Ocean City Real Estate: Solving problems during settlement

Real Estate

Joanna Laslo

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November 8, 2018

A Realtor spends hours viewing and researching property for a buyer. Once the perfect property is located, a buyer may feel they are on the homestretch, but the reality is: you’re a long way from your agent completing their job.

There are still many pitfalls that may arise during the settlement process. Keeping a positive outlook and trying to locate solutions will make all the difference in a successful transaction. Here are a few stumbling blocks, and some suggestions to navigate those hurdles:

Lenders

Each market has its own sticking points, but the Ocean City market seems to be especially perplexing to many “out of area” lenders. Some of the problems with not using local lenders are:

Furniture is usually included with condo sales. This is not the “norm” for most lenders. You might want to specify “sold as shown” rather than “furnished.”

If a lender will not underwrite a condo without sufficient reserves, a switch to a local lender may make this problem disappear.

Out of area lenders may have a more conservative view of required reserves.

Home inspections

Home inspections frequently cause concern and stress to both the buyer and seller. You may want to remember not all items on a home inspection need to be addressed.

It is the sole duty of the inspector to locate any and all issues with a property. However, at times the long list or repair items become overwhelming and appear to be “nitpicking” to a seller. This may make the seller want to throw up their hands in despair. By taking the cost of each item into consideration, you may find there are a number of repair items that could be ignored. It is best to keep the focus on the larger, more costly issues.

As an example, a knob missing from a dryer, a $3 item, could be overlooked. However, a faulty HVAC system is of much higher importance due to the cost of repair/replacement. It is important to pick and choose your battles, so to speak.

By being reasonable with the seller, you could expect reciprocal treatment.

Appraisals

Most appraisers put forth great effort to perform a satisfactory appraisal on properties under contract. That being said, within the last two weeks, I ran across an appraiser that believed she could not use the most similar units (to the subject property) located in other buildings. She believed she was required to exclusively use properties that were sold and situated in the same building… Even though they were not similar. One did not even have an ocean view, whereas the subject property had a magnificent view!

If she had used a unit in the same building as a comparable, she should have adjusted her numbers to allow for a much better view, a deeded parking space, electric shutters, newer kitchen and baths, etc. Unfortunately, she decided to allow no additional value for those items.

When this occurs, the buyer can dispute the appraiser’s findings and request an adjustment.

Another option is for the seller to lower the price to fall within the appraiser’s findings.

3rd option: In my case, the buyer and seller split the difference. The buyer’s financing was such that would accept this agreement (some won’t).

Condominium documents

Condo docs are an important part of the transaction process. Condominium or Homeowner’s Association (HOA) documents provide all the information required to educate the buyer. The buyer is not expected to buy into a condo or property located in a homeowner’s or condo association without being well informed as to what the rules and regulations are for that specific property.

This is the buyer’s opportunity to learn how the property is managed when presented with the minutes of meetings and full financial disclosure as provided in the HOA/Condo docs. Most importantly, there are no surprises to the buyer such as costly special assessments.

Many buyers do not realize that upon receipt of the HOA or Condo docs, Maryland law allows the buyer at this point (no reason required) to terminate the sales agreement at his or her discretion.

There are a number of problems that may arise during the settlement process. If you are a buyer or seller, you may want to contact your local Realtor or attorney for assistance if you are considering a new property (or home) sale or purchase.

Ocean City’s 26th annual Winterfest begins with magical tree lighting ceremony

OceanCity.com

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November 8, 2018

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Ocean City, MD – (Nov. 8, 2018): The 26th anniversary of Winterfest of Lights, Ocean City’s beloved annual holiday festival, will open its doors for the season on Nov. 15, where festivities will commence with a magical tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony is free and open to the public. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Northside Park’s Winterfest Village at 127th Street and the bay.

Adding to the winter wonderland this year is a special performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars” performing holiday songs and dance. In addition, Mayor Rick Meehan will “flip the switch” to light the 50 foot Christmas tree and officially open the entire Winterfest of Lights event.

Santa will make a surprise appearance for the opening ceremony, which will feature free rides on the Winterfest Express train for the remainder of the evening. Be sure to check out all the fun, including new Instagram Hot Spots by Ripley’s, Candy Kitchen, IG Burton, Assateague National Seashore, and Jolly Roger.

Beginning Nov. 15, hours of operation will be Sunday – Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Winterfest tickets are available and can be purchased in advance at the Ocean City Community Center and the Convention Center. Admission is $5 for those 12 years & older and FREE for those 11 years and younger.

A few important questions to ask at your wedding tasting

Jennifer Sabini Evans

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November 7, 2018

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A few important questions to ask at your wedding tasting

After you’ve booked your caterer, or once you’ve narrowed down your options to a choice few, depending on the businesses’ protocol, comes the time for the tasting. The tasting gives you the chance to sample all the menu options that appeal to you the most, along with the ones you’re a little on the fence about. This is not to be confused with the cake tasting (unless your caterer provides the cake, too), which is just another glorious food sampling event you have to look forward to and another beacon of light in the dark and seemingly endless tunnel that is wedding planning (…just kidding!).

It’s an opportunity to try delicious and professionally-prepared dishes, but more than that, it’s the opportunity to perfect and fine-tune your menu into something you and all your friends and family can enjoy. You’ll want to narrow down what’s most important in your menu, then come prepared with a list of questions to ask your caterer, including but not limited to the ones below.

Every Marylander knows that every crab dip is different. Always ask to try the crab dip.

1.) Can I try ___ ?
Obviously you don’t want to try every option on the menu (…or maybe you do if the food’s just really good, but sadly, they probably won’t let you), and you don’t want to throw darts at random items on the menu for tasting, either. Hopefully the person who’s coordinating your tasting will ask you what you’re interested in, but if they don’t, make sure you tell them well beforehand.

The caterer might tell you how many of each item, from appetizers to entrees, you can try, and have you choose from there. Otherwise, limit yourself to the items you’re really on the fence about, since the purpose is to narrow down your options.

