For those involved in the Ocean City real estate market in 2018, there was much reason to celebrate: All data indicates the sales market was strong throughout Worcester County in the last year.
The following report takes into consideration all properties sold from January 1 – December 31, 2018 in Worcester County, Maryland.
Ocean City beach properties
Condominiums
Ocean City saw 1093 Condos sold in 2018. The lowest sale price for these properties was $69,900, for a property at 407 St Louis Ave. The property was originally listed for $84,000 and sold after 173 days on the market (DOM) on Sept. 21, 2018.
The highest sale price for condos was $1,525,000. Pyramid’s penthouse brought that sum on Dec. 14, 2018 after 393 DOM at an original list price of $1,850,000.
Single Family Homes
There were 170 single family homes sold in 2018, with the lowest sale price of $13,500 for 9837 Elm St. with 335 DOM. Originally the house was listed at $175,000 and was sold on July 12, 2018.
The highest sale price was 5 Pier Walk Mews at $2,000,000 on Dec 14, 2018. Pier Walk had a list price of $2,380,000 with 190 DOM.
Currently Active Properties for Sale
461 condos are currently being marketed priced between $95,000-$1,299,990.
78 homes are available with an asking price between $215,000-$3,599,000.
Worcester County Properties Outside Ocean City
Condominiums
57 condos were sold in 2018. The lowest price was for 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. With an asking price of $140,000, the unit sold on May 18, 2018 for $111,074 after 122 DOM.
The highest condo sold was 1104 Points Reach in Ocean Pines. Points Reach was listed for $469,850 and sold on April 27, 2018 for $450,000 after 674 DOM.
Single Family Homes
719 homes exchanged hands in 2018. The lowest price was $8,500 for 501 Bonneville Ave., Pocomoke City. That home was on the market for 235 DOM at a list price of $17,900 and sold on June 12, 2018.
12325 St. Martins Neck Rd was the highest sold home. The property was listed for $2,000,000 and sold for $1,600,000 on Nov. 19, 2018 after 120 DOM.
Currently Active Properties for Sale
14 available condos in Worcester County are priced between $99,000-$574,850
There are 336 homes for sale between $12,900-$2,700,000
Summary
As you may have noticed, the market is fairly stripped of available properties. For example, 1150 total condos were sold in 2018, yet there are only 475 on the market at the time of this report.
This also holds true for single-family homes: While 889 homes sold in 2018, there are only 336 currently available for purchase.
Among the lineup of recently-announced concerts coming to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center in 2019 is Grammy award winner and country music legend Joe Diffie.
Diffie will perform on Thursday, May 16. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster, by calling 1-800-551-SEAT or by visiting the OC Box Office.
Diffie has 12 #1 hits under his belt, including “Home,” “Pick-up Man,” “Third Rock from the Sun” and “John Deere Green.” The appeal of country music stems in part from its ability to reflect the lives of its listeners, and few artists have celebrated life’s challenges and triumphs with more heartfelt eloquence than Joe Diffie. Whether singing about untarnished love in the enduring hit “John Deere Green,” the perennial appeal of “Pickup Man” or the heartbreak of dreams unrealized in “Ships That Don’t Come In,” Diffie’s songs have continually painted a portrait of real life with all its joy and angst.
Opening for Diffie will be Maryland native Jackson Dean, winner of the Maryland Music Award for Best Songwriter and Best New Breakout Artist who recently gained recognition for his rendition of the National Anthem. His upcoming album will be released this spring.
The engagement ring was only the start of the ring-shopping fiasco, but there are a few things I’ve gleaned from the experience as of late that might make the process of choosing a wedding band (two wedding bands, for that matter) a little bit easier.
Trying on rings at a shop in Easton.
1. Conduct some preliminary research and develop a rough idea of what you’re looking for.
I went into the wedding band process blindly, thinking I’d walk into a jeweler’s, I’d be shown a selection of the most-trendy-yet-traditional wedding rings that happened to be exactly what my subconscious mind envisioned, and I’d walk out in 10 minutes with a velvet box in my pocket. That didn’t happen.
The experience seemed all the more overwhelming when I realized I didn’t really know what I wanted. And so I left, knowing that I’d wasted some time but ready to do more research and figure out what it was I actually did want.
Like you’ve probably been encouraged to do for every aspect and minute detail of the wedding, making a Pinterest board of your dream rings isn’t a bad idea, if “Pinning” is your thing. If it’s not your thing, there’s no shame in Googling wedding bands and browsing the selections of local jewelers’ online stores, and taking screenshots of the styles you like the most.
The Knot suggests you begin the process asking yourself a few questions about the style you want, questions that include, “Are you envisioning a simple band or one with embellishments? Do you want your wedding ring to be the same metal as your engagement ring? Do you think you and your partner’s rings should match?” This is a good place to start.
Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind what your engagement ring looks like, if you plan on wearing the two rings together and on the same finger. I initially envisioned a yellow-gold wedding band, but when I slid one on over my engagement ring, it completely clashed with the engagement ring’s white gold makeup. It helped that my fiance preferred the white-gold band, anyway. So a white-gold wedding band for me it is.
Finally, consider your lifestyle. A few months ago, Instagram promoted Enso rings in my feed, and I actually bought a few — not for the wedding, but just to have some cute, durable rings on hand. Later they were promoted to me again, this time marketed as the perfect wedding band that you could wear to run, climb, work, swim, cook, shower, hold a baby, deliver a baby, save a cat from a tree, rescue someone’s grandmother from a burning building, perform emergency CPR, whatever your chaotic life entails, without risking ring avulsion or degloving and amputation. If this sounds like you, consider a silicone ring today!
2. Develop the budget.
The average wedding ring costs $1,000. Obviously the aforementioned silicone ring is going to cost less than a precious metal engraved with gemstones, but some also opt to use a more durable stand-in ring when traveling or engaging in strenuous activity, while wearing the “actual” ring during more restful periods of life.
How much you spend on your wedding bands depends on how much you can spend + how much you actually want to spend. I would encourage any couple to not be shamed if they do not want to spend thousands of dollars on a ring — or, hey, to not be shamed if they want to put 85% of the wedding budget toward the rings (as long as the guests are well-fed at the reception, that is).
Someone asked on a wedding-related forum, “How much should wedding bands cost?” Maybe they asked because they didn’t know if they were overpaying or not, but it’s more likely that they asked because self-consciousness apparently runs rampant in the world of weddings, specifically on how much money you’re spending, or not spending, on one. My favorite reply was, “Mine was $50 (etsy) and his was $20. The bands are simple and weren’t a priority for us since we don’t really wear them. We spent that money on things that mattered to us like the catering and our savings for a house.”
Once you know what kind of ring you want, set a budget and find something you like that falls within that budget. Simple!
3. Consider a local jeweler.
When my fiance was working for a nearby TV station, he and a reporter did a story on a little shop called Jewelry by Cottage Studio in Cambridge, MD. He brought me back a “meditation ring,” handmade with a thick silver band and two thinner gold-colored bands around it that can be spun around the thicker band, and I wear it every day. Ever since we first got engaged, I’ve wanted to visit the studio and buy their wedding bands that were handcrafted right in Cambridge.
We walked into the studio one evening in January, 30 minutes before closing, and were informed by the very kind owner that soon they’d be closing forever. They were moving to Colorado and weren’t making any new rings in the store, or offering any more classes where crafty customers could learn how to do it yourself. That was a sad moment, but the owner did recommend another independent jewelry store, Shearer the Jeweler in downtown Easton, MD, a shop that I really do recommend.
Park Place Jewelers is another jewelry store, with several locations in Ocean City, MD, that offers a variety of wedding bands, many of them beach- and Ocean City-themed.
Kokkinos Creative Jewelers is also local to Ocean City, and they pride themselves on being the only J.A.-certified bench jeweler in Maryland.
I do think it’s cool to have a band that’s custom-made by a local jeweler rather than a large chain, if only because the idea of a locally-crafted wedding band seems more special and unique (even though at their simplest, many wedding rings are just plain metal circles, anyway). Of course, the couple should always put their desires first, whether that means getting a friend to weld a couple of bands in their basement (now that’s local) or picking out the most expensive rings that Kay Jewelers has to offer. It’s not only your wedding but it’s your marriage, and hopefully you’ll be wearing this ring for the rest of your material life.
Unless, of course, you lose it down the drain. It happens.
Berlin, Maryland isn’t a seasonal town. Its shops, restaurants, and hotels that line the streets of the charming downtown stay open year-round, and locals make a habit of knowing where to be and when: When to see a new gallery exhibit or partake in a Murder Mystery at The Globe, when Burley Oak is releasing a much-anticipated new beer or showcasing live music from an up-and-coming local band, when a beloved wine will be on sale at Pitt Stop. It’s a beautiful and historically-rich town to visit (and “The Coolest,” some may say), but it’s not bad living in Berlin, either. There’s always something fun happening all year round, and always something good to eat and drink no matter the palate or price-range.
The Globe
House grilled cheese and chips at The Globe.
The Globe is a restaurant and bar on Broad Street in Berlin, located inside a historic century-old building that was once home to Berlin’s Globe Theater. Staying true to its cinematic and artistic roots, the second floor of the restaurant now houses an art gallery where local artists exhibit their works every month, and a traditional theater stage is front-and-center in the downstairs dining room. Diners can often catch classic films screened in the dining room, allowing them to fawn over Cary Grant and enjoy a classic and delicious American meal simultaneously.
