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Ocean City News Update: The Dispatch and Ocean City Today Join Forces

Ann
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Ocean City News Update: The Dispatch and Ocean City Today Join Forces
February 9 was the drop date for the second edition of the newly merged Ocean city Today and The Dispatch.

After more than 30 years of competition, local papers unite to provide Ocean City news together

Ocean City news coverage will change after over 30 years of intense competition between Ocean City Today and The Dispatch.  These two community newspapers in Ocean City, Maryland are merging to become the primary news source for the coastal area. Once fierce competitors fighting over the same advertisers and getting a unique spin on the same news, Stewart Dobson from Ocean City Today and Steve Green from the Dispatch have decided to consolidate.

Effective Feb. 2, the new OC Today/Dispatch will combine the strengths of both papers. This consolidation, long considered, aims to better serve the community and adapt to changing market needs. Apparently unique in the community news paper industry, both papers have survived in a local news market where many others have folded due to readership from residents, nonresident property owners, and visitors. 

Businesses Hoping that Costs Won’t Go Up too Much for Ads in the Combined News Source

Businesses have often felt that they have had to pay for ads in both papers over the years. Now, with the merger,  many business owners have expressed relief that now they will only have to buy one ad.  Ad prices may be going up, however, but most hope that the costs won’t double as a result of the merger.

Ocean City News Will Be Online Too

The merged staff will enhance on-the-ground reporting and expand digital offerings.   Ocean City Today had 66,000 followers and the Dispatch had 119,000 followers on Facebook as of today.  Combining the lists and making their digital presence stronger seems to be a goal for the newly merged paper as reported in their news release on the merger.

Led by Stewart Dobson as Editor and Steve Green as Executive Editor, the team comprises veterans from both papers. The new paper will operate from the former OC Today offices and undergo a redesign.

You can also get a newsfeed for Ocean City news right here on OceanCity.com: https://www.oceancity.com/news/

Roar and Score: Tee Off and Climb High at Jurassic Mini Golf in Ocean City, MD!

Anne
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Roar and Score: Tee Off and Climb High at Jurassic Mini Golf in Ocean City, MD!

Calling all golf-loving adventurers! Get ready to swing into action as we explore the latest changes to Nick’s Jurassic Mini Golf in Ocean City. Originally located on 18th Street, this dino-themed wonderland had to make some changes when plans for a new office complex were approved. Nick’s Golf packed up its triceratops and T-Rexes and relocated to 19th Street. But before the dinosaurs could make roots at this location, they headed a couple of blocks further north, and Nick’s Golf has now made its home at 21st Street and Coastal Highway, bringing with it all the prehistoric excitement you can handle.

However, this is not merely the creation of a new mini-golf course in Ocean City, but also a soaring Ropes Course, which will tower above the greens. There is no age limit for the Ropes Course, but a height requirement of 48″ tall will allow kids from around the age of six or seven, and above, to take part in all the fun. The course boasts two levels, the first commencing at a dizzying height of 12 feet, while the second level, at a towering height of 24 feet, beckons the daring at heart. With access to play on both levels, you can expect to spend between 30-45 minutes navigating the course, with generous time slots of up to an hour, ensuring one can savour each moment without a sense of haste. The obstacles on the course vary in difficulty, and anyone able to climb the steps can complete the course with ease. In the event of a fall, you will be able to regain your footing and ascend to the platforms with ease!

With excitement soaring to new heights, keep your eyes peeled here for the latest updates on Nick’s Jurassic Themed Mini Golf and Ropes Course, and brace yourself for an adventure like no other! Hoping to open Easter 2024.

Original 18th Street Jurasic Golf
The Dinosaurs are gone from 18th Street, with not much left behind.
Ready to migrate from 18th Street

 

Waiting patiently for their chance to find a new home
The herd is getting ready to migrate north from 18th Street
The new parking lot location, at 21st
The new 21st St location is beginning to take shape
The new Ropes Course looks exciting!
Stegosaurus is happy to have a new home!
Someone looks happy with their new location
Climbing high on the new Ropes Course
This big guy is getting ready to welcome you to 21st Street!
 
Get ready to unleash your inner Indiana Jones at the upcoming 21st Street Jurassic Themed Mini Golf and Ropes Course, arriving hopefully in time for St Patrick’s Day weekend 2024! Ocean City Maryland’s newest miniature golf course!

There are lots of miniature golf courses in Ocean City, check them all out here.

 

 

Super Bowl in Ocean City Md

Anne
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Super Bowl in Ocean City Md

As the nation gears up for the most anticipated sporting event of the year, AKA the Super Bowl, Ocean City is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable game day experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan cheering for a specific team or just in it for the commercials, the bars and restaurants in Ocean City promise a lively atmosphere and camaraderie that adds an extra layer of excitement to the big game. From beachfront sports bars with panoramic views to cozy establishments with an intimate feel, there’s a spot for everyone. Consider checking out popular venues like Seacrets, Harpoon Hannas, or 28th Street Pit n Pub, where the Super Bowl fervor is contagious, and the energy is palpable. Gather your friends, pick your favorite team, and let the good times roll as Ocean City becomes the backdrop for a Super Bowl celebration.

Seacrets

Dont miss a play on Seacrets big screen TV in the night club with 22 HDTVS and surround sound! February 11, 2024 5PM–10PM @NITE CLUB. Seacrets Happy Hour Specials during the game:
 

$7.25 Seacrets Spirits & Crushes

$8 Rum Runner, Pina Coladas, Pains, Frozen Orange Crushes, Electric Lemonades

$6.50 Crafts

$4.50 Domestics

$5.50 Imports

$3.50 Naturals

1/2 Priced Jerk Chicken and Steamed Shrimp

Beach Barrels

Join Beach Barrels on 132nd Street for Super Bowl and Blues, and BIG SCREEN TVS AND BIG SOUND. Enjoy music from Lower Case Blues from 3-6pm. At 6:35pm, it’s the Super Bowl, and they will have a Special Super Bowl Menu, plus a $100 Gift Card Give Away! You must be present to win. 

• Happy Hour pricing
• $9.95 Football Food Menu
• $100 Gift Card Giveaway (at the end of the 3rd quarter!)
• Giant big screen TV
• Professional surround sound

 

Harpoon Hanna’s

 

The fun starts at 2pm with On the Edge at Harpoon Hanna’s, then from 6pm htere will be $2.75 drafts, $3 Natty Lights, $5 seltzers, $6 Titos, and $7 crushes, along with $11.99 Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, $9.99 Buffalo Chicken Dip, $10.99 Boom Boom Shrimp, $11.99 Wings and $13.99 Blackened Fish Tacos. 

 

Crawl Street Tavern

Crawl Street Tavern downtown on Wicomico St will have specials on Door Dash so you can enjoy the game with the best eats in town!

Dough Roller

 

The Superbowl will be shown on the TV’s at the Dough Roller, even though they do not have large TV’s or a sports bar setting seating. There will be a carry out special available from 2/9-2/11, “Big Game Meal Deal” for $49 Get 2 one topping 18″ (L) Pizzas, and get a Free LG Tossed Salad and an order of Wings!!

 

Playa Bowls

Starting February 1st, Playa Bowls in Ocean Pines are offering 20% off all fruit trays and catering packages for Super Bowl Sunday! Call 410-973-2376 or stop in the store, near Walmart on Rt 50, to place your order.

 

Exploring the Alleys of Downtown Ocean City

Glenn Irwin
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Exploring the Alleys of Downtown Ocean City

Some may consider them mundane but they are so important, and often not talked about – alleys.  Specifically, those in downtown Ocean City, Maryland, south of 15th Street; this is the oldest section of town. 

Some may refer to these pathways by other names: backstreets, passages, secondary roads, little streets, mews, etc. but the commonly used term is “alleys.”  In the Town of Ocean City they are often referred to as “lanes.” Typically, they do not have the characteristics of regular streets, which may have wide travel lanes, on street parking, curb and gutter, storm drainage, lighting, and sidewalks.  The alleys in downtown Ocean City often have narrow traffic lanes (approximately 14 feet to 20 feet wide) with asphalt covering their full widths, with little other amenities.  They are utilitarian in purpose.

 

Ocean City Alleys

Ocean City’s downtown is served by several alleys that generally run in a north/south orientation.  Reviewing these alleys from east to west below, as well as a short description of each, if not familiar.  Each of these public ways have their own personality.

 

Washington Lane looking south from 6th Street. Near the Americana Motor Inn and Kite Loft. 

Washington Lane found between the Ocean City Boardwalk (Atlantic Avenue) and Baltimore Avenue.  This alley starts on its south end at 2nd Street and continues northwards to 15th Street with a break between 7th and 8th Street; where Surf Avenue is located in perpendicular orientation to the Boardwalk. Washington Lane, then continues further, beyond 15th Street; especially if you are on foot or a bike, where it cuts through several hotel parking lots.  The land use types along this alley are numerous, but more commercial in nature, including hotels, restaurants and condos. 

 

Former Ocean City Dairy Building (1930 to 1950) at 707 Wilmington Lane.

Wilmington Lane is between Baltimore and Philadelphia Avenues.  At its south end, it starts at N. Division Street, between the 7-11 store and the OC Baptist Church.  It only runs up to 3rd Street but starts again at 4th Street.  It then continues in a direct path (with many stop signs at every street crossing) to 15th Street.  The uses along here are primarily residential north of 5th Street and provide a variety of interesting vintage Ocean City buildings including the former OC Dairy building at 707 Wilmington Avenue, just north of 7th Street (look for the sign on building).

 

Dayton Lane looking south from 2nd Street.

Dayton Lane is located between Philadelphia Avenue and St. Louis Avenue.  It starts at N. Division Street to 3rd Street and then there is a break until 9th Street, where it extends to 15th Street.  This alley has mostly residential uses along the path.  Its surprisingly quiet, considering this location is immediately north of the Route 50 Bridge.  The northern section of Dayton Lane, passes by mostly residential uses to 13th Street then there are public and commercial uses.

 

Bayview Lane looking north from 2nd Street

 

Bayview Lane is located between St. Louis and Chicago Avenues.  It is only three blocks in length; between N. Division and 3rd Streets.  This abbreviated alley only has residential uses.

Each of these alleys only exists north of the gateway to Ocean City, known as N. Division Street; no north-south alleys extend south of this entranceway. 

 

Other, Lesser-Known Alleys

There are a few dedicated “alleys” throughout downtown Ocean City that people may not be aware and each has its own story as to why it was developed.  Trout Lane is located between 14th and 15th Streets just west of St. Louis Avenue.  Wood Lane, located between 12th and 13th Streets, it runs in an east/west orientation; between Baltimore and Philadelphia Avenues.  Lastly, there is a small alley, which is located mid-block, between Somerset and Wicomico Streets. It runs east to west, on the west side of S. Baltimore Avenue, immediately north of the Dunkin Donuts store at 406 S. Baltimore Avenue.  This short segment of road (about 200 feet in length) is known as Seaside Lane.  Interestingly, this pathway was laid out to provide pedestrians access, in a period when there was an active rail line, from the former railroad station, once located on S. Philadelphia Avenue, east to S. Baltimore Avenue and the boardwalk.  The lane still remains today but is barely recognizable and does not have a street sign identifying it.

 

Alleys in General Terms

Historically, alleys were viewed by many as “back streets” and often looked at negatively, as places where trash is collected, rain water pools, fear and crime happen, and other unsanctioned behavior occurs in these often dimly lit areas. 

But, while some of these factors may be true, there are many positive benefits to these lowly appreciated travel ways. 

 

Attributes of Alleys

Let’s start with the following positive elements:

  • Trash collection – great for businesses and residents to place their screened trash receptacles. Conversely, if trash receptacles are located in the front of properties, this diminishes the appearance of primary street and walkways.
  • Business and resident deliveries – a great option for large trucks to make deliveries to the rear of the building, where traffic is not blocked and the views on primary streets are kept open and made available for table seating.

    Painted utility box on Washington Lane near 26th Street. Sponsored by Crystal Beach Hotel.
  • Additional parking – if sufficiently wide enough, alleys are a great location for parking, especially for employees or at least access to off-site parking. An added benefit is that it” hides” parking for vehicles in the rear of a business or residence.  Less curb cuts in front of a property, for driveways, makes for a much-improved pedestrian pathway.
  • In Ocean City, many of these alleys often contain residential and hotel uses. They are the “eyes on the street” for improved passive surveillance. 
  • Although out of view, alleys can be an unexpected location for public art, as seen in many wall murals and painted utility boxes, throughout downtown Ocean City.

    Wall mural on Washington Lane just north of 2nd Street.
  • As evidenced in Ocean City, especially during windy conditions, the alleys can serve as a great place to bike by using the adjacent buildings as a wind block.
  • In urban design, they are used to assist in breaking up long blocks. Often used as shortcuts.