2.) Can I tweak this menu option?
It’s your big day and you want it to be perfect — your caterer should understand this — so don’t be too shy to ask how you might change a dish. If something would be perfect aside from one spice they may have added, or if you’d like it garnished differently, or if they could just add a pinch of garlic or cayenne or whatever, it’s always worth asking about. You should also consider any dietary restrictions that you and your guests may have, and then ask…

3.) Can this be made vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free?
Seriously, consider your friends and family when you’re choosing the menu. Obviously make sure there are dishes that you and your fiance will enjoy (not even just enjoy, but dream about for years and years to come), but don’t let your loved ones go hungry, either. Many people have meat, dairy and/or gluten restrictions (and other allergies, in fact — always good to consider those) and there should be at least a few options for those people besides the fruit and vegetable platters.

If there’s a dish that you think could accommodate these restrictions but you’re not too sure, just ask. My fiance and I tried some delicious roasted red potatoes and requested they be cooked with oil instead of butter so more of our friends can enjoy them.

4.) Where are these ingredients sourced from?
The food aspect of the wedding is likely going to swallow a large part of your overall budget, so you want the highest-quality ingredients your food budget can buy. If fresh fruits and vegetables and pasture-raised protein from local farms are important to you, be sure to make that known (and maybe do some research on which caterers provide that to begin with). It’s not especially hard to go all- or mostly-local with your food when you live on the Eastern Shore, where seafood, grain and vegetable farming, and chicken breeding are such a major economic force.

This question can also apply to your bar. Local craft beer is important to my fiance and I, so we plan on having at least two options from local breweries on tap.

5.) Where will the food stations be located?
This might not apply if you’re doing a strictly plated meal, but for those of us who are opting for the buffet/food station option, it’s important to ask the venue where these stations will be located. That way, maybe a little farther down the road when you’ve got all the big stuff taken care of and you’re working on the placement of the DJ, the dance floor, the decorations, and the general feng shui of the room, you can mark out where the food is going to go (hopefully not too far away from the tables).

A few other questions to keep on your back burner: What drinks will be served, or available, with this meal? Can we incorporate signature food items or cocktails? Is there a kids’ menu (ours includes chicken tenders and fries)? What is the caterer’s specialty (whatever it is, you should at least try it)? Will the caterer be providing linens and dinnerware? Can we take home the leftovers? Thar one may sound like a silly question, but hey, why let all that good food go to waste?

If you’re still in the catering research stage, Taste Events is a popular full-service wedding caterer based out of Bethany Beach, and The Shrimp Boat in Ocean City is a viable option for couples who love local seafood.

This may not be the most appetizing image, but sometimes it’s just too hard to get a “before” picture of a meal. That’s why they invented wedding photographers.

Celebrate the holiday season in Berlin

Berlin

Kristin

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November 6, 2018

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Ocean City is well-known for its holiday celebrations that begin in mid-November with Winterfest of Lights and end with a New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration, but a little to the west in Berlin, Maryland, small town living is elevated and ultra-festive. Local art and shopping, horse-driven carriage rides, lit-up trees and decorations, and a New Year’s ball drop of its own make Berlin the place to be this time of year. Consider taking some time out of your holiday in Ocean City to visit the charming town, or make the trip just for Berlin itself. In addition to the holiday festivities, America’s Coolest Small Town has plenty of lodging and dining options to make it well worth your visit any time of year.

After homemade, handcrafted gifts make the best gifts.

2nd Friday Art Strolls – Nov. 9, Dec. 14

Berlin is a small town with a big artistic presence, housing art galleries, artists’ studios and museums, not to mention the inspiration its quaint, historic landscape provides. On the 2nd Friday of every month, from 6 – 8 p.m., Berlin’s art makes its way outside and local artists show off their paintings, sculptings, and the handmade items they have for sale. There’s a good chance you’ll even find the perfect holiday gifts for your art-loving loved ones (and if not, you can try again at Ocean City’s Holiday Shoppers Fair the weekend after Thanksgiving). Even if you don’t fall in love with any particular item at the Art Stroll, it’s at least a good excuse to wander Berlin’s picturesque downtown, which looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie this time of year.

Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House – Nov. 23

Putting up the tree outside the historic Atlantic Hotel.

The holiday season in Berlin will officially start the day after Thanksgiving (because we’re totally not already listening to Christmas music now… That would be weird…) with the annual tree lighting ceremony outside the Atlantic Hotel at 6 p.m. Berlin Mayor Gee Williams will light the tree, local sculptor Eric Cantine will turn a block of ice into a piece of art, and the shops will be open late with special holiday deals. But if you hope to turn in early that night, you can always come back the next morning and shop your heart out at…

Small Business Saturday – Nov. 24

…Small Business Saturday, celebrated at independent shops and boutiques around the country the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Because who needs Black Friday when you can shop small and support your friends, neighbors, and the local economy? Small Business Saturday is a relatively recent tradition, originating in 2010 to encourage shoppers to support mom-and-pop shops across the country, and has grown steadily every year since. See if any of these locally-owned and wide-ranging shops appeal to you, and spend your Saturday shopping in Berlin.

Free Christmas Carriage Rides – Dec. 1, 2, 15, 16, 22, 23

If you hear the trotting of hooves and the jingling of bells in Berlin anytime near Christmas, you can be sure there’s a horse-driven carriage making its way around the corner. There’s no more festive way to take in all the scenery and the decorated homes and storefronts downtown than on a Christmas carriage ride, and what’s more, the rides are completely free. Check the corner of Pitts and Main Street for your Christmas carriage.

The streets will be looking like this by then for all we know!

New Year’s Eve Celebration and Ball Drop – Dec. 31

Even at this point, I think we can all admit that 2018 has been an exceptionally long year. Whether it’s one that requires celebrating or lamenting is up to you, but regardless, we could all probably use an end-of-the-year blowout party and several glasses of champagne. Berlin’s annual New Year’s Eve Celebration starts at 6 p.m. with a mini ball drop for the kids, and at 10 p.m. for adults with an outdoor bar and entertainment followed by the big ball drop and fireworks at midnight.

