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8 FREE Family Nights Out in Ocean City

There is no denying it, taking your family on vacation is not cheap. There’s the gas money and tolls to get here, your accommodation once here, and all that food they get through! But, there are opportunities to have a night out in Ocean City for all the family, and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny!

Sundaes in the ParkLet’s start with Sunday night. Sundae’s in the Park, at Northside Park on 125th Street, offers something for everyone. Starting at 7pm each Sunday through July and August, there is a different band each week, from rock, to big band to tribute bands, and there is always the opportunity  to get up and dance. Bring your own chair and sit and enjoy the music with friends and family, or take a gentle stroll around the park’s many walking paths in time with the music. There are various children’s activities on offer during the evening, and these Face painting at Northside Parkchange each week. It could be a magic show, face painting, or wild animals on show to learn about. In order to enjoy Sundaes in the park to its fullest, treat yourself to a sundae, and add the toppings yourself.  Although there is a charge for this, it’s no more, Decorate your own sundae at Northside Parkand possibly less, than elsewhere in Ocean City.  Popsicles and cold drinks are available too. And the great thing about being up town, the parking is free!  The evening ends each week with a stunning fireworks display from the fishing pier, over the bay.  For details on the bands playing this summer, go to https://www.oceancity.com/directory/event/sundaes-in-the-park-fireworks.html

And talking of fireworks, there are fireworks on the beach at the Boardwalk every Monday and Tuesday evening until August 25th. Lasting about 10 minutes, the fireworks will thrill you as much as any  4th of July fireworks. They are set off from North Division Street at 10pm, but are visible all along the Boardwalk, and are completely free! Fireworks in Ocean City

On Mondays and Fridays until August 7th, there are free movies on the beach at 27th Street. Starting at 8.30pm, these family friendly movies provide a great night of free entertainment for all the family. Remember to bring a chair or blanket to make this outdoor movie experience more enjoyable.  For a complete list of all movies, go to https://www.oceancity.com/directory/event/movies-on-the-beach-at-27th-street.html

On Sundays until September 6th, OC Beach Lights will light up the beach at North Division Street. Each show is about 8 minutes long and feature lasers, lights, special effects and video, all displayed on a five story inflatable sphere,  oc beach lights 2visible along the Boardwalk. This happens three times each Sunday night, at 9.30pm, 10pm and 10.30pm.  Firework effects have also been added to all shows. This is fun, exciting and completely free!  https://www.oceancity.com/directory/event/oc-beach-lights-54e35eca2e2c9.html has more information.

The Family Beach Olympics have contests for all ages, including sand castle contests, tug-of-war, and relay races to name but a few. This takes place every Tuesday thru August 4th at 27th Street Beach.  The event starts at 6.30pm till 8.30pm, and is, of course, free. For more information on this event, go to https://www.oceancity.com/directory/event/family-beach-olympics-54e36d16dc418.html

Life Saing MuseumThe Life Saving Museum on the Boardwalk at the Inlet has free summer programs, daily, through August 29th. Each program starts at 10am with a different subject tackled each day. Learn about Ocean City when it was a quiet fishing village, or discover all you need to know about beach safety.  Interesting for all the family, it lasts about 30 minutes, and is a good way to start your day at the beach. Go to https://www.oceancity.com/directory/event/life-saving-museum-free-family-programs.html  for more details.

