A few years ago, a trend erupted on social media. Colorful swirls originating from a bakery in New York City flooded the Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts of those far and wide, drawing anyone with a sense of whimsy into the petite, unassuming bagel shop.
Brooklyn was the birthplace but Ocean City continues the rainbow bagel tradition.
In addition to the ubiquitous rainbow bagel, Schmagel’s Bagels also offers traditional choices like cinnamon raisin, poppy seed and egg. I had a hard time choosing between their more unique flavors, though, namely marble onion, asiago and very berry wheat bran. There were also more than a dozen spreads and mounted cream cheeses to choose from, sweet and savory. Fortunately for my decision-making but unfortunately for my rumbling tummy, a line had formed out the door already.
Seven bobbing heads behind the counter busily toasted, smeared and refilled the supply as early morning patrons made their way to the counter. It was a flurry of activity on a normally sedate off-season morning, with the surrounding shops closed but clamoring bagel addicts waiting along their storefronts. When the season is in full-tilt, you’d want to arrive early or on non-peak times to get a taste for yourself.
Off-season, their menu was limited to toasted bagels and coffee drinks, though their full menu will be available from Memorial Day weekend forward. That will include breakfast bagel sandwiches, lunch offerings, smoothies and their trademark Bagelnini (a warm, inside out, pressed and griddled bagel with meat and cheese fillings). They also have a diverse kids’ menu, various iced teas and baked treats for ferrying seaside. Tee-shirts are on sale if you want to show your support for the psychedelic shop.
There are two locations of Schmagel’s Bagels, one on 33rd Street on the northbound side of Coastal Highway, and one farther north in the Montego Bay Shopping Center between 129th and 130th Streets. Franchise opportunities are available, and with the popularity of this shop, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more pop up in the near future. Not only is it a flavorsome stop for tourists and visitors, but it also provides a great local breakfast catering option, competing with the big corporate boys littered down the highway. None of the competitors offer as many potential bagel and cream cheese combinations, and no one else within the region offers the rainbow bagel, either. If your office appreciates some variety, this might be a go-to for Meeting Mondays.
Off-season, they’re open Fri-Sun in the morning only. Memorial Day through September, their hours expand to suit the increase in population. Call them at 410-524-1121 for more info or to place a catering order. This might be a good idea if you’re planning on visiting and want bagels a few days in a row. Order a dozen, save some money and keep them in your room!
And if you do stop in, don’t mind the brunette with the French Toast bagel slathered in honey pecan cream cheese.
Happy Friday, Ocean City lovers! Every other week in the spring and summertime, we accept photo submissions and compile a blog just like this one. Out of the posted photos, we randomly choose a winner to receive a prize, usually to an Ocean City restaurant or entertainment like Jolly Roger Amusements. This week our winner is Dave Easton, who submitted two photos of his grandkids having a blast on the beach and Boardwalk and won two tickets to Jolly Roger. Congratulations!
You could win, too — justsubmit your vacation photos here! Even if you don’t win, you get to share your Ocean City pictures with the world. Just remember, you must include your full name and email address in your submission in order to win. (It also helps your chances to submit photos that are large, horizontally-oriented and not pixelated or blurry.)
The sun setting over the Bay near 54st. 35 years coming to Ocean City and this was the most dramatic sunset ever.Bodacious Bob and his bandA family game of beach football at sunset meets wave jumping!When a family game of football on the 63rd street beach meets wave jumping on 06/27/2019.Sunset over Assawoman BayBlue Angels practicing for Air Show June 13, 2019.A day at Ocean City, My Grandson Ben and his Dad, Taken June 23, 2019Sunrise 80th St. June 15, 2019.Ocean City Boardwalk, July 23, 2019, My Granddaughter JosieOcean City Memories- Our son’s first glimpse of the beach in front of our boardwalk hotel (Quality Inn).jolly rogers pier during jellyfish festivalThis photo of a mama and her baby was taken in June 2019 on Assateague.Sunset at macky’s bayside bar and grill.Sand art on the boardwalkMay 25th, my now fiance proposed to me while doing an Old Time PhotoAssateague Island in Sept 2018. My friend and I walking on the bridge in the rain watching the horse’s enjoying the grass below. They didn’t seem to mind it was raining and neither did we.Sunset on The Bay at the De Lazy Lizard on 1st StreetTern fishing in Assawoman bay.Dumser’s in West Ocean City.Dragonfly taken on Assateague Island.i just caught this crab on isle wight pier on memoral day this yearIt was my dog at sunrise about two months ago on my street, 64th street.This picture was taken Saturday June 15th on the beach at Dorchester street. It was the Blue Angles flying for the air show. The weather was perfect.
The colorful silkscreen prints of two accomplished artists and the annual Beverly Bassford Memorial Juried Show are the featured gallery shows at the Ocean City Center for the Arts in July.
The public is invited to the free opening reception at the Arts Center on First Friday, July 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. to meet the artists and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The shows will run until July 27.
“Regional Pop,” a show of colorful silkscreen prints – or serigraphs – by Erick Sahler and Joseph Craig English, is featured in the Thaler Gallery in July. A serigraph is an original silk screened image that is labor-intensive to create. A separate screen is created for each color, and the artist hand pulls the color onto the paper, making each print individually.
Sahler is the artist behind Erick Sahler Hand-Pulled Serigraphs of Salisbury with the motto: “Eastern Shore art for the rest of us.” His designs borrow heavily on the WPA posters of the late 1930s and the travel posters of the mid-20th century. “My inspiration remains to celebrate all those things that make life around here unique, be it scrapple or log canoe races or rocket launches or ponies on the beach,” Sahler said.