Alleys in Other Communities

Chicago is the king of alleys in the United States; over nineteen hundred miles of these “little streets.”  Considered the nation’s oldest public street that has been continuously inhabited is Philadelphia’s Elfreth’s Alley.  Other cities with large alley systems include Seattle, Nashville, Detroit, Savannah, Philadelphia, and Charleston.  Generally, they are located in older cities and communities, however, newer mixed-use projects following the new urbanist planning principles have been incorporating them into projects, too.  

Alleys are common throughout Europe and Asia and over time have evolved into much more than just basic use.  Communities have actually turned alleys into intimate gathering spaces and small celebrations, seating for restaurants, retail activities and more.  Several locations in the United States have been repurposing their alleys into similar uses.  Other communities are using their alleys for improved stormwater drainage and other physical improvements, beyond just commercial uses.

Select Quotes on alleys

  • “The unsung alley has the potential to create an intimate American urbanism, it just need a little attention from urban designers,” – Robert Steuteville
  • “As an urban form, alleys have completely escaped the attention of historians. … Understanding the alley’s past reveals it for what it is today; a hidden resource for making our city’s stronger and more prosperous.” – Thomas Dougherty, The American Alley – A Hidden Resource.

Ready to Explore?

So, on your next visit to Ocean City, take a stroll or a bike ride through some of the alleys of downtown.  You will see firsthand the significant contribution and utility, along with some often-missed points of interest; whether it be a public art project, a traditional Ocean City building with its porches, dormers and a simplistic appearance, or just to experience a quite spot in what can be the much anticipated, summer time hustle and bustle in Maryland’s favorite beach resort.  See you there!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ring in Prosperity: Blue Fish Celebrates the Lunar New Year with Festive Flavors and Treasured Traditions

Anne
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0
Ring in Prosperity: Blue Fish Celebrates the Lunar New Year with Festive Flavors and Treasured Traditions

As winter bids its farewell, ushering in the promise of spring, millions around the globe prepare for the celebration of the Lunar New Year. Marked by festivities, rich cultural traditions, and a jubilant spirit, this occasion signifies the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar.

At the heart of this celebration is China, where the Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday. However, the occasion extends its reach far beyond borders, with countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and communities with a substantial overseas Chinese presence joining in the jubilation.

In Ocean City, Blue Fish on 94th Street embraces the spirit of the Lunar New Year with a special menu that promises to tantalize taste buds from February 4th to February 14th. This culinary journey is a feast for the senses, offering a blend of traditional flavors and contemporary flair to mark the advent of the Year of the Dragon.

What adds an extra layer of excitement to this festive celebration is Blue Fish’s unique treasure hunt. Throughout the Lunar New Year celebration period, guests dressed in traditional Asian costumes such as Hanfu, Kimono, Qipao, and more are in for a treat. These cultural ambassadors will have the chance to embark on a treasure hunt within the restaurant, with the elusive prizes concealed in the iconic red envelopes, a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

As you savor dishes inspired by the Lunar New Year, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Asian culture. Blue Fish becomes not just a restaurant but a gateway to tradition, a place where culinary excellence meets the jubilation of a new beginning.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast of Lunar New Year celebrations or a newcomer eager to partake in the festivities, Best of Ocean City winner Blue Fish beckons you to a unique and joyous experience. Come for the extraordinary cuisine, stay for the cultural immersion, and don’t forget to dress in your finest traditional attire for a chance to unlock the treasures hidden within the restaurant’s vibrant ambiance. May the Year of the Dragon bring you prosperity, good fortune, and unforgettable moments shared with loved ones at Blue Fish. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Blue Fish Special Menu:

2024 Year of the Dragon

HOI-JOR (3 pcs)

Hoi-jol appetizer – minced pork seasoned with jumbo lump crabmeat wrapped in tofu and fried

Minced pork with real crab meat wrapped in tofu skin, steamed then fried til crispy, served with sesame Sukiyaki sauce.

SWEET & SOUR GARLIC PORK WITH TARO

Garlic sweet & sour crispy pork with fried Taro

Crispy fried pork ribs and Taro tossed with sweet & sour garlic sauce served with raw cucumber, tomatoes, and purple onions.

MAPO TOFU

Traditional bean sauce Mayo tofu with minced pork

Soft Tofu and ground pork served with traditional miso bean sauce topped with green onions.

PEKING DUCK

Peking Duck 1/2 or Whole

½ Peking duck served with pancakes, cucumber and scallions.

More specials on the Blue Fish Menu:

24k gold Roll
Alchemist Roll
Peking Duck 1/2 or Whole
Ube Mille-crepe

 

 
 

AFC Championship Excitement Takes Over Charm City and Beyond – Watch the Ravens vs. the Chiefs in Ocean City, MD

Ann
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0
AFC Championship Excitement Takes Over Charm City and Beyond – Watch the Ravens vs. the Chiefs in Ocean City, MD

The anticipation is palpable as the AFC Championship game descends upon Baltimore, with the Ravens proudly hosting the clash against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. With the Ravens being favored to win, the excitement in the city is reaching fever pitch, and football enthusiasts are gearing up for an unforgettable experience. However, for those who might miss out on the high-priced tickets, fear not—Ocean City offers a fantastic alternative to enjoy the game amidst a sea of passionate Ravens fans.

Photo by Brendan Beale on Unsplash

Stadium Frenzy and Pricey Tickets:

The AFC Championship game being hosted in Baltimore is nothing short of a dream for Ravens fans. The atmosphere at M&T Bank Stadium promises to be electric, with fans donned in purple and black, eagerly cheering for their team. However, securing tickets to witness this thrilling showdown live comes at a hefty price. The demand for seats has driven ticket prices to soaring heights, making it a luxury only a few can afford. But fear not; there are alternative ways to immerse yourself in the excitement.

Ocean City: The Ultimate Game-Day Getaway:

For those unable to snag a coveted seat at the stadium, Ocean City emerges as the next best destination to revel in the AFC Championship fervor. The beach town comes alive with Ravens pride as locals and visitors alike gather at various hotspots to catch the game on big screens, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the energy of the stadium.

Top Spots to Watch the Game:

Seacrets (Reopening for the Occasion):

Seacrets

Despite being temporarily closed for its annual winter vacation, Seacrets will reopen its doors at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, just in time for the championship game. With its famous big-screen TV, Seacrets promises an unparalleled viewing experience, creating the perfect setting for a Ravens celebration.

Pickles Pub:

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Pickles Pub offers Gameday with NFL Sunday Ticket, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action. The all-day happy hour, from 10-Close, adds to the excitement, making it an ideal spot for die-hard Ravens fans to gather and cheer on their team.

Pit n Pub:

Pit and Pub 28th street

Pit n Pub is another Ocean City gem, providing a welcoming environment for football enthusiasts. With a great selection of drinks and a lively crowd, it’s an excellent place to soak in the excitement of the AFC Championship game.

The Coral Reef:

Coral Reef

A hidden gem in Ocean City, The Coral Reef offers a cool setting to enjoy the game with fellow Ravens supporters. With its friendly staff and game-day specials, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more intimate viewing experience.

Beach Barrels

Beach Barrels at 132nd Street in North Ocean City is always a great place to watch a football game. While known for its live music, Beach Barrels also has game day excitement on the big screen with surround sound.  Offering happy hour specials and other game day deals, Beach Barrels is the place where you can join other Ravens fans and cheer on the purple in Baltimore while staying warm and well hydrated.  Beach Barrels offers a variety of brews to choose from so pack up and head to Ocean City for Sunday’s big event!

Harpoon Hannas

 

Harpoon Hannas is known as a sports bar and features 25 TVs to enhance your game-watching experience.  This Sunday, they are gearing up for the Ravens Chiefs game so you can join the crowd, and cheer on Maryland’s championship team!

As Baltimore gears up for the AFC Championship game, the entire state is getting excited. While the stadium experience may be out of reach for many, Ocean City beckons as the perfect alternative, offering an unforgettable game-day celebration at various hotspots. Whether at Seacrets, Pickles Pub, Pit n Pub, or The Coral Reef, Ravens fans are sure to find a welcoming community and an exhilarating atmosphere to witness the team’s journey towards the Super Bowl. So, grab your purple gear, head to Ocean City, and let the Ravens spirit soar!

Ocean City Film Festival Weekend Hotel Packages

Ann
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Ocean City Film Festival Weekend Hotel Packages

As film aficionados, artists and curious beach-goers alike gather for the 8th annual Ocean City Film Festival, local hotels are offering discounts and packages to enhance your weekend experience. Ocean City is emerging as not only as a beach lover’s paradise but also as a hub for cultural enthusiasts. 

If you aren’t familiar with the Ocean City Film Festival and you think a weekend getaway sounds great, then consider taking advantage of these hotel packages and buying your tickets to the festival separately.

The Ocean City Film Festival is a growing attraction for filmmakers and cinephiles, offering a platform to showcase and appreciate the diverse world of cinema in coastal Maryland. With a carefully curated selection of films spanning various genres, the festival provides a unique opportunity to witness emerging talent and celebrate the art of storytelling through the lens.

Why Ocean City for the March 7-10 Weekend?

Scenic Backdrop:

Ocean City’s stunning coastline serves as the perfect backdrop for a weekend of cinematic exploration. The pristine beaches and ocean views create an atmosphere of relaxation and inspiration.

Cultural Vibes:

Beyond the sun and sand, Ocean City boasts a lively cultural scene. The film festival adds an extra layer of vibrancy, attracting artists, filmmakers, and enthusiasts who contribute to the city’s cultural tapestry.  Don’t forget to visit the Ocean City Center for the Arts while in town.  They are the primary sponsor of the film festival and their efforts showcase local artists and craftsmen.

Community Connection: 

The festival fosters a sense of community, bringing together people who share a passion for film. Engage in conversations with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build connections within the vibrant Ocean City film community.

John Walters Live & On Stage 

John Walters will provide commentary on this special showing of his 1988 movie Hairspray on Saturday, March 8 at 8 pm. You won’t want to miss his performance – which was sold out last year.  Buy your tickets now!

Hotel Packages for an Unforgettable Ocean City Film Festival Weekend

Several hotels in Ocean City, Maryland, are offering special packages catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Dive into the world of film surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of Ocean City’s coastal charm.

Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City

Residence Inn Bayside, Ocean City, MD
Balcony at the Residence Inn, Ocean City, MD

Location: 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Dates: Thursday 3/7 & Sunday 3/10: $79, Friday 3/8 & Saturday 3/9 (2-night minimum): $129 per night
Booking: Reserve Online or Call 443-664-7043 (mention OC Film Festival)

Holiday Inn Oceanfront

Location: 6600 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
Dates: Thursday 3/7: $69.00, Friday 3/8 & Saturday 3/9: $89.00
Room Type: Queen/Queen Suite Oceanfront Pool View
Booking: Reserve Online or Call 410.524.1600 (mention OC Film Festival)

Princess Royale

Location: 9100 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
Dates: Thursday 3/7 to Sunday 3/10, 2024: $119 per night oceanfront view/pool view suites
Booking: Call 1-800-4-ROYALE to book your room.  Use the group name and block code. (Group name: OC Film Festival, Block code: 24OCFILM) You can see the hotel here:  View Hotel 

Cambria Hotel Ocean City Bayfront

Location: 13 Street Louis Ave.
Dates: Thursday 3/7: $79 Queen/Queen or King/sofa bed, Friday 3/8 & Saturday 3/9 (2-night minimum): $99 Queen/Queen or King/sofa bed
Booking: Reserve Online or Call Marge Steele at 443-373-4093 or sales@cambriaoc.com (mention OC Film Festival)

Each hotel offers a unique experience, ranging from cozy retreats to luxurious escapes. Take advantage of these exclusive packages to make the most of your Ocean City Film Festival weekend.

Festival Highlights:

  • Thursday 3/7: Opening Night reception 5-7 pm & featured films shown
  • Friday 3/8 Through Sunday 3/10: Films screened throughout the day

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the world of cinema against the stunning backdrop of Ocean City. Book your stay now and join the celebration of cinematic arts at the Ocean City Film Festival.

 

Lights, Camera, Ocean City: John Waters Returns as Headliner for 8th Annual Ocean City Film Festival

Ann
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0
Lights, Camera, Ocean City: John Waters Returns as Headliner for 8th Annual Ocean City Film Festival

The countdown begins for the much-anticipated 8th Annual Ocean City Film Festival, proudly presented by the Art League of Ocean City. With excitement building, legendary filmmaker John Waters is set to return as the headliner for the festival, which is scheduled to take place from Mar. 7-10, 2024, showcasing a diverse selection of 100 independent films from around the world.

Waters, known for his iconic contributions to cinema, will grace the Ocean City Performing Arts Center stage with a live performance on Saturday, Mar. 9, at 8 p.m. This follows his sold-out stand-up show at Ocean Downs Casino in 2023. The move to the larger venue allows for increased seating and accessibility, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.

The highlight of Waters’ appearance will be a screening of his classic film “Hairspray,” accompanied by his distinctive and entertaining commentary. Sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the film in Baltimore during the 1970s, Waters will delve into the true events that inspired this cinematic gem. General admission tickets are available, with a limited number of VIP tickets offering a special meet-and-greet opportunity with Waters after the show on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Waters stated, “Like a sneaker wave dancing on an unwanted wind turbine, I can’t wait to get back to Ocean City to infect the winter community with musical mayhem and cinematic turbulence. We’re off-season! We’re off our rocker! We’re the Ocean City Film Festival.”

