Inside Casita Linda, Ocean City’s New Mexican Bakery and Café

Kristin
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Inside Casita Linda, Ocean City’s New Mexican Bakery and Café

Casita Linda, a bakery and café serving traditional Mexican baked goods, breakfast foods, coffee and espresso, opened to a steady stream of customers on Thursday, April 25. Located on N. Baltimore Avenue in the Monte Carlo Hotel, the new café is now open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 7 p.m. once Memorial Day hits, through the summer.

The menu is still evolving, said Casita Linda manager Cynthia Barragán, but it currently includes a breakfast burrito with ham or chorizo, chilaquiles verde, quesadillas, torta sandwich and salad, baked goods including concha and concha ice cream sandwiches, mole pan dulce and tarts, traditional coffees and horchata lattes and fraps, and a few fruity drinks. Owner Linda Barragán runs the business with her family, who together craft traditional family recipes passed down from their home in Guanajuato, Mexico.

“Our roots are deeply embedded in the soil of Guanajuato, Mexico. Every detail in our creations at Casita Linda hold a lifelong meaning or a memory.” – Casita Linda on Facebook.

Peak inside Ocean City’s new café

Casita Linda Ocean City MD
Outside Ocean City’s newest (and first) Mexican bakery, located inside the Monte Carlo Hotel on N. Baltimore Ave.
Casita Linda Ocean City MD
Seating by the window provides a perfect view of City Hall, and a little bit of Ocean City’s pre-season construction.
Casita Linda Ocean City MD
The Barragán family, who moved to Ocean City from Irapuato, Guanajuato in Mexico in 2006, are bringing traditional Mexican baked goods and breakfasts to Ocean City. From left to right: Javier Barragán, Rosa Barragán, Alicia Jensen, owner Linda Barragán, Stephen Kolarik and manager Cynthia Barragán.
Casita Linda Ocean City MD
One item included on their evolving menu is a torta sandwich, made with ham, chorizo, chicken tinga or beef.
Casita Linda Ocean City MD
In the to-go box is a guava tart topped with a meringue cookie. Underneath it is a lime curd cookie, next to an Agua de Pepino (a fruity cucumber limeade), a horchata latte and an Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea).

Casita Linda Ocean City MD

Casita Linda Ocean City MD

Casita Linda Ocean City MD

Mother’s Cantina takes the lead for Best Mexican Food in Ocean City 2019

Kristin
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Mother’s Cantina takes the lead for Best Mexican Food in Ocean City 2019

Since the category “Best Mexican Food” was created for the Best of Ocean City® voting in 2017, Mother’s Cantina has always been the winner. They won the title in 2017 and 2018 and now, in the 2019 voting, they’ve got a slight lead over their consistent runner-up, Tequila Mockingbird.

To most, Mother’s winning status won’t come as a surprise. As one Alabamian who visited Ocean City for last year’s film festival wrote, “The food was perfect, and I was a little upset about the fact that Alabama is closer to Mexico, yet I’d never had a house-made tortilla before… Mother’s Cantina has amazing food, amazing bartenders, and amazing drinks. Great place to try your first Orange Crush.”

mother's cantina
A Red-Hot Burrito at Mother’s Cantina, made with grilled hot peppers, Mother’s En Fuego sauce and an ancho chili tortilla wrap.

At first glance, the Best of Ocean City voting, especially in the food-related categories, can seem like a bit of a popularity contest. Thrasher’s always wins Best Fries, Fisher’s wins best Caramel Popcorn and Dumser’s has won Best Ice Cream since the contest’s inception in 2014. After five-plus years it begs the question, are these really the best businesses for their respective snacks, or do they just have the greatest name recognition?

Truth be told, from a local’s perspective, the answer seems to be that it’s unavoidably a little bit of both. Thrasher’s, Fisher’s and Dumser’s do have some of the greatest brand name recognition in town, but there’s a reason for that to begin with: The product they put out holds up to even the harshest criticism, and people genuinely enjoy it. There’s always the possibility that an underdog will sweep the competition away in any of these categories, but based on quality alone, it’s no surprise who the winners usually are.

mother's cantina
Roasted broccoli at Mother’s Cantina.

But Mother’s is not nearly as old as Thrasher’s or Dumser’s, and its name has only recently begun to catch on as a synonym for good, local Mexican food. The competition in the category includes Tequila Mockingbird, Plaza Tapatia, La Abuelita and Guido’s Burritos, all highly-rated and locally-beloved cantinas in their own right. The voting category for “Best Mexican Food,” which replaced the catch-all “Ethnic Food” category in 2017, is one that seems to be based purely on quality of food and the overall experience alone. Mother’s earned its title.

It certainly doesn’t hurt to have a good Happy Hour that all the locals have memorized. Every day from 4-7 p.m., tacos are $1.75, house margaritas are $3.50 and draft beers are $1.50. This also makes them a tough competitor in the “Best Happy Hour” category, where they’re currently in second place following long-reigning champion Coconuts Bar & Grill.     

mother's cantina
Craft beer on tap at Mother’s Cantina.

In addition to their famous taco-friendly Happy Hour, Mother’s Cantina is also known for being an “ocean friendly restaurant,” a designation they first received in 2017 from the Surfrider Foundation. That designation can be attained by restaurants who meet all five of the following criteria: They don’t use styrofoam containers, they follow proper recycling protocol, they don’t offer plastic bags for takeout, they only provide straws upon request, and they provide only reusable tableware for onsite dining– disposable utensils for takeout are provided only upon request. Mother’s Cantina was the first ocean friendly restaurant in Maryland and they’re currently only one of two, along with Pickles Pub.

Mother’s owner Ryan James participates in beach cleanups on 28th Street, and he also ensures that all recyclables at the restaurant are brought to the recycling drop-off center near Walmart on Route 50, as the Town of Ocean City offers no curbside recycling pick-up. (90% of the Town’s waste is instead routed to an incinerator in Pennsylvania.)

Guests who sit at the bar will find, instead of plastic straws, biodegradable blue-striped black paper straws placed neatly by the napkins awaiting patrons’ environmentally-sustainable use.

They’ll also find, among decorative sugar skulls and t-shirts for sale, local craft beer on tap and weekly food specials in addition to the daily Happy Hour deals. Mother’s Cantina earned its title as Ocean City’s Best Mexican Restaurant in 2017 and 2018, and time will tell — when the 2019 voting closes on Memorial Day — if its winning streak continues into this upcoming summer.

The Best of Ocean City® 2019 Voting

Best Of Navigation Cast Your Votes for The Best of Ocean City® 2019! Last year’s polls saw nearly 60,000 votes cast, and this year is expected to yield an even bigger turnout! Voting for the Best of Ocean City runs from Memorial Day to Memorial Day each year.

Ocean City Police Officer Captures Meteor on Dash Cam

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Ocean City Police Officer Captures Meteor on Dash Cam

A suspected meteor flew over Maryland on Tuesday night. The American Meteor Society reported dozens of sightings of the fireball across D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Some reports say that the meteor appears to have landed in Bethany Beach, DE area. 