Sunset Park, tucked away at S Division Street and the Bay, has free concerts each Thursday night at 7pm till around 9pm.  Bring your own chair to enjoy the concert in comfort, and watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay. The concert is free, of course, and drinks (including beer!) are available for purchase. This event runs until August 27th.  For a complete list of bands, go to https://www.oceancity.com/directory/event/sunset-park-party-nights-54e37093b79df.html

One of the bigger, free events in Ocean City each summer is the Concerts on the Beach series. Enjoy these free Concerts on the Beachconcerts as you relax on the beach after a long day of fun and activities.  From tribute bands  such as Sir Rod, to local bands like Lauren Glick, there is something for everyone. Bring your blanket for comfort for this event which starts at 8pm each Wednesday. Full schedule is available at https://www.oceancity.com/directory/event/concerts-on-the-beach-54e3889c63468.html

So there you are, a bunch of activities to do in Ocean City this summer, that won’t break the bank. Try each one while you are here, have a wonderful time,  and share your pictures of your evening with us at https://www.oceancity.com/submit/

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This week in OC: July 24-30, 2015

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beach patrol– The men and women of the Ocean City Beach Patrol spend all summer protecting you and your loved ones as you enjoy the beach and ocean. This Saturday, July 25, the OCBP will be getting out of their lifeguard stands to compete against on another for the ultimate bragging rights in the 2015 Crew Competition. Known as the ‘Crew Comps,’ this annual event puts members of each beach patrol crew against each other as they test their physical abilities in a series of team challenges. Stop by the beach at N. Division St.beginning at 6:30pm to cheer on the crew that protects your beach. Find more info, including which crew you should be rooting for, here.

OC Beach Lights 2014 photo by OC Beach Lights Facebook– While you’re in Ocean City, make sure to maximize your vacation with free nightly events hosted by the town. This week, create your own sudae at Northside Park from 7-9pm with Sundaes in the Park; check out a spectacular laser lights show aling the Boardwalk with OC Beach Lights shows at 9:30, 10, 10:30p; enjoy beach fireworks on Monday and Tuesday on the beach at N. Division St; listen to the sweet sounds of Bluesman Tom Larsen at Wednesday’s Concert on the Beach on the Caroline Street Stage; and rock out with Sunset Park Party Nights on Thursday from 7-9pm. For more info about these or other free Ocean City events, please call 800-626-2326.

photo by thereturnofjesusbyjacob.com
photo by thereturnofjesusbyjacob.com

– Finally, next Monday- Wednesday the annual event known as Jesus at the Beach returns. Stop by the Convention Center for 3 days of family-oriented Christian praise music, drama, and dance. Also be sure to stop by the beach at N. Division St. to check out the widely popular sand carvings depicting Jesus and religious scenes. More info can be found at 410-289-1296, www.jesusatthebeach.org or info@jesusatthebeach.org.

Don’t forget to join our online community by visiting our forumsigning up for our newsletter, and following us on social media at on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for breaking news, breathtaking photos, daily updates, and weekly giveaways from your online authority for everything Ocean City.

Kids of Ocean City (17 photos)

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Ocean City is simply the best because it offers fun for all ages.  Kids seem to enjoy the city the most. You can see the sheer excitement of a kid when they first see the boardwalk and curiosity in the eyes of a baby when visiting the  beach for the first time. Ripley’s Believe it or Not will have children in disbelief and Jolly Roger Amusement Park  provides endless fun. Ocean City even offers free family-friendly entertainment like  concerts and movies on the beach,  Family Beach Olympics, and  light shows.  With an abundance of restaurants, hotels, and attractions, Ocean City is the best place for a family vacation. Those of you who’ve had the Ocean City family experience shared awesome shots of your kids enjoying the city. Here they are. Don’t forget to submit your photos!

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Millions on the Line as the World’s Largest Billfish Tournament Returns

2013 White Marlin Open Ocean City MD 40th AnniversarySince the great storm of 1933, Ocean City, Md has grown into the “White Marlin Capital of the World.” The storm severed the reef connecting Ocean City and Assateague, creating the inlet and providing access to the ocean- and the many fish swimming through it- to a much larger percentage of fishermen. A year after the storm, Captain John Mickle pulled in Maryland’s first recorded white marlin (a home video of the storm exists and can be seen on the Maryland Historic Societies Vimeo page).

In the years following, white marlin fishing in Ocean City boomed, and now, the world’s best anglers converge on the resort town once a year to compete in what has become the largest (and most lucrative) billfish tournament in existence- the White Marlin Open.