Rina Thaler, Executive Director of the festival and the Art League, shared her excitement about Waters’ return, saying, “We are honored to welcome back the legendary filmmaker, John Waters, as the headliner for the 2024 OC Film Fest. The entire festival is a great opportunity for film lovers to watch never-before-seen films, including locally-created movies, and mingle with the filmmakers and film crews.”

Organized by the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City, the Film Festival enjoys broad support from the Town of Ocean City, The State of Maryland Film Office, and the local community. Festival Director B.L. Strang-Moya, a Towson University alumnus, leads the efforts to bring this cinematic celebration to life.

The 8th year of the festival brings film screenings to iconic Ocean City venues, including Flagship Cinemas in West OC, Morley Hall at Seacrets, Princess Royale Oceanfront, Ashore Resort Hotel, and the Performing Arts Center. Featuring a mix of local and international films from countries such as Canada, Portugal, Iran, Turkey, France, and Germany, this year’s festival covers various genres and themes.

Short films are curated into thematic showcases, offering attendees the flexibility to tailor their experience. From “Listening Experience” and “Chuckles, Chortles, Snickers & Snorts” to “Environmental & Aquatic” and “Horror, Sci-Fi & the Weird,” there’s something for every film enthusiast. Additionally, nine feature-length films, including award-winning “American Meltdown” and the documentary “Get on the Bus,” add depth to the festival lineup.

For those eager to dive into the cinematic journey, passes are available for one day or four days of films and parties. Individual tickets for John Waters’ performance can also be purchased separately.

Festival-goers can take advantage of special off-season hotel rates offered by Ocean City resorts, with oceanfront rooms starting at $89 per night. B.L. Strang-Moya emphasized the affordability of traveling to Ocean City this time of year, stating, “These are waterfront rooms in major hotels that are booked solid in the summer season.”

It’s important to note that the films presented at the festival have not been rated, and some may feature adult content, so viewer discretion is advised. Comprehensive information about the festival, including film lists, parties, Q&As, and events, can be found at OCMdFilmFestival.com or by calling 410-524-9433.

The Art League of Ocean City, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarships, programs, and community art projects, invites all film enthusiasts and curious minds to join them for a cinematic extravaganza at the 8th Annual Ocean City Film Festival.

Valentine’s Day in Ocean City 2024

Anne
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1
Valentine’s Day in Ocean City 2024
Ocean City, the year-round charmer, gets an extra dose of romance during Valentine’s Day. Picture this: you and your loved one strolling hand in hand on a deserted beach, catching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from your cozy hotel room, and savoring exquisite meals at nearby restaurants. This February, surprise your sweetheart with a Valentine’s Day escape to this paradise! And hey, if you’re feeling extra bold, Ocean City might just be the perfect backdrop for a fairytale proposal!
 

Ocean City Md Hotels

Grand Hotel Ocean City

Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel has two Valentine’s Packages:

Valentine’s Beach Escape Package:

Available February 9th -18th. Two Night Accommodations. Valentine’s inspired package for two at the Epic Bar and Grille, breakfast sandwich and beverage for two the Coffee Shop. Weekdays Starting at $188, Weekends Starting at $266

Policy: Rates listed are for two nights. Taxes and resort fee are not included. Deposit of the first night plus tax required at reservation time. Prices are subject to change and based on availability. Not valid with any other discounts, packages, or group rates. Normal cancellation policy applies.

Romance Package:

Available February Month, two night accommodations, $60 dinner voucher to local restaurant (Sunset Grille, Longboard Café, Epic Bar and Grille, Pit and Pub, Sello’s Italian Oven & Bar, Coastal Salt, Ropewalk Ocean City), complimentary bottle of Champagne, two souvenir glasses, and chocolates. Weekdays Starting at $185, Weekends Starting at $280

Policy: Availability varies and black-out dates apply. Rates listed are for two nights. Taxes and resort fee are not included. Deposit of the first night plus tax required at reservation time. Prices are subject to change and based on availability. Not valid with any other discounts, packages, or group rates. Normal cancellation policy applies. Some restaurants included in the voucher may require a reservation and hours may differ in off season.

For all details and to make your reservation, click here.

Ocean CIty Hotel Group

The Ocean City Hotel Group has family friendly hotels, apartments and vacation rentals all over Ocean City. Their hotels. include Ocean1 Hotel and Suites, The Lankford Hotel, the Flamingo Motel, Sahara Motel, Empress Motel and Apartments, Ocean Terrace Apartments, Beach Walk Hotel and Inn on the Ocean, and if you book before Valentine’s Day, you will get 14% off any stay. Call 410-289-6464 and mention their Valentine’s Day deal for any hotel booking, and book your vacation rental property here, using VAL14 promo code to get your 14% off. 

Boardwalk Hotel Group

Book this package at the Howard Johnson® By Wyndham Oceanfront Plaza Hotel, part of the Boardwalk Hotel Group. It’s a 2 night Valentine’s Day Package which includes your room, $80 in meal vouchers, flowers, box of chocolates, and a bottle of wine in your room for just $399 total per couple for an oceanfront room or $359 total per couple for a side-view room. Package available February 9-18th. All the work is done for you, but your loved one will still be impressed! For details and reservations, click here. 

 

Residence Inn Ocean City

Start your Valentine’s Day Weekend at the Residence Inn with a Mac and Cheese cook off!  You’ll be the judge with unlimited tastings from some of your favorite local restaurants! Enjoy live music, complimentary drinks (2 per person) and a chance to vote for your favorite mac & cheese in three different categories. Door prizes and raffles! All proceeds to benefit our favorite local charities.

General Admission $40 ($45 at the door). Under 21 $15. 5 & under free.

NEW in 2024…Rockstar Chef & Sommelier Paul Cullen will be here to host and emcee the cookoff this year!

Paul will be sticking around for a “sleepover” Valentine’s wine tasting concert! Book your stay package for Saturday night and enjoy a whole day of indulgence and rockstar entertainment from our favorite local celebrity. Package and ticket information available here!

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos

There will be a Swing Dance Weekend event at the Carousel on Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 8th-10th, featuring a variety of professional dance instructors, including hand dance, hustle, nightclub two step and west coast swing dance, and dance parties with live music!

 

The Carousel will also provide discounted room rates for guests that book the event. https://carouselhotel.com/swing-dance-weekend
 

 

More information and registration forms are on their website at https://carouselhotel.com/swing-dance-weekend/. 
The rooms can only be booked by phone at 800-641-0011
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

More Valentine’s Day hotel packages coming soon!

Aloft Ocean City

Aloft Hotel Ocean City, MD

The Big Gatsby Party

Come cut a rug with the Aloft as they prepare to glamour up and go back in time to the roaring 20s for our Big Gatsby Event on Saturday, February 3rd starting at 6pm. They will have a jazz trio perform from 6pm-9pm, delicious drink specials to match the era served by their fabulous dapper bartenders, a roulette wheel of prizes (grand prize wins a free night stay!) and complimentary glass of champagne for all who dress up!

HOW TO BOOK

Be sure that the Promotional Code appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call +1 443-373-0800 and ask for the promotional code.

Terms & Conditions

  • Event access
  • Live entertainment
  • Themed party accessories
  • Promotional Code: YX1
  • Valid stay dates: February 02, 2024 – February 05, 2024

Pamper your Sweetheart

Love is in the air at the Aloft Ocean City. Relax, reconnect and feel the romance with our Sweetheart Package that includes overnight accommodations, a bottle of sparkling wine, box of chocolates, 2 Ruby Crush Cocktails at our WXYZ Bar, and a 1pm late check out based on availability.

HOW TO BOOK

Be sure that the Promotional Code appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 1-800-MARRIOTT and ask for the promotional code.  

  • Promotional Code: ROM
  • Valid stay dates: February 09, 2024 – February 18, 2024

Members Save 20%

  • Members Get 20% Off, Non-Members Get 15% Off
  • 5-Day advance booking, pre-paid, non-refundable
  • Promotional Code: QRI 
  • Valid stay dates: January 22, 2024 – February 11, 2024

Fenwick Inn’s Vista Rooftop Restaurant

Vista Rooftop, at the Fenwick inn on 139th St, have a 4 course meal for two for $140 with a complimentary charcuterie board and wine specials.  To make a reservation, give them a call at 410-390-7905 or email vistarooftopevents@gmail.com 

 

Ocean City Md Restaurants

Captains Table

Captains Table Ocean City MdThis Valentine’s Day, Captain’s Table on 15th St. at the Courtyard Marriott has a special menu full of delicious treats perfect for a romantic dinner. Start your meal with their Roasted Beet Salad featuring a mix of grilled romaine hearts, golden beets, and goat cheese with a raspberry champagne vinaigrette. Or warm up with the Lobster Bisque topped with chive crème fraiche and fried shallots.

For your main course, try the unique “Duck Two Ways,” which include duck leg confit with a root vegetable hash and seared duck breast with rosemary cracked fingerling potatoes. Another tasty option for the pasta lover, is the Lobster Tortellini made with lobster ricotta filling, spinach and lemon parmesan cream.

But for the truly one-of-a-kind experience, share the “Ultimate Surf and Turf” with your love. This dish features a 48 oz tomahawk steak and a colossal cold water lobster.

Finally, end your diner on a sweet note with a dessert to share. Their Chocolate Mousse cake is plenty for two and features a rich mocha cake layered with house made raspberry preserves and chocolate mousse, drizzled with dark chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate dipped strawberries.

Check out the full menu here. It’ll be available February 9th-18th. Call 410-289-7192 or visit captainstableoc.com to make your dinner reservations.

Marlin Moon Restaurant

Marlin Moon Restaurant
Celebrate your love at Marlin Moon located at the DoubleTree Ocean City, on 33rd Street, this Valentine’s Day with a special menu crafted specific for this romantic holiday. For a starter, check out the tasty “Blue Moon Bumble Bake” which features baked berries, creamy chèvre, honey, almonds, and mint on toasted moon bread, dive into “Uptown Girl Baked Oysters”, or indulge in the rich “Bacon Wrapped Scallops”.
For your entrees, you can indulge in their decadent “Filet Mignon”, a 8 oz center cut topped with butter and alaskan snow crab and a side of mash potatoes and a winter tarragon béarnaise, or keep it a little lighter and treat yourself to their seafood options: Yellow-Fin Tuna Steak and Halibut Fillet. And then end the night with their delicious “To Our Moon” shareable dessert which features a strawberry stack, crème brûlée, strawberries in chocolate.Check out the menu here. It’ll be available February 9th-18th. Call 410-289-1201 or visit marlinmoonocmd.com to make your dinner reservations.
 
 

32 Palm

Experience the charm of Valentine’s Day at 32 Palm at the Hilton Hotel on 32nd Street, with a menu featuring favorites as well as French-inspired dishes. Start your meal with the delicious Baked Potato Leek Soup topped with a special crème frîache, chive oil, and American Caviar, or enjoy the unique “Korean BBQ Sunchokes” featuring roasted pineapple, pork belly, stir fry scallions, and tasty Korean BBQ sauce. For a fun twist on a classic, try the Pistachio Dusted Jumbo Shrimp with treviso, honey crisp, fresée, preserved lemon purée, and curried apple remoulade.
For the entrees, try the Mediterranean inspired dish Lobster en Phyllo featuring grilled cold water lobster, citric endive, winter root vegetable ragoût, crisp phyllo, and champagne sauce or indulge in the Filet Au Poivre which features grilled eggplant pine nut caponata, fontina aligot potato, arugula, and pilsner peppercorn sauce. Or just keep it simpler with the tasty Steak Frites. And then wrap up your meal with sweet delights like Chocolate Pot de Créme, Crimson and Clover red velvet cake, or their twist on the classic New York Style Cheesecake.Check out the full menu here. It’ll be available February 12th-15th. Call 410-289-2525 or visit 32palm.com to make your dinner reservations.

Longboard Cafe

 
Love is in the Air at Longboard Café! They are celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 9th, 10th, and of course on the 14th! They have a special VDAY menu that will be available on these days, along with their regular menu. Make your reservations by calling the restaurant at 443-664-5639 or book online here. 

Coral Reef Restaurant and Bar

Begin with a refreshing shareable like Caprese Salad or start off on a tangy note with their BBQ Shrimp at the Coral Reef inside the Holiday Inn Suites on 17th St. If you’re looking for something a little more savory, their Chicken Satay which features chicken skewers seasoned, marinated in red wine and herbs, and grilled and served with peanut thai chili sauce.

For the main course, try their Lemon Tarragon Chicken with creamy lemon sauce or you could dive into the Coral Reef Rockfish topped with mango salsa and their famous sweet tangy sauce. There’s also the pasta and steak lovers, the Blackened Steak Florentine Pasta with delicious flank steak and creamy pappardelle pasta and ciabatta or the classic New York Strip topped with garlic compound butter.