One Ocean City Police Department Officer caught sight of the meteor and captured the footage on his dashcam. According to the OCPD’s Facebook post, Pfc. Nathan Kutz was on patrol around 10:57 p.m. when the incident occurred. 

 

Pretty amazing!

Ocean City Beach Patrol to hold testing for summer employment on April 28

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Ocean City Beach Patrol to hold testing for summer employment on April 28

The Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) will hold a pre-employment physical skills evaluation on Sunday, April 28 to fill openings in the 2019 employment roster. The pre-employment evaluation is being held at the Sports Core Center in Ocean Pines. There are no pre-certification requirements and experience in ocean rescue is not necessary to apply.

Candidates should prepare for a full day of testing, which will begin promptly at 10 a.m. After registration and orientation, candidates will be required to complete a 500m swim, 400m run and perform simulated swimming rescues, and demonstrate the capacity to run fast in timed sprint races.  Water-related activities take place in an indoor pool with all running activities outside.

Although pre-registration is not required, candidates are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the test by visiting www.ococean.com/ocbp.  The Beach Patrol requires acceptable proof of age of all candidates, which can be a driver’s license, birth certificate or U.S. passport.  Without proper proof of age, applicants will not be permitted to participate.  In addition, applicants must be 17 years old or older by June 24, 2019, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian during the entire testing process. 

Following the physical skills evaluation, those meeting qualifying standards are eligible for appointment to the Beach Patrol’s Surf Rescue Academy (SRA), which is being conducted in Ocean City in May and June of 2019.  The SRA is an eight day long paid training, which provides all certifications required to be a Surf Rescue Technician. Employees receive a pay increase (from $13.55 an hour to $14.94 an hour) after completion of the academy and a three week probation period.

An additional testing opportunity will take place on June 1 in Ocean City. For additional information, including future testing dates, please contact the Ocean City Beach Patrol at 410-289-7556 or visit www.oceancitymd.gov/ocbp.  

Beach Patrol

The Ocean City Beach Patrol goes on duty Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend BEACH PATROL BEACH PATROL NAVIGATION Tasked with keeping our beaches and ocean safe, the Ocean City Beach Patrol is one of the most integral entities in Ocean City, MD.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Dukes of Hazzard at Cruisin’ Ocean City

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Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Dukes of Hazzard at Cruisin’ Ocean City

Cruisin’ Ocean City is excited to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the iconic comedy television series The Dukes of Hazzard with none other than Daisy Duke herself, Catherine Bach. 

Get the chance to meet Catherine Bach on Friday, May 17th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. inside the Ocean City Convention Center and Saturday, May 18th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Beachside Inlet Parking Lot. Cruisin’ attendees can get their photo taken with the famous 1969 Dodge Charger “The General Lee” tribute car.

“It’s just as exciting to meet the fans as it was 40 years [ago]. The lovefest between the Dukes and our fans has never been stronger,” Bach said.

The Dukes of Hazzard was a long-running show that had a multigenerational appeal. Grandparents could sit down and watch the show with their grandkids. Even today, many viewers who watched the show back in the 80s are re-watching the episodes with their own kids and grandkids.

In addition to Catherine Bach, Cruisin’ will also have Ryan Evans from the hit show Counting Cars at the event on Friday, May 17th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Beachside Inlet and Saturday, May 18th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. inside the Convention Center.

There will also be thousands of Hot Rods, Customs, Classics and other show cars, plus entertainment, vendors, a car corral, swap meet and lots more over the four-day event May 16-19.  For more information visit www.cruisinoceancity.com or call 410-798-6304.

Cruisin’ Ocean City

Cruisin’ Ocean City Navigation The 29th annual Cruisin’ Ocean City takes place May 16 – 19, 2019 Each Spring, just before Ocean City, MD is flooded with hundreds of thousands of tourists, thousands of classic cars, Hot Rods, and tricked out trucks flood the streets for the annual Cruisin’ Ocean City Car Show, held in late May.

Feel like royalty this summer at the Princess Bayside

Kristin
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Feel like royalty this summer at the Princess Bayside

The Princess Bayside, located right on the sandy bayfront beach on 48th Street, gives travelers even more of a reason to stay, dine and play in midtown Ocean City. 

The fact that midtown OC is as lively and vibrant in the summer as downtown is hardly a secret; Ocean City’s upper streets have been highly developed and full of life for decades. But still, some families forget, when they travel down the Route 50 bridge and spend most of their time around the Inlet and the rides downtown, that there is more — much, much more — fun to be had above 27th Street where the Boardwalk ends.

[promos][promo name=”Princess Bayside Beach Hotel” business=”4801 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD” img=”https://www.oceancity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1844_princess-bayside4.jpg” link=”https://www.oceancity.com/hotels-and-motels/princess-bayside-beach-hotel/” cta_text=”Book Now” small_img=”true” top_border=”1″] Discover the ultimate in fun and relaxation at the Princess Bayside Beach Hotel, surrounded by the serenity and splendor of the bay. The hotel overlooks the Bay with great views of the sunset each evening. It’s only one block to the beach and in the heart of shopping, dining and nightlife area. There are convention facilities for groups from 10 to 130 people, along with an indoor heated swimming pool and outdoor rooftop pool with pool bar and a spectacular view of the bay.  [/promo][/promos] 

With its own little bayside beach, pools on the rooftop and indoors, and live entertainment through the season, the Princess Bayside’s amenities are reason enough to stay midtown. This year, however, the tropical hotel is upping its family-friendliness another level by offering packages with tickets to Jolly Roger and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Princess Bayside lobby
Even the lobby of the Princess Bayside is a relaxing, tropical beach haven.

Ripley’s requires a trip down to the Boardwalk, but Jolly Roger is just on 29th Street, surrounded by mini golf courses, a go-kart track, surf shops, seafood houses, jet ski, parasail and pontoon boat rental outfits and more, from 29th Street up to the not-so-far reaches of north Ocean City.

Staying downtown and on the Boardwalk is fun, but it’s not for everyone. For families who crave all the fun but a little more peace and quiet on their summer vacation, a stay midtown at the calm, pastel-colored paradise that is the Princess Bayside, is definitely in order. 

Weddings at the Princess Bayside are ultra-special and fit for a true princess. Brides get ready with their party in a spacious room on the second floor, then make their grand entrance from a set of stairs that lets out right on the beach. The Princess is one of the few hotels in town that has its own small, private beach, which can be totally cleared out for the wedding. That means no public spectators and no unsavory characters in the background of photos.

The sun sets on the bay and makes the Princess’ ceremony location especially picturesque. Then, when it comes time for the reception, guests can head to the Augusta ballroom, which can hold up to 125 people and still have plenty of room for dancing and elbows. The hotel’s wedding planner, Destiny Davis, is already in talks with one couple for a 2021 wedding. 

princess bayside wedding
The Princess Bayside’s private beach, where the ceremony backdrop is almost as beautiful as the bride.

