Discover the fun, food, shopping, and events of downtown OC This summer, take a stroll off OC’s great beach and check out downtown. Downtown Ocean City is the perfect vacation spot for all groups, from families to the over-21 crowd. Offering attractions for all ages and interests, such as amusements and museums, or parks and water activities, you can make Ocean City the vacation you desire. In addition to these appealing attrac-
tions, there is a wide variety of hotels and restaurants to fit your needs. Downtown Ocean City is home to a number of hotels and motels that offer many different styles and rates. Some of these establishments have served Ocean City visitors for generations, while others are quite new. In addition, there are plenty of accommodations that are available for daily, weekly, seasonal, or year-round rental. Another major draw of the downtown area is the abundance of restaurants,
from gourmet to casual dining, and don’t forget our famous Maryland blue crabs. Along with the eateries right on the Boardwalk, other popular options can be found along the bayside and streets of the downtown area of the resort. Whether you’re looking for a quiet crowd or a party crowd, you don’t have to look far. Retail stores are necessary in establishing a strong identity for a downtown area, and Ocean City is no exception. While the Boardwalk businesses provide a multitude of retail goods to visitors,
from sweets to graphic-tees, businesses off the Boardwalk offer more of a specialty character and boutique-like atmosphere. The next time you are in the downtown area, make sure you pop in for some shopping. Here are several other reasons to visit Downtown Ocean City, whether it’s during the off-season or in the height of summer: Amusements and arcades: Downtown Ocean City is lucky to have two See DOWNTOWN on Page 2
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Downtown offers an exciting journey From water sports and fishing, to a walking tour and museums, it’s there Continued from Page 1
amusement parks in its southern area: Trimper’s Amusements and the Pier. These long-standing locations offer a wide selection, from the newest to the more traditional, in rides, games and amusements, while the arcades provide challenges for young and old alike. Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum: Located at the south end of the Boardwalk by the Inlet, this historic building is home to many exhibits detailing Ocean City’s maritime heritage, the lore of the sea, and more at a very reasonable admission price. Open year-round. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum: Experience first-hand the incredible world of Robert Ripley! A visit to this Boardwalk attraction is fun, educational, and always entertaining. Also open yearround. Water sports and fishing: Downtown Ocean City is the hub of water sports activities in the resort. Options include sightseeing boats, cruises, personal watercraft rentals, charter fishing boats, parasailing, speedboat rides, and more. For fishing enthusiasts who want to stay closer to land, fishing is available from the
inlet and public piers in Downtown Ocean City. Bicycles, Segways, and scooters: Each provides a fun and fast way to travel around Ocean City. During the summer, bikes and Segways are allowed on the Boardwalk only in the morning, while in the off-season, they are allowed any time. Older buildings: Although Ocean City does not have a designated historic district, it does have many notable older buildings throughout the downtown area where you can see traditional beach town architecture. Most of these structures are highlighted in the free “Downtown Walking Tour Guide� brochure, which is available at the Downtown Association’s information booth on the Boardwalk near Caroline Street, at City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Ave. and at the OCDC office at 108 Dorchester Street. In 2008, the OCDC provided bronze plaques to the 20 oldest buildings in Ocean City. St. Paul’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Church at Baltimore Avenue and Third Street was the first Ocean City building added to the National Register of Historic Places. For smartphone users, QR codes are located on many of these buildings with a short informational video about each place. Free walking tour guides are also available for Upper Downtown Ocean City, the
area between Fourth Street and 15th Street. Special events: Most visitors to Ocean City look forward to the award-winning special events the town of Ocean City provides, such as Springfest, Sunfest, and Concerts on the Beach. But several other large, private special events take place in the downtown area, including the free music events at Sunset Park and Somerset Plaza, sponsored by the OCDC, and the OC Cruzers custom car display at Somerset Plaza two Sundays each month from June through September. The fall sees other activities downtown, including Bike Week in September and the Cruisin’ Ocean City events in May and October. Parks and open spaces: Beautiful and leisurely public parks and spaces in Downtown Ocean City include Somerset Plaza, the Inlet Park, Sunset Park, and the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, the oldest skate park on the East Coast. With all this available, the next time you are downtown, make sure you take advantage of the many things to do and see both on and off the Boardwalk. (The OCDC is a nonprofit organization charged with revitalizing Downtown Ocean City. For more information or to become a member of the OCDC, visit our website at www.ocdc.org or call at 410-289-7739.)
