As another year draws to a close, we take a look back at 2022 in Ocean City, and see what changes have taken place in the resort. People often don’t like change, preferring instead to remember the resort as it has always been. But change is something that Ocean City has always experienced, right from its conception in 1875, so it’s nothing new, and although not all change is good, some change is vital to keep the town relevant, and acceptable for todays standards. After all, who would still want the narrow beach which would completely disappear at high tide, whilst we all wore woolen bathing suites? Or how about no bars or nightclubs at all in the Town during Prohibition? How about the old hotels which had shared a bathroom and shower area on each floor? Or segregated restaurants and accommodations which continued for far too long? How about no Inlet so it would be impossible to get from the bay to the ocean without hauling your boat across the sands! (the Inlet was created during a storm in August 1933). Although there are some things that we would prefer stay the same, in reality, that never really happens! So, here are just some of the things we noticed happened in Ocean City in 2022.
Early Winter Storm
We had an early snow storm in January and more in February 2022. Have you ever experienced the Boardwalk when it’s covered in snow? It is certainly very different to the summer Boardwalk we are all so familiar with.The snow cleared from the roads in January and February made quite a pile of snow in the Inlet Parking Lot which took some time to melt.
New Atlantic Beverage Center takes shape
Atlantic Beverage Center next to Seacrets was erected this year, and finally opened November 2022. It’s beautiful inside and out, and they have Happy Hour daily where you can take 10% off everything in the store from 2-5pm daily!
Building continues at the old favorite, BJ’s on the Water
BJ’s came down at the end of last year, and in 2022, its replacement has slowly been constructed. Salt Water 75 should open 2023.
Rising from the Embers
The old All You Can Eat Embers never did reopen after the pandemic forced its closure. But instead, this summer The Embers literally began to rise from its ashes, to reach new heights on the third floor of a very impressive building on 24th street, as an open kitchen dining destination. The Embers should be open Spring 2023.
Movies in North Ocean City Closes
Sun & Surf movie theater closed its doors shortly after Labor Day 2022.
Boardwalk Replacement Conitnues
While skyrocketing lumber prices, supply concerns and shipping delays put a hold on replacing the Boardwalk boards during Covid, this year the project took place. It’s a two-year project, and we are now in the second phase of it, from 15th Street south to the pier. Hopefully work will be completed by Spring 2023.
Dinosaurs Moving North
Nickโs Jurassic Mini Golf migrated from their spot on 18th Street, and plan to resettle just one block north at 19th Street, if they don’t become extinct during their journey.
Fontainebleau Changes
One of Ocean Cityโs oldest and most-recognized hotels, the Clarion, was sold in 2022, and renamed Ocean City Fontainebleau Resort, marking a new dawn on 101st Street. A change of color on the outside is just the beginning of the transformations. Wait till you see their new rooms!
BBQ with a View
28th Street Pit n Pub expanded in 2022, by building a roof garden, so now you can enjoy your BBQ with a view!
Phillips Crab House now Union Chesapeake Seafood House
The former Phillips Crab House property on 21st Street, opened as Union Chesapeake Seafood House, an all-you-can-eat seafood and prime rib buffet, early summer 2022.
Time to Chill on 112th Street
Gold Coast Beer & Wine moved from their independent spot in front of the Gold Coast Mall to the old Peebles spot at the Mall. Dairy Queen Grill and Chill moved into the building, bringing a place to chill on Coastal Highway.
Dune’s No More
An old favorite, the Dunes Manor Hotel, closed it doors at the end of the season 2022. A total renovation and rebrand for the Dunes is underway with a full floor-to-ceiling upfit and, upon completion in late Spring 2023, the property will re-open as Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Beachfront.
Holiday Inn Oceanfront Pool Renovations
The pool area at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront on 66th Street has started renovations to create a brand new pool and garden area at this oceanfront hotel. Let the transformation begin!
Margarittaville Plans
The Beach Plaza Hotel between 13th and 14th street, which first opened its doors in June of 1953, finally closed them in 2022. A Margaritaville Resort is planned to replace it.
New Condo’s in North Ocean City
The empty lot on 145th Street, near the 144th Street Transit Center, has had its trees removed and the building of new condos has started.
Paul Revere Rides off into the Sunset
The old Paul Revere Restaurant at the Plim Plaza reopened as the fully renovated indoor and outdoor Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill.
Phillips Seafood House Demolished
The old Phillips Seafood House property at 141st Street and Coastal Highway was raised to the ground 2022. It is thought a mixed-use residential and commercial project will take its spot, but at present the lot remains empty.
New Date for Sunfest
Sunfest, usually held the third weekend in September, was moved in 2022 to October 20-23 for a few reasons, but mainly to accommodate the new three-day Oceans Calling music festival. Some people weren’t happy about the change of date, but this year at least, the original date was a washout due to the remnants of a hurricane and a Norโeaster on the same weekend the town would have traditionally hosted Sunfest. The new October date brought sunshine and mild temps on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but the event was cancelled on Sunday due to heavy rain and high winds.
Oceans Calling Take Two
The first-ever Oceans Calling three-day music festival scheduled for late September and early October 2022 was ultimately canceled by a storm. The remnants of Hurricane Ian, and a norโeaster, forced event producers C3 Presents, and town officials to cancel the Oceans Calling music festival just a day in advance of it’s opening day. Plans to hold the event on same weekend in 2023 are ongoing.
Odyssea Watersports on the Move
Odyssea Watersport’s 50th Street location officially came to an end as the 2022 season ended. As of now, they will be offering Jetski rentals at their location on 52nd Street, but boat rentals for 2023 are unknown at this time as they work on securing a new location. Keep up to date with their news here.
And Finally….
Some things, fortunately, remain the same. Our local friendly fox can still be spotted all over the resort, enjoying himself whether the crowds are here or not, in sunshine and snow! Look out for him next time you are here! (and watch out for your flip flops!)
So sad to see BJ’s on the water go. The frosted mugs, 11:00 am start of happy hour and the food, all gone! The Frog bar at the inlet with Froggy hour and watching the seagulls fishing for like they are supposed to instead of dive bombing people for Thrashers fries. Not happy to see the favorite places go, it was a ritual to enjoy these and some others that have moved or upgraded.
this was a great article bringing back meny memories…
Hi. Iโm looking to bring a business to the boardwalk. Where can I find storefront availabilityโs on the boards?
Its sad to see some of the old that made OC
What it was, lots of memories gone, it seemed to start when the old Commander was demolished, people used to dress up to go to diner, those days are gone as well as the people that made old Ocean City what it was.
Progress is great but not always better, lets keep our fingers crossed that things don’t change as a family resort. All the best.
Thanks for sharing all the photos and the updates! Cheers to a great 2023 season!
Whatโs happening where the Frog Bar and shops were?
I enjoyed looking back at the year! I miss my old Ocean City. I remember living in OC during the gas shortage of the ’70s. I know things have to be updated and renewed but I still miss the time when I was here for about two years living after we
were first married and the construction boom was going on and then the gas shortage of odd and even days of getting gas for vehicles. What a time! I have to get back here!