 

Andrea Smith is the new Food and Beverage Director at the Princess Bayside. She handles all catered events, including weddings, as well as the menu at Finnegan’s, the Irish pub attached to the hotel. In fact, smaller weddings can take advantage of Finnegan’s intimate second floor.

Smith is new to the Princess and its onsite restaurant, but she’s already shaking things up at Finnegan’s.

“We’re doing more pub-type food with a little more of an ethnic flair,” she said. “Something different than what you can find anywhere else.”

finnegans at princess bayside
A look inside Finnegan’s Irish Pub & Eatery.

 

The new menu includes ale-infused foods and all kinds of entrees to pair with beers like Guinness and craft IPAs. She’ll also be bringing some concessions up to the rooftop pool bar, which previously only served drinks. 

The pool bar is the perfect place to celebrate after a wedding, or to just kick back with a cocktail and watch that gorgeous sunset while the kids play in the water. 

“The pool bar is going to be phenomenal this year,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Kristy Marvel. “You can have rest and relaxation with food and cocktails.”

It’s just another one of the Princess Bayside’s idyllic summer spots, along with their sunny private beach and the cool, pub atmosphere of Finnegan’s, which is especially ideal for cooling off after a summer afternoon spent in the sun. Lounging on the roof with a fruity drink in hand, soaking up the sunshine down on the beach or even relaxing in the tub of a King Jacuzzi Room make up the moments that really make you feel like royalty at the Princess Bayside. 

And they’re the moments that give you plenty of rest so you’re able to take on all the mini golf, jet skiing, parasailing go-karting your heart desires.

5 Top Summer Vacation Rentals in Ocean City

Kristin
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5 Top Summer Vacation Rentals in Ocean City

Whether you’re planning a vacation with your family or a large group of friends, or you just relish in the peace and privacy that houses and condos afford, vacation rentals in Ocean City are the way to go. If you’re lucky enough you can spend the entire summer in a rented condo, or just come for a week or two. Either way, vacation rentals provide you the space and privacy (and sometimes even swimming pool!) you need for a stress-free and fun summer vacay. 

If you find one you like, contact the owner early on, before your preferred dates are booked up. And if you don’t see one here that suits your fancy…

Click here for more Ocean City vacation rentals

There you can search by date, number of nights, number of bedrooms, price and location, so you’re almost guaranteed to find a rental that fits your needs and your budget. 

Here are just five awesome options that you’ll find in our directory of vacation rentals. 

Steger Ocean City Vacation Rental
Outside Steger Apartments.

Steger Seasonal Apartments

Downtown OC • Seasonal rental, 5/1 – 9/3

The Steger Apartments are a great choice if you’re looking to rent something out for the entire summer (if not, you’ll have to look elsewhere). Located on Dorchester St., this condo puts you at the heart of Ocean City and includes space to park, which gives you the best of both worlds: you can take your car out for a day-trip or drive to work, and pretty much everywhere downtown is a short walk or bike ride away.

Description

Immaculately clean two bedroom apartments located at 201 Dorchester Street, near OCPD Boardwalk Sub-Station and OCBP. Each unit sleeps five people with brand new primarily separate twin beds (two units have 3 twin beds and one bunk bed). The full size kitchen includes fridge, stove, dishes, pots, pans, utensils, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, electric can opener, etc. The air conditioned building has six units, each with its own deck and two assigned parking spaces (one behind the other). There is also an additional outside hot and cold shower for sand removal. All utilities provided including WiFi. No smoking, parties, or pets. All male or all female in each unit. May 1 to September 3. Price is $2,250 per person, with five people per unit, plus refundable security and key deposit. 

Million Dollar View

West Ocean City

You can enjoy the million dollar view from the pool.

The Million Dollar View provides just that. Located on the bay in West Ocean City, this rental is spacious, with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and also near all the action in West OC, just a walk away from restaurants, mini golf, go-karts, jet ski rentals and more. 

Description

The name of this property says it all – a home with a view worth a million dollars! We invite you to stay at this fabulous Bay Front home in West Ocean City. With stunning views across the bay of the Ocean City skyline, it features a private pool overlooking the water, a pool house with a full bath and an outdoor hot tub. In addition, it also boasts a screened porch, huge back yard with swing set, and a private dock for fishing or crabbing!

Thunder Island Ocean City vacation rental
Inside Thunder Island.

Thunder Island

Midtown OC
If you’re bringing your boat along, Thunder Island is a bayfront condo with its own boat slip, as well as a large balcony where you can watch other boats come and go from the public boat ramp on 64th street. Enjoy modern furnishings, pool access and being right next to Ocean City’s Convention Center. 

Description

Beautiful 2br/2ba direct bay front with pool and boat slip. Enjoy great bayside water views from your extra large balcony as well as from your living room, dining room, and kitchen. Master bedroom has a private bath and queen bed. Second bedroom has two twin beds. Nice bayside pool. *Boat slips are available from dock master. Public boat ramp at 64th street for launching. Great mid town location right next to convention center close to amusements, restaurants, and nite-life.

Our Winds

Our Winds Ocean City Vacation Rental
Inside Our Winds.

North OC

Our Winds can be reserved for weeks, “mini-weeks” and weekends, and is a great choice if you’re looking to stay in Ocean City’s quieter north end. The interior of this condo is spacious, light and beachy, there are balconies in the front and the back, and the beach is just steps away. Northside Park is also walk-able, just in case you want to take a sunset stroll along Ocean City’s bayside. 

Description

Our lovely, clean, two bedroom, two-bathroom vacation rental comes complete with front and back balcony porches and is set in a cozy wood frame building. Amongst its many features are the spacious, open kitchen equipped with gas stove, all appliances, large breakfast nook (perfect for brunch!), tiled floor, washer/dryer, bright, sun-filled living room ideal for lounging with a pull-out, full size sofa bed, spacious master bedroom with a full size bed and master bathroom equipped with a glass sliding door shower, porch access from the master bedroom, spacious second bedroom with a full size bed & so much more! This gorgeous beach condo is in a perfect location with the beach literally around the corner! Its conveniently located steps away from all the attractions and shops such as the beach, bay, North Side Park, jogging path, grocery store, restaurants, bakery, shopping and much more. Everything is accessible by a quick, short walk. It’s a wonderful place to relax, for families and professionals alike.

Lost Colony Ocean City vacation rental
Inside Lost Colony.

Lost Colony

North OC

Sometimes you want to swim in the salty seawater, but other times you want to lounge by the pool. That’s do-able at Lost Colony, a condo in North Ocean City that comes with swimming pool access and is just a short walk from the beach. Plus you’re close to the Maryland-Delaware border, which means tax-free shopping is just minutes away. 

