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Creature Feature: Wildlife in Winter in Ocean City, Maryland and Beyond

Jessica Bauer
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Creature Feature: Wildlife in Winter in Ocean City, Maryland and Beyond

Creature Feature: Ocean City, Maryland Wildlife in Winter in and Beyond

Wildlife’s Winter Strategies in Ocean City, Maryland and Beyond

For this chapter of Creature Feature we will discuss how wildlife copes in winter. Winter is often thought of as a time of rest for many wildlife species, but what really happens?

Find out about:

  • Bears (not lions or tigers, and bears aren’t in Ocean City, but we thought their hibernation info was cool and you can see them in Western Maryland.)
  • White-tail Deer
  • Turtles
  • Frogs
  • Torpor
  • Cloacas

Hibernation Periods Called Torpor

Recently, we received reports of red bats taking flight during some of our warmer winter days. While this may seem unusual, it is actually normal for this species. Although some eastern red bats migrate, other eastern red bats undergo short-term periods of hibernation, known as torpor. This strategy allows them to wake up when conditions are favorable and forage for food. Sometimes they will spend their short slumber in leaf litter instead of in trees.  

Not in Ocean City – The Black Bear – Thank Goodness

Creature Feature Ocean City Maryland
Black Bear by Lisa Broadwater DNR Photo Contest

Another Maryland mammal that undergoes torpor is the black bear. Black bears actually recycle metabolic wastes, produced during torpor, back into proteins. This strategy allows their bodies to keep their muscles and bones from wasting away while sleeping.  The ability of black bears to endure long periods of inactivity without damage to their bodies, particularly their kidneys, is of great interest to medical doctors. Researchers have been studying bear kidney function and how they might apply their findings to treat kidney disease in humans.

(Closest sighting of a black bear to Ocean City, Maryland was in 2008 when a young black bear was seen wandering through Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. )

On Assateague Island – White-tailed Deer 

Creature Feature Ocean City Maryland
White-Tailed Deer by Wendy Crowe DNR Photo Contest

White-tailed deer, in contrast, do not undergo torpor but do decrease their activity when the temperatures dip. In the fall, white-tailed deer trade their summer coat for a winter one which is designed to absorb more sunlight and trap additional heat. During periods of harsh weather, deer can hunker down for several days to conserve energy. They also tend to switch their diet to forage items, such as twigs, stems, and bark. It takes two to four weeks for their bodies to shift over to digesting new foods, so the introduction of high calorie supplemental feed (like corn) during this time is occasionally fatal for deer.

Let us Know if you see these inhabitants of Ocean City, Maryland

Winter strategies for reptiles, like turtles, are very different from the mammals mentioned above. Turtles, such as painted turtles and snapping turtles, can survive being frozen in ice and fare much better if left in ice rather than being free and exposed to cold air. Some species can hibernate for months in low or no oxygen environments by slowing down their metabolic rate (sometimes as much as 99%!) and by changing their blood chemistry. While submerged, turtles can absorb oxygen through their skin, mouth, and even their cloacas (butts)!

Creature Feature Ocean City Maryland
photo credit: Wood frog by Kerry Wixted

Other animals that can freeze including some of our local frog species, like wood frogs. Wood frogs are one of the earlier frogs that emerge when spring comes around. Wood frogs have nucleating proteins in their blood which work with an influx of glucose to protect the frog’s cells from damage during freezing. It is estimated that some wood frogs can remain frozen for up to eight months at time!

Look for the next Creature Feature for Ocean City Maryland and find out all kinds of great insights about the creatures around us!

 

 

ALSO CHECKOUT:

If you are an educator, daycare provider, community leader, etc. who works with K-12 students try Maryland Department of Natural Resources Professional Development Workshops.

Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest details

A new craft brewery opens in Salisbury.

Jennifer Sabini Evans
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A new craft brewery opens in Salisbury.

By Jennifer Sabini Evans

Burnish Brew Co. opened at 2305 Northwood Dr. Suite E, in the North side of Salisbury, MD, behind the Rommel Harley-Davidson.  It is the 4th craft brewery operating in the county.

Burnish Beer Co.
Fourth craft brewery to open in Salisbury, MD, Burnish Beer Co.
Jennifer Sabini Evans/OceanCity.com

Throughout the building’s taproom, visitors sit at tables splitting wood-fired Neapolitan style pizzas, munching on wood-fired orange glazed chicken wings, and making their way down the line of mini brewskis, testing their pallets to see if they can find a new favorite to order later as a full glass.

A great feature of the place is the outdoor beer garden, a cozy 2,000 square foot pet friendly oasis replete with greenery and polished-wood picnic tables where you can unwind and enjoy craft beers with friends and loved ones.

Burnish Beer Co., is evidently becoming one of the area’s popular chill spots to spark off the weekend.

For more on Burnish Beer Co., read the full article on Shore Craft Beer.

Winter Waterfowl: Not Always at your Peck and Call

Maryland Coastal Bays Program
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Winter Waterfowl: Not Always at your Peck and Call

During these cold, wet, winter months, it can be hard to find life in the Coastal Bays. However, there are many interesting creatures who call our watershed home during these chilly times, such as migrating waterfowl! You may be asking yourself, what exactly is a waterfowl? Well, it is simply a bird that frequents water, such as a duck, goose, or swan. Below, you can read about a few of these migrating birds found in the Coastal Bays during the winter months.