English was introduced to silkscreen printing in his ninth grade art class, opening the door to a lifetime career as a printmaker. A graduate of the School of Art at VCU in Richmond, he lives and works in the historic community of Washington Grove, Md. Early on, the artist took his brightly colorful original serigraphs to the streets, and since 1972 has been showing and selling his work at arts festivals throughout the country.
Joseph Craig English
The Beverly Bassford Juried Show is an annual memorial event named for a former Art League of Ocean City board member who was passionate about the need for a new art facility, a passion realized in the Ocean City Center for the Arts. After her death in 1999, Bassford’s family established a prize in her name, which grew into the annual memorial show, featuring fine art by local and regional artists and awards still sponsored by Bassford’s family. Jinchul Kim, assistant professor of art at Salisbury University, will jury the entries.
The work of fiber artist Heidi Wetzel of Easton hangs in the Spotlight Gallery during July. Originally from Germany, she uses a wide variety of mediums such as sisal, yarn, ribbon and other weavable items to craft baskets, sculptures, and more.
Patricia Dubroof occupies Studio E in July. The Director of Community Relations for Assisting Hands Home Care in Bethesda, Md., she formerly consulted with the National Center for Creative Aging on the plan for arts and healing at the Veterans Medical Center of Washington D.C. and created an Artist In Residence Project for the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington and Iona Senior Services, linking healing and art for elders. Dubroof will also teach a class in her technique at the Arts Center on Tuesday, July 2 from 6-8 p.m., and give a free talk about her artwork and creative process on Friday, July 12 at 6 p.m.
Marge Bradach of Gargatha, Va. is the artisan in residence during July. Her expressive jewelry combines earth, wind, and fire to form a visual adornment meant to inspire the wearer. Her surroundings of fields, sea breezes, and hot summer days influence her creations.
The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Financial support comes primarily through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors.
If you want to explore all the unique, local restaurants that make Ocean City unique, there’s no better way than by embarking on the OC Foodie Tour. Founded last summer by local foodie Sandy Gillis, the Foodie Tour offers two leisurely three-hour walking tours, and a boat tour, of different regions – Ocean City’s downtown and midtown – where tourists sample food as they go and get a lesson on Ocean City history along the way.
Sandy Gillis is both the tour guide and founder of the OC Foodie Tour.
Any self-proclaimed foodie and/or lover of Ocean City should experience the OC Foodie Tour at least once! While riding to the boat to our first destination, our tour guide, Gillis herself, told us about the history of Ocean City and some super-cool facts. Even as a local, I felt like I only knew the tip of the iceberg about Ocean City’s history, compared to all the amazing knowledge that she has. Her lessons ranged from the history of the Boardwalk to even some different types of seagulls that frequent our beach. She did an impression of the laughing gull which wowed us and made us laugh. Throughout the trip, she impressed us again and again with interesting facts and trivia about Ocean City, even though we were all locals. She even had a binder with pictures she had prepared for us so that we could look at while she talked.
New this year is a foodie tour via the OC Bay Hopper, which is the one I attended.
When we arrived at each of the restaurants, the captain of the boat helped each of us get off safely and made extra sure we wouldn’t fall into the water, which was much appreciated.
Sanibel’s at Sunset Island
Fried green tomato at Sanibel’s.
The first restaurant was Sanibel’s at Sunset Island, and Sandy told us about the owner’s remarkable story. The first thing we had to eat was fried green tomatoes with crab topping. I’m usually not a person who likes tomatoes, but when I ate it, it was amazing! The sauces and crab topping complemented the warm fried tomato so well. The second thing that came out was the signature Sanibel cocktail, but since I’m a minor, I couldn’t taste it. However, the people around me were delighted with the drink and even wanted to learn how to make it at home. When the Sanibel staff realized I couldn’t drink, they quickly brought me a non-alcoholic mix of Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri, which was refreshing and perfect for the warm day.
Crab balls at Sanibel’s.
The third thing that came out was the crab balls, which were super tender and flavorful, especially with the sauce. The texture was tender but not mushy, which was delightful. The last thing we tried at Sanibel’s was the rockfish sandwich, which had bread, tomato, lettuce, sauce, and of course, fried rockfish. The combination was great and all the different textures and tastes came together perfectly.
Gillis and Chef Stephen at Sanibel’s.
After we finished eating, the owner Kathleen Kropp came out and welcomed us. She told us a bit more about herself and her business philosophy. It was clear to the entire table that she has a huge heart and cares deeply for other people. She told everyone that all the unused food is donated to a homeless shelter and that she has even hired some people from there as well. While we were eating, the chef came out to greet us and tell us more about the sauce we were eating. It was a secret recipe that he had come up with, made just for Sanibel’s. When he asked us how the food was, we all agreed that it was amazing.
Tailchasers Restaurant & Dock Bar
Crab dip at Tailchasers.
The second stop was Tailchasers Restaurant & Dock Bar, where we sampled Chasers Nachos, house bruschetta, and crab dip with soft pretzels. All the ingredients were fresh, and it showed in the taste. The crab dip had the classic crab taste but wasn’t fishy and the bruschetta included freshly sliced tomatoes.
Nachos at Tailchasers.
The nachos had a hefty scope of guacamole and other toppings, which made the chips flavorful and warm. The chips had runoff from the beef and salsa, but they were still crisp because of their freshness.
They even had a playground for children. Tailchasers was a fairly new restaurant, having opened last year at the beginning of June, but they have plenty of seating, a bar and a dock you can dine on. At the end of our meal, the manager came out to tell us more about the food and ingredients. Tailchasers is part of the Hooked restaurant chain and they can do catering as well.
Longboard Café
Virgin Prickly Pear Margarita at Longboard Cafe.