Description

This fully furnished beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom vacation condo is located on 146th Street and has everything you could ever want out of a vacation! Its lovely features include: standard full kitchen equipped with all kitchen appliances, hardwood floors, large breakfast bar with stools included, central AC, washer and dryer, cable TV, VCR, DVD player, stereo, a small video library, DSL/Wi-Fi connection, cozy living room with a pull-out full size sofa bed, master bedroom with a full size bed and lovely master bath, second room equipped with 2 twin beds, bright sun- filled rooms and plenty of parking. It’s within walking distance of restaurants, bars, mini-golf, water park, go-carts, the beach, a movie theater, shopping, tax-free shopping outlet in Delaware, the boardwalk, bike/moped rentals, bowling, surfing lessons, water sport rentals (i.e. boats, jet skis, etc.) and loads more! This unit sleeps six and is great for families and responsible professionals alike.

This article was updated on 4/16/19.

Top Spots for Family Photo Ops in Ocean City

Kristin
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Top Spots for Family Photo Ops in Ocean City

You can’t leave from vacation without having one good family photo to show everyone back home! In preparation for the summer of 2019, which we know will be fantastic, here are a few ideas for family photos (or selfies) in Ocean City.

Obviously, no trip to the beach is complete without a picture underneath the Boardwalk arch. But next time you’re seeking something a little more unique for the vacation album or your next Christmas card, strike a post in front of one of these six iconic spots. 

The Big Inlet Anchor

ocean city inlet anchor
Start your journey down at the Inlet. Outside the Life-Saving Station Museum is a giant 19th-century anchor that weighs in at 2.5 tons. The landmark was salvaged from an 1870s shipwreck and is believed to be the largest anchor on the East Coast.

The Whispering Giant Sculpture

Ocean City Inlet Indian
Say hi to Nanticoke, the famous wooden totem pole, next time you’re walking the Inlet pier. Carved in 1976, the sculpture is 20 ft. tall and depicts a member of the Assateague tribe, a former tribe of the Nanticoke people – hence his name. You can read more about Nanticoke here.

The Ripley’s Tire

Ripley's tire
You don’t have to go in Ripley’s to get a photo in their tire, but you will most likely find more quirky photo ops inside. Still, the tire is pretty cool, and a popular picture spot for kids. It’s about 12 ft. tall, weighs three tons and was built by the Good Year Tire & Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio.

The Postcard Mural

Ocean City postcard mural
Greetings from Ocean City! You’ll find this postcard mural on the Boardwalk at Caroline St.

The Beach Patrol Hunk

dumsers mural
Right across from the postcard mural is this old Beach Patrol hunk, standing with two female lifeguards. Take a picture with him or with the Dumser’s Coca Cola girl next door.

The Downtown Bus Station

ocean city bus station
Turn the flash on – there are some spots that look the best lit up in the night! The bus station on Dorchester St. looks antique and blends right in with its next-door neighbor, the brown-shingled, Cape Cod-style Henry Hotel, built in 1895. Take a picture, catch the bus back to your hotel, and rest up for the drive home.

 

Need a Room? For Senior Week or a Family Vacation, OC Rooms Has You Covered

Kristin
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Need a Room? For Senior Week or a Family Vacation, OC Rooms Has You Covered

You see it as soon as you hit the Route 50 bridge on your way into Ocean City — it’s almost as eye-catching as the famous beach ball water tower nearby. “Need A Room?” asks the big sign on top of the Madison Beach Bayside building. “Text “Hotel” to 474747.”

The sign also depicts a wooden post with markers that point to the beach, the Boardwalk, the rides, surfing, sun and the Madison Beach Motel, because the Madison is just a stone’s throw away from pretty much anything you could want to do in Ocean City.

OC Rooms sign
No room, no problem!

OC Rooms owns the Madison Beach Motel, and each of their properties is in its own prime location, depending on what you want to do in Ocean City. The Madison, the Madison Beach Bayside and the South Beach Apartments are all around 1st Street bayside, in the center of all the action downtown; the Buckingham Hotel, a charming, colonial-style property with rooms and apartments, resides a little further up downtown on 14th Street; while the Surf Inn Suites is in midtown on 71st Street, a bright orange-and-blue building that was just remodeled, repainted and renamed in 2017. 

OC Rooms are a solid choice for anyone, no matter where they want to be in Ocean City, but they’re also a popular lodging option for Senior Weekers.

Senior Week, for the uninitiated, is the catch-all for the several weeks in late May-mid-June when graduating high school seniors celebrate their newfound freedom for a week in Ocean City.

Madison Beach Motel deck
The 2nd floor deck at the Madison Beach Motel looks out onto Coastal Highway and the beach just beyond.

The actual dates of Senior Week vary, depending on when schools are letting out each summer. Private schools typically let out around late May, while public schools tend toward mid-June. This year, according to OC Rooms manager James Isaminger, June 8-15 seem to be the most popular dates for Senior Week bookings.

OC Rooms properties, unlike many hotels and rentals in the region, do rent to Senior Weekers. 

Isaminger said that last year was pretty tame, with only a few evictions, but their policy is firm: Don’t break anything, don’t be extraordinarily loud, and if there’s more than one complaint or visit from the property’s security guard, you’re out. 

Senior Week in Ocean City sometimes gets a bad reputation, but it’s typically just a few outlying groups of kids gone wild who give the rest of the graduating seniors a bad name.

“We haven’t really had too many issues,” Isaminger said. “We charge a security deposit and we try to make it pretty easy for them.”

South Beach Apartments
You can get a room for Senior Week, or you can get an entire apartment at the South Beach.

The rules are strict but sensible, and as long as seniors follow the rules, renting is easy. A security deposit is made, and payment plans are set up so the room or apartment is already paid in full three weeks prior to the group’s arrival. Once they arrive, they sign an agreement and are all set to enjoy the good, post-grad life on the beach. 

And the post-grad life on the beach is good, especially when you’re staying at a property in the heart of downtown Ocean City just minutes away from the beach, the Boardwalk and the rides.

“The Madison is great because they get parking with their room,” Isaminger said. “We tell everyone their best bet is to just park your car and leave it here your entire stay.”

While the Madison is a dream come true for senior weekers, the motel — and the Buckingham and the Surf Inn — are also a safe bet for families who want dependable accommodations, prime locations and decent rates. OC Rooms post new offers on their website each month, but they also have a Guest Appreciation special following every summer, so someone who stays with them between June and August can get a room for as low as $29 a night in the fall. 

For someone who is staying with them during the height of the summer, Isaminger recommends booking in advance — especially at the Madison.

“We fill up pretty much every single night, this is a very popular location,” he said. “When people come in across the Route 50 bridge and go left, we’re the first property that they see. It gets a lot of walk-in traffic.”