Bufflehead

In the winter, the preferred habitat of this small sea duck are estuaries, making the Coastal

Bufflehead – Photo by National Audubon Society

Bays the perfect wintering ground for these energetic waterfowl! If you are trying to spot a Bufflehead, be on the lookout for small groups or pairs; they are almost never seen in large flocks. And always be looking over the water, Buffleheads are rarely seen on dry land. Buffleheads are North America’s smallest diving duck. They make diving look easy by compressing their plumage to squeeze the air out, taking a slight leap forward and plunging downward, holding their wings tight against their bodies and using only their feet to propel them. They can complete an entire dive in approximately twelve seconds, all in the search of finding delicious aquatic invertebrates such as dragonfly larvae, crustaceans, and various mollusks (their main source of nutrition in winter) to munch on. During the winter months, Buffleheads are found mainly near the coast, using coves, estuaries, and marshes as shelter, being sure to avoid open coastlines.

Snow Goose

Snow Goose – Photo by National Audubon Society

These beautiful, white-bodied birds with black wingtips and pink bills, begin their migration journey from the northern most parts of Canada and travel all the way down to spend their winters through the US’s Midwest and Atlantic Coast. If you are on the lookout for some Snow Geese, be sure to keep your ears open because they release a cacophony of nasal honks when in flight or on the ground. The massive flocks that form during the nonbreeding season resemble a snowy blanket as the geese munch on plant material across open fields or wetlands. When examining this snowy blanket, you might see a dark bodied bird with a white head. This is a color variant of the Snow Goose called a Blue Goose. White and blue morphs of the Snow Goose will flock together, but the white will always outnumber the blue. When wintering and migrating flocks are feeding, there are always “lookouts” present to alert the rest of the flock when a predator, such as a Bald Eagle, is near. In recent years, Snow Geese populations have grown, and they are now among the most abundant waterfowl in the United States.

Tundra Swan

Tundra Swan – Photo by National Audubon Society

The largest of the waterfowl mentioned in this article, this long-necked, entirely white bird has just a splash of yellow color at the base of the black bill. They visit our watershed during the winter months, feeding on grain found in harvested agricultural fields. Like the Snow Goose, Tundra Swans form large flocks, and, while in these large flocks, they breed as solitary pairs. And yes, they do mate for life! In fact, they are known to pair up for an entire year before breeding. These strong swimmers sleep afloat and when they do feed in the water, they dip their long necks underwater to pluck aquatic plants and roots. These vocal creatures have a noisy, high-pitched whopping call and, when in flight, the rhythmic flapping of the Tundra Swan’s wings produces a beautiful whistle that can be heard even when the bird is flying 100 feet overhead!

Bufflehead – Photo by the Chesapeake Bay Program

Fast Facts:

  1. The name “Bufflehead” comes from “buffalo-head” – based on the male’s odd puffy head shape.
  2. The oldest Snow Goose on record was 27 and a half years old.
  3. In aggressive or defensive situations, adult Tundra Swans make a very distinct hissing sound.

Each of these important waterfowl bring life to the Coastal Bays each winter. It is important to protect and conserve our watershed so that these birds will continue to have safe wintering habitat. To view how climate change is predicted to impact migration patterns of these species, please visit Audubon, search for the bird of your choice, and select “Climate Vulnerability” to see how the species range will change under increased global temperatures.

About the MCBP Contributor:

Chandler Joiner is an Environmental Educator with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. She is responsible for developing and leading a variety of environmental education programs, including newly added virtual programming for students and community members. Chandler is also responsible for the creation and implementation of MCBP’s Living Local program. Click here to check out the Living Local farm spotlights, and if you are interested in learning more about MCBP’s educational programming, please email cjoiner@mdcoastalbays.org for more information.

Inside Ocean City’s Oldest Bar

Kristin
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Inside Ocean City’s Oldest Bar

Harbor Inn is the very picture of a “hole-in-the-wall” bar. Located on the bayside of Somerset Street, it’s easy to miss if passed by on a night when jukebox tunes aren’t emanating from the inside, although that isn’t very often. The dive has weathered every storm to hit Ocean City for 87 years now – longer, if you count the fact that the building itself was built in the 1800s – but its future is fuzzy, and regulars wonder if the bar will someday be able to celebrate its long-awaited centennial anniversary.

A piece of Ocean City history

Harbor Inn bartender
Head bartender Buddy Groff makes a Whiplash, the bar’s signature drink of his own invention that includes Pinnacle Whipped and freshly-squeezed oranges.

“She’s hanging in here ’cause she don’t want it to change. She doesn’t want someone to come in, buy it out and change this corner of OC.”

Buddy Groff has been bartending at the Harbor Inn for almost a decade. He mentions the bar’s current owner, Sheree Musson, and how she’s received offers from businesspeople looking to buy out the Inn and the surrounding three buildings that Musson also owns. Groff says that Musson was once offered a million dollars for the lots, an offer that she declined.

Ocean City Bars

Ocean City is a great bar town, start your bar search here: We have comprehensive bar listings that direct you to the place best suited to your mood.

Harbor Inn has always been owned by women, since the mid-1920s when Musson’s grandparents, Irish and Emma Farrell, first opened the building as a market. This was during prohibition, when they couldn’t legally sell alcohol. Now, decades later, the truth comes out.

“Trust me, they were selling liquor before prohibition,” Groff said with a laugh, adding that the bar claims the oldest existing liquor license in Maryland (it officially became a bar in 1935, two years after prohibition ended).

When asked to recount a story from the bar’s days of yore, Musson smirks and says, “If walls could talk, they’d probably tell a lot.” But she and Groff both have a favorite story from Harbor Inn’s early days, passed down from the older generations.

“Years ago when my grandmother first opened it up, she was friends with the Chief of Police,” Musson said. “It was really originally a little market for the marina over here, and she would pour whiskey in Coca Cola bottles and put them in the counters where the candy or whatever was sold.”

The moral of the story is, essentially, that it pays to have friends in high places: the Chief of Police would call up Emma Farrell whenever the police were coming to raid the place, and she’d put the illegal Coke bottles in a cart and wheel them around the block until the cops were gone.

Bar owner
Owner Sheree Musson, out on Somerset Street in front of the bar.