The third stop on our tour was the Longboard Café. They had Prickly Pear Margaritas, which they gave me the virgin form of. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and it definitely tasted prickly, but not in a bad way. The drink looked beautiful and the staff explained to us that its purple-pink color came from the inside of the Prickly Pear Cactus. The next thing we sampled was the crinkle green beans, which were warm, crisp and tasty. They were made in a sauce that tasted like it was derived from soy sauce, and the taste of the green beans went really well with it.
Addiction Wings at Longboard Cafe.
After that, we were served two different types of wings, the Addiction Wings and the Longboard Wings. The Addiction Wings had an award-winning, secret hot sauce on them as well as sesame seeds.
Blue cheese crumbles and bacon dust, along with the addiction sauce, topped off the Longboard Wings. Both orders of wings were amazing and the Addiction Sauce really is addicting! The actual chicken under the sauce was tender and easy to get off the bone.
Ahi tuna at Longboard Cafe.
We had the Ahi Tuna Points, last. The seared tuna had sesame seeds, seaweed salad, wasabi cream and sriracha aioli around it, and it was all placed on a wonton. The presentation was fantastic and the taste matched with it. The fish was fresh as well as the other ingredients, so everything worked very well together.
Dolles Candyland
Chocolate at Dolles Candyland.
The last place we stopped was Dolles Candyland, located right next to the Longboard Café. Sandy gave us some more information about how Dolles came to be and their history while the staff passed around fudge, taffy and caramel popcorn. The sweets were tasty and the perfect way to end our journey.
Overall Review
I placed my trust in Sandy and the restaurants we visited, even though I was nervous at first because I can be somewhat of a picky eater. In the end, I was so glad that I tried everything, because not one thing was bad. Each stop had just the right amount of food — it wouldn’t fill you up too much for the next stop. And if you don’t want to (or can’t) drink alcohol, there are no worries because Sandy and the restaurant staff will make sure to get you something you can have.
The tour I went on was a boat tour, but OC Foodie Tours also have walking tours on the Boardwalk. All the restaurants visited are accessible by boat, and all had bathrooms. Sandy Gillis was an amazing tour guide and extremely helpful and knowledgable. She really knew what she was talking about and was super positive and friendly. I would recommend this tour not only to tourists but locals as well! It’s a great way to explore and learn more about the place we call home.
Pizza has always seemed to be a somewhat controversial topic, whether you’re talking about the style, the toppings, or the restaurant it’s from. That’s why, every year, we poll Ocean City locals and visitors alike in our annual “Best of Ocean City” voting. “Best Pizza” is always one of the most-voted-on categories, except this year, the result was somewhat unexpected — the “other” fill-in-the-blank category won first place.
The Controversial “Other”
“Other” won just over 17% of the total vote, and the write-ins were scattered, so the first-choice “other” pick isn’t close to being the winner of the category — that would go to the second-choice pick, which we’ll get to in a moment. But the most popular pick in the “Other” category was Albertino’s, weighing in at 173 votes. Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery has fresh, handmade pizza and a full bar. They seem to be aware that they are loved by the locals, since they have a half-price pizza during Local’s Night on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. Besides pizza, they also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees, and even a prime rib night on Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. Get some fresh pizza at a discounted price at 13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City!
Moving onto the second-most-popular “other,” that title goes to Shotti’s Point, with 128 votes. Shotti’s Point is on the newer side of Ocean City restaurants — the original location is in Baltimore, with more recent Ocean City locations located on 35th Street and, as of this summer, on the Boardwalk, too. Shotti’s founder, Michael Shott, was inspired by his surfing trips around the world and decided to bring his unique menu to Ocean City. Shotti’s Point is open all year round and locals love the woodfired pizza as well as the special food items available (“rhino fries,” anyone?).
In third place of the “other” category is Ripieno’s, with 119 votes. Locals rave about Ripieno’s great food and great prices. Not only do they have delicious pizza, but they’re also known for their subs and salads, which are freshly made. The pizza is assembled by hand and cooked using a woodfired oven. You can find this hidden gem on 3205 Philadelphia Ave. in Ocean City.
We’ll be sure to give those establishments their own category on the poll next year. And again, even though “Other” was 1st overall, the votes weren’t quite cohesive enough to completely overtake another establishment.
Official Winner: Grotto Pizza
“Other” category aside, our official first-place winner is Grotto Pizza. Grotto Pizza is a small chain on the Eastern Shore with locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania and of course, Maryland. Grotto Pizza was founded in 1960 by Dominick Pulieri, the son of two Italian immigrants. Even though the people of Sussex County weren’t familiar with pizza at the time, Pulieri quickly found himself serving the locals and even the tourists. You can be confident in the pizza they serve, which has an authentic Italian background, and Pulieri’s story goes to show just how delicious Grotto’s pizza is. Clearly, the same love for Grotto’s has transcended over half a century to today’s generation. If you’re craving a piece of pizza now, Grotto Pizza can be found on 125th and 14th Streets. Both Ocean City locations are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Second Place: Lombardi’s
Trattoria Lombardi’s won a close second. Lombardi’s has won two “Best Of” awards previously, in 2017 and 2018, for their pizza. And even though they’re known for their famously delicious pizza, it’s not all they serve. They also have salads, subs, pasta and a full bar. You can take your one friend who doesn’t like pizza here too! Lombardi’s is located in the 94th Street shopping center in Ocean City. They’re open all week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., but on Friday and Saturday, they’re open an extra hour (until 10 p.m.).