[promos][promo name=”Madison Beach Motel” business=”9 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, MD” img=”https://www.oceancity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1711_Madison-Beach-Front.jpg” link=”https://www.oceancity.com/hotels-and-motels/madison-beach-motel/” cta_text=”Book Now” small_img=”true” top_border=”1″] Enjoy one of the most sought-after vacation destinations located in the heart of Downtown Ocean City, MD on 1st Street just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, boardwalk, rides and entertainment. Stay with us and we guarantee you’ll find yourself having to choose between a day at the beach, a relaxing afternoon by our pool or even a nap in one of the cozy lounge chairs on our deck. [/promo][/promos]

Ocean City Senior Week

Ocean City Senior Week 2019 Senior Week Navigation Are you finished with high school and ready to kick off an amazing summer before heading to college in the fall? If you answered ‘yes’ to the previous question, Senior week in Ocean City, Maryland is the answer you have been looking for.

New Location, Same Tradition: Ocean City Arbor Day Planned for April 26

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New Location, Same Tradition: Ocean City Arbor Day Planned for April 26

For the second year in a row, the Town of Ocean City will celebrate Arbor Day at Ocean City Elementary School (OCES). The Arbor Day celebration, which took place for decades at Northside Park, will be held on Friday, April 26 and will include second grade classes from OCES.

The long-standing tradition is hosted by the Ocean City Beautification Committee, which has partnered with the students to bring this program to the community.  Students will assist the Mayor and City Council in planting a tree as part of the Beautification Committee’s TreeMendous Program.

The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. with light refreshments, followed by the presentation of the flags by the American Legion Color Guard. Students will then present skits, poems, songs and artwork to show the importance of trees in our environment. After the performances by students, festivities move outdoors where the tree planting ceremony takes place, weather permitting. Following the tree planting, the students will enjoy demonstrations by the Ocean City Police Department’s mounted police and K-9 units.

All citizens and visitors are invited to join the Mayor and City Council along with the Beautification Committee for this long-standing tradition. For more information, contact Donna Greenwood, Beautification Committee Chairperson, at 410-289-7060 or visit http://oceancitymd.gov.

Life is Good: Macky’s opens for another summer on April 25

Kristin
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Life is Good: Macky’s opens for another summer on April 25

It was 1978 when Pam and Macky Stansell opened a restaurant on 53rd Street bayside, where Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill stands today.

But their first restaurant wasn’t Macky’s. Closer to the street, where a Chauncey’s Surf-O-Rama surf shop now resides, was the Stansell’s first restaurant, Tio Gringo’s Mexican Cantina. Tio Gringo’s was around until the late 90s; In 1993, Pam said, she and Macky had the opportunity to purchase the entire block, which they did. Macky’s Bayside opened a year later, and the operations of Tio Gringo’s and Macky’s overlapped for about four years.

“The complexion of the dining was changing in Ocean City, everyone wanted to be on the bay and they wanted to be outside,” Pam said. “So we closed a very successful restaurant and we concentrated on Macky’s.”

tio gringo's ocean city md
A sign from Tio Gringo’s still hangs above the entrance of Macky’s. “A Nacho Two Above the Rest!”

What started as a modest restaurant with a small indoor seating area and an open-air dining and bar section out by the bay would eventually become the sweeping, seasonal spectacle that Macky’s is now, 25 years later.

During the day, families make their way up Coastal Highway or quickly hop off the Route 90 bridge to enjoy a scenic outdoor lunch. Soups and salads, sandwiches, seafood and an assortment of beachy mixed drinks, wine and beer are available all day for the adults, along with a kids menu for the little ones and a dog menu for the little, four-legged ones.

Yes, there is a menu that’s just for dogs. Macky’s is a family-friendly restaurant that’s friendly to literally the entire family. There are Hot Diggity Dog chicken sliders, a Healthy Hound meal with assorted carrots and apples and a big steak called the Marmaduke.

mackys restaurant is dog friendly
Dogs are welcome at Macky’s where they even have their own menu as well as merch. (This photo by Tony Russo originally appeared in “Macky’s cultivates a family-friendly atmosphere“.) 

Locals wait in anticipation every spring for its opening day of the season, which this year is April 25. Locals and tourists alike come in for the day, then often stay a little longer than anticipated to find out what really makes the restaurant special: Its nightlife. Once it’s finally open, a summer night at Macky’s means DJ’d entertainment, an array of special events throughout the season and, most importantly, the famous theme parties.

Theme parties are on Tuesday nights in the summer from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dress according to theme and avoid the cover charge. Don’t dress according to theme and pay a small cover that gets donated to a local charity, because Macky’s is at philanthropic as it is fun.

Themes aren’t repeated throughout the season, but some of them do make a comeback year-by-year. A few of the most popular ones, according to manager Kristy Baraniak, include the Redneck Ball, Anything but Clothes, and Red, White and Blue on the Fourth of July.

“In the last couple of years the ‘90s has become a lot more popular because that’s the big age group,” Baraniak said. “We used to do the ‘80s, but some of us grew out of that age group.”

 

This year, Baraniak will celebrate her 15th summer as an employee of Macky’s — she’s been there since 2005, and worked her way up from server to manager. She graduated from college, moved to Ocean City, began her career at Macky’s and hasn’t looked back since.

“I’ve learned so much within the restaurant business and in life,” she said. “And it’s nice because I still work with some of the people that I started with.”

She said that what makes it such a fantastic place to work is getting to be outside often in the summertime, along with the people — the ones she works with, and the ones who come to eat and party at Macky’s every day.

Likewise, Pam attributes Macky’s success over its 25 years of business to its staff.

“We think it’s important that we’re ambassadors of Macky’s and we’re also ambassadors of Ocean City,” she said. “And our main objective is to provide people with a wonderful atmosphere, great service and great food.”

The community has always been good to her and Macky, Pam said. The restaurant, and the Stansells themselves, are philanthropic, and give back to local organizations including Believe in Tomorrow, the Worcester County Humane Society and Coastal Hospice. The new Macky & Pam Stansell House, the first-ever hospice house for the Lower Eastern Shore, will be ready to receive patients by the end of May.

Already on the slate for 2019 at Macky’s is their annual Wagging Tail-Gate Party to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society and a Soiree on the Bay to benefit the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, plus a couple new craft beers on the menu and, of course, the theme parties. Lots and lots of theme parties, starting with an O.C. Tourist Theme Party on May 28.

“We dip our hands in as much as we possibly can,” Baraniak said.

[promos][promo name=”Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill” business=”5311 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD” img=”https://www.oceancity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/mackys6.jpg” link=”https://www.oceancity.com/restaurants-and-bars/mackys-bayside-bar-grill-1/” cta_text=”Read More” small_img=”true” top_border=”1″] Macky’s Bayside is a laid back, upbeat bar and grill serving up great food, drinks, and service in a fabulous setting. By day, it’s a fine dining institution where patrons can enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, salads, and sandwiches on the white sandy beach or open-air deck overlooking the beautiful bay. Once the sun fades from the sky, things start to heat up as Macky’s transforms into an Ocean City nightlife landmark. [/promo][/promos]

Planning a Wedding in Ocean City, Maryland

OceanCity.com
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Planning a Wedding in Ocean City, Maryland

The most important part of any wedding is getting married to the person you love, surrounded by your closest friends and family.