“She remembered when the Inlet was cut through,” Musson said of her late grandmother. “She used to sit and talk to the customers and tell ‘em stories all about Ocean City, which I’m kind of glad to be a part of, growing up here. I can remember when Ocean City wasn’t passed 33rd street. “

The locals’ favorite dive

Wayne Short moved to Ocean City from Essex 40 years ago, and he’s been a regular at Harbor Inn ever since.

“I came down on spring break, I just ain’t left yet,” he says, perched on the stool where he watches customers weave in and out while he downs a pitcher of Landshark. Short lives in one of the other buildings that Musson owns, but he picks up his mail right at the bar. Ever the character, he once trained an iguana, Hillary, that he had registered as a service animal.

Best Bars in Ocean City – Category winners for the Best of Ocean City

Ocean City is known for being a family-friendly resort, but the town has a vibrant and exciting nightlife scene in the summer. Sometimes it just seems criminal to sit out on the beach without a Piña Colada in one hand and an orange crush in the other, and with so many bars lining the streets of Coastal Highway, it can be hard to decide where to get your drink of choice.

“What’s up with the Barbies?” a customer asks, pointing to the mostly-naked dolls sitting on top of a TV behind the bar.

“He collects ’em,” Short answers, motioning toward Buddy.

Groff doesn’t actually collect them, but he and Short quip back-and-forth like this all night. The Barbies belong to bartender Dawn Ramashka, Groff says, whose friends bring them in to her for “dates.”

Ken doll
“Dawn #1” is written on Ken’s chest because he’s supposedly Ramashka’s number one boyfriend.

While at first glance the dive appears to be decked out in the expected beer brand paraphernalia, it also sports its own unique, personal touches. There’s the naked Barbies, for one, but there’s also the picture of Groff with the guitarist from heavy metal band Jackyl (“I asked him for a picture and he said he’d only do it if we took it under the ‘Dumbasses’ sign,” Groff recalled) and framed newspaper clippings on the wall, media coverage from Harbor Inn’s 80th anniversary three years ago.

A lot of blood, sweat and tears has been poured into this place over the years. More recently, the bar underwent renovations after Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012, but even with a fresh coat of paint and remodeled bathrooms, Harbor Inn never really changes.

“It’s really been kind of the same since the beginning – as far as the storms coming through, we’ve lost the flooring and things like that,” Musson said. “But we haven’t changed it a lot. We haven’t had to.” 

The bar has always been owned by the same family, but Musson says that her children have no interest in taking over the business someday. Her main concern is that, if she sells Harbor Inn, the oldest bar in Ocean City will cease to exist, or else become a place that she doesn’t recognize.

Two young women stumble in through the side door, evidently hitting the next stop on their Friday night bar crawl. Groff invites them to put something on the jukebox, and one of them chooses Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself.” It’s not a song you would expect to hear in a place like this, where classic rock is in regular rotation, but Harbor Inn defies expectation all the time.

Have A Happy New Year in Ocean City!

Anne
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Have A Happy New Year in Ocean City!

As 2021 comes to a close, what better way to start 2022 than to head to Ocean City to celebrate the New Year? There is entertainment and festivities to suit everyone, as well as deals on hotel packages that are hard to resist.

Hotels in Ocean City are offering deals for New Years Eve – enjoy a great evening of entertainment and then head to your room for a good night sleep without having to go out into the cold and fight the traffic to drive home.

  • The Clarion Resort Hotel will have their New Year’s Eve Gala on NYE in their Horizons Oceanfront Restaurant. There’s a gourmet dinner buffet, dancing and entertainment, plus a cash bar.  Reservations are required and gratuity is not included in the price. Call the hotel at 410.524.3535 to make a reservation.
Clarion New Year’s Eve Party
  • The Residence Inn has a New Years Eve package so you can enjoy their very own ball drop at midnight then stay at this beautiful bayside hotel following it. Their package includes a Bayview king or Double Queen Studio Suite, a bottle of champagne in your room, and NYE party favors. Additional nights may be added to reservations after booking – Call sales at 410-723-2222.
View from the Residence Inn Ocean City
  • There’s a big New Year’s Eve party at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort this year. It’s to be an evening inspired by James Bond 007 with Blackjack, Roulette, 3 Card Poker and Texas Hold ‘Em tables, and music from Don’t Stop as you will dance your way into the New Year in style. Dress code is stylish, suit and bow tie preferred but not essential… its all about the party! Tickets are $199 per person (taxes and gratuity included) and include signature selects open bar of spirits, wines and beers until 12:30am, casino games, hors d’oeuvres, plated dinner, and a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Deluxe Oceanfront Room packages are also available; call 410-524-7777 ext 2009 for details or click here. This event benefits the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation.
Casino Royale at the Princess Royale this NYE
  • The Aloft Ocean City invites you to ring in the New Year with them! Their NYE package includes two night hotel accommodations, live entertainment on New Year’s Eve (DJ Groove) and New Year’s Day (Marcella Daniella), a Bloody Mary Bar and Brunch Specials (additional cost) and a 1pm Late Check Out on Sunday. You can find out more and book your NYE package here.
The Aloft Ocean City
  • Ring in 2022 at the EPIC Bar and Grill located in the Grand Hotel. For only $75/person you will receive Open Bar from 9pm-1am with a champagne toast at midnight, tunes from DJ David Colt and of course karakoke! It’s a cash bar after 1am. For an additional $45/person you receive a three course dinner anytime between 5pm-9pm.

 

Grand Hotel Ocean City
  • Many hotels, bars and restaurants will remain open for the festivities on New Year’s Eve. Amongst this group is Seacrets who has its annual New Year’s Eve Bash starting at 5pm. Ring in the New Year with a complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, then party ’til 4am with live entertainment all night! You can also enjoy a three course dinner including a Salad, Appetizer & Main Course. Cover charge for NYE Party, Soda, Tea, Coffee & a Champagne Toast also included. *Reservations Required for dinner. Seatings for dinner start at 4.45pm until 8.45pm. For more details click here.

