Discover the fun of downtown Ocean City Take a stroll off OC’s great beach and check out downtown food, shopping and special events
D
owntown Ocean City is the perfect vacation spot for all groups, from families to the over-21 crowd. Long the core of the vacation experience, downtown has 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 attractions, 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 a variety of 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 a great number and variety of restaurants 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 more than necessary in establishing a strong identity for a downtown area, they are vital and Ocean City is no exception. While the Boardwalk businesses provide a multitude of retail goods to visitors, from sweets to graphic-T-shirts, businesses off the Boardwalk offer more of a specialty character and boutiquelike 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 DownSee DISCOVER Page 6
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
July 2014
Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
July 2014
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At the Inlet Village 806 S. Atlantic Ave. Ocean City, MD 21842
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Rt. 50 Bridge
Monkey Doodles Treasure Island Frog Bar Life-Saving Museum Atlantic Gold Doggie Style Canine Cafe
Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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July 2014
A $40 PURCHASE
$5 off
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Rt. 50 Bridge
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
July 2014
Treasure Island
Page 5
LARGEST DOG BOUTIQUE & BAKERY ON THE EAST COAST!
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HUGE SELECTION OF GOURMET TREATS P LU S • • • • • •
Rt. 50 Bridge
Monkey Doodles Treasure Island Frog Bar Life-Saving Museum Doggie Style Canine Cafe
At the Inlet Village 806 S. Atlantic Ave.
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806 S. Atlantic Ave.
Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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July 2014
Discover the fun of downtown Ocean City Continued from Page 1 town Ocean City, whether it’s during the off-season or in the height of summer:
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 Avenue, and at the OCDC office located 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, located at Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, was the first Ocean City building added to the National Register of Historic Places. For Smart Phone 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 thoughout the summer, 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. And don’t forget the free fireworks shows on the beach each week this summer.
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.
Amusements and arcades
Downtown Ocean City is lucky to have two 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.
Life-Saving Station Museum
Located at the south end of the Boardwalk by the inlet, the historic Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum 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 year-round.
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 way to travel around Ocean City. During the summer, bikes and Segways are allowed on the Boardwalk only in the morning; however, in the off-season, they are allowed any time. So 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. It can make your vacation. (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.)
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July 2014
Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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July 2014
Somerset Plaza Special Events
1500cc Jet-Skis
For the 12th 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 music events begin at 3 P.M. The OC Cruzers custom cars will be on display during all music events.
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DATE
PERFORMER/TYPE OF MUSIC
July 13 ................ Blake Haley – Acoustic/Country/Rock July 27 ................ Rob Fahey – Rock
August 10 ............ Nate Clendenen Duo – Acoustic Rock August 24............ Troy Mawyer – Rock September 21...... Tsunami Sunset –
Pop/Punk Alternative
For additional information about these events contact the OCDC at 410-289-7739.
July 2014
Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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July 2014
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Upstairs open air rooftop dining
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306 Dorchester St. • Ocean City, MD • 410.289.4411 www.marinadeckrestaurant.com
Swim with the dolphins and make history Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
July 2014
Be a part of history in 2014. Ocean City, Maryland, voted “All-American City” and visited by hundreds of thousands of people during the summer, is unveiling another prized landmark. As an ongoing venture to beautify the city, the Ocean City Development Corporation and its Public Art Committee has been placing sculptures around the city for years. A sculpture of three dolphins will join other artwork placed to be viewed by those entering the resort. This one will be placed in the southwest corner of Route 90 & Coastal Highway. The sculpture consists of three dolphins made of bronze on a base. The sculpture will be 9 to 10 feet tall, and the base will be 7 to 8 feet in height. Each individual dolphin will measure 8 feet, 7 feet and 5 feet in length, with a bronze wave as the supporting sculpture base. The piece will stand at a majestic 16 to 18 feet tall overall. The design will be another signature piece specifically made with a design unique to Ocean City, by sculptor/artist David Turner of Turner Sculptures in Olney, Va. Turner also designed “Spillin’ the Wind,” the eagle sculpture located at the north entrance to Ocean City on 144th Street. Join the OC Dolphin Family You, too, can be an essential part of this
exciting endeavor by becoming a sponsor. Gracing the gateway to south Ocean City, this sculpture will be seen by all visitors coming across the Rt. 90 Bridge, and all North/South traffic. For a $1,000 donation, the sponsor will have their name and/or company placed on a commemorative bronze plaque affixed to the base of the sculpture. For a $2,000 donation, the sponsor will have their name and/or company displayed on the plaque at the base, as well as receiving their very own bronze replica of the dolphin statue. There will be an online auction where you can bid to sponsor and name one of the dolphins. The perfect gift whether honorary, memorial, birthday or anniversary for anyone who would like to have their name as a permanent part of Ocean City history*. All donations are welcome! Only those at the $1,000 and up level will receive plaque recognition, but we welcome any amount. Donations are tax-deductible. Donations can be made through the www.ocdolphins.com website, too. * Individual dolphins’ names are subject to approval by the OCDC and Mayor and City Council. Please send in your donation today Donations will gladly be accepted through Sunfest weekend, Sept.21, 2014. Sponsorships cannot be accepted past this date. For additional information contact the OCDC at 410-289-7739.