Finish your romantic night with decadent and tempting desserts like Strawberry Smith Island Cake, Turtle Cheesecake and Tiramisu.

Check out the menu here. It’ll be available February 9th-18th. Call 410-289-2612 or visit coralreefrestaurant.com to make your dinner reservations.

Seacrets

Seacrets will be closed on Valentine’s Day, but their brand new Seacrets Events Area 51 will be open! They are offering a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner. This is a great opportunity to experience this new venue. Walk-ins are welcome! Bar seating is based on availability. Checkout the full menu and make your reservations here

 

 

Harpoon Hanna’s

 
 
 

Ocean City Valentine’s Day Events

Love on Tap at Seacrets

It may not be on Valentine’s Day, but you can still feel the love at Love on Tap, FeBREWary 24th at Seacrets. Enjoy live music from Big House Band and Mike Donato, unlimited beer tastings, a commemorative cup, and a chance to talk to the local brewers about their beer! General Admission, VIP, and Designated Driver tickets are available here. Make a romantic weekend of it and book at hotel for the weekend. Special Hotel Packages are available which include your room, tickets to Love on Tap, and some other goodies. Check them out here!

 

10 Ways to Celebrate the Winter “Blues” in Ocean City, Maryland

Katie Ruskey
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10 Ways to Celebrate the Winter “Blues” in Ocean City, Maryland

The winter blues are always something to celebrate here in Ocean City, Maryland! Here are the top 10 things to do to celebrate winter in Ocean City. 

The Blue Sky Views of Spain Wine Bar

Whether you sit indoors or outdoors, the views from Spain Wine Bar are unmatched.

Located at the top of the sheik Cambria Hotel, Spain Wine Bar, not only serves five star food and drinks, they are serving up top notch views of Ocean City, MD. Tapas style dishes such as lamb meatballs and chicken lollipops are amongst the favorites. But you must order the famous paella.  Bottomless brunch is also wildly popular on the weekends. Reservations are highly recommended. For hours and more information, please visit here.

Steamed Blue Crabs at The Shrimp Boat

the shrimp boat ocmd
Crabs served at The Shrimp Boat are local to Maryland!

The extremely popular Shrimp Boat serves up award winning crabs in West Ocean City. Winning Best of Ocean City- Crabs, the crowds go wild for their $1.99 crab special. When you pull into the parking lot, it’s hard to miss the boat hull loaded with pounds of crab meat, fresh shrimp, and soft crabs to go. The Shrimp Boat offers indoor and outdoor seating and offers a small steamed shrimp tasting with every meal. Calling ahead is recommended for winter hours.

Sing the Blues at The Captain’s Table

Phil sits behind the piano and serves up beautiful dinner music at The Captain’s Table in OCMD.

Dinner, drinks, and live piano music is being served up at The Captain’s Table located in The Courtyard by Marriott on 15th street and the boardwalk. Pianist, Phil Perdue, tickles the ivories every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-9pm. Requests are taken at the piano and tips are not required but always appreciated! Phil has been playing at The Captain’s Table for over ten years and loves dazzling the crowds with his talent. While you’re there, we recommend an espresso martini or the locally infused liquor kept behind the bar.

Bright Blue Water of the Indoor Pool at The Grand

The indoor-pool at the Grand and it’s blue waters.

Everyone loves a good swim in the middle of winter! The blue waters of the pool at The Grand Hotel located right on the boardwalk between 21st and 22nd streets, The Grand boasts a quality indoor pool for those winter months. Not only do they offer an indoor pool, they have an ice cream shop, java café, pizzeria, and on two site restaurants! Rates vary and there are always promotions for weekend getaways and thru the week visits as low as $69.

Wings and Bleu Cheese at Pickles Pub

pickles ocmd
Pickles Pub was voted Best of Ocean City wings 2023.

Pickles Pub located in downtown Ocean City is serving up 18 different flavors of wings paired with the obvious bleu cheese. Priding themselves of being the best in consistency, Pickles is opened 7 days a week from 11:30am-2:30am along with their kitchen being opened until 1am. They also offer half price wings every Monday- now making Monday the best night of the week to dine in Ocean City, Maryland.

Blue Fish Sushi

Blue Fish in Ocean City, Maryland
Lychee Lemonade, Thai Iced Tea, and A Rainbow Roll

Sushi is delicious year round- especially in Ocean City.  Christmas rolls, Godzilla rolls, and Hawaiian rolls are some of the unique signature sushi rolls Blue Fish is serving up. However their lo mein, fried rice, and pad thai are also notable. They are currently offering a promotion. Sign up to be a VIP member and win a chance at a $100 gift card! One winner is chosen each month. More information on their website.

Blueberry Selters at Sinepuxent Brewery

When a place by the beach offers firepit Fridays and blueberry selters, you know you must visit. Located between Ocean City and Assateague Island on Stephen Decatur Highway, Sinepuxent Brewery sits on a 17 acre farm. Away from the hustle and bustle of the beach and boardwalk, Sinepuxent offers a chill and relaxed atmosphere, weekend music (inside and outside), and cornhole. There are also goats to feed (food is available for purchase). Sinepuxent Brewery offers small snacky foods (nachos, hot dogs, chips, and popcorn) and is dog friendly (as long as you pick up after your pooch). For hours of operation visit.

The Beautiful Blue Building of Crawl Street Tavern

crawl street tavern
A family friendly vibe with great food and even better bartenders.

Looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, live music, pool table, and close proximity to the beach, boardwalk, and music festivals? Crawl Street Tavern is the place to be. Located on the end of “Black Out Alley” in downtown Ocean City, you can’t go wrong no matter what time you visit. They have a family friendly environment, terrific prices, and bomb bartenders. For hours, menus, and their live music schedule, check them out on Facebook.

Blueberry Pancakes for Breakfast from Dough Roller

Blueberry or Strawberry pancakes makes for a great weekend breakfast.

You can’t go wrong with a classic Ocean City staple along side a classic breakfast plate. Dough Roller serves up a variety of pancakes including blueberry, chocolate chip, pecan, banana, and coconut. They also serve up gluten free pancake options as well! Depending on the location, hours during the winter months can vary. Be sure to call ahead.

Blueberry Cold Brew Crepes from Bad Monkey

Breakfast at Bad Monkey includes complementary monkey bread as well!

Bad Monkey has two locations in Ocean City and both have incredible cold brew crepes options. Whether you chose blueberry, strawberry, or apple, Nutella cream cheese crepe with hot black coffee will always be on the top of our list for sure!

BONUS: The Enticing Blue Cover of Marlin Week

Set during the White Marlin Open, this 300 page book is a great beach read!

Are you missing the electricity of the largest fishing tournament in the world? No fear! Grab a copy of Marlin Week, an adult fiction novel, where characters chase the elusive white marlin in exchange for an incredible $8 million purse. There is no lack of drama as author Katherine Ruskey takes readers around Ocean City with her characters, who get into a little bit of trouble during the tournament and entangle themselves in a lovers spat to boot. Contact Ruskey on social media for copies or visit any local Delmarva bookstore. Bonus buy- not only are you getting an excellent read, you’re getting brilliant piece of cover art from the world renowned trophy fish artist, Carey Chen.

Savor the Flavors: Berlin Restaurant Week 2024 Brings Culinary Delights

Ann
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Savor the Flavors: Berlin Restaurant Week 2024 Brings Culinary Delights

Dine, Discover, and Win with Berlin’s 2024 Restaurant Week: January 12-18, 2024

Get ready to embark on an adventure of discovery as Berlin Restaurant Week returns from January 12 to 18, 2024. This annual event promises a week-long celebration of culinary excellence, showcasing the diverse and delectable offerings of Berlin’s vibrant restaurant scene. From enticing menus and a grand prize giveaway with more restaurant gift cards + cash, here’s everything you need to know about Berlin Restaurant Week.

The new coffee shop in Berlin is offering some fun options during Berlin’s Restaurant Week.

Diverse Culinary Delights:  From Coffee to Prix Fixe

Berlin Restaurant Week is a celebration of Berlin, Maryland’s foodie scene.  This event brings together a diverse array of restaurants, each offering unique and mouthwatering menus. Whether you’re a fan of hand made coffees or eager to explore farm to table options, participating restaurants have crafted special menus that cater to all tastes and preferences.

To explore the enticing array of dishes awaiting you, simply click on the provided link to go to Berlin’s event page on Facebook for a sneak peek at the menus. Additionally, you can find the menus displayed on the window of The Berlin Welcome Center and on the dedicated Facebook Event page, “Berlin Restaurant Week.”

Need Enticing?

If you love veggies the way we do, try Forgotten 50’s Brussel sprout appetizer.
The relatively new restaurant and distillery in Berlin is participating in Restaurant Week. Check them out.

Dine 3x to Win:

The excitement doesn’t end with the culinary creations; Berlin Restaurant Week introduces the “Dine 3x to Win” challenge. Here’s how you can participate:

  1. Pick up a ticket at The Berlin Welcome Center or any of the participating restaurants.
  2. Dine at three different participating restaurants during the week.
  3. Get your ticket stamped at each restaurant.

By completing this culinary journey, you not only treat your taste buds to a variety of flavors but also stand a chance to win fantastic prizes. Head back to The Berlin Welcome Center and place your completed ticket into the drawing box for a shot at winning restaurant gift cards and an additional $100 generously donated by Cam Bunting of Bunting Realty.

Winner Announced at the end of the Week

The drawing to pick the Cam Bunting Restaurant Week winner will take place at the end of Berlin Restaurant Week. The lucky winner will not only enjoy the satisfaction of having indulged in some of the town’s finest dining experiences but will also be rewarded with valuable restaurant gift cards and a generous cash donation.

Berlin Restaurant Week 2024 is more than just a culinary event; it’s an opportunity to savor the diverse flavors of this charming coastal town.  Don’t miss out on the chance to explore new tastes, support local restaurants, and potentially win the exciting grand prize. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and immerse yourself in the culinary delights that Berlin has to offer during this special week.

24 Reasons to Visit Ocean City in 2024

Anne
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24 Reasons to Visit Ocean City in 2024

There are many, many reasons to visit Ocean City, but we have come up with just 24, to inspire and encourage you to visit Ocean City Maryland in 2024.

Our Beautiful Beach

The beach in Ocean City is a continuous 10-mile stretch of clean sands, and it is all FREE. Whether you choose to build sandcastles, swim or boogie board in the ocean, or just lay back with your eyes closed and listen to the distant voices and the sound of the waves, this beach is spectacular. Downtown beaches are usually the busiest, and the summer crowds thin slightly as you head north. The waves can be powerful, so always take care on the beach, and do not swim if a life guard is not present. The beach is guarded by Ocean City Beach Patrol from 10am – 5.30pm from the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.  Off season, the beach is the perfect place to take a long walk and get those cobwebs blown away! 

On the Boardwalk

The Ocean City Boardwalk is an experience all on its own! The Boardwalk is three miles long and lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and amusements.  It is perfect for a morning bike ride or an evening stroll. Whether during the off-season or at the height of summer there’s always something going on along the boardwalk.  Bikes are only allowed at certain times during the season, and pets are allowed off-season only. The Boardwalk itself is open 24/7, and some businesses stay open year round, especially on weekends, and if the weather is decent. As the summer grows closer, more stores will open, until all businesses open all week during the peak of the Ocean City tourism season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  You can’t visit Ocean City and not visit the Boardwalk, no matter what time of year you visit!

Lots and Lots of Hotels

Ocean City has some of the finest hotels on the east coast, from low cost motels, to high end resorts. Pick the level that’s right for you and your family, and enjoy your stay in our beautiful resort. Some just provide a bed, some offer suites, restaurants, swimming pools, activity pools, entertainment and more. Even if you don’t stay at one of the finest, you can still enjoy eating dinner in many of them, and often hotel restaurants do not have the same wait times that other restaurants in the summer season have. You could also consider a visit off season and enjoy lower rates in a more expensive hotel! Check out a full list of Ocean City hotels here.

An Abundance of Restaurants

Ocean City is full of them! From grabbing a quick snack while walking the Boardwalk, to getting pizza delivered to your hotel room, to eating crabs outdoors, or having a romantic dinner overlooking the bay, it’s all here!  We all have our favorites, but to get the full experience, try a new place each time you visit and you might just discover a hidden gem. Check out Ocean City restaurants here.

Love on Tap at Seacrets

On FeBREWary 24th 2024, come to Seacrets for Shore Craft Beer’s Love on Tap Craft Beer Festival! There’s live music from Big House Band and Mike Donato, unlimited beer tastings, a commemorative cup, and a chance to talk to the local brewers about their beer! Tickets are available here. This is an over 21 event. Special Hotel Packages available here!

The Ocean City Film Festival

Did you know Ocean City has its very own film festival? Started in 2017, the festival has grown each year, building a community of filmmakers both locally and internationally. The films they show are unique and diverse and shown in venues in and around Ocean City including the Performing Arts Center, hotels, and restaurants.  The Ocean City Film Festival  is a collaboration with the Art League of Ocean City, based in Ocean City, Maryland. This year the festival is March 7-10th 2024.