  • The Residence Inn has their very own ball drop at midnight but the party begins hours before! Join them for their 2nd annual bayside ball drop where you can countdown and view their OWN brightly lit NYE ball drop LIVE in front of the hotel! The event is visible from the lobby bar and their private balconies, so why not book your room for the night! Limited availability so call 443.664.7044 for details and reservations.

 

  • Harpoon Hanna’s invite you to ring in 2022 with them. Dave Hawkins is playing from 5pm to 9 pm, and DJ E-State will play from 9pm to 1am. There’s no cover, no packages, no reservations, and NO HASSLE!

  • The Aloft Ocean City invites you to ring in the New Year with them! Their NYE package includes two night hotel accommodations, live entertainment on New Year’s Eve (DJ Groove) and New Year’s Day (Marcella Daniella), a Bloody Mary Bar and Brunch Specials (additional cost) and a 1pm Late Check Out on Sunday. You can find out more and book your NYE package here.
WXYZ Bar at the Aloft Ocean City
  • Longboard Cafe have announced their NYE menu! The evening starts with a cocktail hour at 6PM, then enjoy your four course meal at your own pace, with an open bar all night.  Please call for 443-664-5639 reservations(not available online)
Longboard Cafe New Years Eve Menu
  • The Original Greene Turtle on 116th Street is open New Years Eve and will have DJ Wiz and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! And if you’re up for it, this will be the place to be for watching football on New Years Day!
The Original Greene Turtle
  • If you are planning your own celebrations, you can always order pizza and subs from Billy’s Sub Shop on 140th Street. They will be open New Years Eve until 11pm, and New Years Day from 11am-11pm. Order ahead by calling 410-250-1887.
Pizza from Billy’s Sub Shop
  • Looking for somewhere special to have dinner on New Year’s Eve? Sello’s Italian Oven & Bar in West Ocean City will be open serving their delicious and wide array of choices from a wood fired oven individual pizza to 8oz Center Cut Filet Mignon. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (410) 390-3543.
Sello’s Italian Oven & Bar
  • Pickles Pub on 8th Street will be open New Years Eve with a Champagne toast at midnight, and Beats by Styler. There’s no cover!
Pickles Pub
  • The Town of Ocean City has a fireworks display to kick off the New Year with a bang at midnight at Northside Park.  This will be accompanied by hot chocolate, live entertainment, and the opportunity to marvel at the Winterfest of Lights, with a walk through this dazzling park.

  • Berlin is once again hosting its annual New Year party and ball drop. There will be 2 celebrations this year: Kids: 5:30pm – Laser Light Show & Ball Drop at 6pm (Same time as Berlin Germany), Adults: Party begins at 10pm with music by Ocean98s Big Al Reno, dancing, beer fundraiser for We HEART Berlin, Laser Light Show! The Ball drop will happen at midnight. **as off 12/30/2, this event has been cancelled**
Photo courtesy of BerlinMainStreet.com
  • If you are up for activity on New Year’s Day, blow away the cobwebs and breathe in that fresh 2022 air on the beach with the Ocean City Penguin Swim. The 28th Annual Penguin Swim will take place once again on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street! Have the whole family start the New Year off in a way you won’t forget whether you get your toes wet or not.  More details are available here.

  • New Years Day also gives you the chance to view the Performing Art Center at the Convention Center for the Mayor’s New Year’s Day Concert. All residents and visitors are welcome to attend the free event on Saturday, January 1st from 4 PM – 6PM, which will feature a special performance by The Priceless Band, a Motown band from New York.
  • Get the gang together and take them to Escapomania – Escape Room Ocean City on 118th Street (near Food Lion). You can have a laugh, bond, and maybe even test those old brain cells are still sharp after all the holiday celebrations! Check out the days they are open below, and book at www.escapomania.com/ocean-city-md or call 443-856-9241 to make your reservation.
Escape Room on 118th Street hours for the Holidays 2021

For a full list of all events in Ocean City, click here. However you decide to spend your New Year, OceanCity.com wishes you a healthy and happy one!

 

Fox found with shoe collection in Ocean City, MD

Jennifer Sabini Evans
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Fox found with shoe collection in Ocean City, MD

By Jennifer Sabini Evans

There are a lot of stories about foxes. Foxes and Hounds, foxes in winter, Fox in Socks, foxes and falling leaves. Then, there is this dog. She boldly goes where no fox has gone before. Meet the Red Fox on 92nd Street, known around here as “Penny” the Fox.

Red Fox on Beach
Red Fox walking on coastal beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. David Unger, Getty Images

Penny may look like a normal, adorable red fox, but she (I’m guessing she is a she) is really a sneaky shoe thief. She walks miles and miles around the resort and nearby condominiums looking for her precious loot before taking her haul back home to her den in the sand dune at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort on 92nd Street.

Guests of the resort would claim that their shoes would go missing after placing them on the dune crossing before taking a quick stroll on the beach. Others would place mismatched shoes lined up along the fence line, with hopes guests would claim their belongings. No one suspected this fox had a foot fetish until the day I took a walk on the beach in front of the Princess Royale.

While there, I’m almost ashamed to admit this, but Penny, the red fox, stole my shoes while I was making a phone call. A Cole Haan Argento Metallic Leather Nantucket Loafer, if you’re interested.

The General Manager of the resort had no idea how dumb I felt when he stared at me from the dunes, while I was aimlessly searching for where I thought I had left my shoes. In an act of kindness, the General Manager looked through the resort’s security camera footage while I went back to the dune to look for my missing shoes one more time.