The Globe serves as a hub for good food, art, and entertainment. Murder Mystery Dinners take place in the upstairs art gallery and lounge throughout the year, and area actors and attendees of the dinner both become detectives out to solve the latest, always original and always new, whodunnit. There’s also trivia on Wednesday nights, where wisened regulars and naive newcomers compete over three rounds of questions throughout the night, and only the smartest of the bunch (at least on that particular night) take home prizes donated by Burley Oak.
Editor’s Note:At Least We Tried is currently accepting applications for trivia team members, particularly those who know anything about sports, cars, and funk music. Email the author of this article for details.
Rayne’s Reef
Lunch at Rayne’s Reef.
You already traveled a century back in time at The Globe, now fast-forward just 30 years or so before returning to the 21st century and stop for an ice cream soda at Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill.
The atmosphere inside the street-corner soda fountain is 1950s-inspired retro and sparks images of saddle shoes and The Fonz, who you’d expect to saunter in snapping his fingers at any moment, but like The Globe, Rayne’s Reef has actually been a staple of downtown Berlin for over 100 years. It has a different kind of historic charm than its neighbor, featuring mid-century diner decor mixed in with more modern Polaroids tacked to the walls and a movie poster of Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride (famously shot in Berlin, where one scene actually takes place inside Rayne’s).
Grab a stool at the Formica-topped bar and order a Reuben, a milkshake or a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and scrapple on the side.
The Atlantic Hotel
Outside the Atlantic Hotel.
The historic Atlantic Hotel has graced Berlin with its Victorian-era beauty and charm since 1895. It was that year that a tragic fire tore through downtown and reduced many buildings to piles of ash; after the damage was surveyed, the Mayor and Council decreed that any new structures be built out of brick, resulting in the Atlantic Hotel’s sturdy brick facade that’s remained for over 120 years since on Main Street.
The rooms in the hotel today maintain the tradition of the Victorian style, furnished with authentic antique decor and photographs. Those who opt not to lodge in the hotel can still dine in the Atlantic Hotel Bistro Bar, otherwise referred to as “Drummer’s Cafe” after the drummers, or salespeople, who arrived at the hotel by train and horse in the late 19th century to try their luck in Berlin. The restaurant boasts fine dining, a vintage bar well-stocked with fine wines and craft beers, and a front porch that’s perfect for enjoying a meal in the fresh air and people-watching in downtown Berlin.
Burley Oak
Time for a beer at Burley.
Although it’s not quite as old as its local dining-and-drinking counterparts — Burley Oak Brewing Co. opened its doors for the first time in 2011 — the one and only craft brewery in Berlin is as significant to the town in the present-day as its centuries-old neighbors. And of course, because it’s Berlin, there is some history behind the building that houses the taproom as well. It used to be a cooperage that produced oak barrels, which were then filled with produce and seafood and shipped to Baltimore, in the 20th century.
Because Burley Oak values local ingredients and supplies and sustainable business practices, the brewery helps power the local economy and has been a major catalyst in establishing Berlin as a tourism destination for craft beer lovers, of which there are many in Maryland and in neighboring states. Drinking a beer from Burley just feels good, because of their commitment to local craftsmen and farmers and because of the unique variety of flavors and beer styles on tap. For instance, an upcoming can release includes a mango blood orange fruited sour ale, a double IPA with wildflower honey, and a stout made with Gnarly Waffles from the Burley Cafe, to name just a few. The brewery’s well worth a stop for anyone even relatively near Berlin, from the most renowned craft beer critics to those who are brand-new to the world of craft beer.
Pitt Stop Beer & Wine
Shelves upon shelves of beer at Pitt Stop.
You can make a quick pit stop for beer, wine, or spirits on your way home or back to your hotel, or you can spend hours lounging in the Pitt Stop’s cozy and comfortable upstairs bar. Either is a good choice and comes with reasonable prices and a welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re running in to pick up a bottle of wine or meeting friends for a cold craft beer, at Pitt Stop Beer and Wine, just off Worcester Highway in Berlin.
Pitt Stop is more than the average liquor store, which makes it a noteworthy place in town to stop for a drink, and that’s true even if Pitt Stop isn’t 100+ years old. Really, this time. The store is located in what used to be a car dealership, but you wouldn’t know it from the inside, where twinkly lights, paisley couches, and homey furnishings made from recycled materials make it easy for patrons to get comfortable and lose track of time while they sip and shop. There’s always something on sale, and that usually includes a local craft beer. There are complimentary tastings every week, a daily happy hour at the bar, and inside the 7,000 square foot building, over 850 spirits, 850 beers, and 750 wines.
Ocean City, Maryland – (January 16, 2019):The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) recently received a generous grant of $99,000 from the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation. The contribution was used to buy two training devices, including the Gaumard Scientific Advanced Patient Simulators (HAL), which allows the department to provide realistic simulation training.