Springfest

Springfest in Ocean City MD

Springfest Ocean City is often called the official start of summer in Ocean City Maryland, as each spring, the resort welcomes the arrival of warmer weather (hopefully!) and celebrates the oncoming season.  Springfest is a four-day extravaganza that takes place at the south end of the Boardwalk at the Inlet Parking Lot and has become an annual favorite among locals and tourists for its wide array of activities, entertainment, food, and craft tents. This year Springfest is May 2-5th.

The Ocean City Air Show

The Ocean City Air Show returns to Ocean City, this year on August 24-25th and will feature the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori. Find your spot on the beach, and sit back to enjoy the show. This is a busy weekend, so don’t expect to get anywhere fast after the show ends. Instead, leave the car where it’s parked, and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the sites and sounds of Ocean City, and all the restaurants and entertainment there is on offer. The Air Show is on both Saturday and Sunday, so be sure to catch at least one of the days, or really go for it and enjoy both!

Waterfront Dining

What’s better when coming to Ocean City, than dining waterfront? Probably not much. That’s why you need to visit as many waterfront restaurants as possible while you are here. Any restaurant with a view of the water will remind you that you are on vacation, and it’s time to relax. Whether it’s a full meal you enjoy, or just a cocktail, make time for this most Ocean City of activities.

Trimper Rides

Photo by Ashley Janser

Trimper Rides on the Boardwalk has been providing fun for all ages in Ocean City since 1890, and is America’s oldest continuously single family run amusement park. Their 1912 antique carousel is still spinning! Stop at Trimper’s to ride the Himalaya, crash bumper cars, and bop Whac-A-Moles! Shoot Skee-Ball and find all your favorite nostalgic arcade games at Marty’s Playland. Introduce your kids to Trimper’s and start a family tradition of fun to continue for generations.

Nightlife in Ocean City!

Many people come to Ocean City with their children, but if you have someone to watch the kids, or you are traveling kid free, then get out and experience the nightlife in Ocean City. Start with dinner, then a walk along the Boardwalk, then head to a bar or nightclub and dance the night away! There’s lots to choose from, you might sit under the palm tress at Seacrets, join in the 1812 overture at Fager’s or watch the sun set while listening to live music at The Angler. After all, you’re on vacation!

Jolly Roger Amusements

Splash Mountain at Jolly Roger

Jolly Roger’s Splash Mountain Water Park on 29th Street offers 18 slides the whole family can enjoy. There are 3 different Kiddie Pools for children to splash around in, as well as the ever popular Rain Forrest full of slides, sprays and laughter. Head Downtown to the Boardwalk, and you’ll find Jolly Roger at the Pier where the rides and fun stretch out along the iconic Pier. The rides include the Looping Star Roller Coaster, the Hurricane, Power Surge, Twister and a two-level Carousel. Are you brave enough to try the Slingshot, or is the famous Giant Ferris Wheel more your speed?

Free Beach Events

Sandcastle building
Sandcastle contest

All summer long, Ocean City has FREE (yes we said FREE) events on the beach including movies and yard games, concerts on the beach, light shows on the boardwalk, OC Beach Dance Party, and free fireworks displays. Make the most of them, they will entertain and tire out our favorite family members all at the same time!

Sundaes in the Park & Fireworks

Photo by Janel Quillen Flynn

One of our favorite summer events is Sundaes in the Park at Northside Park. After a Sunday at the beach, head to 125th street with your beach chair or blanket, and sit back and unwind to live music, and ice cream sundaes! Little kids will get up and dance and join in the children’s activities, dogs will sniff around looking for a pat, but most visitors will enjoy the relaxed pace of this FREE event, and perhaps tap their toes. Until the fireworks at the end of the event wake them from their decompressed state.  A great way to end a day!

Water Activities

Photo by Karen Beardsley

Ocean City is surrounded by water on 3 sides so it makes sense that you should get out on the water and enjoy its many activities and opportunities. You may be the kind of person who just loves the thrill of a jet ski, or maybe you would prefer the slightly gentler task of taking the family out for the day on a rented pontoon boat. Or maybe you just want to leave it all up to someone else so you can sit back and relax without any concentration needed, and go on a tour boat. What ever way you decide to experience it, do try to experience the water while you are here. (Putting your toes in the ocean it just not enough!)

Cruisers Week

The Cruisers visit Ocean City two times a year, in the spring and in the fall, and show off their well maintained and preserved cars. Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, it’s a lot of fun seeing these cars from the past driving up and down Coastal Highway, like in times gone by. But the best part about Cruisers Week for the none cruiser is the FREE Boardwalk Parade each morning on the Boardwalk. Grab a coffee and perch on the wall with others while these grand old dames show themselves off to the watching admirers.  

White Marlin Open

The 51st Annual White Marlin Open will take place in Ocean City on August 5-9th at Harbor Island Marina.  This is the world’s largest billfish tournament. Over 400 boats vie for over $6 million in prize money. Get up very early and watch the parade of boats as they leave in search of their deadliest catch through the Inlet each morning or go to Harbour Island on 14th Street and the bay in the afternoon, as they head home after a day at sea to see the weigh-ins, free of charge.

Sunfest

With over 30 food vendors, free live entertainment on two stages, and a huge selection of arts and craft vendors, there is something for everyone at Ocean City’s Sunfest. Created to extend the summer season, the event now takes place in October, keeping us holding on the those balmy days of summer just a little bit longer. There’s four days filled with something for all the family, including over 250 vendors, live music, craft beer garden, artistic demonstrations, gourmet food and beverages, family hayrides on the beach and kids activities. Remember, admission to Sunfest is FREE! The event at the Inlet Parking Lot this year is October 24th-27th, Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 7pm and Sunday: 10am – 6pm.

Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Center at the Convention Center has more and more shows each year. This year’s line up includes The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, children’s shows such as Dinosaur World Live, and new shows like Anime Ocean City. Take a look at the line up and treat yourself to a show while here in Ocean City. 

A Little Bit of Culture

If you are all beached out, the Art League of Ocean City may offer some respite. It’s a spacious two story gallery on 94th Street and the galleries display new exhibits of regional and local artists monthly. There’s a FREE opening reception from 5-7 PM on the first Friday of each month to which all are invited. There’s also workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels, a summer art camp program and community events like the Plein Air Painting Competition and Sand Castle Home Tour. 

Ocean City Life Saving Museum
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum displays the rich history of OC.

The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum is another little gem that should be explored every year! Learn about the history of Ocean City, or join in their many scheduled events, exhibitions and free summer programs for children held daily on the Boardwalk.  

Romance is in the Salty Air

Park Place Hotel

If you think about it, what could be more romantic than a visit to Ocean City, with ten miles of beach to walk on hand in hand, restaurants and bars on every block, hotels over looking the ocean to watch the sunrise with your loved one, or hotels overlooking the bay for an almost guaranteed spectacular sunset, and just time away together. 2024 should be your year for this!

Winterfest of Lights

It’s a long way off right now, but Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights is an extravaganza of sparkling, twinkling lights and animated light displays spread over the paths of Northside Park in North Ocean City and well worth visiting. If you have yet to see this marvel, make 2024 your time to experience this fantastical event.  

The Four Seasons

Spring 
summer
Fall
Winter

Most people visit Ocean City in the summer months so they can lie on the beach enjoying the heat, but Ocean City is open 12 months a year, and off season, things just get better and better. The rooms are cheaper, restaurants run specials, and you can often get the beach to yourself. So don’t limit yourself to the busy summer months. Try something different in 2024 and visit off season. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

For a list of hotels in Ocean City, click here.

For a list of restaurants in Ocean City, click here.

For a list of events in Ocean City, click here.

For a list of Watersport businesses in Ocean City, click here. 

For things do to in Ocean City, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Twenty Years of Beauty on a Box

Glenn Irwin
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Celebrating Twenty Years of Beauty on a Box

If you have visited downtown Ocean City over the past twenty years you may have driven by, walked by, or biked by a series of painted utility boxes.  These boxes, which are owned by the local utility company, Delmarva Power, were all originally painted in a greyish green color.  They are often found near street corners and were installed, over twenty years ago, as a direct result of the undergrounding of overhead utility lines.  While many were just drab looking metal boxes, due to the nature of the blank slate, located on highly visible locations, others become the target of graffiti and the placement of commercial stickers.  That drastically changed in 2004 with the start of the Ocean City Development Corporation’s (OCDC) new public art program that viewed these utility boxes as a new medium for its street art.

Objective of the Program

Box painting by Katelyn Millison at S. Phil. Avenue and Dorchester Street in 2016

The purpose was to turn a potential problem into an opportunity to display public art for visitors and residents of Ocean City.  As the first few utility boxes were painted by volunteers and novice artists of the Art League of Ocean City (ALOC), then the interest in the program expanded considerably.  There are now over thirty-five painted boxes by various artists and volunteers throughout the downtown area.  In 2021, the Art League expanded the program to other sections of Ocean City, as well.  The ALOC completed five painted boxes in a two-year period.  In 2005, OCDC also worked with the four Worcester County high schools (Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, and Worcester Preparatory) to complete one box each; again, in the downtown

Snow Hill art teacher, Tom Hogan and his students painted this box in 2005 on Dorchester Street.

area.  These boxes were all completed in a single day by a number of students working with the guidance of their art teachers. 

In the earlier years of this program, OCDC worked with sponsors of these painted boxes, inside and outside of its designated, downtown area.  As time moved on, the Art League started to partner with local artists and managed such public art projects in the midtown and upper sections of Ocean City.  More recently, OCDC revised the program to only coordinate projects south of 17th Street and those boxes adjacent to the OC Boardwalk.  This website links to a map for a tour of many of the downtown boxes:

https://ocdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ArtOutsideTheBox_Online.pdf

Note:  Several of the boxes have been repainted, since this brochure was completed.

The Process

Jody Veader and Betsy Harrison completed the first painted box in 2004 located at S. Baltimore Avenue and S. Division Street

One of the most important elements of this 2004 program was the buy-in of Delmarva Power, who owned these metal utility boxes scattered throughout the downtown area.  Second of importance, to ensure that this new program was a success, was the participation of the Art League of Ocean City.  Once these approvals were secured, everything else fell into place.  The OCDC’s role was to prepare each utility box to be painted with two coats of background “sky blue” paint color.  In addition, all important Delmarva Power stickers, such as box identification numbers and safety warning decals, had to be kept exposed and were protected from being painted over.   To complete the first ten boxes, OCDC worked closely with Art League coordinator, Jody Veader.  Jody was the artist on several of these first boxes, working tirelessly by pulling her little red wagon filled with paints and art supplies around the downtown.  The OCDC’s Public Art Committee would approve of each proposed art sketch before the painting would commence. Generally, all proposals were to have an Ocean City or Eastern Shore theme as the artwork.

2004 utility box painted by ALOC members on Worcester Street. left to right:  Nancy Howard, Paige Ruby, Rina Thaler, Maryann Aurand, Jody Veader, and Isobel Troutman.

In the meantime, OCDC would find a sponsor for each proposed box to be painted.  This was usually a local business or individual.  Some sponsorships were done in memory of a family member.  These sponsorships were for an affordable contribution of $500 to $600 with the funds being provided to the artist.  Several of the artists would even donate their services and time to paint a utility box.  A small plaque was added to each completed box to recognize the sponsor.  Often, OCDC and local paint stores, such as PPG Paints on 8th Street and the two Sherwin Williams stores in the OC area, would donate some paint and art supplies.  Given these contributions and sponsorships, this small but effective program was almost self-sustaining.  Other minor gap funding was provided by the OCDC Public Art Committee through its fundraising efforts.

Painted by Jessica Schlegel at S. Philadelphia Avenue and S. Division Street

In addition, to preparing all utility boxes, the OCDC was responsible for cleaning and clear coating each painted box at least once per year; often by perennial OC local volunteer, Tom Allen.  The clear coating material was a special mix that also protected the artwork from ultraviolet rays and increased the longevity of the artwork on each box.  Most of the utility boxes, found throughout the downtown area, have been repainted at least one time and some have been repainted twice with new artwork and new artists for a fresh look. As a result of this program, graffiti has been kept to a minimum and when it does appear it has been fairly easy to remove by OCDC, since much of it was located on the outer edges of the primary artwork.

Comments from Participating Artist and Partners

Jessica Schlegel, artist – “The utility box project helps beautify the city and promotes different styles of art.  For me personally, visitors of the area reach out to me all the time after seeing my work to let me know how much joy it brings them during their journeys downtown.  The utility box project helps me reach people who may not have otherwise seen it.”

Aubrey Sizemore, Volunteer & Events Director of ALOC – “Working with OCDC to beautify utility boxes in Downtown Ocean City is a joy!  The artists love to have the opportunity to permanently display their work in our community.  Businesses love to sponsor the boxes to promote their business and I love walking downtown and seeing the art around every corner.  It makes our town unique and tourists are always stopping to admire the art.  I also help condo HOAs, hotels and property owners throughout all of Ocean City to beautify their utility boxes with the Art League of OC.  It’s so fun to get a call and someone is enthusiastic about having a piece of their property turn into a permanent fixture of art.  They are always looking for a beach themed work of art that they can enjoy as well as people walking down the street to access the beach.  Having these works of art throughout our town is a small surprise when you turn a corner that makes you smile and enjoy art unexpectedly.” 