Third Place: The Dough Roller
In third place came The Dough Roller. Usually, we don’t mention the results past winner and runner-up, but this year the results were so close that we wanted to incorporate the third-place winner. The Dough Roller is unique because not only do they have good pizza, but they’re also known for their pancakes, which you can get all day. The Dough Roller was founded by an Ocean City resident, Bill Gibbs, in 1980. Since then, The Dough Roller has expanded into a small chain in Ocean City. If you want breakfast or pizza (or maybe both), visit The Dough Roller! They have five locations, two on the Boardwalk on South Division Street and 3rd Street, two on Coastal Highway on 41st Street and 70th Street, and the last one in West Ocean City at 12849 Ocean Gateway.
With plenty of amazing pizza places to choose from, why not change up the place you usually order from and give one of these six fabulous establishments a try? You’ll be sure to find a pizza to fall in love with at one of these Ocean City locales.
Music, sun, fun and more: that’s what Ocean City’s first Jellyfish Festival brought the town this past weekend. From June 21 to the 23rd, bands from around the country came to perform live for the residents of this Eastern Shore tourist town. Not only did major performing acts come and perform, but local talents from Ocean City, like the Undateables and Muskrat Lighting, performed alongside big names like Styx. Music could be heard along the Boardwalk from the Inlet parking lot to Talbot Street, and possibly even further.
Throughout the day, several events, activities and sessions would be going on. For instance, on Saturday, June 22nd, the BMX crew, sponsored by Monster, gave spectators a show as they jumped a 40-foot gap and leaped 75 feet in the air, all while performing insane tricks. For surfers, looking out into the ocean would be the sight to see, as local surfers went head-to-head with professionals in the Tow-In Surf Event. Finally, skaters were able to shred the mega Mini Ramp right in the center of the area. At times, you could see pro skater Rodney Jones tear up the ramp and flash his skills to those among him.
The inaugural Jellyfish Festival will take place in Ocean City, Maryland June 21 – 23, 2019 Jellyfish Festival is a music, surfing, skating and fitness-centered festival coming to Ocean City, MD for the first time in 2019. The core of the festival is the mainstage: This will be right off the Boardwalk north of the Pier, stretching into North Division Street.
Easily, the biggest spectacle at Jellyfish was the selection of music, and each day of the festival was designated a different theme. The themes, in order, were Fresh Friday, Classic Saturday, and Music with a Message Sunday. During the day, you could walk in and catch the bands performing at either the Sea Stage on Dorchester Street or on the Beach Stage right by Jolly Roger on the Pier. These performances were free and open to the public for viewing. At night, however, the bands performed on what was dubbed the “A-Stage.” To see these performances, people needed a ticket to enter. Some, however, pulled up a beach chair and watched from the outside. A “No Bag Policy” was established to promote safety during the nighttime shows.
This is only Jellyfish’s first year here, and it has already made a huge impact on Ocean City. Hopefully, we’ll see Jellyfish return to Ocean City in the future for another weekend of music, extreme sports and more!
The Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office is teaming up with the Ocean City Police Department and Beach Patrol this Fourth of July to prevent the possession and use of illegal fireworks in the resort community. Special patrol teams will be on the beach and in various neighborhoods throughout Ocean City to enforce this important ordinance.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires alone caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
“The power and danger of fireworks should not be underestimated,” said Ocean City Fire Marshal David Hartley. “In addition to causing damage, fireworks can cause injuries and we want people to be safe during their holiday stay in Ocean City. The safety and wellbeing of all residents and visitors of the Town of Ocean City is the primary goal of the Ocean City Fire Department.”
Although the State of Maryland has approved the use of ground-based sparkling devices such as cylindrical and cone fountains, these are not legal to use or possess in Ocean City. Further, all other fireworks that may be sold in neighboring states are not legal for use by the public anywhere in Maryland.
July 4th Navigation Celebrate the 4th of July in Ocean City! The Perfect Fourth of July in Ocean City, Maryland I’m new at the whole Fourth-of-July-in-Ocean-City thing. My parents might have taken me here for the holidays as a child, but that was so long ago that I don’t remember much, because they ultimately gave up braving the bumper-to-bumper traffic and crowded boardwalk to stay home and watch the fireworks in Annapolis.
Products such as handheld Gold labeled sparklers, “Snap-N-Pops,” “Black Cobra Snakes” and “Party Poppers” are allowed to be used and possessed without a license. However, injuries and property damage may still occur from these types of products, so parental supervision is always encouraged.
“Along with the risk of injury and property damage, the noise of fireworks can scare pets and can be disturbing to veterans and those suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome,” Hartley continued. “Ocean City offers two great July 4th fireworks shows with free music and fireworks in two locations: downtown on the beach at North Division Street, and uptown at Northside Park. For your safety, and the safety of others, leave the fireworks up to the professionals.”
Anyone with questions pertaining to fireworks should contact the Ocean City Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal at 410-289-8780.
The Town of Berlin, a community of about 4,500 residents near the Atlantic coast on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, was recently named one of “12 Small Towns That Are About to Become More Popular” by Reader’s Digest.
Other towns included on the list are Rapid City, SD, Goshen, NY, New Albany, OH, Hermann, MO, Winter Park, FL, Whitefish, MT, Marquette, MI, Mooresville, NC, Auburn, CA, Park City, UT and Ashland, OR.
This designation is the most recent addition in the growing list of awards the Town of Berlin has won in the past five years, including “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel Magazine, “Best Town to Visit” by Smithsonian Magazine and one of the “Top 20 Most Beautiful Towns” by Architectural Digest.
“It’s a compliment to our basic principle of encouraging residents and guests alike to enjoy our 19th-century charm while experiencing 21st-century living, all with a touch of class and a healthy dose of whimsy,” said Berlin Mayor Gee Williams.