“HAL allows us to perform a number of skills such as monitoring cardiac rhythm, insertion of intravenous lines, endotracheal tubes, and monitoring of routine vital signs like blood pressure, breath sounds, pulse, and end tidal carbon dioxide,” said OCFD Assistant Chief Eric Peterson. “HAL is completely wireless, has a drug recognition system and runs on a very user-friendly interface, allowing us to get the most lifelike training possible at our disposal at any time.”
The foundation’s grant contributed $36,000 toward the purchase of HAL, which had a purchase price of $76,000. In addition, the contribution by the foundation enabled the department to purchase a mechanical chest compression system. The device, LUCAS III, is a user-friendly piece of equipment that can be used on adult cardiac arrest patients. The foundation purchased three of these devices at a cost of $33,000.
The remainder of the grant will be used for personnel training, including the EMS Today Conference, the Fire Department Training Network, and an Advanced Airway Anatomy course. “The Paramedic Foundation’s donation not only gives us state of the art equipment to train with, but it allows us to attend national training courses to assure we’re the most prepared to do our jobs,” Peterson finished.
Along with the recent donation, the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation’s Robert T. Adkins Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance for educational purposes to those wishing to enter the field of Emergency Medical Services. To learn more, visit: https://ocpf.org/ocean-city-paramedics-scholarship/
On Tuesday night, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 4.7-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland at 6:30 p.m.
The earthquake was reported about 136 miles off the coast at a depth of about 6.2 miles.
USGS said the location was 37.240°N, 73.007°W.
The Town of Ocean City reported on Facebook that while we’ve seen no effects from the earthquake here, the Emergency Services Department will be monitoring the situation as needed.
The Dough Roller announced via Facebook on Monday, Jan. 14, that they would offer a free meal to members of the Coast Guard and furloughed federal government employees as long as the government shutdown continues.
The Coast Guard is the only branch of the military to be furloughed during the government shutdown. Approximately 42,000 Coast Guard members have been working without pay since the shutdown began on Dec. 22, and missed their first paychecks on Monday. Additionally, approximately 800,000 federal employees have been affected by the shutdown, and government contractors have been impacted as well.
“For every week of the government shutdown,” the Dough Roller said, “Coast Guard and Govt. furloughed workers are not being paid, The Dough Roller will give a FREE meal to those employees. All must present a valid Government employee ID to redeem the offer.”
At the restaurant’s 41st and 69th Street locations, eligible government workers can receive a Little Roller (two buttermilk pancakes, one egg and a breakfast meat), a Big Roller (three buttermilk pancakes, two eggs and a breakfast meat), a personal one-topping pizza or a medium one-topping pizza, for dine-in or carry-out.
Individuals are advised to message the restaurant on Facebook with any questions.
In the summer we do a Photo Friday contest almost every week, where we invite readers to submit their best vacation photos from Ocean City for a chance to win a gift card to a local business and to have their photos featured in an article like this one. In the winter, we’re a bit more sporadic… But days when we’re missing summer a little more than usual (like the Monday after we’ve received the first snowfall of 2019!) call for a summer throwback post. So here we are.
Featured below are a handful of the pictures that were submitted to us between late August of 2018 and just last weekend. Our randomly-selected winner of the bunch was Georgia Corso, who will receive a $25 gift card to Captain’s Table for her ambient nighttime Ferris wheel shot.
If you’re feeling nostalgic today for warm weather and sunny beach days, here’s where you can find our collection of Photo Fridays from last summer and beyond. There’s no telling when our next photo contest will be until spring hits (though there’s a chance it’ll follow the next big snowfall…), but you’re always welcome to submit your best vacation shots for a chance to win! As usual, remember to include your name and email address along with your submission so we can easily contact you if and when you win.
Haven’t seen this guy lately! I think he was waiting for Kohr Bros to open.This photo was taken the week of December the 19th at the Ocean City Marina, I spend a lot of time in that area taking photos of the boats in the summer and all the seasons. . The sky was particularly gorgeous this evening and I was lucky enough t get this shot. Submitted by Mary Miller, of Berlin, Md.Ollie, Maxwell, Boh , and roxie. Walking on the boardwalk towards Backshore.Dolphin at playSunset photo from the little bridge in the Northside Park 8/27.
Peaceful day at Assateague National Park July 20, 2018 on vacation while camping at Frontier Town. Karen ScaliaFound on Fenwick Beach washed up on the shore. Hundreds of these shells attached!Wild horses assateague parkWashed up on 81st street sat morningOur beach wedding at the inlet! 8/24/18 at 10am! Joey and DanielleFerris wheel on OC Pier, August 13, 2016, 10:11 p.m., “Amusements” Georgia Corso
In case you missed it, the annual Best of Ocean City voting is well underway. Over the rest of the year, we’ll be picking out some of our favorite races and asking you whether it is fair. If it isn’t, feel free to vote until you believe that right has prevailed. This week, we look at some of the bar categories, but, as always, you can vote for any or all of the categories here.