Downtown art program grows through OCDC The OCDC’s Public Art Program continues to expand by adding newly painted utility boxes and wall murals. As of May 31, there have been 23 Delmarva utility boxes painted with various Eastern Shore themes. Many of the boxes have been painted by volunteers of the Art League of Ocean City and students from area schools. Other utility boxes have been painted by local artists sponsored by the OCDC and local businesses. In addition, four wall murals, four sculptures, and enlarged postcards have been completed under the OCDC Public Art Program. The OCDC public art program is funded by private contributions and resort area fundraisers. Individuals and businesses interested in contributing towards a new public art project should contact the OCDC at 410-289-7739. Contributions are tax deductible and such public art makes for an even more exciting Ocean City to visit each year!
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At the Inlet Village 806 S. Atlantic Ave. Ocean City, MD 21842
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Somerset Plaza plans special summer events For the 11th year, there will be a new series of FREE special events on select Sundays at Somerset Plaza located on Somerset Street between the Boardwalk and Baltimore Avenue. Somerset Plaza is a semi-pedestrian street that is closed to all vehicular traffic during these special events. All events begin at 3 p.m. and OC Cruzer custom cars will be on display during all music events.
Performance schedule July 7 Delmarva Chorus July 21 Rob Fahey – Rock Aug. 4 Nate Clendenen Duo – Acoustic Rock Aug. 18 Sweet Harmony – Classic Rock Sept. 8 Tommy Edward – Rod Stewart Tribute Sept. 22 Troy Mawyer – Rock For additional information about these events contact the OCDC at 410-289-7739.
Classic cars, hailing from way back when to the muscle cars of the 1960s, line the walkway at Somerset Plaza.
Ocean City Houses In Miniature
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“A SURFERS VIEW OF OCEAN CITY” UTILITY BOX PAINTING Thanks to the partnership with the OCDC, Marriot Courtyard, Captain’s Table Restaurant, and a local artist, another downtown utility box has been completed. Local artist, Chris McGervey, has completed the most recent utility box located on the east side of Baltimore Avenue and 15th Street in front of the Marriot Courtyard Hotel. The painting is titled, “A Surfer’s View of Ocean City.” The Marriott Courtyard and Captain’s Table Restaurant sponsored Mr. McGervey to paint this Delmarva Power utility box under the OCDC’s Public Art Program. Pictures of the painted utility boxes and other public art sponsored by the OCDC can be viewed at its website at www.ocdc.org.
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JULY 2013 ward to the Air Show in early June and the Dew Tour in late June. The completion of the new comfort station at Caroline Street is anticipated to open in late June. In addition, there will be an oceanfront stage for performances. Helpful information Restrooms locations: • South Division at the transit Station • Worcester Street • Caroline Street • 9th Street • 27th Street Boardwalk tram schedule On weekdays, the Boardwalk tram runs from the south end of the Boardwalk near the inlet to 27th Street from 11 a.m. to midnight daily until Sept.2. During holidays, weekends and special events, it runs from 10 a.m. to midnight. Cost is $3 per person, one way. A new unlimited one-day pass costs only $6, but must be used between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Discount packages are also provided.
Walking the boards is as much a tradition in Ocean City as the Boardwalk itself. It’s been part of Ocean City since 1902.