Bill Cioccio, artist – “In the summer of 2020 during the pandemic I was putting the finishing touches on the 26th street Utility box. An unknown woman walked up to me and said, “The box just says HAPPINESS! and we need that right now.” I think that was the best compliment I’ve ever gotten for one of my paintings. She took several pictures of the box before she left.  A few days later I saw some children pointing at all the fish I painted on the box. They were smiling and laughing and then their parents took pictures of them standing by the box.  It was then that I realized how much these painted utility boxes were appreciated.  What was once a rusty ugly green box was now a photo spot.  When people stop to take pictures of utility boxes you know you’ve done something special.  The 26th Street box also became a Poke Man stop in the online game….  I’ve painted 4 utility boxes to date.  I’m told by local business people that the ones near the inlet are photographed daily by the tourists.  It’s really cool to know that thousands of people look and enjoy my creations.   Ugly but necessary green utility boxes have now made the downtown area more beautiful.  It’s made the uptown residents jealous and I’ve been approached by many to paint the boxes in the north end of town.  Several have been painted.  The utility box program has also opened many doors to me as an artist.  I’ve received many commissioned paintings and a few small murals as a result of the popularity of the utility boxes. Quite a welcomed bonus.  Family and distant acquaintances take a tour of the boxes when they visit O.C.  I’m certain these things occur for the other artists as well. It’s great to know that you’ve been a part of something that makes the town a bit brighter and is appreciated by many.”

Ali Jacobs, artist of T.C. Studios Arts and Entertainment – “As a professional mural painter, being a part of the program is important to me, because of my passion for beautification and revitalization of the city. Over the years, I have heard countless positive comments from locals and visitors, expressing how much they enjoy seeing all of the artwork on the boxes. Two of the most recent boxes I’ve painted, on N. Division and 17th streets, sponsored by T.C. Studios, include vibrant colors with a modern and graphic style. I absolutely love seeing people walk by and stop to take a photo with them. The boxes can add so much joy to someone’s Ocean City experience. Since 2016 I have been a part of painting 6 boxes, including one of my favorites, sponsored by Trimper’s Rides, which features their historic carousel rotating around the box. 

Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to lead two non-profit groups through painting boxes as well – the Young Professionals with the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Lioness Club. I came up with designs for each, then sketched the designs on the boxes and provided painting supplies for the volunteers (materials sponsored by T.C. Studios). It was such a joy to lead the groups through painting their boxes, and offered the organizations a sense of pride to have a deeper, creative connection to their city. The program adds so much culture and energy (no pun intended!) to the city and is so important!”

Artist Bill Cioccio (on left) with sponsor, Danny Robinson of artwork on 26th Street.

 

Status of the Program

Currently, there are no sponsorship or artist opportunities available at this time, until that is, Delmarva Power establishes a new policy for any additional boxes to be painted.  Such a policy is under evaluation.

 

This public art program celebrates its twentieth anniversary and there is a lot to be proud of.  Numerous new artists were able to showcase their talents, volunteers and local students were able to bring a community spirit to the effort, new partnerships were formed, sponsor donations have enhanced the appearance of Ocean City, and the public (OC visitors and residents alike) are appreciative of this work.  Surely it is a win-win for so many reasons!!

Clara Ziman artwork on 17th Street at Holy Savior Catholic Church

 

Painted box by Ali Jacobs of TC Studios on N. Division Street near the OC Boardwalk.

A Year in Pictures – Ocean City Md

Anne
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A Year in Pictures – Ocean City Md

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane as we bid farewell to another epic year! Our cameras captured the magic of Ocean City Md in 2023, where every season brought different vibes and unexpected surprises. While the town’s landscape got a facelift with new buildings and revamped parks, visitors from all walks of life flocked to the resort to enjoy the jam-packed calendar of events. From heart-stopping concerts to mouth-watering food fests, there was never a dull moment in 2023. And if that’s not enough to make you go “Wow,” our photos will transport you to the stunning beaches and breathtaking views that make Ocean City Md a true gem. So sit back, relax, and let’s reminisce about the good times!

Ocean City January 2023

A winter view of the Ocean City beach
Work continues on the replacement of the boards on the Ocean City Boardwalk
New boards waiting to be placed on the Boardwalk
New boards on the Boardwalk
An Assateague Island horse comes over to say hello

Ocean City February 2023

New condos going up on 145th Street
A wintery view of the Ocean City Life Saving Station
Your chance to own some of the old boards from the Boardwalk!
Renovation of stores in Berlin Md
Old buildings come down on 16th St for expansion of the existing Hyatt Place

Ocean City March 2023

Longboard Cafe increases in size
More space for tables at Longboard Cafe
New, bigger bar at Longboard Cafe
Ocean City’s newest brewery, The Other One, opens
Nate, head brewer at The Other One, pours a flight
Shenanigan’s opens for St Patrick’s Day
Well dressed for St Patrick’s Day at Shenanigan’s
Lucky Leprechaun at Shenanigan’s

 

Renovations start at the Lankford Hotel
Organizers of the Ocean City Film Festival
The Ocean City Film Festival

Ocean City April 2023

A warm April day brings people out onto the Boardwalk
The Big Wheel comes back to Trimper Rides
The gift of a warm day in April
Making the most of a warm April day on the beach
Work continues on the new Holiday Inn pool area
Signs of the new pool at the Holiday Inn begin to appear
Work starts on the new park at 3rd Street
The renovation of park at 3rd Street
Work continues on the new condos being built on 145th Street
New playground equipment makes its appearance at Northside Park.
An April sunset at Seacrets

Ocean City May 2023

Warmer weather bringing visitors back to the Boardwalk
Taking a leisurely stroll a spring day
Yes, there’s a line!
Ocean City’s new logo: “Somewhere to Smile About”
A sunny day for Springfest 2023
The crowds are out for Springfest
Cruisin’ Ocean City hits the Boards
A beautiful morning for the Cruisers
Lining up for the Cruiser’s Parade
The tram with it’s new logo!
Work starts on the new Tipsy Taco at the Lankford Hotel

Ocean City June 2023

The Ocean City Airshow
Crowds gather to watch the the Ocean City Airshow
VIP area for the Ocean City Airshow
Flying low at the Ocean City Airshow
Watch out for the Ferris Wheel!
What a shot! At the Ocean City Air Show
West Ocean City view of the Ocean City Air Show
Enjoying the Inlet on a June afternoon
The new Wedge restaurant opens with views of the Inlet
The rides at Jolly Roger at the Pier are open!
All the fun of the fair at Jolly Roger’s
The movie theatre on 144th Street closes
Trimper’s big wheel from The Wedge

 

Ocean City July 2023

Th sunny days of summer!
Movie theater on 145th Street is coming down
Demolition of the North Ocean City movie theater
The new pool opens at the Holiday Inn on 65th Street
The new pool ad outdoor area at the Holiday Inn, 65th Street
Holiday Inn Oceanfront
Crowds gather for Sundaes in the Park, Northside Park
Free fireworks display at Sundaes in the Park
A hot summer’s day on the Boardwalk
Jolly Roger’s Splash Mountain, a summer tradition for many!
Cooling down at Jolly Roger’s Splash Mountain
Taking a stroll on the Ocean City Boardwalk
The Ocean City Beach!
Ocean fun at the beach in Ocean City Md
Taking it easy on the beach in Ocean City Md

 

Ocean City August 2023

A summer evening at Seacrets
Summer sunset from Seacrets
Early morning, watching the boats go out during the White Marlin Open
Watching the boats come in during the White Marlin Open
Best of OceanCity awards announced
Best of Ocean City awards announced
Best of Ocean City awards announced
Best of Ocean City awards announced
Jeep Week!
Jeep Week beach crawl
Enjoying the Boardwalk
Bike ride on the Boardwalk
The southern end of the Boardwalk
August day at the beach
A summer beach
An evening view of Ocean City
August evening on the Boardwalk

Ocean City September 2023

Surfers enjoying the waves
As the tourists start to leave, the seagulls take over the beach!
A September beach
Kite Loft festival
Kites on the Boardwalk
Bike Week 2023
Bike Week on the Boardwalk
Night time during Bike Week
The beach starts to get ready for Oceans Calling
Getting ready for Oceans Calling
Getting ready for Oceans Calling
Bad weather brought the beach onto the Boardwalk!
Getting the sand off the Boardwalk and back onto the beach
Oceans Calling 2023
Oceans Calling 2023
Oceans Calling 2023
Crowds leaving Oceans Calling 2023
Oceans Calling 2023
Oceans Calling 2023
Horses taking it easy on Assateague Island

Ocean City October 2023

Early morning October sunrise
Seagulls enjoying an early fall morning
Beautiful blue skies on an October morning
The Cruiser’s are in town!
Cruisin’ into Ocean City
Getting ready for the Cruisers Parade on the Boardwalk
Warm morning for the Cruiser’s Parade
Cruiser’s Parade
Cruiser’s Parade
Cruiser’s Parade
The town gets ready for Winterfest of Lights
Signs of fall in Northside Park
Tipsy Taco, on the Boardwalk, has a new deck
Sunfest 2023
Great weather on the first day of Sunfest, 2023
Craft Beer Garden at Sunfest
Shore Craft Beer’s Craft Beer Garden at Sunfest
Pet friendly Sunfest 2023
Enjoying the entertainment, and great weather on the first day of Sunfest 2023
Day 2 of Sunfest!
Enjoying sunfest, no matter what the weather!
Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest
Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest
Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest
Boat rides during Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest
October sunset on the Bay
Late October spectacular sunrise
Enjoying Ocean City!
The Halloween maze
Halloween decorations on the beach
On the beach at Halloween
Halloween in Ocean City!

Ocean City November 2023

Work on the new Downtown Recreation Complex continues at 3rd Street
Downtown Recreation Complex
Having the Ocean City Boardwalk all to yourself
November Beach and Boardwalk
A deserted Ocean City winter beach
Light Up Night at Northside Park
OCPD at Northside Park
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
The tram is back at Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights
A very wintery looking Boardwalk
Celebrating the Holidays on the Boardwalk
Wreath on the Boardwalk Arch

Ocean City December 2023

Spectacular December sunset
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Ocean City Christmas Parade
Let’s Get Lit at the Cambria hotel
Let’s Get Lit at the Cambria hotel
Let’s Get Lit at the Cambria hotel
Let’s Get Lit at the Cambria hotel
City Hall, decorated for the Holidays
Santa Con 2023
Christmas tree in Berlin Md
Flooding in Downtown Ocean City
Flooding in Downtown Ocean City
High tide after the storm
Powerful waves following the December storm

 

 

Often Small is Beautiful in Downtown Ocean City

Glenn Irwin
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Often Small is Beautiful in Downtown Ocean City

Generally, the projects that receive the most attention are often the large projects in Ocean City.  These projects are perceived to have a significant impact; often positive and sometimes less than positive.  Large projects are praised for their potential tax benefits (property tax, room tax, food and beverage tax, …), employment generation, business opportunities, and more.  But they are often criticized for other items such as traffic generation, new parking demands, additional demand on area affordable housing, conflicting building scale and massing with adjacent properties, and more. 

However, at this time, if one was to walk around downtown Ocean City, they would view a number of smaller and medium sized projects occurring; both new construction and renovation of existing structures.  These projects are happening on single and double sized lots.  Often by small developers and frequently Ocean City area locals investing in the OC community.  Their single projects may seem insignificant to many, but these improvements add to the overall urban fabric of the downtown area.  They are often infill projects; too small for a large project, but often just right for a small parcel. Cumulatively, they still provide increases in tax base and employment opportunities benefiting the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County, but tend to be more of an incremental approach to a district and neighborhood.  For this reason, they are more acceptable, but get less attention.

So, let’s highlight several of the projects occurring in the downtown area of Ocean City:

 

100 Talbot Street

This new construction project is being built on a vacant site at a very visible location at the northwest corner of S. Baltimore Avenue and Talbot Street. The former building, called the Taylor House (and Perdue House by others) was demolished about five years ago by a previous owner.  The site plan has been approved and building permit issued includes two buildings on this single lot.  A typical single lot in the downtown area, south of the Route 50 Bridge, is approximately five thousand square feet (50’ x 100’).  The proposed buildings will be four stories in height and will provide rental units.  The project has been slow to proceed due to material delays, but is scheduled to be completed for the 2024 summer season.

100 Talbot Street project rendering

407 Edgewater Avenue

407 Edgewater Avenue under construction

Currently under construction is a small two-story project that will be used for rental housing. Each of these two units (one per floor) will contain about 730 square feet and each will have two bedrooms.  The new building will follow the foot print of the original building.  It’s a simple design with a gabled roof and a fiber cement board exterior. The project has been moving along nicely.  It is expected to completed in early 2024.