To our surprise, he spotted this sneaky ninja swiping my loafers and running into the dune to hide her newfound treasure. Not only did Penny swipe my loafers, we also found many mismatched flip flops and sneakers, and a Wiffle ball in and around her den.

While it may seem odd to see foxes in a city like Ocean City in the summertime, it is actually not uncommon. Fox families have been seen playing on the dunes of 134th Street, outside of The Dunes Manor on 28th Street, 83rd Street and now most recently on 92nd Street. I’m sure if you look closely in the dunes where foxes breed you will find not only shoes, but paper, plastic, balls or anything leather.

Wild Red Fox - Kim Johnson Photography
Wild Red Fox in Ocean City, MD at sunrise. Photo captured by Kim Johnson Photography

Fox cubs love to play and foxy parents love to bring their children “toys” so they can learn valuable life skills. Through play, cubs learn important behavioral patterns for later in life, like how to fight, mate and hunt. This play enables the fox cubs to become familiar with its body as well as learning to live with its fellow foxes. And when the foxes mature, they still enjoy bringing their new found treasures home.

Penny is one smart, devious and frankly adorable thieving fox. Next time I take a walk on the beach, I’ll remember to take my shoes with me, or leave them in the car. For more information on this beautiful Maryland mammal, check out the latest info from Maryland DNR.

Sharing the love!

Anne
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Sharing the love!

The off season, between October 1st and April 30th, is when our beloved pets are allowed on the beach and Boardwalk. Pets get to enjoy the things their humans get to enjoy year round, including a run on the beach, a stroll on the Boardwalk, and a picture taken at some of Ocean City’s iconic photo ops like the Ocean City Life Saving Museum and Ripley’s. They get to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, the views, the fun of parades on the Boardwalk and the opportunity to just sit, relax and enjoy their time in Ocean City with the rest of their family! We have put together some of the great pictures you sent us of you and your pets enjoying Ocean City in the off season. Want to bring your pooch here on vacation? Find a pet friendly hotel in Ocean City here.

Robin McConnell
Lou Migliore
Neal Bowlin
Kristen Hess Kvidt
Judy Grim – First time at the beach for my girl Sierra! When were there in October and she loved it!
Renée Suzanne
Tiffany Turner – Grady loves long walks and watching the sunrise on the beach

Amanda Perdue
Rob Conway
Bob Smith
Monica Chase
Janine Eaton
Michele Dunn
Bill Luskin – Sadly going home over the bridge after a fun week vacation back in June
Sean Perdue
Judy Grim – This was Sophie’s 2nd time at the beach and she loves it!
Carl Meyers
Kimberly Lynn
Laura Sheehan
Kate Sienkiewich – birdie being a rebel
MacKenzie Wright
Danielle Malchow
Kevin McDonnell – Loki loves Greene Turtle
Chad-Michelle Walck
Sharon Schneider
Dana Montoya
Melonie Tibbs
Sharon Norfolk Beall
Sheila Williams
Kristen Hess Kvidt
Irena Jones
Laura Barton
Dan AndTonya James
Richard A Bogert Jr
Robin Sayegh McMahon – Pet Parade
Jimmy Greene – Howl o ween pet parade
Christy Romansky
Debbie Roche – Barley & Hops ❤️ the boardwalk
Christine Nicole
Pamela Buckalew

Find out more information about pets in Ocean City here.

Getting ready for the Winterfest of Lights

Anne
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Getting ready for the Winterfest of Lights

A stroll through Northside Park this week shows the Town is just about ready for Thursday’s opening night for the Winterfest of Lights. Be prepared to be transported to a world of sparkle, twinkle and glitz as you make your way through this beautiful annual event starting this week and running until January 1st. You can walk as fast or as slowly as you wish, walk just a small part of the park, or double back around and stay for hours! There are plenty of seats around so you can sit and rest, or just sit and take in this marvelous, festive transformation. But all that won’t happen until this Thursday, November 18th. Right now, all we have is a little glimpse of what it will be. Best come back one evening soon to see it all lit up!

Winterfest Walking Tour Lights Up Northside Park for 29th Annual Event

Anne
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4
Winterfest Walking Tour Lights Up Northside Park for 29th Annual Event

Ocean City’s 29th annual Winterfest of Lights will return as a walking holiday event on Thursday, November 18, 2021, with an expanded path route. The opening ceremony will return with a magical display and tree lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m. and is FREE to the public this one night only.

Adding to the winter wonderland is a special performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars” performing holiday songs and dance. In addition, Mayor Rick Meehan will “flip the switch” to light the Winterfest holiday light displays and the 50-foot Christmas tree officially opening Winterfest of Lights to the public. Santa will make a surprise appearance for the opening ceremony and be sure to look to the sky for a special holiday experience.

Winterfest guests can experience the magic and spirit of the holiday season close up. The walking path is expanded this year and contains several surprises along the way, creating family-friendly opportunities that will last a lifetime. Grab your cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the Boosters concession window and enjoy the spectacular light displays with many loyal favorites, including the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Toy Factory. Also, patrons can’t miss the animated, 50-foot Winterfest Christmas tree “performing” its show throughout the evening.

 

Guests will have two photo options this year with Santa Claus and his sleigh or seated more traditionally on his chair. Families can listen to holiday music throughout the park provided by Radio Ocean City or download the Radio Ocean City App for a more personal high-fidelity music experience.

If you have a leashed pet, bring them with you on Wednesday for Furry Friends Day! The hours of operation will be Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Winterfest tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Admission is $5 for those 12 years & older and FREE for those 11 years and younger. With thousands of holiday lights, Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights will create long-lasting holiday memories for you and your family.

For more information, click here.

5 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in Ocean City

Jessica Bauer
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5 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in Ocean City

Ocean City is filled with tradition, and in Ocean City, it’s  a mixture of tradition, nostalgia and a love for the beach. People have their favorite places to visit, their favorite foods and things to do when they come to the beach.