The second-most important part, if you love Ocean City, is getting to say your vows on the beach, on the golden sand with the sun in the sky and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop.

No matter your budget, your date, the number of guests you’re inviting or the size of your wedding party, you can have your dream beach wedding in Ocean City.  Small, intimate affairs and huge gatherings are both welcome; from restaurants to country clubs to hotels with stunning views, plus florists, photographers, and houses of worship, you’ll find all the necessities in Ocean City, Maryland. All you have to do is close your eyes and jump right into the wedding planning process. These suggestions might make the process just a tiny bit less daunting. 

Find a wedding planner

If you feel like your head’s already swimming and you might need a little extra help, the first step is to find a trusted, local wedding planner. 

Do your homework. A quick Google search can point you in the right direction, but be sure to research each individual planner and compare the photos of past weddings they’ve organized to your own wedding vision. 

Some venues come equipped with their own version of a wedding planner. The wedding organizer at a big venue might not be able to guide you along every step of the way, so it’s important to find out how involved they may or may not be. They may also, at the very least, provide you with references to their favorite wedding service providers in the area.

Planners

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That’s why this first step coincides with…

Pick your venue

If you’d like to arrange a beach ceremony, call the Ocean City Mayor’s Office at 410-289-8931. Consider where your reception will be, however, as some hotels have their own small, private beaches. You’re still likely to have onlookers, but on a venue’s private beach, no one will be allowed to come build a sandcastle in the middle of your ceremony.

Your desired level of intimacy during the ceremony is also something to consider, because if you choose to get married on Ocean City’s public beach, your wedding will be public, too. (Same goes for Assateague Island.)

Venues with private oceanfront or bayside beaches include the Golden Sands Club, Princess Bayside and Clarion Resort. At other venues, you can get married on the public beach and then just walk a few steps to your reception area; most will have indoor ceremony options in case of inclement weather.

Other popular choices for hotels include the Commander Hotel, Dunes Manor, Grand Hotel & Spa, Princess Royale, Aloft Ocean City, Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites and the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. Receptions can also be hosted at area restaurants including the Angler, Blu Crabhouse, Fager’s Island, Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, Seacrets, Harrison’s Harbor Watch, Captain’s Table and Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island.

Venues

One of the most fundamental parts of a wedding is where it takes place. Whether you’re seeking the charm of a historic venue or the class (and convenience!) of a hotel wedding, the listings below…

Choose a color scheme and plan around it

Decorations, bridesmaids dresses and floral arrangements will have to be decided on soon, but once you choose a color scheme, a lot of little details will fall into place. There are endless color combinations to choose from, and the palette you pick will ultimately come down to the venue, the time of year and the bride and groom’s personal preferences and personalities.

A vibrant summer wedding on the beach, for example, might pair well with a marigold and white palette, while a winter wedding with oceanfront views could be complemented by a forest green and dusty light blue color scheme. Choosing the colors of a wedding takes vision and creativity, and a lot of times, it’s one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. 

Start thinking about food and beverage

Does your venue of choice cater? If not, you better start thinking about the food. Taste Events, based in Bethany Beach, provides offsite food and beverage services to weddings all over the Shore of Delaware and Maryland. Also consider asking your favorite local restaurant if they cater large events. The Shrimp Boat, for example, offers customizable catering and party options. 

Catering

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Choose a photographer, an officiant, flowers and all that other fun stuff

Ocean City does not have a Justice of the Peace, so you’ll need to provide the officiant. Photographers, videographers, florists and cake bakers are easy to come by in Ocean City, and it may even get a little overwhelming when there are so many options to choose from. Consult your wedding planner or your contact at your venue to see who they’ve worked with before and who they suggest.

Flowers

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Kick back at your bachelor/bachelorette party

It’s not uncommon to see a gaggle of happy women in “Bridesmaid”/”Bride-To-Be” shirts and sashes parading down Coastal Highway. Bar hopping on a warm, summer evening is probably the most popular option for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and Ocean City is famous for its variety of bars and restaurants.

Nature lovers, or those who just want to be out on the water, might opt for something a little different. The Liquid Limo, for example, is a booze cruise and charter boat new in 2019 that can take bachelors and bachelorettes all over Ocean City, for anywhere from two to eight hours. You can go dry, or bring drinks and snacks on board, or even stop at restaurants with boat access on your journey.

Wherever you’re going, the Liquid Limo will get you there in style

Imagine riding along Ocean City’s back bays while the sun’s going down, a cold drink in your hand and all of your closest friends by your side. They’re snapping pictures, taking turns picking which song to play next, pulling snacks and sodas out of the cooler and passing them around.

Pamper yourself

After all the planning and organizing and stress (though hopefully not too much stress) leading up to the wedding, the week-of is all about relaxation. Take some deep breaths and, through all the anticipation and excitement, try to appreciate the moment you’re in. All the hard work is finally about to pay off. 

The hair and makeup on the wedding day are hugely important to many brides, but feeling happy and healthy is what’s most important of all. You might choose to meditate, and you should definitely get plenty of rest, but sometimes a full-fledged spa day is in order, too. Ocean Elements Spa and Float Center offers flotation and salt therapy for the ultimate relaxation day, whether you’re going solo or with an entire tribe of bridesmaids. 

Get married!

It bears repeating: The most important part of any wedding is getting married to the person you love, surrounded by your closest friends and family! If Ocean City is your favorite place in the world, and you’re getting married here to the person you love the most, then everything else will fall into place. 

Share your wedding story

Finally, once the glitter and rice have settled and you’ve made it back from your honeymoon, share the story of your dream wedding on OceanCityWeddings.com. Happy couples tie the knot every day in Ocean City, and their individual stories are as heart-warming as they are totally unique. If you would like to share yours, plenty of brides- and grooms-to-be who are just beginning their Ocean City Wedding journey would love to hear it! 

OceanCityWeddings.com

Ocean City, Maryland’s #1 online guide for wedding planning. From catering to photography to accommodations, we can help you prepare for your big day and ensure that you have the Ocean City wedding of your dreams.

Harpoon Hanna’s is a culinary institution on the Eastern Shore

Kristin
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Harpoon Hanna’s is a culinary institution on the Eastern Shore

I grew up spending summers in Ocean City, and at least one evening out of every vacation was spent eating outside, gaze toward the Little Assawoman Bay at Harpoon Hanna’s. What stayed in my mind most predominantly about Harpoon Hanna’s over the years was the fried clam strips, so it was a wonder, when I returned last May for the first time in forever to celebrate my 23rd birthday, that I didn’t order the fried clam strips. I remembered them as being sooo. Good. And I really did almost order them.

But, no longer being the 12-year-old I once was who only ate breaded foods that came with a side of fries, I opted to split the Chesapeake crab dip and the bacon-wrapped scallops with my fiancé. I picked the bacon-wrapped scallops, and he has to order the crab dip no matter where we are, so that was chosen by default.