The 42nd annual White Marlin Open will take place from August 3rd-7th, 2015. Hundreds of anglers from all over the globe will cast lines as they compete for the chance to catch record-breaking fish and gain a share of the millions of dollars in prize money. Last year, the prizes totaled over $2.77 million, and the 2015 prize pool is expected to be even bigger.

The participants and spectators are in for 5 days of fishing, weighing, and suspense. Each day starts as early as 4:00 am with the boats heading out to sea and ends as late as 3:30 pm, when every boat must stop fishing unless a fish is still on the line. The weigh-ins are held at Harbor Island on 14th street from 4:00-9:15 pm. Spectators can feel the suspense with every time the scale tips. Every ounce counts in determining who gets the fortune.

The weigh-ins are free, so don’t miss the excitement. Parking is available at The Presbyterian Church on 14th Street and at Holy Savior Church on 17th Street. A shuttle service is also available from the Convention Center lot. If you can’t make the weigh-ins, you can always check out the leaderboard or watch live feed on the Marlin Cam at whitemarlinopen.com.

If you’ve never experienced the White Marlin Open, here are some looks at what you’re missing:

 

photo by realtown.com
photo by realtown.com
photo by playmatessportfishing.com
photo by playmatessportfishing.com

Harbour Island White Marlin Open Ocean City MD

photo by baltimoresun.com
photo by baltimoresun.com

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White Marlin Open Ocean City MD

 

A Guide to Ocean City Fun (15 photos)

In Ocean City, Maryland your options are endless when it comes to fun.  You have the beach at your disposal, the Boardwalk to explore and more. From roller coasters, amusement parks, and arcades, to paintball courses, mini golf, and  zip lines , Ocean City offers  a wide variety of fun for the family. Check out these photos of families taking advantage of what Ocean City has to offer; they certainly know how to have a good time. Don’t forget to keep submitting your photos!

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Play in the sand.

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Greet the ocean.

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Swim with a mammal.

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Go boogie boarding.

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Become one with the waves.

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If you get a little tired, just relax on the beach.

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Go for a (para)sail.

Night fall on the Boardwalk

Take a stroll along the boardwalk…

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and play in an arcade.

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Pose in a three ton tire.

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Hug a transformer.

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Play mini golf.

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Visit a  brewery.

These are just a few  of the things you can do in Ocean City. Go out  and explore for yourself.

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27 Jolly Good Reasons to Visit Jolly Roger

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For a full day of family fun, where every one of every age can find just the right amount of thrill to please or even scare them enough for it to be a memorable experience, a visit to Jolly Roger’s Splash Mountain and SpeedWorld is just the ticket!   Drift back to your childhood and scream like no one can hear you as you slide down one of the many waterslides, or get behind the wheel of a go cart and drive the way you wish you could drive on Rt 50!  Watch as the littlest of children laugh when they get splashed by a water squirter, or marvel that your child is brave enough to go down a slide that you couldn’t be paid to go down!  Check out your teenager as they whiz past you on a go cart, giving you a worrying image of a future yet to come.  And at the end of the day, as you all go home exhausted, you will be full of stories that will continue to be retold long into the fall months, when school is back. Create a memorable Ocean City day, and memories that will last forever.  Go to Jolly Roger for more information.

A “Jet Powered Fundraiser”

This year, we’re teaming up with Odyssea Watersports, Jetovator, and Ocean City Brewing Company to host the Cedar Chapel “Jet Powered Fundraiser”. The school is in the process of converting a courtyard into a year-round instructional space and we’d like to help by raising $2,500 to cover the flooring, and beyond (if we surpass our goal). Here’s how the fundraiser works. Local celebrities and brewery representatives flew on one of two  jet powered crafts: the recently introduced hover board and the OC Jetovator. We filmed  the  flights.  The footage will be shown at Ocean City Brewing on July 27th. Between now and then, you can sponsor your favorite flyer and donate to the cause here.