This Week in OC: Two pianos, lots of warriors

Kristin

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November 5, 2018

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If you’re missing Ocean City more than usual on these dreary November days, we’ve got just what you need. This Week in OC, or wherever you are, take a look at our new ‘n improved video pages (or head straight to our Youtube channel) to explore Ocean City even when you can’t be out and about.

Ocean City Sights & Sounds

Ocean City Restaurant Videos

Ocean City Hotel Videos

Ocean City Bar Hops

That’s all for now. Things are certainly quieting down for the season, but sometimes that’s just how we like it.

Last Week’s News

Remembering Billy Thompson: Billy, of Billy’s Sub Shop and its many iterations that have been in Ocean City over the years, passed away in his Florida home last Saturday. He’s remembered for his generosity, his storytelling, and for bringing Philadelphia-style hoagies to Ocean City back in 1959.

Remembering Ocean City icon Billy Thompson, founder of Billy’s Sub Shop

William Thompson, the founder of Billy’s Sub Shop, brought subs and delivery to Ocean City in 1959. Billy passed away on Oct. 27, but his legacy lives on.

Just a drill: The Maryland National Guard joined local first responders in downtown Ocean City for emergency response training called “Operation Tourist Boom.”

Operation Tourist Boom Underway in Ocean City

WBOC TV 16 is Delmarva’s number one source for breaking news, local news, weather, sports, education and traffic information. WBOC covers Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia.

The race is on: Among the names that Ocean City residents will see on their ballots on Tuesday are Mayor Rick Meehan and his challenger Joe Hall, a former city councilman. The Town will be offering free bus service on election day to get voters to and from the polling center. No matter where you live, remember to go out and vote on Tuesday!

10/30/2018 | Election Preview: Ocean City Mayor’s Race | News Ocean City MD

OCEAN CITY — When Ocean City voters head to the polls next week, they will have a pair of familiar names and faces to choose from in the mayor’s

#ThisWeekinOC

The Dueling Pianos (Nov. 6): The Red Doors, A St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Community Center presents a musical fundraiser, Dueling Pianos, featuring local celebrities Shirley Toms Hailey and Elsworth Wheatley. Shirley and Elsworth will take audience requests for all of your favorite songs. Singing along is strongly suggested!

Storm Warriors 5k (Nov. 10): Run from the Life-Saving Museum to 15th street and back at the annual Storm Warriors 5k Run/Walk. Registration is at 8 a.m. before the race, and the fee is $25. A 5K is 3.1 miles.

Winterfest of Lights (we’re a little early, but it starts Nov. 15): More than one million twinkling lights illuminate the winter sky during Winterfest of Lights. Ride a tram through a winter wonderland while Christmas carols play, then enjoy a hot chocolate or get a picture taken with Santa in the heated Winterfest Village Pavilion. Admission is $5 for adults, while children 11 and under get in for free.

Remembering Ocean City icon Billy Thompson, founder of Billy’s Sub Shop

Kristin

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November 2, 2018

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Remembering Ocean City icon Billy Thompson, founder of Billy’s Sub Shop

William “Billy” Thompson, the founder of Billy’s Sub Shop, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 27 at his home in Florida.

The impact that Billy made on Ocean City, beginning in the mid-20th century, is subtle but strong; Everyone who knew Billy has a story about him, or can at least remember the stories that Billy himself would tell. Billy’s own story in Ocean City starts in 1959. Even when he retired in 2002 his story continued, and even now after his passing, Billy’s legacy lives on.

In 1959, hoagies make their debut in Ocean City

An old iteration of Billy’s. Click to enlarge.

Billy’s sub shops have lined the streets of Ocean City for the past six+ decades, from a handful of now-defunct locations on 28th Street, in the Oyster Bay Shopping Center and in the 94th Street mall, to the two restaurants that are still in operation on 139th Street and on Route 54 in Fenwick Island, DE. But where Billy’s originated, off the Boardwalk on Wicomico Street, today serves as the corporate office for Dolle’s Candyland. It’s thanks to the founder of Dolles, in fact, that Billy was able to open up his first shop and bring classic Italian hoagies to Ocean City in the first place.

In the late 1950s, Billy was working in Delaware Park and would frequently make stops in Westchester, PA to pick up a few Philadelphian hoagies. He’d bring them back to work and introduce the subs to his co-workers, who had never before experienced the taste of an Italian coldcut sub.

“His wife at the time, she was the granddaughter of the founder of Dolle’s,” recalled William “Biff” Neely, the current owner of Billy’s. “He brought this thing to the grandfather and said look, these people here are buying them left and right, I think I can make a business selling these.”

In 1959, Billy’s grandfather-in-law let him build a sub shop out of a storage shed behind Dolle’s, and the rest is history.

Billy on his scooter in front of Billy’s Sub Shop, 1960: “Where a sandwich makes a meal.”

“He was a father figure to everybody.”

Billy was a businessman at heart, and he was always thinking up ways to make a buck. In fact, after the nor’easter that famously hit Ocean City in 1962, he switched to gas appliances to ensure he’d be able to stay in business even after a natural disaster; immediately after the storm, when everyone else in town was surveying the damage, Billy was sweeping the sand off his equipment and selling hotdogs and hamburgers on the boardwalk.

More than that, though, Billy’s employees and former employees remember him as a father figure. He had three children of his own, but he also had a family at his restaurant.

“I had come down here and my father had died two years before, so he knew that and we latched to each other as a father figure, son figure,” Biff said. “I had a lady that was my manager at the time, she had lost her father. There was four or five of us that worked here for years and he was just like a father to us.”