Boardwalk makes lasting memories No trip to beach would be complete without visit to this Ocean City landmark As you walk the 2.5 mile Boardwalk, use all your senses to enjoy sights and sounds of one of America’s top 10 Boardwalks. Aromas of caramel popcorn, fresh squeezed lemonade, French fries and pizza waft from one end to the other. Experience the sounds of gulls, crashing waves, bicycle bells and exuberant volleyball players. See the flag waving in the breezes, see 200,000 visitors on any weekend during
the season, see guests from all over the world, see a child’s wonder as he scoots to and from the waves, and see world class surfers riding a wave. Feel the thrill of the roller coaster or the sand between your toes. New this year are restaurants, microbreweries and stores as well as many of your favorites. There will be new signs at four prominent locations to help you find every categorized store location, sweets and treats, jewelry, bike rentals, toys, restaurants, hotels, T-shirts and much more. Be sure to walk to the inlet and see the rebuilt historic fishing pier, which was damaged during Hurricane Sandy.
Mayor Rick Meehan cast the first fishing line on the newly restored pier on Memorial Day. Ask him if he caught the big one! Boardwalk restored The restoration of the new Boardwalk is completed. Two years ago, we asked visitors to choose the specifications for the new Boardwalk. It meets the specifications you asked for – the traditional all -wood Boardwalk. Events on beach There are many free events on the beach again this year, from Tuesday night fireworks and tournaments to Sunday night laser light shows. We look for-
Boardwalk history The Boardwalk, officially known as Atlantic Avenue, dates back to 1902, when several oceanfront hotel owners got together and constructed a wooden walkway for the convenience of their guests. At high tide, it was rolled up and stored on hotel porches. Around 1910, a permanent promenade was built. It ran about five blocks and was then expanded to 15th Street in the 1920s. After being leveled by a storm in March 1962, it was rebuilt to its present 2.5 mile length, ending at 27th Street. In 1999, major improvements were made to the Boardwalk, to create a safe and attractive experience. Visit us Stop by the Downtown Association Cottage, located between North Division and Caroline Street for answers to any questions you have. We welcome all our visitors to Ocean City. Enjoy the Boardwalk and come back often!
Illuminating idea: lighting up downtown for holidays ‘Donate to Decorate’ plan helps bring festive spirit to Ocean City downtown November of 2012 was the inauguration of bringing holiday lights back to Downtown Ocean City, at Sunset Park with the tower being lit as our Christmas tree. We are on our way to illuminating the area for the 2013 holiday season. With your help through the “Donate to Decorate” program, we have hopes of adding more holiday displays at Sunset Park this season. The Downtown Association and Ocean City Development Corporation has a Light Up Downtown Committee working on bringing light displays to Sunset Park and the various business
through the downtown area . We are working together in hopes of making Downtown a brighter community and in hope businesses will keep their doors open during this time of the year.
Light up Downtown Celebration encourages residents and businesses from the inlet to 15th street to light up their properties during the holiday season. With the Downtown Association and Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) working together with the Town of Ocean City, we will light up the heart of the city Downtown once again. The celebration is a fun-filled family holiday event. On Nov. 29 at 5 p.m., the Sunset Park tower (tree) will be lit to begin the holiday festivities. Then each Friday and Saturday from 5-7 p.m. through Dec. 14, Santa will be on site overseeing the various entertainment, carriage rides, baked goods, and hot cocoa sales. This year, we will have a Toys for Tots drop off and canned food drive while
families visit Santa. We encourage everyone in the community to enjoy the holiday spirit of giving. Please look for future “Donate to Decorate” fundraisers around the Downtown area in hopes of making this event of Light Up Downtown Celebration bigger and better. Donations through the “Donate to Decorate” fund are being accepted to assist with reviving the holiday spirit downtown. The goal is to bring holiday lights to Sunset Park and around Downtown. We have sponsorships available for you to assist in bringing back the holiday lights: bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels. Mail your Donation to P.O. Box 128 Ocean City, MD 21843. For additional information or to donate, please contact the Downtown Association at 410-2891413.