And check out what bars are currently in first place here.
Results as of January 11, 2019
We want to keep you from wasting your vacation on bad food. The Crabcake Factory is currently in the lead for Best Crabcakes, capturing an astounding 49% of the votes, btw.
The best pizza is still up in the air
…And we hope it’ll come down eventually, because we’re hungry. Out of every category on our Best Of poll, Best Pizza has the most votes by far. It always does, because everybody loves pizza, and most people have pretty strong opinions about where to get it from. Like last year and the year before that, the winner is currently “other.” We added Ponzetti’s, Piezano’s and Grotto’s to the multiple-choice selection this year because those were the most popular write-ins last year, but you all still aren’t satisfied with our selection! Anyway, after “other” comes Lombardi’s, followed by The Dough Roller and Grotto’s. Mione’s has fallen a few since last year. Come on Mione’s, step up your game!
2018’s winner? “Other,” followed by Lombardi’s.
Dumser’s takes the (ice cream) cake
If you staunchly disagree that Dumser’s has the best ice cream in Ocean City, you might want to vote now and tell your friends, too. They’re currently in the lead with a whopping 54%. But all hope is not lost. If you’re a fan of King Kone, Island Creamery in Berlin, Julia’s or anyone else, they still have several months to catch up. Kohr Bros, usually our second-place winner, has fallen behind from last year, though there’s still time for the Bros to pull ahead…
2018’s winner? (And the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that…) Dumser’s, of course.
Dumser’s is an Ocean City tradition, plus their ice cream is just plain delicious. Objectively speaking, of course.
Shotti’s Point leads a close race for Best Wings
Shotti’s Point is a relatively new restaurant in town, and they’re already opening a second location on the Boardwalk this summer. That might explain their newfound popularity in the Best of Ocean City voting. We shacked up at Shotti’s Point last January and were mightily impressed with the wings selection, as well as the Rhino Chaser fries. But that’s not to influence how you vote for Best Wings; Kirby’s is coming in second, Hooter’s in third, and the Original Greene Turtle in fourth.
2018’s winner? Kirby’s, followed by the Original Greene Turtle. Shotti’s Point was third.
Mother’s Cantina and Tequila Mockingbird are neck and neck for Best Mexican Food
We love a little friendly competition, and one of the closest races always seems to be Mother’s Cantina and Tequila Mockingbird, both respectable local options for tacos and margaritas. There’s currently only a 3% difference between the two, while Guido’s Burritos and Plaza Tapatia trail behind.
2018’s winner? Mother’s Cantina, predictably followed by Tequila Mockingbird.
The Crab Bag has the Best Crabs, for now
When you’re in Ocean City, you’re probably going to want crabs. And not just any crabs–the best crabs. At this moment in time, the best crabs can be found at The Crab Bag, followed by Hooper’s Crab House and Crabs To Go in Ocean Pines. Crab Alley is the most popular write-in.
2018’s winner? The Crab Bag.
Help your fellow vacationers avoid bad food in Ocean City! Vote for your favorites and let your voice be heard.
Ocean City, Maryland – (January 10, 2019): The Ocean City Mayor and City Council have expressed their opposition to seismic blast testing off the coast of the resort community. In a letter sent to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Acting Director Dr. Walter Cruickshank, Mayor Rick Meehan stated opposition against any actions off the coast which could potentially harm Ocean City’s ocean environment.
“The process, done to locate potential under-sea oil and gas deposits, uses high powered compressed air cannons to blast sound waves into the ocean,” stated Meehan. “The impact of seismic blasting can cause harm to marine mammals as well as highly migratory fish species such as tuna, which are critical to the commercial and recreational fishing industries in Ocean City.”
Ocean City’s disapproval of offshore oil drilling and waste dumping dates back to 1974, when the Town’s elected officials passed a resolution to oppose similar legislation to seismic blast testing. Further, in 2015, the Mayor and City Council joined with several other coastal communities and unanimously passed a resolution against seismic blast testing.
“The recent permits issued by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, combined with the pending permits being reviewed by BOEM, open the door for seismic blast testing and ultimately offshore oil and gas drilling off the Ocean City coastline,” Meehan continued. “The short term benefits of oil and gas exploration or any large scale industrial activity in the ocean pale against the permanent catastrophic environmental and economic harm that such activity will cause. We are urging BOEM to preserve our beach and ocean by denying any permit applications related to oil and gas exploration and development off the coast of Maryland.”
Sometimes it pays to plan ahead and avoid procrastination when planning your summer vacation. A handful of Ocean City’s top hotels are offering ‘Book Early and Save’-type deals that started when the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1. Many of the deals are only good until Jan. 31, though it varies by hotel, so it’s a good idea to click the links below and read the fine print before making your decision!