 

 

 

 

206 N. Division Street 

This is the site of the former Bridgeview Apartments at the entrance of the Route 50 Bridge into Ocean City. The former building had numerous code violations and was eventually demolished.  The new owner received site plan and building permit approvals for a building with four townhouses on this lot.  The units will contain bottom floor garage parking and two upper living area floors with a gross living area of between 1,400 and 1,600 square feet.   These units are expected to be completed for the 2024 summer season.

206 N. Division Street under construction 

 

 

206 N. Division Street rendering

 

 

 

1505 St. Louis Avenue

 

This six-unit condominium project, named the Son Rays Villas, was recently completed and the units are available for sale. These units are being marketed as luxury waterfront condos with open floor plans. They have three or four bedrooms and up to four baths.  They range in size from 1,600 to 2,300 square feet.  This project was built on two lots; one had been previously improved with a residential building.

 

View of 1505 St. Louis Avenue from the west (water side).

 

 

 

 

1801 Philadelphia Avenue

1801 Philadelphia Avenue under construction. North elevation from Kingfish Street.

 

This property is located at the northwest corner of Philadelphia Avenue and Kingfish Street. Construction is underway for this office building that will be the new home of the Harrison Group.
The building will contain about 9,000 square feet of commercial office space.  This attractive two-story building is expected to be completed in early 2024.  The previous use on this property was a miniature golf course (Nick’s Mini Golf) that is relocating several streets to the north of this property.

                                   1801 Philadelphia Avenue west view from Phil. Avenue

Philadelphia Avenue and 21st Street

Nick’s Mini Golf under construction

This property will be the new home of Nick’s Mini Golf, which is relocating from 1801 Philadelphia Avenue. This site plan was recently approved and construction is underway.  It will contain a mini-golf course as well as an obstacle course.  Its parking will be located several lots south along Philadelphia Avenue.  At the planning and zoning meeting, the owner stated he was ready to move ahead on this project as soon as possible, and he is!

217 S. Baltimore Avenue 

217 S. Baltimore Avenue

Several years ago, the Bank of Ocean City closed this branch that operated as the bank’s original location in 1916. The Bank then donated this building and property to the Town of Ocean City.  The Town of Ocean, the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum and Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) are working together to create plans and strategy to renovate this structure into an annex for the Museum.  This renovation project has received several grants and extensive work recently started.  The work will include interior and exterior improvements.  The intent is to restore it to its original 1910 appearance. The work is expected to be completed for the summer 2024. 

OC Lifesaving Station Museum annex rendering at 217 S. Baltimore Avenue

In addition, there are a number of small and extensive building renovation projects underway throughout the downtown area; some with assistance of the OCDC’s Façade Improvement Program and some not.  Also, there are several projects that have been approved by the Town of Ocean City’s Planning and Zoning Commission, however, they have not received a building permit as of this date. 

As evidenced, these smaller and medium sized projects provide diversified uses; rental units, home ownership units, commercial office space, amusement type of use, and even future space for a museum annex.  This is merely a snapshot in time of the current construction and renovation projects underway in the downtown area of Ocean City.  Each of these projects will add to the variety and interest of what makes the OC downtown area so special to residents and visitors.  But keep your eyes peeled next time you walk, ride a bike, or drive through the downtown for these new projects and projects to come!

 

 

Time for the Countdown: Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, MD

Anne
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Time for the Countdown: Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, MD
As the year draws to a close and the anticipation of a fresh start fills the air, what better way to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new than by spending New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, Maryland? With its beautiful 10 mile beach, peaceful boardwalk, and a plethora of hotels and restaurants, Ocean City offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those looking to ring in the New Year in a beachside paradise. Picture yourself feeling the cold ocean breeze on your face as you stand on our beach, gazing out at the waves under the starry sky. Ocean City’s iconic boardwalk is open during the festive season, in fact, it never closes. So take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along its wooden planks, and enjoy it without the crowds. Then, as the clock ticks closer to midnight, head towards the beach to witness the fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Or, stay in the warmth and party at your hotel or restaurant and celebrate the New Year there. 

 

Hotels offering NYE Dinner, Dancing and an Overnight Stay in Ocean City Md

 

Grand Hotel Ocean City

There’s 3 different options at the Grand Hotel Ocean City:

  • EPIC MIDNIGHT BASH – Available December 29th-December 31st. Two/Three Nights Accommodations. Open Bar at the Epic Bar and Grille between 9PM-1AM. Champagne Toast at Midnight, Music and Karaoke and Party Favors. Two Nights Stay Between December 30th – December 31st Starting at $428. Three Nights Stay Between December 29th – December 31st Starting at $491. Find out more here.
  • MIDNIGHT AT THE BEACH CELEBRATION – Available December 29th-December 31st. Two/Three Nights Accommodations. 3 Course Dinner at the Grand Terrace Restaurant between 5-9PM. Open Bar at the Epic Bar and Grille between 9PM-1AM
    Champagne Toast at Midnight, Music and Karaoke and Party Favors. Two Nights Stay Between December 30th – December 31st Starting at $532. Three Nights Stay Between December 29th – December 31st Starting at $595. Find out more here.
  • CHOOSE YOUR MIDNIGHT MEMORY – Available December 29th – December 31st. Two/Three Nights Accommodations. $60.00 Dinner Voucher to a Great Local Restaurant: Sunset Grille, Longboard Café, EPIC Bar & Grill, Pit and Pub, Sello’s Italian Oven & Bar, Coastal Salt, Ropewalk Ocean City. Open Bar at the Epic Bar and Grille between 9PM-1AM. Champagne Toast at Midnight, Music and Karaoke and Party Favors. Two Nights Stay Between December 30th – December 31st Starting at $501. Three Nights Stay Between December 31st – January 1st Starting at $564. Find out more here.

 

Park Place Hotel

Feel the festive spirit as you embrace the excitement, setting the stage for a night of pure joy and celebration. The highlight? A front-row view to witness a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the night sky! Your room will include a bottle of Champagne and two elegant glasses for a midnight toast that adds a sparkling touch to your celebration.
As the night unfolds, their Evening Turndown Service adds a touch of elegance, ensuring your New Year’s Eve is not just memorable but truly magical. Make your reservation here.
 

 

 

Residence Inn 

Come out for Ocean City’s ONLY live ball drop event on New Year’s Eve! At the Residence Inn, their live ball drop gives guests and locals the opportunity to ring in the new year, in Times Square-fashion. 
Watch the ball slowly drop before midnight from their bayfront locale, from inside the Bayview Bar and Grille, OR from your private hotel balcony! Stay packages available and complimentary champagne toast at midnight!
Hotel stay packages are available on Marriott.com so you can guarantee a FRONT ROW bayview suite for the ball drop! Find out all the details here!
 

Boardwalk Hotel Group

Ring in the New Year at the Howard Johnson® By Wyndham Oceanfront Plaza Hotel.  Celebrate all weekend with their New Year’s Eve Package. Package includes 2 or 3 nights accommodations, 3 course dinner, Live DJ starting at 7pm, cash bar, party favors, Champagne toast, New Year’s Day brunch, and 4PM late check out. More details here.

Three Nights (Fri.-Mon.) Side View: $600 per couple, Oceanfront: $700 per couple

Two Nights (Sat.-Mon.), Side View: $479 per couple, Oceanfront: $545 per couple

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

Join the Princess Royale for their Midnight Masquerade – A Royale New Year’s Eve Party guaranteed to start 2024 with tons of fun, delicious menu and live entertainment! Don’t Stop will dance you into the New Year in style, and there will be Champagne and a signature open bar. Cocktail hour in Schooners at 7pm. Dinner starts at 8pm in Palmetto Ballroom.
Dress code must include masquerade mask to go with the masquerade party theme plus will get you a chance to win the best dress award at the end of the night! Tickets are $169 per person (taxes and gratuity included) and include. Room packages are also available. Call 1-800-476-9253 or 410-524-7777 ext. 2009 or find out more details here.
 
 
 

 

 

Fenwick Inn

Ring in the New Year in style with the Fenwick’s exclusive New Year’s Eve package. Join them at Vista Rooftop for the NYE Masquerade Bash on December 31st from 8pm-1am featuring live music, a premium open bar, chef-hosted dinner stations, and a sparkling midnight Champagne toast. Book direct to SAVE at 800-641-0011. 15% OFF Rooms with a NYE Ticket Package Purchase. NYE Masquerade tickets: $129 per adult.

 

 

 

 

 

Carousel’s NYE Dinner

Celebrate the New Year at the Carousel Hotel with food, music by MC Nigel & Friends, and a Champagne toast at Midnight! Dinner Buffet is 7 pm – 9 pm (see menu here) and doors close at 1 am. Book your hotel reservations at 800 641 0011 or at carouselhotel.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashore Resort & Beach Club

The Ashore Resort & Beach Club are having a NYE dinner and NYE party this year! Enjoy NYE dinner in the Tide Room with their $50, 3-course menu, set to a live guitarist. Make a night of it with their Shore Deck Party, featuring the Doug Kaetz Band and an open bar. You can make your reservations now at https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hotel-10100-coastal-highway-ocean-city.en-us.html?aid=390739&label=bookithappenings/activities/

 

 

 

Restaurants offering NYE Dinner and celebrations in Ocean City Md

Seacrets

Ring in the New Year at Seacrets! Their Annual NYE Bash has a complimentary Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Then you can party ’til 4am with live entertainment all night! Buy your tickets right now! Click here for more info.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Captains Table

The Captain’s Table, on the Boardwalk inside the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, is known locally for their South African lobster tail, whole lobsters, and Certified Angus Beef® steaks. They invite you to spend New Years Eve with them. Check out their New Years Eve menu here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain Wine Bar

Spain’s elevated all-inclusive NYE event is a curated evening of their finest charcuterie boards, tapas, paella, decadent desserts, and handcrafted elixirs.
Unlimited wines, beers, spirits, and handcrafted cocktails.
Live music by DJ AMRA and Marcella Daniella
Discover beauty and enchantment at Spain Wine Bar’s first-ever NYE event.

 

 

 

 

 

Beach Barrels

Join Beach Barrels for one EPIC New Year’s Eve Party – featuring live music from The Chesapeake Sons, an open bar from 9pm – 12:30am (shots not included), a champagne toast and party favors. Lite fare included in price until 11PM. Purchase your tickets here.

 

 

 

There will be fireworks and music on the Boardwalk leading to a countdown at midnight, an admission is FREE, plus there is plenty of parking at the Inlet Lot. Find out more here. New Years Day has the 30th Annual Penguin Swim which will take place on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street and the beach. Watch or take part, it up to you!

Spending New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, MD, can be as peaceful or as exciting as you wish. Whether you choose to stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy a beachside bonfire, or dance the night away at a lively party, Ocean City provides a unique and memorable way to usher in the New Year. So, pack your warmest layers, grab your loved ones, and get ready for a  countdown like no other, in our favorite beach resort.

Time Lapse Webcams in Ocean City of the Coastal Storm – December 18, 2023

Ann
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0
Time Lapse Webcams in Ocean City of the Coastal Storm – December 18, 2023

The storm that just swept through Ocean City on December 18 was fun to watch.  Here are the Timelapse videos from our Ocean City webcams.  Check out the flooding, the rain and the big winds.  

 

Grand Hotel Ocean View

The ocean view from the Grand shows the angry power of the sea as the storm moves up the coast.

 

View of the Ocean City Boardwalk

You see the rain on the boardwalk, some hearty souls out during the rain, and the then the sun comes out.

 

View of the Ocean City Boardwalk from the Monte Carlo Hotel

Check out the waves as the come up to the hurricane wall along the boardwalk.  You will see the tide go in and out with huge tidal pools on the beach.

 

View of the Route 50 Bridge and Bayside Waterfront from the Cambria

Check out the storm, the bridge going up for some hearty soul and the spectacular sunset as the storm moves away from Ocean City.

View of the Boats and the Route 50 Bridge from the Angler

You can see the boats moving in their slips from the wind. You can see a lot of rain. You also get a spectacular sunset! Worth watching.

 

View of the Ocean City Boardwalk from the Hyatt Place Looking North

This webcam shows a spectacular ocean throughout the storm.  The angle is great and the waves are so cool as the tide goes in and out and the storm rages.

 

View of the Ocean from the Hyatt Place

The clouds are worth watching on this webcam during the storm.  You will also see a boat go by.

 

View of the Ocean City Boardwalk from the Monte Carlo

Here is another great view of the boardwalk and beach looking south from the Monte Carlo.  The angled view is great, the whitewater is impressive, and the boardwalk is always fun to watch.

 

View of the Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot from the Dough Roller

This is a great video.  You can see the storm clouds come in and the sunset is spectacular.  You will see the cars come and go too. 

 

View of the Bay from the Princess Bayside

You can see the Route 90 bridge and a lot of white water in the bay.  

Coastal Highway and the bay from the Grand Hotel

 

View of Trimpers Park

Watch the rain and clouds come and go.  