Biff was hired in 1986, even though that May when he arrived in Ocean City seeking employment, Billy wasn’t hiring. But Biff realized that Billy was a betting man when he overheard him and two of his managers betting $100 to whichever one of them could lose 10 lbs first. Biff then bet Billy, “If I can go out and make a pizza in under a minute, you’ll hire me on the spot.”

Billy and his managers laughed and said it couldn’t be done, but they took him up on the bet anyway.

“At the time the minimum wage was about $2.65 an hour and I said, if you hire me, I want $3.50,” remembered Biff. He made his pizza in under a minute and began his career at Billy’s, starting salary $3.50 an hour.

Anne Neely, another former employee of Billy’s, remembered that she’d been hired because she wrote on her resume that she’d been skydiving before.

Biff Neely, Anne Neely and Billy Thompson, 1990s.

“The town grew around him.”

The North Ocean City Billy’s was once called “Billy’s on the Beach” because it was literally right on the beach. That was back when 140th Street was considered Fenwick Island, and Ocean City didn’t stretch much past 17th Street, aside from the Carousel and a few scattered beach cottages.

Billy ran a few beach stands in his spare time, and would have beachgoers ask him to make them a pizza or a burger. He’d run back into the shop, cook their food, and run it back onto the beach.

Biff remembered one story (of many) from Billy, from a time when the side of the street across from Billy’s oceanfront restaurant was nothing but woods.

“One night he was bored, he’s open, the old sub shop has serving windows in the front,” Biff said. “So he got his gun, he’d just cleaned his gun and he wanted to make sure it was okay, so he pointed across the street and started shooting into the woods. There’s nothing around here. Half hour later, the police come up and say, “Billy, someone reported gunshots,” and he says, “I’ve been here all night, I haven’t heard anything.” And the police was just like “oh okay, have a good night.” That was probably early 70s.”

Everyone who knew Billy seemed to have a story about him. Some even shared their memories and their condolences on Billy’s Sub Shop’s Facebook page.

“Oh no!! So sad to hear this!! Such a funny man— back in 1986 I was training at the sub shop and he said—. “First I will show you how to put ice in a cup!”. I guess I looked dumb. RIP Billy!!”

“I met Billy in 1970( I was 12) and he took me under his wing, gave me my first job and even had me run a beach-stand for him. For ten summers he was a part of my family’s life… Both of my sisters worked at Billy’s He was a great man who taught me many things and I’ll miss him. My sincerest sympathies to his family.”

“Wow. RIP Billy. Knew him in the 70’s. Great man, would give us a free sub if we were short. God bless =Prayers to the family.”

“I’m so sorry, he is the reason why I absolutely love provolone cheese. I have a lot of memories at the sub shop”

Billy will be remembered for his generosity, his ability to fill a room with his stories, and his subs, still being made today, that he first brought to Ocean City in 1959. He will be laid to rest in Baltimore on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Billy’s Sub Shop at Jolly Roger’s in 1968

There was once a Billy’s on 29th Street, pictured here in 1972. This is now Tommy’s Sub Shop

Billy’s on 140th Street. Ocean City grew up around the sub shop.

Top 10 Ocean City Happy Hour Specials – Oct. 31, 2018

BEST OF OCEAN CITY

Kristin

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October 31, 2018

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It takes a special kind of bar to claim the title of best Happy Hour in all of Ocean City, but Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill has done just that for three of the five years that The Best of Ocean City® contest has been around. As one might have predicted, Coconuts is currently in the lead for Best Happy Hour of 2019, though a wildcard — Bad Monkey, not even in the top three last year! — is running a close second.

Voting for the Best of 2019 ends on May 27, which means there’s plenty of time for any of these options, or even a write-in, to come out on top. All you have to do is vote. Last year’s polls saw nearly 60,000 votes cast, and this year is expected to yield an even bigger turnout. Here is a small way you can honor the Happy Hour you love the most, in the most important nonpartisan election of the year.

Vote here for The Best of Ocean City® 2019!

Current Tenth Place

The Crab Bag – OceanCity.com Directory

Current Ninth Place

Coins Pub & Restaurant – OceanCity.com Directory

Current Eighth Place

Longboard Cafe – OceanCity.com Directory

Located in the Town Center at 67th Street, Longboard Cafe is a surf-themed bistro featuring high quality food in a casual atmosphere. From gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish & pasta, their menu Read more […]

Current Seventh Place

The Globe – OceanCity.com Directory

The Globe restaurant in historic downtown Berlin, MD, is located just 5 miles from Ocean City, MD and offers fantastic food & drink in the dining room and at the Coppertop Bar, live music, local art and a wide array of special events! The Globe is a great place for Read more […]

Current Sixth Place

Original Greene Turtle – OceanCity.com Directory

Equal parts sports bar and casual restaurant, The Greene Turtle combines the best of both into a different kind of neighborhood gathering place, where friends and family can gather to grab a bite, watch the game, or just enjoy a beer together in a lively atmosphere. It’s a sports fan’s Read more […]

Current Fifth Place

Crabcake Factory USA – OceanCity.com Directory

The Crabcake Factory is known for its World Famous Crabcakes, its Over the Top Breakfast and its Outrageous Bloody Marys. There are two locations, on 120th street in Ocean City, and on Rt 54 in Fenwick Island. Both are open year round, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Happy Hour Read more […]

Current Fourth Place

M.R. Ducks – OceanCity.com Directory

Current Third Place

Mother’s Cantina – OceanCity.com Directory

Current Second Place

Bad Monkey – OceanCity.com Directory

Breakfast, lunch or dinner – it’s all good at Bad Monkey. Start your day with Nutella french toast or a stack of Big Bad Monkey pancakes, or end the day with a burger, some greens or a big bad sub (and bring your lil’ monkeys, because there are options for Read more […]

Current First Place

Coconuts Beach Bar and Grill – OceanCity.com Directory

This Week in OC: Happy Halloween!