Pros to booking early: You save money and you have something to look forward to all winter long.
Boardwalk Hotel Group, which includes the Howard Johnson hotels on 12th and 24th Street and the Days Inn Oceanfront hotel on 23rd Street, is offering an Early Bird Special that entails booking before April 15, 2019. The special includes 20% off weekday rates and 10% off weekends, plus a free large bucket of Thrasher’s fries. This Early Bird special is featured in the article’s cover image.
This package is for the people whose stay in Ocean City, Maryland wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the musts of the Boardwalk. The Best of the Boardwalk package allows you to stay and play for two-nights on the Boardwalk at an all-inclusive price.
At the Flamingo Motel, located on Motel Row just off the beach on 31st Street, book by Jan. 31 with the promo code “WINT” and receive 20% off your reservation.
Discount Bookings 20% Off Reservations Booked In December and January (promo code WINT) Reservations must be booked by 1/31/2019 56th Anniversary Specials $56 Special Anniversary Weekends (4/20, 5/11).
The Grand Hotel & Spa welcomes you to enjoy our convenient services and contemporary accommodations at affordable rates by taking advantage of our hotel specials, vacation packages and current deals. Whether you’re traveling to Maryland for a family vacation, a weekend escape or if you are traveling here on business, we have a deal, package or special that will meet your travel needs and budget.
Rodney the Lifeguard wants you to have an excellent summer vacation by taking advantage of the Park Place’s Rodney Summer Budget Deal: Book early, for a minimum of three nights, and enjoy a discounted rate in a bay view double efficiency room.
SIDE OCEANVIEW OR POOLVIEW ONLY June 16 – June 27, 2019; weekday only 3 nights including 1 breakfast buffet for 3 mornings for up to 4 guests per suite; $699+ tax. Additional persons over age 12 (over base of 2 people) are $20.00 pp/pn + tax for room; (breakfast up to 4 ppl).
Ocean City, Maryland – (January 7, 2019): 2019 is now well upon us, and with a New Year comes new and exciting concerts to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center.
The first show features six-time Grammy Award winners The Chieftains coming to the Performing Arts Center Tuesday, March 5, 2019. The Chieftains have been highly recognized for reinventing traditional Irish music on a contemporary and International scale. The Chieftains were formed in Ireland in 1962 by Paddy Moloney, one of the top traditional folk musicians in Ireland and around the world. Their ability to transcend musical boundaries to blend tradition with modern music has notably hailed them as one of the most renowned and revered musical groups to this day. They will be celebrating their 55th Anniversary Tour in Ocean City, Maryland on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day!
Later in the year, Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys will play their Shine The Light On Christmas show on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Performing Arts Center. A mixture of traditional and contemporary songs—including religious, romantic and fun holiday tunes—makes up the setlist, which includes songs from the Oak Ridge Boys’ seven bestselling Christmas CDs. Known for their iconic and multi-platinum selling hit “Elvira,” along with other chart-toppers like “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” and “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” The Oak Ridge Boys have achieved a decorated career. The band is made up of members Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban, whose unmistakable bass on the lyric “oom poppa, mow mow,” has become one of music’s most recognized sing-alongs on an international scale.
More concert announcements will be coming soon. Tickets can be purchased online at SpecialEventPro.com, by calling Ticketmaster 1-800-551-SEAT or by visiting the OC Box Office.
In the early 1950s, the Harrison Hall Hotel on 14th Street would become the northernmost hotel on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Motel Row, between 15th Street and 33rd, was only just starting to emerge as a region in town where tourists could lodge. The luxurious new hotel would set the standard for those who followed, as the first hotel in Ocean City to include a private bathroom in each room.
Orlando Harrison, the grandfather of the Harrison Group’s current owners, moved from Roxana, DE to Berlin, MD with his family in the latter part of the 19th century. The son of a farmer, Orlando grew up studying techniques for growing and sustaining fruit trees. Between 1904 and 1906, Orlando would plant large orchards in Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia, and years later, Harrison’s Nurseries would become the largest grower of fruit and shade trees in the world. They’d be best known, of course, for their peaches.
In the 1960s, a peach blight tragically eradicated the Harrison’s orchards, and most of the company’s assets were lost. Luckily, Orlando’s oldest son G. Hale had been acquainting himself with Ocean City’s growing hospitality industry and investing in hotels in town.
In 1951, G. Hale built Harrison Hall as a gift to his wife, Lois Harrison. When G. Hale passed away in 1961, Lois was left in charge of the hotel, which she ran with their sons John and Hale. The two boys did whatever work was needed on the property, from manning the front desk to keeping grounds, working after school and on weekends and even living at the hotel in the summer. “We both have always known that’s what we wanted to be when we grew up,” John said. “We wanted to own hotels.”