Phase one of the the fundraiser took place at Odyssea Watersports on Monday, July 13th.  Here’s how it went:

Briefing on the Beach

The flyers were briefed on the beach.

Packed into Pontoon

Then, flyers and press alike,  piled into pontoon boats.

Oddysea Watersports shore

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Leaving the shore behind, they  set out for the day.

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We set up....

The crafts were set up.

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The flyers geared up.

Then, they  took flight.  There was success…

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and there was failure…

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But, we had a good time for a great cause. To learn more about the Cedar Chapel “Jet Powered Fundraiser” or to donate to the cause, click here.

Sun Painted Skies (16 Photos)

Twice a day, Ocean City’s skies are painted in rich pink, purple, and golden hues for you to enjoy.  Sunrises and sunsets are two free performances you can always count on and they’re experiences that shouldn’t be missed. Every person should watch the sun rise or set at least once in their lifetime. Luckily, they aren’t once in a lifetime events. Why not  enjoy them on an Ocean City Beach? Sit back, relax, and watch nature do it’s work. Those of you who’ve already gotten the chance to experience Ocean City’s  sunsets and sunrises shared your photos with us. Keep submitting your photos!

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Throwback: Summer Fun Throughout the Years (15 photos)

We asked for photos and you all really came through. We’ve gotten tons of great submissions of this year’s celebration. Some of our favorites, even, have come from 4th of July celebrations of years past. Looking back on all these fond memories reminds us all of the wonderful times that come without fail when visiting Ocean City. The fond memories of past summers and celebrations make new experiences all the more meaningful. Whether you’re planning your first trip to join us or have been spending your summers here since you were a child, these photos, submitted to us by locals and visitors alike, will remind you that Ocean City always has been, and always will be a wonderful place to celebrate and relax.

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Strollin’ the Boards (25 photos)

Ocean City’s Boardwalk stretches for 3 miles and offers something for everyone.  Whether is an ice cream to cool you down, lunch with the family, or romantic dinner for two, you will always find somewhere on the Boardwalk to meet your needs.   Perhaps you want to ride the rides, or just listen to the screams of others doing so, or maybe you want to people watch while eating french fries covered in vinegar and salt!   An early morning jog with no cars to worry about, or an evening stroll as the rides light up as bright as the faces of the people riding them.  After a full day, and plenty of sunshine and fun, ride the Boardwalk train back to your hotel or car.  Whatever your desire, the Boardwalk will deliver. Check out these Ocean City Md Boardwalk Photos

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Microbrew Monday: July 13, 2015

With 4 breweries in town, 10 more under an hour away, and more popping up every few months, Ocean City, MD has asserted itself as the fastest growing craft beer brewery destination on the East Coast. Each week, OceanCity.com brings you ‘Microbrew Monday’ to keep you in the know about what’s going on around our local brewery scene. Don’t forget to check out ShoreCraftBeer.com for complete craft beer coverage and to learn how you can win prizes just for drinking local with the ShoreCraftBeer.com Shore-17 and OC-8 Brewery Challenges!

Here are this week’s highlights:

clambake– Wednesday, July 15, is the return of the Clambake in Crisfield. Described as “an outdoor all-you-can-eat affair featuring crabs, clams, fish, corn on the cob, and watermelon, and in election years, lots of politicians” this event is a must attend for seafood lovers. Chesapeake Brewing Co. will be on hand to help quench your thirst with their locally inspired ales and stouts.