Kristin

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October 29, 2018

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This week, we’re recovering from a long weekend of Halloween parties, beer drinking in Sunset Park at Shore Craft Beer Fest: OCtoberfest and Artrageous. There was a lot going on, and we’re lucky that the dismal Saturday forecast didn’t totally pan out as predicted; it was cold, but at least it was dry!

If you weren’t able to partake in any holiday shenanigans over the weekend, there are still a few upcoming things to do. Big Oyster brewery in Lewes, DE is celebrating the season on Tuesday with a Halloween “Mischief Night.” The Globe in Berlin will host a special costume contest trivia night on Halloween. And the Town of Berlin will be the place to be on Halloween night, as always, with Main Street closed to traffic for trick-or-treating downtown.

Last Week’s News

Goodbye, Planet Maze — many of the mini golf/laser tag entertainment business’s regulars have expressed their disappointment that Planet Maze has closed its doors for good. Oct. 27 – 28 was their last weekend of operation, and a Hilton Tru hotel is slated to take its place.

Goodbye, Planet Maze! Ocean City staple shuts its doors Oct. 28

After 24 years, Planet Maze — the mini golf course, laser tag and amusements business on 33rd Street in Ocean City, known best for its big, green golf course aliens — is saying goodbye. Planet Maze will most likely be replaced by a five-story Hilton Tru hotel, its construction approved by the Ocean City Planning Commission earlier in the month.

What’s still open in OC? It’s the question we get asked most frequently this time of year, so we just updated our list of businesses (mostly restaurants) that remain open all year long.

What’s still open during Ocean City’s off-season?

As the days grow colder and longer, that’s one of the most–if not the most–frequently asked question we get: ‘What’s still open?’ (Or, similarly, ‘is still open?’) It’s an understandable question to ask. Plenty of people flock to Ocean City during the fall and winter months to enjoy off-season deals but want to make sure there will still be something to do and somewhere to eat.

Finally, for Ocean City residents who are voting in the midterm elections on Nov. 6, the town will be offering a free bus service for those who need transportation to the polls.

Ocean City to Offer Free Bus Service on Election Day

WBOC TV 16 is Delmarva’s number one source for breaking news, local news, weather, sports, education and traffic information. WBOC covers Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia.

#ThisWeekinOC

Local’s Appreciation Week at the Life-Saving Station Museum (til Oct. 31): This is the 9th Annual Local’s Appreciation Week, and from October 25-31st, the Ocean City Museum Society is offering free admission to locals, and all who consider themselves local when they are here visiting, to the Life-Saving Station Museum. Also 10% off gift shop purchases!

Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Big Surprise! (Nov. 1): Surprise! Peppa Pig is hitting the road for her all new theatrical tour,“Peppa Pig’s Surprise!” and the show starts right here in Ocean City at the Performing Arts Center. The brand new production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises!

First Friday Opening Reception at the Art League (Nov. 2): First Friday Opening Receptions are held the first Friday of each month at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, and see the new exhibits featuring a variety of local artists. From 5pm to 7pm and open to the public. Free Admission.

Maryland National Guard Training in Ocean City (Nov. 3): If you are in town November 3rd, you might be surprised to see what’s going on, but rest assured its just a massive training exercise coordinated by the Maryland National Guard and mandated by Gov. Larry Hogan. There will be helicopters in the sky, Navy vessels offshore and hundreds of first-responders from many different agencies in the downtown area testing local, state and federal agencies’ ability to coordinate a measured response to an emergency situation.

Maryland National Guard to conduct “Operation Tourist Boom” exercise in Ocean City

OceanCity.com

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October 26, 2018

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Baltimore, MD – (October 26, 2018): The Maryland National Guard will be conducting a routine training exercise on Saturday, November 3 in conjunction with the Town of Ocean City and its local first responders. Operation Tourist Boom, mandated by Gov. Larry Hogan, will take place in the Inlet parking lot and will feature exercises including a simulated bomb detonation and active shooter drill.

The National Guard, in an effort to validate its response plans, sought the support of Ocean City to conduct this exercise over a year ago. Recognizing the value of testing local response, Ocean Emergency Management engaged and added additional responders to the scenario to ensure realism. As planning continued, additional federal agencies were brought in that would normally have response requirements in the plan.

These types of events are done on a predictable basis to help the National Guard synchronize with first responders from all levels of government.

The exercise occurs during the Guard’s regular drill weekend, focused on decision-making, coordination and integration with allied agencies in a realistic training venue. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to come out and see their community working together. The exercise will have over 1,000 National Guard, local, state and federal first responders.

“It is critical for our teams to understand they don’t work alone,” said Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, the adjutant general of Maryland. “We rely on all partners from all levels of state and federal government. This exercise is a good example of what happens when local planners work together to focus their efforts on keeping our citizens safe.”

Ocean City Oddities: Morbid Manor

Photoblogs

Brandon Seidl

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October 24, 2018

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A Morbid Manor ad that appeared on the side of the pier building in 1976. Thanks to Gerald U.

OC’s original haunted walk-through

When visitors of Ocean City’s famous boardwalk think of memorable icons from the past, the Morbid Manor haunted house on the pier undoubtedly comes to mind.

Debuting in 1975 for its first season, the “Manor” was a two-and-a-half story walk-through attraction that was made famous for its live actors, demonizing appearance, sinister sounds and effects, and Victorian-style façade with neglected exterior gardens. In short, the attraction’s artistry and details made visitors believe that an actual abandoned house was uprooted from elsewhere and placed on the pier.

It towered over the pier and was recognizable from virtually any distance on the boardwalk. It was a rather supernatural experience and scared hundreds of thousands of brave patrons during its 20-year tenure on the boardwalk. Perhaps most memorable was the tail of an airplane sticking out of the building’s top floor window, and guests from the late 1980s may recall the attraction operating under the name “Year of the Vampire” for a brief time.

“Year of the Vampire” on the Manor’s facade in the mid-80s.