Here’s exactly what the article, found here, has to say about Berlin:
Berlin is located just minutes from Ocean City (one of our favorite beaches in the United States) and Assateague Island National Seashore on the Delmarva Peninsula. The town was named one of the 10 Best Readers’ Choices for shopping by USA Todayand has been called “The Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel. The historic downtown is charming and 47 of the buildings are listed on the National Historic Register. Main Street’s burgeoning businesses include boutiques, restaurants, and art and antique galleries. Ivy Wells, Director of Economic and Community Development, says that home values have increased 25 percent in the last five years and there have been 20 new businesses and an additional six new restaurants. People come for a visit as a change of pace from the busy resort area and then decide to stay.
After being officially sworn-in on June 11, Ocean City’s new fire chief, Richard Bowers, reported for his first day of duty today. Chief Bowers, who is no stranger to the fire, rescue and emergency medical service, joins Ocean City after more than 40 years of experience in every rank.
After serving at all levels of the fire service, from firefighter/EMT to fire chief, Chief Bowers gained knowledge in areas including operations, administration and management. He served in all levels in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service before being named Fire Chief in 2004 and then again in 2013 for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.
“Being only the second Fire Chief to ever serve the Ocean City community is not only a great honor but also a great responsibility,” said Bowers. “I look forward to engaging this community, building relationships with our residents and visitors and continuing to make the Ocean City Fire Department the very best that it can be.”
Along with multiple certifications, Chief Bowers holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Service Management, as well as a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and a Fire Protection Certificate. Along with his role as fire chief, Chief Bowers is a proud husband to Deborah for 41 years and proud father to daughters Ashley and Natalie.
“Chief Bowers brings four decades of community service and public safety leadership to Ocean City,” said City Manager Doug Miller. “Along with his strong drive and diverse management experience, it is his positive energy and enthusiastic attitude to the fire service that makes him a great fit for Ocean City.”
Patty Jean’s Boutique is dangerous. Not in a scary, threatening or impending way. It’s more of a “you’re-going-to-spend-more-than-you-should” kind of situation. You’re not in physical danger, but your self-control might be.
Especially if you love fine fabrics, souvenir jewelry and beach-scented bath goods. Extra especially if you enjoy unique finds, local brands and specialty gifts. All of which I do. And so my obsession with Patty Jean’s began.
Those in the Ocean City suburbs may already be familiar with Patty Jean’s, as the original boutique located in Berlin, MD has been a mainstay for years. Last summer, a second location opened on 67th Street in a quaint and tropical-themed strip center across the highway from the boards. While this OC location stayed open all winter on weekends, their hours are expanding to suit the tourists and visitors as the summer approaches.
Displays of seawater-aged shiplap, wicker and linen welcome the entrant into a tropical oasis, complete with nautical flags and woven light fixtures. Aesthetically, Bermudan influence came immediately to mind, with high ceilings and bright colors that inspire warm weather wishes. There’s an underlying homespun, country-comfortable sensation as well, with Rodney Atkins on the radio and the familiar scent of wood wares in the air. The underlying navy, white and cream colors of the shop help direct the eye to the particularly vibrant and unique commodities for sale.
The boutique is built around meeting customer expectations; varying price points, gift ideas for locals and tourists alike, and suiting a year-round customer base. In owner Pam Houck’s words, “you can find something for everyone.” If you need a unique souvenir or houseware for your own kitchen, this is a required stop on your route. There are plenty of beach-themed items, including a wall of Old Bay merchandise and cases of sea creature-crusted baubles, among displays of exclusive clothing, porcelain kitchen wares and candles to suit universal tastes. There’s clear intention in the product selection and presentation, with organization and visual interest at the forefront. I had a hard time staying on target because each new thing I discovered required immediate inspection.
I felt bad for the shoppers around me. I perused excitedly in a serpentine pattern, separating shopping groups like a rushing river. And I couldn’t leave without a Mother’s Day gift chosen from the bountiful shelves.
In addition, Patty Jean’s has a huge selection of well-made artisan brands you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. TokyoMilk, Spartina 449, Scout, East Aloha and Shore Soap Company are a few of the brands prominently featured. Pam also places custom orders for items from Rustic Marlin, a Massachusetts company specializing in rustic décor, wooden signage and American-made textiles. A personalized gift available from a local boutique, with the help of attentive staff, would be ideal for that upcoming baby, bridal or grandma shower, right?
Go see Pam at Patty Jean’s Boutique or call 913-522-7410 for more info. And a bit of advice from me, check out the kitchen towels. My purchase said, “Proven Fact: If you wait long enough to make dinner, everyone will just eat cereal.” Truth.
If your dream is to build a custom home in Worcester County, there are a number of procedural steps necessary to accomplish this goal. There are zoning guidelines, property setbacks and easements to consider.
Ironically, one of the most challenging obstacles may be simply clearing the land for building. You want to be sure any obstructing trees can be removed in order to accommodate the building process.
In 1991 in Worcester County, a new law went into effect to require all counties to adopt a forest conservation program. This law was enacted under the Maryland Forest Conservation Act. The benefit of protecting our trees extends far beyond a specific parcel of land:
The roots of the trees help to prevent soil erosion.
They also filter harsh chemicals from the soil to provide cleaner water for drinking, crabbing and fishing.
The leaves from living trees help filter pollutants from the air.
Ms. Janelle Gerthoffer, Natural Resources Administrator for Worcester County, explains: “Natural vegetation in Worcester County is protected by the Chesapeake Critical Areas code, the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Areas code, and the Forest Conservation code. Details for each of these codes can be viewed within the Natural Resources Article section at https://ecode360.com/14070057. While these codes protect much of the natural vegetation, they do include allowances for tree removals upon approval from this department.”