Make a New Tradition, or Celebrate an Old One

Thanksgiving weekend in Ocean City

 

Building an Ocean City Thanksgiving tradition is a relatively easy thing to do. It startswith planning a meal. There are two ways of doing Thanksgiving, going out or staying in. For people who are more the staying in types, many of the better hotels have packages that include dinner. Lots of local restaurants are open as well, but whether you’re staying at the hotel or just coming to dinner, you should read this list of options for Thanksgiving:

Winterfest, obviously

Winterfest of Lights

Winterfest starts at Thanksgiving and it’s one of the biggest and coolest light displays on the East Coast. Spend some time in the Winter Wonderland created by the town as part of its Winterfest Village. Even if you can’t make it down for Thanksgiving, the Winterfest experience alone is worth the trip. Get some cocoa, take a walk, meet the big guy. You know, the usual.

Ocean City Winterfest:  Your Guide to Winter in Ocean City Md

Expand your Thanksgiving Menu

Who can resist salty seaside oysters?

Start a new tradition by adding some of the fresh local seafood available in Ocean City every fall.  Try O\oyster stuffing or shrimp cocktail.   Joe from the Shrimp Boat stays open during the holidays to deliver (or have people pick up) some of their favorite seafood. The point is, if seafood isn’t part of your tradition you can make it one. If it is, we know a guy:

Get fresh fish from the Shrimp Boat all year – OceanCity.com

Get out and enjoy all nature has to offer

Assateague Island ponies

Fall at the beach is quieter with wide open beaches and lots of wildlife. Get out and do some exploring, maybe have a photo adventure or just walk along and enjoy the quiet.

Find a new place to stay

house on the bay in ocean city md

People with summer homes in the area often come to town as a last great hurrah.  They have their Thanksgiving celebration, pack up the house for the winter and spend one last family weekend of reverie at the house. If a house at the beach is something on your shortlist, maybe now is the time to start checking it out.

You can always stay in one of the spectacular oceanfront hotels when the prices are much lower during the off-season.  Check out your hotel and accommodation options here.  If you are ready to compare rates and availability, you can do that here.

The top 10 reasons to own real estate in Ocean City – OceanCity.com

…And one more reason to visit OceanCity.com

You Can Stay Connected

stay connected with the OceanCitydotcom Facebook page

If you’re out of town but wish you weren’t, you can connect with other Ocean City lovers on our Facebook page. Recently we were talking about traditions there, so feel free to join the conversation.

 

Meet local author Robert M Craig

Anne
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Meet local author Robert M Craig

“New Books on Old Ocean City: Local Author Meet and Greet”

Robert M. Craig has published two new books in his growing collection of histories and recollections of Old Ocean City. In 2019 Craig published Maryland’s Ocean City Beach Patrol and Saving Lives: A History of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, two illustrated books about the beach patrol organization that is a family tradition: the author served between 1960-65, Craig’s son served between 1999-2001, and the author’s father, serving 1935-87, was captain from 1946 until his retirement in 1987.

Robert M. Craig Beach Patrol book

Now, two new books are available and will be featured at two “Meet the Author” events in which Craig will present a short talk about his recent years writing about the town in which he grew up in the 1950s and 1960s, the various summer jobs, music, and experiences of yesteryear.

Robert M. Craig’s Oyster Shell Alleys

Oyster Shell Alleys: Remembrances of Times Past is a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories which opens with a moving account of the author’s boyhood engagement with the service personnel of the Lankford Hotel in the back alleys (the metaphoric oyster shell alley) and undercroft of the 1924 landmark hotel. He follows with humorous accounts of a Christmas pageant at a local church, accounts of childhood pastimes and mischievous tricks on the boardwalk, and reminiscences of Boardwalk Elvis, of the author’s lifeguard test, and of rescuing “Big Bake” (the town’s most famous cop) from a rip current.

Robert M. Craig’s Irma’s Seed

Irma’s Seed, Beach Poems and Life Poems, includes laments regarding the passing of the historic cottages of the town, poems about the Alaska Stand, feeding seagulls on the beach, and Trimper’s Merry-go-Round, and much more.

Although the two library “Meet and Greet” events are celebrations of Craig’s latest books on Ocean City, the author will also have available for sale the two beach patrol books, and his 2018 book of first-hand memoirs of 34 Vietnam vets (including the author). Craig is the author of 13 books, the latest published this month on Atlanta’s Public Art. Dr. Craig is Professor Emeritus of the College of Design, Georgia Tech (where he taught in the architecture school from 1973-2011). His books on architecture have won regional book awards from the Southeast Chapter, Society of Architectural Historians (SESAH), the Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC), and the Georgia State Archives.

Please join one of Ocean City‘s most prolific authors:
at 2pm, October 19, 2021, at the Ocean Pines Library (11107 Cathell Rd, Berlin, MD 21811; just off Hwy 589 (Race Track Road) between south gate and the Rt 90 overpass)
OR
at 2pm, October 21, 2021, at the Ocean City Library, 10003 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842 (just north of 100th Street/Church of the Holy Sprit Episcopal Church, bayside).
Both events are free.
To purchase books: cash or check, please (no credit card availability). Author is happy to sign books and/or write a dedicatory inscription.

Creepy Creatures of the Coastal Bays

Maryland Coastal Bays Program
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Creepy Creatures of the Coastal Bays

The leaves are changing color and the temperatures are beginning to drop, meaning Halloween is right around the corner. This October, get to know the creepier creatures of the Coastal Bays! From a fish with slimy warty skin, to one with razor-sharp teeth, to another that can stun its prey with an electric current, these creatures are truly spooktacular!