The Manor was designed and constructed by legendary dark ride designer Fred Mahana who is known for his legendary work in Wildwood, New Jersey on such attractions as Hitchcock Manor, Dracula’s Castle and Theater of Blood. Mahana had a knack for making any concept a reality, despite how far-fetched it may have seemed. At the start of the Morbid Manor’s lifespan, the pier was under the ownership and management of Ocean Amusements Inc.

View from the beach in 1983. Thanks to Gerald U.

One of the scariest elements to the attraction was the talented live actors that strategically hid in the Manor and chased customers with chainsaws. At times, the actors were theater majors from colleges and universities that came to work at the attraction for the summer. Their makeup and costumes altered their appearance just enough to leave even the bravest visitor screaming in terror.

Unknown to many, the Manor was a hip place off-hours. The management and workers of the ride would often hold band practices, and other activities, behind closed doors and sleep there throughout the nights despite a lack of air conditioning and uncomfortable 100-degree beach temperatures. To those who ran the attraction, it was more than a job; it was life. And, a lot of past employees of the attraction still share their stories and pride proudly for the attraction that was basically a second home for many years.

Article published in Ocean City Today, Nov. 10, 1995. (Click to enlarge)

A Living Nightmare

In early November of 1995, a real-life horror show transpired on the pier as Morbid Manor burned to the ground. Fire crews from Ocean City, Ocean Pines, and Berlin worked tirelessly to fight the fire but were unable to salvage the famous attraction. Ironically, the ride had just undergone a large renovation the year before and both the interior and exterior were completely revamped. Although the building had a complete sprinkler system, it was reportedly shut down for the winter to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Shortly after the devastating fire, rumors began to circulate regarding the cause of the fire. Some believe it was an electrical fire. Others believe the fire was caused by sparks due to the grinding and cutting of steel for the removal of a nearby waterslide during the same time period. Firefighters completed an investigation, and they concluded that the fire did not seem suspicious, although a final cause was never publicized.

Christy Whorton poses with a charred Morbid Manor in 1995

The Legend Lives

After the Manor was destroyed by fire, an effort was made to keep the dark ride tradition alive on the pier by adding a portable dark ride called “Ghost” in the late 1990s. “Ghost” was a Barbisan dark ride from Italy that included several animated stunts and a façade that resembled a castle. After several years of being in operation, “Ghost” was renamed “Ghost Pirates” and artists added pirate and nautical imagery to the façade before it was completely removed in 2006. The next season, a Zachinni portable dark ride was added, this time called “Morbid Manor II”. The ride featured mostly metal sculptures for effects, and included very few animatronics. In 2010, the ride was overhauled with a 3-D façade, new props were added, and the ride was retitled “Morbid Manor 3-D” in an effort to attract a broader audience. Today, the ride lives on as Morbid Manor Motel with a zombie twist.

Cover Photo by Bob Hoffman

Goodbye, Planet Maze!

Things to Do in Ocean City

Kristin

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October 23, 2018

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After 24 years, Planet Maze — the mini golf course, laser tag and amusements business on 33rd Street in Ocean City, known best for its big, green golf course aliens — is saying goodbye.

The golf course sculptures will be auctioned off, for those who have ever wanted a UFO in their backyard.

Planet Maze will most likely be replaced by a five-story Hilton Tru hotel, its construction approved by the Ocean City Planning Commission earlier in the month.

“All things change and come to an end, but there will be lots of other great things coming to Ocean City for people to enjoy,” said Rina Thaler, who owns Planet Maze with her husband Jeff Thaler and Jamie and Jeff Albright. “Our kids are all grown up and moved away, and it’s time for us to move on… It’s been a wonderful thing for our families and everyone who has visited there.”

Jamie Albright, one of the owners of Planet Maze, expressed her gratitude to the business’s customers over the years in a Facebook post in an Ocean City Locals group.

Thank you for 24 FUN years!
Planet maze will be closing it’s doors on October 28th.

It’s been “A-mazing” hosting your parties, fundraisers, proms and family reunions. We hope we created the same great memories for all of you!
We thank all of our great staff over the years who have worked for us and we thank all of YOU for your support and visits to Planet Maze and Ocean City!

Adam Albright, son of Jamie and Jeff Albright, breaks ground on Planet Maze in 1993.

Planet Maze, which first opened its doors in 1993, consists of a Lasertron laser tag area, Lost Galaxy mini golf and a climbing maze. The business was a first job, and a choice birthday party venue, for many Ocean City locals and regulars who grew up in the ’90s and ’00s.

Planet Maze will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday of its closing weekend, Oct. 27 – 28, 2018.

Ocean City 2018 Fall Photo Blog

Photoblogs

Kristin

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October 23, 2018

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It’s the locals’ favorite time of year.

A quiet beach, sidewalks covered in leaves, finally needing a jacket to comfortably stroll the boardwalk… It’s fall in Ocean City, and with the season comes lots to celebrate. Simple things. Not just Halloween and O.C.toberfest, although those are certainly worth celebrating in OC, too.

If you’ve got a four-legged friend, they’ll be happy to hear that they’re finally allowed back on the beach and boardwalk from now until April 30. If you enjoy exploring the small Eastern Shore towns that surround Ocean City, you’ll be happy to hear that Berlin, Maryland is all decked out for Halloween, thanks in part to the local merchants’ scarecrow contest (see photos below!). And if the thought of an off-season getaway with little to no crowds, being able to breeze through green lights without the halt of summer traffic, and spending your mornings sipping coffee while watching the October sunrise over the Atlantic makes you want to head east, down the ocean… Now might be the time to plan a fall vacation in Ocean City, or even just a weekend daytrip.

Just imagine yourself ‘shopped into these photos, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Ocean City in the fall. And if you’re already here, submit your photos, because we love to see and share them!

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What’s open in OC?

Ocean City Restaurants

Kristin

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October 23, 2018

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As the days grow colder and longer, that’s one of the most–if not the most–frequently asked question we get: “What’s still open?” (Or, similarly, “is [insert specific business here] still open?”)