– Ocean City Brewing Co. has two dozen taps, many of which are occupied by craft beers made on premise. This week, Ocean City Brewing has new summer releases like its Blood Orange IPA, Orange Cruch Wheat Ale, and Watermelon Mint Ale, so make sure to stop by to sample them all! Also, head to the brewery for Pint Night on Tuesday at 7:00, “Firkin Friday” where a special, one-of-a-kind cask-conditioned brew is featured weekly, and breakfast at the brewery on the weekends. Finally, if you want a first-hand look at the brewing process, don’t forget to stop by OC Brewing Co. for a personal tour of the operation. Tours take place daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

– Evolution Craft Brewing Company, in Salisbury, is preparing for its next beer dinner on Wednesday, July 22. For this event the brewery will be partnering with El Dorado Distillers. Tickets are on sale now for $75. Evo also has great food and beer specials all week at Public House Restaurant and the tasting room. Check them out Monday for 1/2 priced wings and all day happy hour; Tuesday you can get a beer and burger for only $10; Wednesday house-smoked brisket sandwiches are 1/2 off all day; Thursday is ‘Community Appreciation Night” featuring discounts for police, firefighters, EMTs, teachers and others who make the local community a better place; and Sunday Evo has 1/2 priced burgers and happy hour all day long.

– The 3rd Wave Brewing Co., just up the road in Delmar, DE, prides itself on ‘Good Friends, Good Waves and Great Beer’ and wants to share all three with you. This week, stop by the taproom for School Faculty Appreciation Night on Monday for Hoppy Hour prices with proper ID, Wednesday for 3 pints for $3 each, Flight Night on Thursday with half price flights, or any other night to try 3rd Wave’s newest offerings.

– Located at 10th St. and the Boardwalk, Ocean City’s first brewery- Backshore Brewing Co.- may have the best view of any brewery anywhere in the country. Stop by for the view and stay for the handcrafted beers and brand new HoopTea. Plus, don’t forget to be on the lookout for Backshore’s big screen debut in ‘Blood, Sweat, and Beer,’ a recently released documentary chronicling two craft beer breweries.

This week in OC: July 10-16, 2015

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After a dreary July 4th weekend, the we’re expecting much more ideal beach weather this weekend in Ocean City, Md. If you plan on joining us, check out these events and activities going on around town:

photo by whitetailsoftoday.com/
photo by whitetailsoftoday.com/

– This weekend Ocean City goes international with the annual Greek Festival at the Convention Center. Hosted by St. George Greek Orthodox Church and lasting Friday- Monday, the Greek Festival features authentic food, live entertainment, a variety of vendors, and the chance to win $5000. Entry to the event is free and proceeds raised from fundraisers will benefit community and ministry programs of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Visit www.stgeorgebythesea.org/greek-festival for more information.

fireworks 2015– Also this weekend is the 28th annual OC Tuna Tournament. Originating from the Ocean City Fishing Center at Sunset Marina, the Tuna Tournament will see over 100 boats attempt to reel in prize winning fish. WIth over $500,000 on the line this is one of the premier tuna tounraments on the east coast. The event lasts Friday-Sunday with nightly weigh ins from 4:30-7:00. Admission to the weigh ins is free to spectators. Visit www.octunatournament.com to learn more.

– Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the free weekly events hosted by the Town of Ocean City. This week, check out Sundaes in the Park and fireworks on Sunday at Northside Park from 7:00-9:00pm, then head down to the beach at N. Division St. for OC Beach Lights beginning at 9:30. You can also see beach fireworks on Monday and Tuesday night and a free Concert on the Beach on Wednesday at the Caroline St. stage. For more details or other free events, call the town offices at 800-626-2326.

Don’t forget to join our online community by visiting our forumsigning up for our newsletter, and following us on social media at on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for breaking news, breathtaking photos, daily updates, and weekly giveaways from your online authority for everything Ocean City.

 

How a day of boogie boarding in the 80s is still being felt on 133rd St. (22 photos)

Way back in the early 80s, Brandon Hemp, Joseph Akob and Eddie Clark, then total strangers, bonded over their love of boogie boarding on the beach at 133rd St in Ocean City, Md.

With their sons splashing in the surf together, longtime Ocean City vacationers Cary Clark, Carol Hemp and Anita Akob soon formed their own special beach bond.