In 1964, when John and Hale were still in high school, they purchased their first property, the Barbizon, with the help of their mother. In 1970 they’d purchase their first property on their own, the Plim Plaza. But it was at Harrison Hall where they were practically born and raised.
Today, after 68 years, Harrison Hall still stands as elegant as ever on the Boardwalk at 14th Street, within walking distance of the beach, amusements, restaurants and shops. While it hasn’t been the northernmost property in town in a long, long time, it still stands out among the rows of Boardwalk hotels with its old-fashioned facade and big, wraparound front porch.
A very mid-century modern look at the inside of Harrison Hall, many years ago.On the beach in front of Harrison Hall in the 1980s.
This is part of a series on Ocean City Hotel History. If you have any interesting stories or photos from Ocean City’s older hotels, don’t hesitate to share them! Contact Kristin@OceanCity.com.
For the Harrison Hall’s website, click here. For a comprehensive list of Ocean City hotels, go here.
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. There’s a captain steering the ship, and your only worry in the world is whether you’d been wearing enough sunscreen that day. It sounds like a dream, but it’ll all be totally possible this summer when the Liquid Limo kicks into high gear this spring and begins offering its private charter service all season long.
The Liquid Limo first hit the waters during its soft opening last summer. Now it’s returning to the bay for its first full year, and will be available to any group of people looking to spend a day or an evening travailing Ocean City’s famously beautiful bayside, with the luxury of being driven around by a Coast Guard-certified captain. Last year, the charter boat’s first summer up and running, bachelor and bachelorette parties were common renters, but so were families and groups throwing birthday parties.
“It was a really nice mixture,” Croker said. “We did everything from birthday parties to bar crawls.”
Anyone’s welcome, for blocks of two, four, six, and even up to eight hours, and food and drinks can also be brought aboard. Bachelors and bachelorettes have been known to bring bottles of wine or coolers packed with beer, while families bring snacks or picnic lunches to be unpacked when the charter reaches their requested destination.
The perfect venue for drinking icy, summery drinks with friends.
That’s the beauty of the Liquid Limo: Once you step onto the boat, it’s up to you to decide what adventures the day will hold. In fact, the way the Limo operates is similar to a water taxi in that it can pick up and drop off its patrons at a variety of bayside restaurants and even private docks, so long as the docks can accommodate a 32-ft. vessel. Additionally, groups looking to explore Ocean City’s nightlife are just as likely to choose a club like Seacrets, for example, as their final drop-off destination.
The Liquid Limo can also be a catalyst for spending the day floating around with a drink in hand and taking in the natural beauty of the Shore.
“We had a lot of people who wanted to raft up behind Assateague and get in the water and float around, and then they’d just have their lunch or drink whatever they brought aboard,” Croker said.
“We’d take ‘em down behind Assateague, they’d have fun and then we’d power the boat back up and go to say, De Lazy Lizard or Harborside, grab some lunch, cruise around for another hour or so. That’s what people loved, was just the experience. They loved being on the water.”
Although the Limo’s career began last summer as a cut-and-dry water taxi service, Croker and his team notice a swift uptick in interest after they began offering it as a private charter. It became clear that the boat was made for groups of friends and family who wanted to spend time with one another on the water, whether that meant a tranquil tour of the peninsula or a full-blown party.
The Limo can hold up to 24 passengers and includes WiFi, LED lights above and below the water and a premium sound system, so a party atmosphere it can easily make.
There’s no better view.
When a group isn’t as familiar with the Ocean City area, the charter’s captains and mates are well-versed with the most scenic views and boat-accessible restaurants and drop-off points the boat can reach.
“If there’s kids on board, they get a real kick out of us powering the boat up full speed and taking them on a fast ride along the back bay,” Croker said. “It’s extremely flexible. They’ll customize their adventure to what we have to offer, it’s not a cookie cutter experience.”
Toward the end of the season last year, they noticed that businesses in town like De Lazy Lizard and Dumser’s were chartering the boat as an end-of-summer celebration for employees. At the end of the day, Croker said, it’s all about what the group wants.
“If they charter it for a birthday party, then it’s a birthday party,” he said. “If it’s for a bar crawl, then it’s a bar crawl.”
The Liquid Limo’s second season begins on May 15, 2019, and will run through Oct. 15. It can be booked online or at 410-430-2120, and it’s highly recommended that parties book in advance.
2019’s Winter Delmarva Birding Weekend will be held Jan. 25 – 27, signaling for local birders to dust off their binoculars and zoom lenses and prepare for a peaceful weekend watching for waterfowl, shorebirds, seals and more.
The fowl-centric weekend includes various field trips Friday through Saturday. Bundled-up birders drive, hike and boat to prime wildlife-watching locations on the Shore from the historic landings of Chincoteague Bay to Berlin Falls Park and Delaware’s Indian River Inlet.