It’s an understandable question to ask. Plenty of people flock to Ocean City during the fall and winter months to enjoy off-season deals but want to make sure there will still be something to do and somewhere to eat. Plus, some businesses don’t do a great job of listing their off-season hours on their website, if they have off-season hours at all.

Read on if you’re curious as to why some businesses stay open after the summer ends. If you’re just curious to see whether your favorite haunts will keep the lights on through the winter, scroll down to “So what’s open?”

Why do some places stay open while others don’t?

Simple: for some businesses, it’s just not economically feasible to stay open when the summer crowds have long disappeared.

Many businesses also rely on J-1 student employees, who return home after the summer is over. Some can stay open year-round and operate with a skeletal staff, and are open with limited hours.

The ones that do stay open often offer off-season specials, especially on the weekends for food and drinks, to attract the locals and visitors alike. Facebook is always a great place to look for businesses posting their winter hours and deals.

Even if your favorite summertime hangout isn’t open, the winter is a great time to experiment and find some hidden jems–plus you can save money with specials and save time since there’s hardly any traffic, lines or waits.

If you come to town and still find yourself disappointed, make sure you check out what events are going on–there’s always some of those still happening, too.

So what’s open?

This isn’t a totally definitive list of businesses that stay open year-round, but please let us know if there’s a business we should add. If you don’t see your favorite amusement/eatery/shop listed on here, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s closed til May. Give them a call, or ask the Ocean City locals and regulars on our forum thread–they’re a great source for this kind of stuff.

This list was originally posted on 10/24/17 and updated on 10/23/18.

The boardwalk – the boardwalk and beach are always open. It’s the individual stores and amusements whose hours differ. The arcades are open year-round with limited hours, but the Trimper’s and Jolly Roger rides tend to stay closed in the late fall and winter.

28th Street Pit & Pub – open daily.

45th Street Taphouse – open daily.

Backshore Brewing Company – open Saturday and Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.

Bad Monkey – open daily.

The Bearded Clam – open Thursday through Saturday.

Big Pecker’s – open weekends.

Billy’s Sub Shop – open daily.

BJ’s on the Water – open daily.

Blue Fish – open daily.

The Bonfire – open Thursday through Sunday.

Burley Oak – open daily.

Candy Kitchen – some locations open, hours vary.

Captain’s Table – open daily.

Coins Pub – open daily.

Cork Bar – open daily.

The Crab Bag – open daily.

Crabs to Go – open daily.

Crabcake Factory – open daily, hours vary by location.

The Dough Roller – open daily, hours vary by location.

Dumser’s – open daily, hours vary by location.

Embers – open Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m.

Fager’s Island – open daily.

The Globe – open every day except Monday.

The Greene Turtle – open daily.

Harborside Bar & Grill – open daily.

Harpoon Hanna’s – open daily.

Hooked – open daily.

Horizons – open daily.

Ironweed Ale Works – open weekends.

Liquid Assets – open daily.

Lombardi’s – open daily.

Longboard Cafe – open daily.

Mad Fish – open Wednesday through Sunday.

Mother’s Cantina – open daily.

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum – open daily.

Ocean City Center for the Arts – open daily.

Ocean Gallery – open weekends, select weekdays.

Old Pro golf – indoor courses open daily.

Pickles Pub – open daily.

Purple Moose Saloon – open most weekends.

Rare & Rye – open Thursday through Sunday.

Rayne’s Reef – open every day except Sunday.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not – open weekends, select weekdays.

Ropewalk – open daily.

Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli – open daily.

Seacrets – open Thursday through Sunday.

Shark on the Harbor – open daily.

Skye Bar & Grille – open Thursday through Sunday.

Soriano’s – open every day except Wednesday for breakfast and lunch.

Squarz Pizza – open Wednesday through Sunday.

Tequila Mockingbird – open every day except Tuesday.

Thrasher’s – open weekends, weather permitting.

Whisker’s – open daily.

See a mistake on here or know of a business that should be included? Let us know so we can keep this list as updated and accurate as possible.

This Week in OC: O.C.toberfest! Paranormal Investigations! A craft beer festival! And more…

Kristin

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October 22, 2018

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Happy Monday! There is no video this week to go along with “This Week in OC” because I went out and filmed this morning when it was 50 degrees outside, my hands got numb, and everything was just too awkward to make for a decent video. So… Here we are. Here’s proof that I DID go out to film in Sunset Park for at least a minute, where I glared at the camera and quickly decided to just take photos instead:

And, more importantly, a few photos from a beautiful and empty Ocean City:

It also didn’t help that there is so much going on this week that I couldn’t possibly fit all of it into a two-minute video, or even remember all of it, honestly. So as not to leave anyone out, all of this week’s happenings and events are listed at the bottom of this post.

If you’re coming for the big beer festival this weekend, be sure to take advantage of the hotel packages available — it’s finally the off-season which means you can find cheap hotel deals all around town, and these ones come with discounted General Admission OCtoberfest tickets (and some of them with a few other goodies).

From the beer fest to the beach maze, the museum to the 10-miler… You certainly won’t be bored in Ocean City this weekend. We only hope it doesn’t rain, knock on wood.

#ThisWeekinOC

Shore Craft Beer Fest: OCtoberfest (Oct. 27):

Sunset Park overlooking Assawoman Bay will once again be the setting for a fabulous Shore Craft Beer celebration of the local breweries who are producing world class beer. You can’t beat the beauty of this location either, so if you want great beer and a great party with live music, get your VIP tickets, or regular admission, today.

Use the code “havefun” for $5 off each ticket.

Fall Restaurant Week (now until 10/28): Many of the great Ocean City restaurants will create special, fixed-price menus for Fall Restaurant Week and there is no need for coupons, passes, tickets, or coupons to participate – you simply choose a participating restaurant and have a wonderful dining experience at a fixed price.