When they all returned to Ocean City the following summers, the boys renewed their friendship, adding some new faces to the mix.

But growing older and making new friends didn’t change a shared love for boogie boarding.

Spending summer vacation together on 133rd St. became an annual occurrence for the Hemps, Clarks and Akobs by 1992.

And the 133rd St. “family of friends” continued to grow.

By 1999, 3 generations of the Hemp, Akob and Clark families were spending summer vacations in Ocean City, and new friends were coming into the fold.

And, before too long, the 4th generation of 133rd St. was being thoroughly represented.

Most years, the growing group of Ocean City vacationers celebrates July 4th together with a 133rd St. party, like this one in 2001!

And this one a few years later.

In 2010, Carol Hemp set out on a beautification project to bring new life to the 133rd St. Dune Crossing.

Thanks to plenty of help from the 133rd St. “family of friends,” some mulch, and new plant life, the project was an overwhelming success.

They even added decorative bird houses in addition to flowers, flags and sculptures.

Which helped the group add even more friends during the 2000s.

Including Pam Maskell (left), Scott & Amy Grace (back row, 2nd and 3rd from left), Larry & Diane Macklin (center), and the “Mayor of 133rd St.,” Nick Usiondek (back row, 3rd from right), and the Thomas Family (right).

And longtime 133rd St. lifeguard, Bryan Joiner, who retired from the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2013; but not before a proper send off from his family.

The farewell party gave birth to a new tradition and the 133rd St. group now holds an annual end of year bash on Labor Day weekend.

At the 2014 party, 33 members of the group participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of fallen 133rd St. friend Ned McFeely. A testament to the close-knit nature of the group.

Speaking of close, many years and memories after their initial meeting, Joe, Eddie and Brandon are still great friends who still share a love for boogie boarding.

And Carol, Cary and Anita still look forward to their families spending summer days together.

While the next generation of the 133rd St. “family of friends” creates lifelong memories and friendships of their own.

 And continue an Ocean City legacy that has spanned decades of summer vacations!

Take a Spin at the Carousel Hotel

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The Carousel Hotel on 117th Street  is as family friendly as they come.  With an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool, an ice rink, fitness center and sauna, and live entertainment, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy.  You can step straight from the hotel onto the golden sands of Ocean City’s famous beach, or you can enjoy being close to the beach, but not quite on it by staying at the pool with its gardens and children’s activities.

There are rooms and condos, with ocean views or bay views, and a choice of indoor or outdoor dining. Take a spin on this Carousel journey and look at some photos of this well know hotel, then go to http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/carousel-resort-and-condominiums to get more details and to book your stay. 

 

 

A Royal Visit to the Princess Royale

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The Princess Royale Oceanfront Family Resort & Condominiums sits on Ocean City’s sandy beaches, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The huge glass atrium houses the large indoor pool and pool front rooms and suites.  There are two room suites plus 2 & 3 bedroom luxurious condominiums, along with whirlpools and saunas and a day spa.  There are games for the kids around the pool area, and both indoor and outdoor restaurants and cafes.  So treat yourself like royalty and check out these photos of the Princess Royale Hotel.  Go to http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/princess-royale for more information and to book your stay here.

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How your families spend their time in Ocean City (15 photos)

The 4th of July  represents our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain and the birth of our nation and its values. With family being one of our core values, it’s no wonder we spend the holiday  celebrating with  our loved ones. In Ocean City, the beach is the main venue for celebrating our nation’s independence. With 10 miles of sand and ocean at your disposal, a variety of attractions and things to do, and a spectacular fireworks show and concert in the evening, the weather did not damper your  fun this 4th of July weekend.  We asked for your 4th of July photos and you delivered. We’d love to see your photos. Just visit our ‘submit your photos’ page. Keep submitting your pictures for a chance to win a free  two-night stay at the Grand Hotel & Spa!