That being said, a permit is required for any public or private subdivision plan or site plan approval where grading is required on areas in excess of 40,000 square feet. Those permitted for such activates must comply with the Forest Conservation Law which requires:
“Any non-exempt activity that requires an application for major subdivision, site plan approval, or grading and sediment control permits on an area of land 40,000 square feet or greater must submit a Forest Stand Delineation and a Forest Conservation Plan. In the case of a non-exempt minor subdivision on an area of land 40,000 square feet or greater, a Simplified Forest Stand Delineation and Forest Conservation Plan shall be submitted.”
There must be an equal number of remaining trees to those that are removed during the building process.
Although tree planting must first occur on-site (wherever the trees were removed), there are some plans for re-planting on another parcel of land in Worcester County. This may be accomplished by purchasing an inexpensive parcel of land to be dedicated exclusively to the county for forestry or locating someone with land that is in need of trees to be planted on their land. Again, on-site planting is always top priority for mitigation.
There are a few activities that are exempt from the Forest Conservation Law:
State highway construction activities
Activities on areas located in Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas
Agricultural activities
Commercial logging and timber harvesting operations
Clearing for public utility construction or rights-of-way
Routine maintenance and emergency repairs of public utility rights-of-way
Surface mining regulated under state law
Activities conducted on a single lot where less than 40,000 square feet of forest is disturbed
Preliminary plan of subdivision or grading and sediment control permit approved before 7/1/91 or minor subdivision application for which an application was submitted prior to 7/1/91
PUD with Step 1 approval prior to 12/31/91
Subdivision for agricultural purposes only
Subdivision for conservation purposes only
Boundary line adjustment providing no accompanying change in land use
Subdivision where the area of non-tidal wetland forest is greater than or equal to area of a reforestation required
Construction and maintenance of water and sewage treatment facilities or landfills
Construction of linear utilities
County road construction
Cutting of trees for surveying purposes
Habitat programs approved by a government agency
Intrafamily transfers, including subdivision
These regulations protect our health and quality of living by protecting our natural resources here on the Eastern Shore, but can cause headaches for some home builders.
I would suggest asking for a feasibility study period for any land purchases. This would allow time to take your plans to the county and be certain that the land you intend to purchase is suitable for your intended use.
Happy Friday, Ocean City lovers! Every other week in the spring and summertime, we accept photo submissions and compile a blog just like this one. Out of the posted photos, we randomly choose a winner to receive a prize, usually to an Ocean City restaurant or entertainment like Jolly Roger Amusements. This week, Brett Knickel, who submitted the above photo of his son playing in the sand on a beautiful clear day, won two tickets to Jolly Roger. Congratulations!
You could win, too — justsubmit your vacation photos here! Even if you don’t win, you get to share your Ocean City pictures with the world. Just remember, you must include your full name and email address in your submission in order to win.
Jackson the Labradoodle, on the beach for his first time. He loves roaming the beach, smelling the earthy smells, playing in the water, and prancing, right where his mommies were recently married, says owner Kayla Jackson.A much needed vacation for Patricia Tucker and her kids. They saw this beautiful sunset on their way to grab ice cream after dinner. Son Oliver walking on the beach by our Condo, says mom Jen MillettThese guys are enjoy a rest outside the Commander Hotel.Finding peace & love, plus an early morning sunrise!Sunset bay side from the Boardwalk in front of Holiday InnOcean City sunrise June 9 2019Beautiful crashing wavesRachel Hardy managed to capture a visitor to the little book library near the beach entrance of 143rd streetBayside at the Ropewalk Ocean City, Md. on Memorial Day weekend 2019 by Carrie HardyAllison Berg remembering when she and her husband tied the knot in Ocean City, MD, with reception at the Clarion.Girls Night at Fish Tales this June with Carrie Hill, Shannon Crossed, Tory Humphrey, Michelle Mayette, and Debbie SpiveyThatcher, a Berlin Local enjoying a beach day with his cousins Lily and Lola visiting from Baltimore on 39th street on June 1Hangin’ out at Fish TalesWaiting for his first wave, this is Finn Scott aged 7 on 48th street.
A favorite spot to have your picture taken, at the Life Saving Station Museum’s giant anchorKatelyn enjoying the wind in her hair on the OC Rocket.Growing up next to the Atlantic…Megan Armand from York PA explains her girls, age 11 and 7, are holding horseshoe crab during their boat ride on the O.C. Explorer Jennifer Ayers Lewis from Front Royal Virginia took this picture of a seagull on a foggy day in Ocean CityThis is Dallas enjoying the evening as the sun begins to go down, at Northside Park Ocean City Md
The Dunes Manor Hotel is giving away two tickets to its “Amazing American Buffet,” which will commemorate the Ocean City Air Show on Sunday, June 16. Along with the brunch buffet, the Dunes will feature a variety of O.C. Air Show-inspired Aviation Cocktails as well as comfortable seating for its dining guests to enjoy the planes’ performances.
“The planes that will be flying in the O.C. Air Show will travel north from the 14th Street boardwalk and end their flights on 28th Street, which is exactly where the Dunes Manor Hotel is located,” said Joanne Cunningham, Director of Sales and Marketing at Dunes Manor. “Our Barefoot Beach Bar and the huge deck outside our Victorian Room are the best spots in town to view and photograph the action, and we’re looking forward to a glorious Sunday afternoon of delicious food and aerial entertainment.”
The “Amazing American Buffet” will feature the following:
Assorted salads
Hot dogs and hamburgers
Fried chicken and BBQ ribs
Corn on the cob and tater tots
Peel-and-eat steamed shrimp
A dessert bar
Free parking for dining guests
To enter the ticket giveaway to the “Amazing American Buffet,” Facebook users should visit the Dunes Manor Hotel’s Facebook Event page and do the following:
Like and share the event on their timeline.
Like the Dunes Manor Facebook page.