Bacon-wrapped scallops, broiled in a zesty orange sauce.

Because that’s his ‘thing,’ I’ve become a just slightly unwilling crab dip connoisseur by proximity; That’s why I was so impressed with our meals at Hanna’s, even if they were only appetizers. The seafood plates, paired with a fruity mixed drink called the Hurricane Hanna and then their Deep Brew Pale Ale, which is brewed by RAR specifically for Harpoon Hanna’s, were matches made in Eastern Shore culinary heaven.

The Hurricane Hanna consists of Captain Morgan coconut rum, dark rum, black raspberry and banana liqueurs, pineapple and cranberry juice.

That was last May, just before Memorial Day weekend, when Hanna’s was entering their 36th summer in business. Now, with a refreshed menu and a slate of live musical entertainment booked for every weekend, they’re entering their 37th.

Harpoon Hanna’s is open year-round, but to prepare for the summer, owner Wes Hanna said, they hire over 200 employees just for the season.

“But we are prepared because of our core veteran staff that’s been with us for many, many years,” he added.

The roaming cat may or may not have been one of the veteran staff members.

The secret to the restaurant’s success — in addition to its veteran staff and, undoubtedly, its unmatched location on the water on Fenwick Island, DE just three minutes outside of Ocean City — is their food. They still use many of Frank Hanna’s original recipes which helped initially establish Harpoon Hanna’s when it first opened back in 1983.

The first Harpoon Hanna’s staff, 1983. Photo courtesy of Wes Hanna.

“You won’t find a better crab imperial or prime rib in the area, [and] of course our coconut and blueberry muffins, among others,” Wes said.

It doesn’t hurt that there’s also a waterfront view from every seat in the house. Over the years, the facility has grown to include outdoor decks surrounding the entirety of the south property, and every guest can eat fresh seafood while gazing out at the water, whether that’s from the deck, the indoor dining room or Hanna’s Hideout Tiki Bar.

Views for days.

What’s great about operating on such a huge facility, Wes said, is that it can accommodate an intimate dinner for two and a group of 25 all at once — and that’s all year long, not just in the summertime. Part of what makes Hanna’s so special is that they’re open 365 days a year and always have been, so even if you want their crab imperial on Christmas, you won’t be turned away.

Long-time Hanna’s loyalists and newer clientele come in November for the half-priced Lobster Blowout, then come back January through April for half-priced prime rib nights. On those nights, it gets so packed that it looks like summertime, even when the heavy coats and icy patches on the water say otherwise.

Harpoon Hanna’s had added a few new menu options for 2019, including chicken and waffle sliders, cheesesteak flatbread, crab cake caesar, southern crispy chicken sandwich, fried grouper sandwich, prime rib sandwich and blackened scallops over cheesy grits. However, their signature items — including the jumbo lump crab imperial, the slow-roasted prime rib and the homemade bread and muffins with every meal, among a few other things — will always remain on the menu.

As an aside, we stopped at Sea Shell City after dinner that evening and found these fun guys playing a game of cards — though this is only related to Harpoon Hanna’s in that it’s just another thing to love about the Eastern Shore.

[promos][promo name=”Harpoon Hanna’s” business=”39064 Harpoon Rd., Fenwick Island, DE” img=”https://www.oceancity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/harpoon-hannas5-1-2.jpg” link=”https://www.oceancity.com/restaurants-and-bars/harpoon-hannas-restaurant-bar-2/” cta_text=”Read More” small_img=”true” top_border=”1″] The past 30 years has brought many changes but one thing remains the same. Harpoon Hanna’s is a family restaurant. Our focus is to remain an affordable, casual restaurant while also offering the highest quality food and beverages available. Friendly and efficient service has been the foundation of our success and our management staff is always available for any suggestions or concerns. [/promo][/promos]

Competing in Ocean City’s Beach Rental Market

Joanna Laslo
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Competing in Ocean City’s Beach Rental Market
beach rental market ocean city md
Beautiful beach views look inviting

Competition for summer tenants is fierce at the beach. According to the finance department at City Hall in Ocean City, 8,100 rental license renewals were sent out for the summer of 2019.

Then there are those owners who are not in compliance, and rent their units on their own — without a permit. That unknown number, in addition to the 8,100 known rental units available to tenants, adds up to a substantial equation representing the decrease in each person’s rental opportunities to find renters for their condo or townhouse.

What you can do to increase the possibility of rental weeks

Keep your prices competitive

Sometimes owners feel they should increase their prices with each upgrade. However, if just one week is left vacant, it lowers your overall average income. Stay in sync with the prices of other unit owners, especially those in the same building.

Upgrade often

It is much easier to replace item for item rather than allow many repairs or upgrades to accumulate and become cost prohibitive. A number of required upgrades at once may become an insurmountable financial burden.

Think beach

Different owners prefer different types of décor. However,  early American style, for example, is best left in your primary home. 

Renters have visions of beach, sand, sunshine, boats, shells, starfish and boardwalk when imagining a vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. Most tenants scan through pictures of each unit online before they book. By including some wall hangings and throw pillows depicting seashells, sunrises over the ocean, the Ferris wheel, the boardwalk or sailboats, your unit’s attractiveness will be greatly enhanced.

Turn your tenants into repeat renters

People are creatures of habit, and by providing a welcoming atmosphere, your tenants will want to return.

A guest book offers a personal touch. By supplying a few pages for comments, and for tenants to use as a diary, you are providing a sense of “belonging” for the renter. Upon returning, tenants can revisit their trip from the previous year through their notes.

Provide local information

Information on local events, locations of movie theaters, amusements, Assateague Island, and medical centers are thoughtful and appreciated.   Such information may be attached to the guest book or included in a separate spiral notebook. Feel free to include information on local restaurants and be sure to include your personal opinions of each location, like your favorite dish at each establishment.

Supply essentials

Small items, although inexpensive, are strong indicators of your care for your tenants. Here is a list of items that tenants will appreciate and remember:

  • First aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Sand pails, shovels and beach chairs
  • Adequate kitchen supplies:
    • Spatulas, can opener, serving spoons, pots and pans, coffee maker, toaster, corkscrew, blender. Check your kitchen supplies frequently to be sure they are in good condition and pots and pans are not scratched.

WIFI IS A MUST!

Remember: Renters that receive a generous welcome may become your repeat tenants for years to come.

Berlin Clean-Up Day to take place April 27

OceanCity.com
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Berlin Clean-Up Day to take place April 27
Berlin Park Clean-Up. Click to enlarge.

Every spring in the Town of Berlin, around the same time as Earth Day, the Town sponsors Take Pride in Berlin Week and Berlin Clean-Up Day at Stephen Decatur, Henry and Berlin Falls Parks.

This year, the Town is excited to announce new partnerships with the Kiwanis Club, Comcast and the Department of Natural Resources for Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 27, 2019 starting at 8:30 a.m.