Northern Stargazer

Northern Stargazer by Canvasman21
Northern Stargazer by Canvasman21

With its funky teeth, white spots, large head, and flat body, the northern stargazer (Astroscopus guttatus) is quite a strange looking creature. However, these unique features make the northern stargazer a skilled hunter. As a bottom-dwelling species, the northern stargazer feeds primarily on crustaceans, shrimp, and other benthic critters.

Juvenile Northern Stargazer by Liz Wist, MCBP
Juvenile Northern Stargazer by Liz Wist, MCBP

To feed, northern stargazers bury themselves in the sand with just their eyes and mouth sticking out, essentially camouflaging themselves from any critters swimming by. When they sense their prey approaching, stargazers produce an electric shock that stuns their target. This electric current is delivered through a special organ on the stargazers’ head, making the stargazer fall into a special category of organisms called bioelectrogenetic. Once the prey is stunned, the northern stargazer uses its large mouth to suck in the food, just like a vacuum cleaner!

Oyster Toadfish

The oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau), also referred to as the “ugly toad fish,” is quite a spooky looking critter. With fleshy flaps that line its mouth and eyes, a spiny dorsal fin, loud mating call, and powerful jaws, the oyster toadfish is definitely one of the most unique creatures in our bays.

Oyster Toadfish by Liz Wist, MCBP
Oyster Toadfish by Liz Wist, MCBP

The oyster toadfish is scale-less, covered in a mucus-y skin that feels slimy to the touch and can sometimes even have warts! Adults have vicious snapping teeth that are powerful enough to crack through oysters and other shellfish, crustaceans, and small fish.To protect itself from predators, the oyster toadfish has a spiny dorsal fin capable of puncturing as a defense mechanism. When it comes time to mate, male oyster toadfish produce a loud foghorn-like call to attract females by quickly contracting the muscles near its swim bladder. Remarkably, the oyster toadfish is able to survive in polluted waters and is even able to withstand being completely out of the water for 24 hours!

Lizardfish by Liz Wist, MCBP
Lizardfish by Liz Wist, MCBP

Inshore Lizardfish

The inshore lizardfish (Synodus foetens) has truly terrifying teeth! Named for its long, slender body that mimics the physique of terrestrial lizards, the lizardfish is best known for its sharp, needle-like teeth that fill its mouth and even line its tongue. Lizardfish are skilled predators with a voracious appetite for fish and small invertebrates.

Lizardfish by Arianna Russo, MCBP
Lizardfish by Arianna Russo, MCBP

They tend to live in coastal areas with sandy bottoms where they bury themselves and wait in anticipation for their prey.Lizardfish are often described as “invisible” predators because of how quickly they can dart around and ambush their prey. The second part of their scientific name, foetens, comes from the Latin word “foetid,” meaning “smelly” or “odorous,” referring to the stinky odor emitted when they die and begin to decompose!

About the Author

Katie is the 2021-22 Chesapeake Conservation Corps Member at Maryland Coastal Bays Program. This year, Katie will be splitting her time between education and science, assisting with a variety of restoration and monitoring projects and educational programming at MCBP. Katie looks forward to learning more about the Bays’ creatures, MCBP’s wetland restoration projects, and water quality sampling over the course of the year while also gaining experience in environmental education and getting to spend lot of time outside!

OC Lifesaving Station Celebrates Ocean City History Week

Anne
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OC Lifesaving Station Celebrates Ocean City History Week

The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum is winding up their fall celebration of Ocean City History Week. This celebration will run from October 10th-16th and all Eastern Shore locals get free admission throughout the week and weekend.  History Week offers a variety of events and activities that highlight the town’s unique cultural heritage here on Maryland’s coast.

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

If you live on the Delmarva peninsula, stop by and enjoy the museum free of charge. Capture the perfect family photo with our display of fall flowers, pumpkins, and hay located on the boardwalk in front of our shark display and anchor. Free programs will be offered every day at 1 p.m., as the museum takes a close look at the equipment that was used by the United States Life-Saving Service to conduct rescue. The “HISTORY OF OUR SURFMAN” programs will be held inside the museum’s boat room.  There are other activities at the museum that will be of interest to history buffs, so please check out the museum’s full calendar here: https://www.ocmuseum.org/events

Ocean City Life Saving Station, built 1891

A list of upcoming History Week events listed below:

  • On Wednesday, October 13th join the staff in learning how to preserve your own old photographs and paper.  You much pre-register for this event.
  • On Friday, October 15th the Ocean City Lifesaving museum joins the “Dead of the Night” paranormal team to experience the spirits that occupy the museum during evening hours.  Tickets are $30 and you can register online at  ocmuseum.org.
  • On Saturday, October 16th, the Ocean Pines Players theater group will put on a show with figures from Ocean City’s past.  This event is free!
Early morning light on the Life Saving Station Museum

For more information about the museums upcoming events, please visit: https://www.ocmuseum.org/.

The 4 Best Happy Hour Specials in the Ocean City, Maryland Area 2021

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The 4 Best Happy Hour Specials in the Ocean City, Maryland Area 2021

The 2021 The Best of Ocean City® voting is closed and the winners have been announced.  Everyone loves a good happy hour, discounted drinks are the way to go! Happy hour specials make Ocean City life exciting. Ocean City has many places that offer happy hour specials and are all excellent. Here are some places that the Ocean City community believes have the best happy hour specials!

 

M.R. Ducks

 

M.R. Ducks Bar and Grille in downtown Ocean City, Maryland is located on 311 Talbot Street and the bay. Just a few blocks from the crowds of the beach and boardwalk, you will find the unique charm of M.R. Ducks Bar and Grille. The gazebo-style bar is built over the water to help keep you cool on those hot summer days. Their happy hour is from Monday through Friday 3 pm-6 pm. The M.R. Ducks Saloon continues to be a comfortable and relaxing spot over the bay to gather with friends and enjoy the ever-popular Chug-a-Duck, M.R. Ducks crab dip, or the signature wings. You might even hear a tall (fish) tale or two and catch an unforgettable sunset while listening to great entertainment.