 

View of Trimpers Park

You can’t get tired of looking at downtown Ocean City from Trimpers.  No roller coaster running during this Timelapse video!

 

View of the Inlet Parking Lot and Ocean from Trimpers

You can see the waves increase in size and the clouds zoom buy – all with the Christmas lights in the foreground.

Unwrapping the Magic of Christmas Decor in Ocean City Md Hotels!

Anne
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0
Unwrapping the Magic of Christmas Decor in Ocean City Md Hotels!

Experience the enchantment of Christmas in Ocean City, MD, as many of our hotels transform into festive wonderlands that captivate the holiday spirit. There’s lobbies and hallways adorned with elegant decorations, breathtaking ocean views complemented by tastefully trimmed Christmas trees and poinsettias, decorations radiating coziness creating a perfect setting for a winter getaway, and cheerful staff throughout, ensuring a memorable Christmas stay by the beach in Ocean City. The hotels we visited include the Grand Hotel, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront,  DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Park Place Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel, Ashore, Carousel, Fenwick Inn, Residence Inn, Aloft, Hyatt Place, Cambria Hotel, and the Howard Johnson Oceanfront Plaza.

Grand Hotel Ocean City
Grand Hotel Ocean City
Grand Hotel Ocean City
Grand Hotel Ocean City
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
Park Place Hotel
Park Place Hotel
Park Place Hotel
Park Place Hotel
Park Place Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City
Princess Royale
Princess Royale
Princess Royale
Princess Royale
Princess Royale
Princess Royale
Princess Royale
Ashore Resort & Beach Club
Ashore Resort & Beach Club
Carousel Hotel
Carousel Hotel
Carousel Hotel
Carousel Hotel ice rink
Carousel Hotel ice rink
Carousel Hotel ice rink
Carousel Hotel
Carousel Hotel
Carousel Hotel
Fenwick Inn Hotel
Fenwick Inn
Fenwick Inn
Fenwick Inn
Fenwick Inn’s Vista Rooftop Restaurant
Fenwick Inn
Fenwick Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Residence Inn
Aloft Ocean City
Aloft Ocean City
Aloft Ocean City
Aloft Ocean City
Hyatt Place Ocean City
Hyatt Place Ocean City
Hyatt Place Ocean City
Hyatt Place Ocean City
Cambria Hotel Ocean City
Cambria Hotel Ocean City
Cambria Hotel Ocean City
Cambria Hotel Ocean City
Cambria Hotel Ocean City
Cambria Hotel Ocean City
Howard Johnson Plaza
Howard Johnson Plaza
Howard Johnson Plaza
Howard Johnson Plaza
Howard Johnson Plaza
Howard Johnson Plaza

Christmas Lights and Community: The Caine Woods Christmas House 

Katie Ruskey
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1
Christmas Lights and Community: The Caine Woods Christmas House 

What has over 30,000 Christmas lights, live Christmas music and snow? The Caine Woods Christmas of course!

The Beginning of a Beautiful Tradition

Caine Woods Christmas House
The Caine Woods Christmas house has been providing Christmas joy to many for the past few years.

The elaborately decorated Christmas house sits tucked in the small neighborhood just off of Coastal Highway in Ocean City around 139th street and the bay side. Mark and Jessica Jahnke, full time Ocean City residents, began putting together the magnificent holiday light show about five years ago during the beginning of the pandemic. Mark says, “I loved decorating since I was a kid, and going around to see Christmas displays with my parents.  The idea to do a pixel show synced to music came to fruition during COVID when I needed to learn something new.”

Anyone ‘Caine’ Do It!

Caine Woods Christmas House awaits the evening dark to illuminate the holiday.

With a background in IT, one might think that Mark thought this to be an easy task, right? Plug in a few strands of lights and hook up some music- how hard could it be? Well…

“All of the programming for the light show is done in a program called xLights. It is a very powerful program that takes years to learn.  First you upload a picture of your house, and then you start building your layout, adding your controllers, getting them onto your network, adding props, and then sequencing the songs,” Mark explains.  “It is very detailed, and takes countless hours to program the songs.  While most people think that you just turn on the music and the lights do everything on their own, this is not the case.  On average, it takes 8-10 hours per minute of music to program depending on how detailed you want to get with the song.  Creating a lyric track adds anywhere from 5-10 hours and you first have to import the lyrics, then drag them to align with the song word by word, and then set the mouth movements.  There are 7-9 different mouth movements for most of the singing face props that I have.  In short, there is a very niche market for things like this, and it is not something that you can piece together at a big box store. I have about 10 different vendors that I mainly buy from who make anything from the pixels, to the controllers, to the different props on the house and in the yard.” With zero electrical or lights expertise, Jahnke relied on watching You Tube videos and joining special Facebook groups for guidance and questions.

A Year Round Job Like Santa

Caine Woods Christmas House is a year round job for Mark and Jessica- a definite labor of love.

Setup is year round as far as programming each individual song to the lights.  “Physical setup usually starts on November 1st, and the first lights are typically on Thanksgiving night, but I continue to tweak the show all through the season.  Here it is, December, and I am still adding props and songs.  Main setup this year took about 200 hours over the course of 5 weeks.  We had some days where Jessica and I were outside 15-18 hours all weekend long.”

Christmas and Tetris?

Caine Woods Christmas House decor is stored in attic! Can you imagine?

“Jessica helps out where she can as well.  She is key when it comes to getting things out of the attic, and into the attic.  She is also a huge help hanging things while I am up on the ladder.  She is also great at troubleshooting bad pixels that need to be replaced.  And she is the one who comes up with all the ideas for our side holiday decor!” Did he say attic? Yes! All decorations are stored right here at the Caine Woods Christmas house in the attic! The couple describes putting things away like a huge game of Tetris. 

Community and A Cause

Caine Woods Christmas House
Show goers have donated over $5000 to the foundation.

If you’ve ever been to see the amazing light show, you couldn’t miss the QR code and mention of a donation. Mark and Jessica raise money every year from fellow Christmas lovers for the Believe In Tomorrow’s Children’s Foundation. “The Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation provides exceptional hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families.  Their unique programs bring comfort, hope, and joy to children and their families, enabling them to renew their spirits mentally and physically.  They have the House by the Sea, and the House by the Bay here in Ocean City that families can use to take their minds off of what their children are going through.  It is an amazing organization, and 97% of the funds raised by donation directly benefits the families they are supporting.  This is amazing compared to organizations who are less than 50%,” Mark explains. Signs are posted at the house with a QR code for anyone who is interested in making a donation as well as online on their Facebook page. So far in the past two years the Jahnke family has raised over $5,000 for the foundation. This year has come a little short, about $1,500, but the season isn’t over yet!

Christmas Music to Our Ears

 

In addition to the incredible light show, viewers who come by car get the extra bonus of being able to tune into a local radio station posted on the running ticker that crawls across the house. If anyone chooses to walk over to see the show, there is a button to the left of the driveway for viewers to enjoy the music from the display itself. “As of this morning, the playlist consisted of 27 songs.  There is also a static introductory sequence that runs from 5PM-5:30PM, and then a quick public safety announcement asking people to turn off their main headlights, not block the neighbors driveways, and to keep their volume at a reasonable level for the neighbors.” For a sneak peak of the show and music, click here!

It’s All in Good Christmas Fun

Caine Woods Christmas House
Neighbors are very supportive and welcome the fun. If you can’t read that sign it says, “Ditto.”

Speaking of neighbors…How do Mark’s neighbors feel about such an elaborate display of Christmas cheer? “The neighbors are all over supportive, but there are also only a few that live here year round.  The ditto signs are for fun and I do ask their permission to add them to their front lawn.”

Things We Still Needed to Know…

Clark Griswold has nothing on the Caine Woods Christmas House.

Is your favorite Christmas movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation by chance? “Definitely in my top 5 Christmas movies along with Deck the Halls, and Elf.  It’s so hard to choose when there are so many classics out there like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, etc.  Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” We might need to do a poll for our oceancity.com readers on this one…

Are your decorations donated or all out of pocket?  “They are all paid for out of pocket.”

What does your electric bill look like for the holiday months?  “It typically goes up $20-$30 during the show season.  All of the RGB pixels are very efficient, and I am only running them at 30% brightness.  At anything over 50%, it starts to hurt your eyes after a while, and it really does not photograph well.  The other things to think about is the simple fact that they are not constantly on, and all doing different things.”

“Action!”…(in a Charlie Brown Christmas voice)

Caine Woods Christmas House
The Caine Woods Christmas House will be lit until the beginning of January for viewers enjoyment.

If you’d like to visit the Caine Woods Christmas House, the show runs from approximately 5:30pm-10pm, which begins the night before Thanksgiving and stays up through the holiday season until the beginning of January. For more information about The Caine Woods Christmas House visit their Facebook Page. And to donate to The Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, you can visit The Caine Woods Christmas House page.

“I Love Being Santa”- Stories from the Boardwalk Santa Claus

Katie Ruskey
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1
“I Love Being Santa”- Stories from the Boardwalk Santa Claus

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to see Santa Claus on the infamous boardwalk of Ocean City, Maryland, then you’ve been in the presence of true magic. Trading in his reindeer and sleigh for a cherry red bicycle and his bag of toys for his bag of seashells, Santa brings magic to people all along the quaint coastal town. We’ve been lucky enough to spot Santa along the boardwalk and chat with him about what it means to be Santa in Ocean City, Maryland. And we are truly pleased to be able to bring our readers a segment called: “I Love Being Santa.” These Santa stories touch on a love for the beach, family, and believing in magic. We hope you enjoy.

I Love Being Santa because……

Santa visits a young beach goer on a summer day in Ocean City, Maryland.
I never know when or where the next wonderful story will occur.
I love when a child’s parent is surprised to see me and reacts in a very positive way, like jumping up and down and yelling “SANTA!!!…SANTA!”. “You really are here?!” I know right away it’s going to be a fun visit with the kids. I was walking on the beach the other day, testing out my new cooler in the sand, when a mother reacted just that way.
 
I was immediately impressed with mom’s energy and positive karma. I literally felt something physical, like static electricity, engulf me. I’m not exaggerating. It was a first for me. Mom has the energy of a 5 year old after a nap! Mom said “Who knew we’d see Santa walking on the beach here in Ocean City?!” I get that comment a lot.
Santa visits with children on the boardwalk and offer them a special seashell as a souvenir.
Mom has two children, a boy aged 15 (let’s call him Mark) and a younger daughter, maybe 8 or 9 years old. They were both sitting on the beach below us letting the waves flow over them while playing in the sand. I have a special place in my heart for children dealing with difficult situations. As Santa, I know I can make them feel special, if only for a few moments. Part of the conversation is treating them like any other child….but with extra love.
 
Mom pulled me aside and asked if I would visit with Mark. She told me he had survived brain cancer and would love to meet me. Mom gave me a quick, but precise description of Mark’s condition. It was obvious to me she had it memorized and had communicated it to others many, many times. Mark had brain cancer when he was just 12 months old. He’s cancer free now, but the cancer did some damage. He doesn’t have the use of his legs, but he can sit up and communicate well.
 
I grabbed my bag of “special” seashells and followed mom to the kids. With mom’s permission, I sat on the beach next to the kids in the sand and we talked. Mom hovered over us, which I completely understood. Mark was excited to see me but Mark was skeptical  that I was the real Santa. He told me he didn’t believe in my elves. I laughed and asked if he would like to “gently” pull my beard. With mom’s permission, Mark gave my beard a tug. I pretended that it hurt. Both Mark and his mom giggled.
 
Mark is a handsome young man, with strong features and dark curly hair. Mark immediately reminded me of my son, who is now 22 years old, has strong features and dark curly hair. When my son was younger, he would sit and play in the sand just like Mark and his sister. I tried to block this out of my mind. My focus needed to be on Mark.
 
I showed Mark my bag of “special” seashells. I use them for special situations, like birthdays. There were about a dozen beautiful shells with many colors and shapes. I told Mark he could have one and to let me know which one was his favorite. Mark asked if he could have two. I said of course. When I realized Mark was fascinated by the shells, I pulled them from the bag. Mark and I discussed the attributes of each one while sitting in the sand. At first, Mark had a little trouble differentiating the colors, but with a little coaching from mom, he got them all.
Santa takes a vacation in Ocean City, Maryland.
Mark had a lot to tell me. I sat and listened. I’m not sure how long I was there.
I noticed mom was gently crying, but I tried to block it out. My focus needed to be on Mark. Mark said, “You really are Santa!!!” I said, “Yes I am”.
Mark put his arms out for a hug. I gave Mark a big hug and told him I love him. Mark hugged me back and told me he loved me, too. I heard mom sob.
 
I don’t remember much after that. I was having a hard time holding it together. Mark reminded me of my son. I remember praying to God that my son would be happy and healthy. I was feeling many emotions. I still am as I write this story.
Mom hugged me and thanked me. Mom was amazing!
We said our goodbyes and I began walking up the beach again. Forever changed.
I’m amazed at the strength of will and depth of love I witnessed from Mom.
God put her on this earth for Mark- a real angel.
 
I love being Santa.
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