Private message the Dunes Manor with their email address.
Entries to the contest will be open until 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11. The winning entry will be announced on the Dunes Manor Hotel’s Facebook page on Wednesday morning, June 12. For more information about the “Amazing American Buffet,” visit the Dunes Manor Hotel’s site.
Like its next-door neighbor the Lighthouse Club, The Edge is a designer hotel and part of the sweeping bayside resort known as Fager’s Island. Unlike the Lighthouse Club, however, or any other hotel in Ocean City, each of the 12 suites in The Edge is decorated according to a different theme. The Left Bank, Riviera, Bliss, Safari, Contemporary, Monkey Island, Michelle, Bali, No. 9, Orient Express, South Beach Penthouse and Hang Five Penthouse each come with their own distinct personality and flavor — not to mention bay-facing Jacuzzi tubs, luxurious marble bathrooms and unique furniture and decor from around the world.
Ocean City’s bayside has steadily become a more popular hub for vacationers over the decades; not only to the boaters, who already know from experience all the delights of the Assawoman and Isle of Wight bays, but now for the families, couples and friends who have discovered that nothing beats a sunset over the peninsula, too.
Built in 2005, The Edge is accessible on its north side from a bridge that connects the hotel with Fager’s Island restaurant, and on its south side from a bridge that connects the hotel with Fager’s Lighthouse Club (this one can be driven over, and is accessible from Coastal Highway). It’s intimate, peaceful, and a little quieter than what you’d find at most Ocean City hotels — or, really, anywhere else in Ocean City at all.
Fager’s provides what’s probably the most ‘resort’ experience in town. Hotel guests can easily walk to the restaurant for a drink or an entire meal, and guests at the Lighthouse Club can take a dip in the pool at The Edge while guests at The Edge can socialize and enjoy fresh-baked cookies provided every evening at the Lighthouse Club.
Take a peek at some of the suites in The Edge and decide for yourself which one would lend itself to your perfect couples’ getaway — or just roll the dice and pick any suite at random, because they’re all comfortable, beautiful and equipped with gorgeous views of the Isle of Wight Bay. It’s hard to go wrong.
But if you particularly love monkeys, you should probably stay a night in Monkey Island.
Looking at The Edge hotel and glimpsing at its pool from the south entrance.The breezeway provides a cool and colorful spot to lounge in the summer, where guests can still take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bay.The pool is available to guests of both The Edge and the Lighthouse Club hotels. They can swim, lounge and enjoy frozen drinks and lunch served by the water.The Left Bank: A spacious handicap-accessible room, the Left Bank was designed with urban French decor in mind. Every suite — and heart-shaped Jacuzzi tub — in The Edge faces the bay. “When we have bad weather days, people say, ‘I really don’t mind staying in the room, it’s fine!'” said Angela Reynolds, Managing Director of Hotels at Fager’s Island.The Riviera: The Riviera features sensuous Italian surroundings, including an ornate gold king-sized bed, curved sofa and marble green electric fireplace. Another Jacuzzi in the window.The Bliss: The Tibet-inspired Bliss is a bi-level, two-bedroom suite that overlooks the pool. The Contemporary: Like the Left Bank suite, the bed in the Contemporary is imported from France. The split-level, art deco-styled room features a red chaise lounge next to the Jacuzzi that beckons guests to watch the tides ebb and flow until the sun sets.The Contemporary is additionally decorated with wall hangings and pillows handmade by Serbian women. “This hotel was built around the time of the Serbian war, so these were made by women to support the war effort,” Reynolds said.Monkey Island: “This is a fun room, lots of monkeys,” Reynolds said. “John [Fager] loves monkeys, as you would know by his Bad Monkey restaurant.” In Monkey Island, monkeys see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil; there’s also a large model racing sailboat that hangs from the ceiling and a wall of photographs that showcases racing boats of the early 1900s. The Michelle: Named after Fager’s wife, the Michelle is an elegant, French-influenced suite featuring a four-poster king-sized bed and period sofa and chair.The Michelle, like the other suites, also features breathtaking views that most guests wouldn’t mind waking up to each morning.The Bali: The Bali is a smaller, intimate suite with hints of Bali’s history carved into the bed’s headboard; it’s made of a screen that Fager picked up from the island, which the rest of the bed was built around. The Bali also features Balinese wedding oars and baskets.And in the bathroom of the Bali, a piece of island artwork lights up the space. “John just sends things to me sometimes, he sent two of these back and when I got them I thought, ‘what is he going to use these for?’” Reynolds said. “He said, don’t put them anywhere, wait ’til I get home, I know exactly what I want to do with them… He put them in as a nightlight and had the electrician put a light behind them. So we have two rooms with those in them.”Egrets nest outside the hotel in a photo taken from the balcony of the Island Monkey. “After we built this property they didn’t come back for like 10 years, and now they’re coming back,” Reynolds said.
[promos][promo name=”The Edge” business=”201 60th Street, Ocean City, MD” img=”https://www.oceancity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2016_the-Edge-Hotel.jpg” link=”https://www.oceancity.com/hotels-and-motels/the-edge/” cta_text=”Book Now” small_img=”true” top_border=”1″] The Edge is located on 56th Street next to the Lighthouse Club Hotel on the Isle of Wight Bay. Each of its twelve suites are individually and beautifully designed and furnished, reflecting sophistication with the simplicity of the beach. This small boutique designer hotel is positioned at the waters edge on the Isle of Wight Bay and offers an atmosphere of privacy and relaxation that’s unparalleled to anywhere else in town. [/promo][/promos]
Prepare to enjoy your OC day to the fullest. I certainly did after visiting this seaside escape and eatery.