Bad Monkey

 

Bad Monkey Bar & Grill is located at 58th Street and Coastal Highway in the heart of Ocean City MD and on Rt. 50 in West OC features breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the best happy hour at the beach! They have over 40 craft beers in cans, bottles, and draft. Hand-made cocktails upstairs at the burger bar or grab a signature cheesesteak and shoestring fries from their downstairs sub shop. Bad Monkey T-shirts make a great OC souvenir. Come try their famous Monkey Punch drink that consists of various cruzam rums and other flavorful juices! Happy hour at the Bad Monkey is unbeatable, 2 for 1 drinks from 3 pm – 6 pm!

 

Coconuts

Coconuts promises casual seaside fare, an Ocean City casual dining experience in their beachfront restaurant setting at the beachfront grill and beachfront bar. Indulge your appetite with a char-grilled beach burger, fresh grilled fish, a homemade salad, a fresh fish taco or a delicious wrap. Coconuts menu offers a variety of awesome appetizers, sumptuous salads, char-grilled sandwiches including burgers, chicken, fish and hot dogs, as well as specialty wraps and soft tacos. Quench your thirst with a frosty, frozen drink. Check out the best CRUSH BAR on the beach! Experience the best of the Bahamas! Try their award-winning signature rum punch drink… the Tipsy Turtle. Join them for happy hour, the fastest hour on the beach! Every day from 5 to 6 pm, offering 2 for 1 drink specials. A day or evening at Coconuts oceanfront restaurant is something your Ocean City, MD vacation should never be without!

 

And the Editor’s Choice Winner is…

Longboard Cafe

Each year, the staff of OceanCity.com and a group of locals go through each of the categories and give you an option we think deserves your consideration as The Best of Ocean City® for 2021.  We think you should definitely give Longboard Cafe if you would like to try their cocktail pouches to go!

Fall at Northside Park

Anne
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Fall at Northside Park

We love Northside Park, on 126th Street in Ocean City, but believe it or not, each time we post a picture of this North Ocean City park, there are always some who say “where is this park? I’ve been coming to Ocean City for 20 years and I’ve never been there”!

Northside Park is a fabulous place to walk, rest, or play, no matter what time of year it is. In the spring you’ll find the pretty pink blossoms on the trees, the summer it’s always full of children (and some adults) playing, plus Sundaes in the Park on Sunday evenings. The fall brings golden leaves, and a welcome cool breeze from the bay, and winter brings, of course, the Winterfest of Lights!

We were there just this week, and along with the golden turning leaves on the trees, we spotted some early signs that Ocean City is getting ready for Winterfest of Lights, which starts November 18th. Take a look at some pictures of our beautiful, and often missed, Northside Park, and next time you are in Ocean City, make sure you put aside some time for a visit.

Endless Summer Cruisin’ rolls into Ocean City

OceanCity.com
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Endless Summer Cruisin’ rolls into Ocean City

 Custom and classic cars, hot rods and trick trucks will be out in Ocean City this October 10 – 13 for the 27th annual Endless Summer Cruisin’ event at the Inlet Parking Lot and 40th Street Convention Center.

Events kicks off Thursday with car shows, vendor showings and awards presentations and continue through Sunday, with more than 2,000 automobiles on the streets and on display.

 

Hanging out with friends at the Convention Center Parking Lot, checking out the cars!

The main events take place at the Inlet, where car shows run throughout the weekend.

What’s New in 2024

On Thursday and Friday night cruise down to the Inlet parking lot for a Drive-In Movie at 7pm.  Thursday night will feature American Graffiti and Friday night Back to the Future will be playing.  While the movie is free to watch please make sure to pay for parking on Friday night.

Celeb sightings:Special guest scheduled to appear at Endless Summer Cruisin is Jerry Mathers, best known for his role as Beaver Cleaver on ths classic show “Leave it to Beaver.” Jerry will be at the OC Convention Center on Friday Ocotber 8th 11am-4pm  and at the Beachside Inlet on Saturday October 9th from 11am-4pm.  Also joining the fun will be Joe Zolper from the hit show “Garage Squad.” Joe will be at the Inlet Friday October 8th 11am-4pm and at the OC Convention Center Saturday October 9th 11am-4pm.

Special Event Zone Ordinance: The Town of Ocean City will be classified as a Special Event Zone through the Endless Summer weekend. There will be double fines and strict enforcement for speeding, reckless or negligent driving, spinning wheels and alcohol-related driving offenses, and encouraging drivers to commit traffic violations will not be tolerated.

The Cruisers Boardwalk Parade

Wednesday and Thursday

Endless Summer Cruisin’ doesn’t officially begin until Thursday, but early arrivals can sign in at the Convention Center between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Seacrets will a Kickoff to Endless Summer Cruisin featuring a live DJ & door prizes from 7-10pm on Wednesday!

Cruisin’ will really kick-off with the first Boardwalk parade on Thursday morning at 8 a.m. Car shows at the Inlet and the Convention Center are all day, including a hot rod and custom car show and the American Graffiti show cars at the Convention Center. Don’t forget the Drive in Movie event at the Inlet Parking Lot at 7pm.

Friday and Saturday

The days begin at 8 a.m. with a Boardwalk parade, where cars will start at 27th Street and travel to the Inlet Parking Lot.

At the Inlet and the Convention Center, car shows will continue to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Around 30 vendors will be on site selling anything from nostalgia automotive-related items to jewelry.

Sunday’s Events

On Sunday the Grand Finale Awards will take place at the Beachside Inlet. Before Endless Summer Cruisin comes to an end there will be more than 500 trophies, plaques and awards presented plus over 3,000 giveaways.

The full schedule of events and times can be found here.

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