spring, probably in early- to mid-April. In the meantime, these #ThisMonthinOC compilations of upcoming events will be updated throughout the months, if and when more events and fun things-to-do are announced.
Reflecting on 2018
Our annual Year In Review went up two weeks ago, but I’m still trying to wrap my brain around all that’s happened in the last never-ending year. Was your 2018 as busy as ours was?
Parades, festivals, car shows. Kites and planes flying high in the sky. Old buildings come down, new ones take their place. Parking meters, median fences, a new historic house tour, an entire Viking ship — the world’s largest — docked in our own backyard.
Just as I did last year, here’s my annual end-of-year rundown of what you can expect in Ocean City this coming year. We’ll start with some of the major business developments that 2018 saw, then move on to all the new hotels, restaurants, programs, and big event dates you can expect to find in 2019.
#ThisMonthinOC
First Friday Opening Reception at the Art League (Jan. 4): Meet the artists, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, and see the new exhibits featuring a variety of local artists. Open to the public. Free Admission. 5 – 7 p.m.
2nd Friday Art Stroll in Berlin (Jan. 11): Take a stroll through downtown Berlin and check out the town’s featured artists in their local shops and restaurants. Each month is unique, but you’ll always find great art! 6 – 8 p.m.
East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s and Aquaculture Trade Expo (Jan. 18 – 20): This is the only Commercial Fishing Expo in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Seminars, fishermen gear, equipment and more. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday.
Delmarva Art Expo (Jan. 19 – 20): Come to the Convention Center for Ocean City’s festival of art. Classes available! 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday.
Beach Blanket Blood Drive (Jan. 22 – 23): 20th anniversary of the Ocean City Blood Drive. This is the largest two-day blood drive in the Mid-Atlantic States. Commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt for all donors, raffle for a 42″ TV and other great prizes.
Just as I did last year, here’s my annual end-of-year rundown of what you can expect in Ocean City this coming year. We’ll start with some of the major business developments that 2018 saw, then move on to all the new hotels, restaurants, programs, and big event dates you can expect to find in 2019. Here’s to a great new year!
The Hyatt Place on the Boardwalk at 16th Street opened in late September, and a Home2 Suites by Hilton just opened on 67th Street bayside. A Residence Inn by Marriott opened by the Route 90 bridge in the spring, and a Fairfield Inn & Suites opened its doors on 25th Street. A DoubleTree Hilton replaced the Quality Inn on 33rd Street, adding a Marlin Moon to OC’s restaurant lineup along with it.
Mad Fish Bar & Grill in West Ocean City held its grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony in June, and Tailchaserson 122nd Street also opened at the beginning of the summer, adjacent to a brand new Starbucks on 123rd. A new craft brewery called Ironweed Ale Werks opened its doors this summer and replaced OC Brewing Company on 55th Street bayside. Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery on 131st Street is also new this year, and Victoria’s Seafood & Crabs opened a second location on 15th Street. A new Denny’s replaced JR’s Ribs on 61st Street. Phillips Seafood in North Ocean City became a Mexican restaurant, Bayside Cantina, which promptly closed after its first season in business. The building is now vacant.
If you took a walk through Ripley’s Believe It or Not this year, you may have noticed that they’ve undergone extensive renovations and have introduced new exhibits this year, too. Jolly Roger also saw some changes this year, including a refurbished, revamped ferris wheel. Another recreational business of a completely different kind, Ocean City’s second medical marijuana facility Hi-Tide opened in March.
The Aloft Hotel in the 45th Street Village is slated to open this March (and so far it’s looking pretty cool, with a sizable common area that’s not seen in many Ocean City hotels). The Sea Bay Hotel on 60th Street bayside will be doing a top-to-bottom renovation in 2019, and the old site of Planet Maze (RIP) is to be replaced by a Hilton TRU. A Hampton Inn will be opening in West Ocean City.
A Cambria Suites just off the Route 50 bridge on 1st Street and the Bay is expected to remain under construction through 2019 and open in the spring of 2020. The Cambria is expected to have a noticable impact on Ocean City’s downtown and result in a significiant increase in tax base for Ocean City and Worcester County.
Upcoming restaurants
This year, a second Shotti’s Point restaurant is slated to open on the Boardwalk between 6th and 7th Streets. Additionally, The Treehouse Bar and Pub will be opening on the north side of Fat Daddy’s on S. Baltimore Avenue between Dorchester and Talbot Streets.
The new Bad Monkey in West Ocean City is still under construction and will be opening in 2019. The Big Easy on 60 was recently sold, but there’s no word yet on who will fill its place. Applebee’s in West Ocean City has also permanently closed. The Fun Cycles scooter store on 26th Street will soon become a restaurant called Omega Eats.
A shopping plaza will soon be under construction in the Hooper’s overflow parking lot in West Ocean City. It will be used for retail space, and there’s currently a permit in place for a Starbucks in the new shopping center. A new Candy Kitchen will also be opening in West Ocean City this year, as well as a Flagship Premium Cinemas movie theater in the White Marlin Mall, coming spring 2019.