Local’s Appreciation Week at the Life-Saving Station Museum (Oct. 25 – 31): This is the 9th Annual Local’s Appreciation Week, and from October 25-31st, the Ocean City Museum Society is offering free admission to locals, and all who consider themselves local when they are here visiting, to the Life-Saving Station Museum. Also 10% off gift shop purchases!

Dead of Night Paranormal Investigation (Oct. 27): On Saturday, October 27, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum will be bringing back the popular Paranormal Event. This event, which was held for the first time last fall, will allow visitors to follow along with Dead of Night Paranormal Team and experience the spirits that occupy the Ocean City Life- Saving Station Museum.

O.C.toberfest Halloween Beach Maze (Oct. 27 – 28): Get lost in a giant Halloween beach maze at this free event. The maze is open to all ages, and there will be witches, ghouls and zombies walking around, so prepare to be spooked!

O.C.toberfest Great Pumpkin Race (Oct. 27): Build a tiny pumpkin race car and come compete at the annual down-hill race. Prizes will be awarded for speed and creativity in each division. Registration and team check-in begins at 12 p.m. before the race.

Halloween Spook-Out Party (Oct. 28): Come celebrate the spookiest time of year at Northside Park with games, arts & crafts, hayrides and much more. But most of all, don’t forget to come dressed up! There will be costume contests, carnival games, face painting, arts & crafts, hayrides, refreshments, and more! Bring one wrapped bag of candy per child for admission. Pre-registration is not required

Seaside 10-Mile/5k Run (Oct. 27): Join in at the well known Seaside 10 Mile & 5K run that includes the world famous boardwalk, and will take place rain or shine! Registration fees for participants.

Autumn Home & Condo Show (Oct. 27 – 28): Here is your chance to get hundreds of ideas for decorating your home – inside and outside. Get ideas about decorating, remodeling, accessorizing, renovating, and even building a home.

Swing for Youth Golf Open (Oct. 27): Eagles Landing plays host to the OC Recreation Boosters 8th Annual Swing for Youth Golf Open, scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2018. This 4-person Florida scramble is a huge success, with sell-out crowds each year.

Artrageous (Oct. 28): Artrageous is a high energy interactive show that combines visual and performing arts. The performers sing, dance and paint onstage, creating a living gallery that the audience gets to come onstage and walk through in the end. Ocean City has never seen anything like it!

Tickets are still available for “Artrageous: An Interactive Art & Music Experience”

OceanCity.com

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October 17, 2018

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With two upcoming shows in Ocean City, “Artrageous” will benefit the Art League and Worcester County students

Ocean City, MD — Oct. 15, 2018: On Sunday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., the Art League of Ocean City will bring a high-energy national touring stage show to Ocean City at the Performing Arts Center. Artrageous is an interactive art and music experience for all ages that combines the visual and performing arts with audience participation.

With grants from The Humphreys Foundation and the Optimist Club, and support from T.E.A.M. Productions and the Town of Ocean City, the Sunday performance will help fund a free abbreviated school performance geared toward younger audiences. This performance will take place on Monday, Oct. 29, and will be attended by 1,200 Worcester County middle and high school students.

Worcester County teachers have lesson plans they can use to prepare the students ahead of time for what they will see and how they will participate.

“This is the type of opportunity that can change kids lives,” said Rina Thaler, Executive Director of the Art League. “When children are exposed to the arts at an early age, it opens up possibilities they may not have considered in their lives and gives them an outlet of self expression.”

Artrageous is a troupe of traveling actors and musicians from Vancouver, Canada who banded together in the 1980s to perform and see the world. Starting with children’s puppetry theater and rising from a fire that destroyed their theater, the troupe has performed for the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Steve Forbes and General Colin Powell, and in venues and events all over the world from India to Thailand, Paris to Austria.

As people who live and breathe the arts, creativity, community and inspiration, the performers share their passion with the world in a show that focuses on art, music, theater, singing, dancing and audience interaction, all on one stage.

Audience members will witness the creativity of an artist creating a masterpiece before their eyes in mere moments. Combined with captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting music, Artrageous takes their audiences on a visual journey to a gallery of finished paintings, culminating in the performers inviting the audience to come on stage and join in the artmaking.

During Sunday’s show, the artists will create eight large paintings. Everyone who attends the Sunday performance will be entered in a drawing to win one of the paintings. The remaining seven painting will be available for bidding at a silent auction at the end of the show to benefit the programs of the Art League.

Tickets range from $25-$35, and are available at ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Ocean City Convention Center box office without fees. Sales benefit the programs of the Art League of Ocean City.

Ocean City History: Photos from the First Historic House Tour

Kristin

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October 16, 2018

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Ocean City’s downtown is replete with old buildings, some of them dating back to the 19th century and still functioning as they were originally intended to today. On Saturday, Oct. 13, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum — itself one of the oldest structures in town — held its first Historic House Tour, allowing visitors to step inside some of downtown’s most historic churches, bed & breakfasts and beach homes, and reminisce on Ocean City days of yore.

The tour was designed by event chairman Daphne Hurley, its purpose to raise funds for the George and Suzanne Hurley Scholarship Fund. The memorial scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Stephen Decatur High School who plan to further their education at Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury University or the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

In addition to the scholarship, Hurley was inspired by the abundance of old and history-rich buildings that make up Ocean City’s downtown.

“You come up Baltimore Avenue and you travel to wherever you’re going, and there are all these places where I think, ‘what are they like inside? I’ve never been in there, that’s interesting,'” Hurley said. “As our footprint changes, so does our history. Before this all goes away, we wanted to give people a chance.”

Eight buildings were included on the tour, including the museum and St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, the Atlantic House Bed & Breakfast, the Bay Breeze house, An Inn on the Ocean Bed & Breakfast, the Roberts Cottage and the Phillips’ family’s bayside home, where docents were present to give guests a brief history and tour of each location.

The museum hopes to make the tour an annual event. Below is just a glimpse into what was featured on the first Historic House Tour, along with an inside look at what many lovingly refer to as “old Ocean City.”