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13th annual OCDC award receipients The Ocean City Development Corporation wishes to recognize the following individuals and property owners: FAÇADE PROJECT PROGRAM AWARDS: Ocean City Boardwalk Suites LLC at 505 Atlantic Avenue Contractor: Bally Services LLC Architect/Engineer: MAD Engineering, Inc. O C Café at Boardwalk and 4th Street Anthony and Christina Bruno at 105 S. Philadelphia Avenue Contractor: Assawoman Bay Building Concepts Wayne Hartman at 5-7 St. Louis Avenue Jerry Greenspan and Jelar Corporation at 107 S. Baltimore Avenue GREEN BUILDING INITIATIVES PROGRAM: Walter and Susan Madigosky at 102 S. Philadelphia Avenue Contractor: Peninsula Roofing Co., Inc. OCDC ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD: The OCDC Golf Committee INDIVIDUAL AWARD: Hal Adkins, Director of Public Works Department – Town of Ocean City MADE GREEN A completed Green Building Initiatives Program project at 102 South Philadelphia Avenue. The project consists of installation of a “cool roof” project includes Energy Star rated reflective shingles to decrease energy costs.
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104 Philadelphia Avenue before
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JULY 2013
Concerts Thurs. nights in Sunset Park Program helps revitalization of downtown
For the past six years, the OCDC and Town of Ocean City have joined with various local nonprofit organizations to bring free music concerts to Sunset Park, Ocean City’s newest public park. These concerts will be performed on Thursday evenings from July 11 to Aug. 29 starting at 7 p.m. Sunset Park is located along South Division Street between Philadelphia Avenue and the bay in Downtown Ocean City. It is encouraged that attendees bring their own seating for this free event. For additional information, call the Ocean City Development Corporation at 410-289-7739.
Facade upgrades work one building at a time
Performance schedule All events are from 7 to 9 p.m. July 11
Full Circle – Blues/R&B/Jazz July 18 Pat O’Brennan Trio – Irish July 25 Oh Boy! – Buddy Holly Tribute Aug. 1 Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers – Blues/Rock Aug. 8 British Invasion Experience – Beatles Tribute Band Aug. 15 Lovin Cup – Rock Aug. 22 Rob Fahey and the Pieces – Rock Aug. 29 Poole & the Gang – Rock
Every Thursday night is a party night at Sunset Park, with free outdoor concerts taking place throughout the summer. Bring your own seating.
Beverages, including beer, are available for purchase by the Ocean City Recreation Boosters. All proceeds from these sales benefit youth programs in Ocean City. All beer is donated by Shenanigan’s
Irish Pub and Grille. Concerts are provided by the Town of Ocean City and Ocean City Development Corporation. Local nonprofit organizations will sponsor individual events and be present at the performances.
The OCDC’s Facade Improvement Program has now been used to assist 140 property owners and businesses to renovate their buildings in the downtown area in Ocean City south of 17th Street. Started 10 years ago this program has been instrumental in revitalizing many of the older buildings in downtown Ocean City. The funding for this program is provided by the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to new siding, windows, doors, and porches. This OCDC award winning program has now resulted in over $4.8 million of investment into the downtown area. For more information about this program and to see many of the” before” and “after” completed façade projects go to www.ocdc.org. (The Ocean City Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization charged with revitalizing downtown Ocean City.)
Learn About the Real Ocean City
Visit Surf’s Up Our newest exhibit
So much much to to discover discover about So about this this great great town town and and it’s it’s early early beginnings; The States Service in Ocean beginnings; TheUnited Ocean CityLife-Saving Life-Saving Service, The City, The Boardwalk, it’s evolution from afishing small fishing Boardwalk, it’s evolution from a small villagevillage to the to the premier of Stories today. abound! Stories abound! Seemarine local premier resort ofresort today. See local marine in critters in our Aquarium The Museum has all critters our Aquarium room.room. The Museum has it allitand we open daily forforyour and are we are open daily yourenjoyment enjoyment 410-289-4991 410-289-4991 www.ocmuseum.org formore moreinformation. information www.ocmuseum.org for
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