While the winter birding expedition is only in its third year, the Spring Delmarva Birding Weekend will celebrate its 23rd anniversary this April. The downside of the winter weekend being, of course, the brisk weather. However, Delmarva Birding Weekend organizer and guide Jim Rapp says that to him, and other bird watchers along the coast, it’s well worth bearing the cold to see the winter wildlife.
“The animals that show up, the birds, even the seals, are really brilliant,” Rapp said. “You’ll see year-round species and migrants, and those will be gone by April.”
A handful of the Birding Weekend field trips allow birders to view wildlife by boat. Photo courtesy of Delmarva Birding Weekend.
According to Delmarva Birding’s website, 108 species were tallied during their Winter Birding Weekend last year, including the Snowy Owl, the Great Cormorant, the Purple Sandpiper, the Snow Bunting, the Common Merganser, the Red-necked Grebe, and 27 species of waterfowl.
Because there’s such a wide range of land and sea-based habitats on the Shore, Delmarva is a paramount region for spotting birds and other wildlife in any season (there’s also a spring Birding Weekend, in addition to a number of events hosted by Delmarva Birding throughout the year). When asked what makes Delmarva the perfect location for birding and nature expeditions, Rapp said, “First of all the wildlife, second, the people.”
“We are really fortunate to have amazing habitats like the Chesapeake Bay, the Delaware Bay, the Coastal Bays, all the water as well as some of the greatest parks and wildlife refuges,” he said. “And we’re on an awesome resort. You can travel, get a hotel, go to a fantastic brewery. Wildlife and amenities, we’re fortunate enough to have both.”
Tourism as it relates to bird-watching brings money into the local economy, which goes back into promoting and supporting bird and habitat conservation. Tourists flock (get it?) to Delmarva year-round to view and photograph birds on their own, but the field trips and boat trips planned by Delmarva Birding turn the solitary pastime into a community-involved group effort.
Those who wish to partake in this weekend’s field trips should register online. We’ll be hoping you get a weekend of beautiful weather and that all the birds and wildlife come out to enjoy it!
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for January weather near the ocean!
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes,” Rapp said. “Don’t hesitate to pack on some extra layers.”
Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. You can still get sunburn in the winter.
Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine.
Try to arrive a little before the scheduled trip departs.
Boat trips usually fill earlier than other trips; please make your reservations early.
Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and turn off cell phones during trips.
Vegetarians & guests with seafood allergies must make their restrictions known for trips that include lunch.
There are no restroom facilities on most trips.
For general bird watching:
Be prepared with multiple layers of clothing, and anything else that’ll be necessary for the environment and the weather (a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.). Bring along a bag to stash extra layers if it gets warmer.
Two staples of a bird watcher’s wardrobe should be sturdy boots and an insulated coat that can stand up to wind, rain and snow.
Bring a notebook to mark what species you see, or even create a log based on the species, the habitat and the season.
Watch birds from your own backyard by putting up a bird feeder or two. These are especially great for birds in the winter, when bad weather can make food harder to find.
For photographing birds:
Birds are small and fast, so photographing them can be difficult. However, it’s a lot easier if you have a DSLR camera with a high shutter speed, the ability to auto-focus and a zoom lens.
Shoot at a high shutter speed, around 1/800 and above.
Get as many shots as you can. The more, the merrier.
Have patience! That’s the number one rule of bird watching in general, isn’t it?
Photography Life has an article with lots of great resources and tips for photographing birds, for the novice to the professional photographer.
Our “birding” adventure
My fiancé and I headed to Assateague one morning in the hopes that we might be able to spot a few cool birds and snap a few pictures to share. We were a little overly optimistic, especially considering we were not even out of bed by sunrise and missed the prime early-morning hours for bird watching. Also, our cameras are better geared toward photographing big, slow ponies rather than tiny, quick-moving birds.
So, on that note, here are some ponies and foxes with a lone bird thrown in the mix! May anyone looking to photograph birds this weekend have better luck (and expertise) than we did, but remember, horse pictures are always okay, too. In fact, on Assateague, they’re practically required. Photos by me and William Strang-Moya.
First, while walking Assateague’s Life of the Forest trail, we were lucky enough to spot two foxes running and leaping around way in the distance. While the red foxes aren’t an uncommon sight on Assateague, it’s always exciting to see them hanging around.
Will anyone be out looking for the common seagull this weekend?…No?
A sparrow up in the trees.
Some ponies taking in the sun on the beach (and one taking a nap while standing up), with a wild cameraman in the distance.
It pretty warm for the winter, a nice day to be a horse.
Thinking about going out this weekend? Here are some species you might find on your expedition.
This article was originally published on 1/24/18 and was updated for the 2019 season.