New developments and programs downtown
The site of the now-demolished Taylor House on the corner of S. Baltimore Avenue and Talbot Street will become home to a new mixed-use building designed with the same Queen Anne-style Victorian architectural qualities of the Taylor House. The building will include a first-floor commercial space under two floors of seasonal housing. This project will likely start after the summer of 2019.
The Town of Ocean City will be installing permanent safety barriers on the Boardwalk and at the Inlet. The Town will also begin construction this year on a new tram facility at St. Louis Avenue and 2nd Street.
The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) will be expanding its alley light-up program along Washington Lane, adjacent to the Boardwalk, providing financial incentive for business owners to increase lighting levels by installing LED lights.
OCDC will continue assisting business and property owners in renovating their older buildings downtown. Facade Program funds will be available for exterior improvements, Green Building Program funds for increasing energy efficiency, and Business Assistance Program funds for fixed interior improvements. Contact OCDC for more information.
Big event dates in 2019
Mark your calendars and start planning your vacation to coincide with these landmark events happening in 2019.
Santa’s coming to town this week, thanks to the help of the Ocean City Fire Department. They’ll be bringing him down from the North Pole to ride through Ocean City on a fire truck on Thursday, Dec. 20 and in West Ocean City on Saturday, Dec. 22.
Please note all times are approximate.
Schedule for Thursday, Dec. 20
5:00 pm Santa Claus will begin his journey on Dorchester Street traveling to St. Louis Avenue northward to 14th Street. He will proceed to Jacqueline Avenue over to Teal Drive before exiting north from 15th Street on Philadelphia Avenue;
5:30 pm Santa will make a right turn from Coastal Highway on 118th Street to Assawoman Drive then going north to 130th Street and returning back to Coastal Highway northbound;
5:45 pm This route will lead him to 142nd Street westbound over to Dukes Avenue. He will travel to N. Surf Road to Caine Stable Road around to Laurel Avenue to Seaweed Lane. He will proceed on to Tunnel Avenue to 141st Street;
6:15 pm 141st Street to Loop Road entering Sea Captain Road on to Twin Tree Road then looping on Sailing Road, Fiesta Road Barge Road, N. Ocean Road back to 136th Street. From here he will travel to 136th Street to Fountain Road over to 139th Street to Sinepuxent Avenue. The route will then take him to Peachtree Road over to Pine Tree Road to Atlantic Avenue down to South Ocean Drive;
6:45 pm Santa will proceed west on South Ocean Drive to Harbour Road on to Gulf Stream Drive to Oyster Lane over to Beachcomber Lane and back to Coastal Highway at 130th Street;
7:15 pm Santa will then travel down to Edward Taylor Road to North Heron Drive, South Heron Drive and back to Coastal Highway. He will proceed to Jamestown Road around Captain Quarters Rd back to Coastal Highway. He will then make a pass through Channel Buoy Road, Old Wharf Road, Winter Harbor Drive proceeding down to 94th Street;
7:45 pm Santa Claus will travel down 94th Street to Rusty Anchor back out to Caribbean Drive to Bearing Road returning to Coastal Highway;
8:15 pm Southbound to 32nd Street making a loop on the bayside, down to Robin Drive over to Bayshore Drive returning to Firehouse.
Schedule for Saturday, Dec. 22 in West Ocean City
5:00 pm Santa Claus will depart Ocean City Fire Station 5 On Keyser Point Road traveling on Creek Drive to Bonita Drive over to Blue Marlin Drive returning to Keyser Point Road;
5:15 pm Santa’s journey will take him for a loop down Nature Park Drive on to West Torquay Road over to Sussex Road on to Kent Road to Windsor Road and back to Keyser Point Road;
5:30 pm Santa will turn on West Torquay Road over to Balte Road and back to Keyser Point Road;
5:45 pm A left into Whisper Trace Drive traveling a loop around to Broken Sound Blvd making a left going to Center Drive turning right;
6:05 pm A right turn off Center Drive on Thoroughfare Farms Road around Queens Circle and back to Center Drive;
6:25 pm North Road to Motter Road over to Golf Course Road proceeding to Center Drive, over to Riggin Ridge Road and back to Golf Course Road;
6:45 pm Horn Island Drive to North Avenue over to Charles Street and back to Golf Course Road;
7:00 pm Travel through the Tanger Outlets;
7:20 pm Out Tanger Outlets on Golf Course Road south to Swordfish Drive to Harbor Road proceeding to Sunset Avenue over to Stephen Decatur Highway;
7:30 pm Stephen Decatur Highway to Mystic Harbour Blvd, on to Anchor Way Drive around to Mystic Harbour Blvd back out to Stephen Decatur Highway;
7:45 pm Airport Road to Deer Point Circle on to Ocean Reef Drive to the end going to Harbor Lights Drive to Lake View Drive and back to Airport Road;
8:15 pm Left on Whispering Woods Drive from Stephen Decatur to Winding Trail Drive and back to Stephen Decatur Highway;
8:30 pm Left on Old Bridge Road to Village Lane making a loop and proceeding to Route 50 westbound at Keyser Point Road;
8:45 pm Right on Waterview Drive to Pine Rest Drive back to Route 50 returning to Keyser Point Firehouse.