For more than a decade, volunteers have dedicated a few hours on an April Saturday to help give Berlin’s Parks and neighborhoods a spring cleaning. Individuals and teams are needed to help with planting, weeding, raking, mulching and whatever else needs attention. Students are invited to volunteer and earn community service hours.

There will be several new activities on Clean-Up Day this year: Comcast will work with the Parks Commission to incorporate Comcast Cares Day into the annual Clean-Up. The Department of Natural Resources will sponsor a Backyard Buffer tree giveaway, and there will also be plantings of pollinator gardens and tours of Berlin Falls Park.

Volunteers can sign up ahead of time at www.comcastinthecommunity.com, or at one of the Town Parks on April 27.  Free T-shirts will be provided while supplies last.

The Maryland Forest Service will also hold its Backyard Buffer tree giveaway, where bundles of trees will be available on a first-come-first-served basis to any Worcester County landowner; those living near streams, creeks or ditches especially are encouraged to plant.  Pre-register by April 26 by emailing Mary Bohlen at mbohlen@berlinmd.gov or call 410-641-4314 to reserve your bundle.

The Berlin Falls Park Advisory Committee will be planting pollinator gardens at Berlin Falls Park and will offer information and tours about the park.

Free lunch for all volunteers will be provided by the Ocean City Kiwanis club at Henry Park starting at 11:30 a.m.

The main clean-up areas are Stephen Decatur Park on Tripoli St. and Henry Park on Flower St., as well as Berlin Falls Park on Old Ocean City Blvd. Some supplies will be available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.  Rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows are always needed.

Clean-up of Hudson Branch will also be needed; this activity is not for young children. Heavy clothes and boots are recommended. For general park clean-up, sign up at any of the parks starting at 8:30 a.m. The Hudson Branch sign-up is at Henry Park.

Residents and business owners can also choose to spend their time anywhere they feel needs attention.  Trash pickup will be available; items for pickup will need to be placed in one location at the clean-up area and the Town must be contacted so that Town crews can collect everything following Clean-Up Day.

For more information, please contact Mary Bohlen at 410-641-4314 or mbohlen@berlinmd.gov.  Information can also be found on Facebook at “Take Pride in Berlin Week” and on the Town’s website at www.berlinmd.gov/department/parks.

Planning the music for your wedding

Jennifer Sabini Evans
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Planning the music for your wedding


Between fittings for the dress and tasting different cakes and picking out the rings and researching and hiring all the different services that go into a wedding, choosing our music had been the last thing on our minds.

We’d hired the DJ months ago, put the packet we were to send back to him a month-and-a-half before the big day was left untouched until the last possible second.

In it, we were to list 10 or so songs we wanted him to play, a couple songs that we definitely did NOT want him to play, what songs we wanted to announce the bridal party/bride and groom/the first dance/cutting the cake/bouquet/garter/etc./etc., and whether we’d be doing any special dances that would need musical accompaniment.

I had to look up what a money dance is, and the concept is still a little bizarre to me. But I digress.

When we DID finally sit down to list our songs of choice, I found myself turning to friends and the internet for recommendations, as someone who’s never personally been to a formal, DJ’d wedding before. Of course we weren’t hand-picking the exact playlist that would be played during all four hours of the wedding — although loading up Spotify on someone’s phone and plugging it into a speaker would be cheaper, a phone can’t facilitate a corny YMCA dance-off the way a live DJ can — but even having to choose 10 songs seemed like a lot.

Alas, we’re still two months out from our actual wedding so I can’t deliver the results of my findings yet, but I can share some of the advice and song do’s-and-don’ts I’ve garnered during my research. Please, share some of your own findings with me and I’ll add those here, too!

Pre-Ceremony Music

For when your guests are arriving to the ceremony and finding their seats.

Play: Music that sets the tone for the ceremony and the rest of the evening. You want your guests to be excited for what’s to come.  Some couples opt for religious music here, while others go for the traditional, like “A Rose Is Gently Blooming” Op. 122, No. 8 by Johannes Brahms or “Air on the G String” by Johann S. Bach. More contemporary popular choices include “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton, “Truly” by Lionel Richie or “Wedding Song” by The Band.

Do not play: “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. It’s not romantic and never will be!!!

Processional Music

For when the bridal party is walking down the aisle.

Play: The guests will be most excited to see the bride come walking in, so the music here might be chosen to pull at some heartstrings and evoke an emotional response.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis is always on heavy rotation at weddings around the world and can fit into almost any part of the ceremony/reception, but it fits especially well into the highly-anticipatory processional. “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is a beautiful and light cover of The Wizard of Oz classic, that’s especially poignant at a beach ceremony. “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones or The Sundays is another solid choice.

Do not play: “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, unless the bride’s first lover drowned in a way that was similar to Jack in Titanic, and this is her way to honor his memory. Otherwise,“Rose’s Theme” by James Horner and The Studio Sound Ensemble is another rendition from the movie that’s free of vocals and a little less morbid.

Bridal Entrance Music

For when the bride is making her grand entrance.

Play: Of course, the traditional Wedding March/“Here Comes the Bride” is a given at most weddings, but one might also opt for the traditional “Canon in D” by Pachelbel.

Cocktail Hour

For when the bride and groom and bridal party are probably off getting photographed on the beach, and everyone else is mingling by the bar.

Play: Something happy and upbeat to keep the good times rolling! Like “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Marvin Gaye, “Stuck Like Glue” by Sugarland and “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole.

Do not play: “Shots” by Lil Jon. The party is just getting started and you want it to last at least a few more hours.

First Dance

For when the bride and groom are having their first dance, of course — this tends to be the most difficult part of the musical decision-making process.

Play: It’s another good time to throw some Elvis on, but according to Spotify, the three most popular first dance songs are “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “At Last” by Etta James and “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. Whether you go traditional (“My Girl” by the Temptations), classic (“All of Me” by John Legend) or a little more contemporary (“Ho Hey” by the Lumineers), all that really matters here is that the bride and groom are happy and savoring the moment.

Do not play: “I Will Always Love You.” I love Dolly as much as the next gal, but dancing to this song just seems like a really bad omen.

Dinner

For dinnertime, when the music accompanies the sound of conversation and the clinking of silverware.

Play: All the bride and groom’s favorite low-key happy/romantic songs. It’s not time to get on the dance floor quite yet, and most people may not be paying TOO much attention to the music at this point in the evening, so here you can just play some upbeat, easy-listening songs. This is where many DJs break out the Michael Buble.

Do not play: Michael Buble. Unless you absolutely have to.

Dance Time!

For when it’s time to let loose and have fun.

Play: Now you can play “Shots” by Lil Jon, if that’s really the atmosphere you’re going for (to each their own). Some DJs recommend that you start with one slower song to get couples out dancing on the floor, then immediately play dance music to keep them there and having fun. The Village People, the Bee Gees, the Black Eyed Peas, Whitney Houston… The options are endless!

Do not play: “White Wedding” by Billy Idol. Not a happy wedding song.

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