The classic 70s groove tunes drew me to The MUZE Café before I spotted the peaceful, comfortable aesthetic and espresso aroma further up the street. Within view, though, I was immediately drawn in. It’s an oasis between the brick hotels and storefronts on either side.
Full disclosure, I had no intention of ruining my intermittent fasting plan with a massive crepe, but sometimes destiny steps in. And I’m glad for it; the entire experience was pleasant in the most genuine sense of the word. From the moment I walked up to the moment I left with a wave, I was welcomed, wowed and whisked away to a peaceful island’s seaside bistro in the heart of Ocean City.
I was greeted by three cousins who run the day-to-day operations and have been doing so for the past six seasons. The family is new to the restaurant industry, but their sense of comfort and relaxation reads loud and clear in the shaded dining area, under the protection of an old tree nestled in pergola beams, handwritten chalkboard signage and thoughtfully accommodating menu items. Allowing them to choose my menu and beverage for me was a wise move. I was given a tour of fresh, local and smooth flavors that I regretted finishing so quickly.
The MUZE Café is a family business.
The crepes are ten inches long and five inches wide. And there must have been a pound of fruit nestled inside, along with a half-cup of melted chocolate-hazelnut spread. It’s more than enough for breakfast and didn’t leave me nearly as weighed down as boardwalk food normally does. I was told that the matriarch of the company hand-selects their ingredients, sourcing only the best from what’s local and available. After tasting the two-inch diameter blushing strawberry slices and hand-mixed wafer-thin crepe, I believe that.
A crepe and a coffee at the MUZE.
MUZE offers peppermint syrup for their drinks all year, a major win for me, and the iced peppermint mocha made with whole milk and real whipped cream was so worth the calories. You know how you get a bit of old penny or grill rack-esque burned bitterness in espresso sometimes? Think diner coffee at half-past two in the afternoon, when you know no one has ordered it in hours. There was none of that. I’m a self-acknowledged coffee snob with a culinary background and this was one of the smoothest and most well-balanced iced drinks I’ve had. Not overly sweet, not so much syrup that the coffee disappears, and the proper ice-to-drink ratio to not dilute your investment into tan water.
The MUZE Café has Facebook and Instagram pages if you’d like to plan your visit. With limited seating, it might be a good idea to get there early. It’s a business that understands what makes OC so special; the family appeal of downtown, walkability of beachfront areas and the local flavors that you’ll remember months and years later. And they also remember you and your likes. I can attest to this, as I mentioned appreciating their peppermint availability in passing and was given a peppermint mocha without prompting. Personalized service in a busy tourist area? Yes.
MUZE offers a retreat from brutal sun, casual eats for all and ambiance in a normally hectic area. Enjoy – I certainly did!
Pizza might be the most ubiquitous beach food there is. It’s a close battle for first, though, with beach fries, ice cream and cotton candy among the other contenders. But there’s something about beach pizza that makes it better than its inland counterparts. The sauce is tangier, the cheese tastier, the topping greasier somehow. I’ve long thought that the ocean air and humidity helps the yeast in the crust be the best it can be, flavoring the dough with the purest sea salt possible, though my suspicions are as of yet unfounded. Whatever it is, a great slice is certainly a seaside staple.
But you run a serious risk grabbing that slice on the boards. Let down your guard for a second and those damnable winged bastions of thievery will snatch your snack right from your fingers. Instead, head to Mione’s for your quintessential pre- or post-sunbathing bite.
Mione’s been in Ocean City making Italian specialties from scratch since 1998, when the business owners moved their pizza business from Pennsylvania to the sunny shores of Ocean City, Maryland. The store is merely an excuse for this tight-knit Italian family to feed the public, though. Recipes passed down from his father Anthony are now being served to locals and visitors alike at both their locations.
I met with Carl, who’s continuing the Mione’s family tradition in town. Carl was in the kitchen, with the telltale cook’s sauce stains and floured fingernails when I arrived. Prepping the displays and recipes himself, he was kind enough to halt production a moment and share company history with me.
[promos][promo name=”Mione’s Pizza” business=”6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD” img=”https://www.oceancity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1738_miones-pizza2.jpg” link=”https://www.oceancity.com/restaurants-and-bars/miones-pizza-italian-restaurant-town-center/” cta_text=”Read More” small_img=”true” top_border=”1″] Mione’s isn’t a restaurant based solely on our food. Our food is family. From recipes that have transcended through our families history and brought over from Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, Mione’s aspires to treat each customer as family. [/promo][/promos]
Of course there’s pizza, of course there’s cold soda in the cooler, and of course there’s crushed red pepper on the tables. It’s your corner pizza shop, after all. If you’re in the mood for a little something different, though, Carl recommends their cheesesteaks, made from pure beef, their meatball parmesan sandwich and their pastas. I’d take his word for it, as everything he’s recommended to me has been amazing.
Their ravioli are homemade, they’re cannoli are filled to order and their hot wings are HOT. I’ve eaten there a few times, and while I sometimes fall into the trap of ordering a slice of the gooey, topping-laden pizza from the counter display, I will occasionally indulge in a more substantial offering. You get enough pasta for two meals, their eighteen-inch large pizza will feed three to four with no issues and their salads are pretty serious. Or, you can go my usual route and order a bunch of fried goodies like gravy fries, bacon and broccoli bites or inch-thick mozzarella sticks.
The shops are calm and comfortable, too with umbrella-topped tables outside and air-conditioned interiors for a relaxing respite from the summer sun. It’s not so formal that kids in flip-flops are out of place but not so casual that there’s sand on the seats. Both locations are great quick service stops for any and all.
The veggie pizza requires close supervision, so if you see me hunched over and doe-eyed in front of the glass, it’s only for the pizza’s safety, I assure you.