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A replica of the sculpture to be placed on Ocean City side of the Route 90 bridge.
On the boardwalk between N.Division & Caroline Streets
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Sunset Park party nights on Thursdays Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
Page 12
For the past seven years, the OCDC and the Town of Ocean City have joined local nonprofit organizations to bring free Thursday evening concerts to Sunset Park, Ocean City’s newest public park. The concert schedule runs from July 3 to Aug. 28, with performances running from 7-9 p.m. Sunset Park is located along South Division Street between Philadelphia Avenue and the bay in Downtown Ocean City. Members of the audience are encouraged to bring their own seating for this free event. 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 organiations sponsor individual events. For additional information, call the Ocean City Development Corporation at 410-2897739.
Randy Lee Ashcraft and The Saltwater Cowboys will bring their combination of beach and country music to Sunset Park on Aug. 28
July 10 ... Tranzfusion– Rock July 17 ... Folk Heros – Irish July 24 ... Full Circle, Blues/R&B /Jazz July 31 ... Captain Quint, Jimmy Buffett Tribute
Concert schedule
July 2014
Aug. 7 ... British Invasion Experience – Beatles Tribute Band Aug. 14 ... Lovin Cup – Rock Aug. 21 ... Eclipse – Journey Tribute Band Aug. 28 ... Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys
4th Street & Boardwalk 443.664.2708
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July 2014
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
Page 13
Masons Used & New Books, Gifts & Tin Sign Gallery 1s00’s in CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, Board Games, History Books & OC Prints
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
Page 14
Oceanfront Deck For Dining on the Boardwalk
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July 2014
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
July 2014
s– Just For Kid pers ee Visit Little K m oo Day/PlayR
So much to discover about this great town and it’s early beginnings; The United States Life-Saving Service in Ocean City, The Boardwalk, it’s evolution from a small fishing village to the premier resort of today. Stories abound! See local marine critters in our Aquarium room. The Museum has it all and we are open daily for your enjoyment. For more information call 410-289-4991 or visit www.ocmuseum.org.
FREE!!
Visit OC’s Life-Saving Station Museum Located at the Inlet end of the Boardwalk
SUMMER PROGRAMS
July 7 - August 31, 2014 Programs begin at 10:00 a.m. (Lasting approximately 30 minutes)
Programs are held at the Boardwalk Tram Station just north of the Museum. They may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
M MOONNDDAAYYSS Beach Safety
Learn how to be safe in the surf and spell your name using semaphore! The famous Ocean City Beach Patrol is on hand with everything you need to know!
TTUUEESSDDAAYYSS O.C.B.C.
OCBC (Ocean City Before Condominiums) takes you back to a time when Ocean City was a quiet fishing village. Geared for adult OC history buffs and anyone else interested in OC History.
W WEEDDNNEESSDDAAYYSS Knot Tying
Become an expert at nautical knots from a bowline to how to properly secure a cleat with help from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
TTHHUURRSSDDAAYYSS All about Sh arks
Learn the secrets of these often feared fish.
FFRRIIDDAAYYSS
AN ISL AND TA IL: THE C AS E O F THE W I LD H OR S E S
Join Kelly Taylor, Science Communicator at Assateague Island National Seashore, as we unlock mysteries surrounding Assateague’s most popular residents – the wild horses!
SSAATTUURRDDAAYYSS Aquarium Feeding
Watch and learn about local marine critters as they have their morning meal
SSUUNNDDAAYYSS
See and learn about turtles, snakes and other indigenous reptiles with The Delmarva Discovery Center of Pocomoke. All are welcome.
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum 813 S. Atlantic Avenue • Ocean City, MD 21842 410-289-4991 • Email: Sandy@ocmuseum.org • www.ocmuseum.org
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
Boardwalk OC license plate rally scheduled for Oct. 25
For the fourth year, residents and visitors with a vintage Ocean City license plate will be allowed to ride down the Boardwalk during the annual OC Vintage License Plate Rally, on Oct. 25. Continuing with the “Drive in Disguise” theme, anyone wishing to decorate his or her car also will be allowed to participate. “Folks really got into the swing of the event last year,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “The Downtown Association is to be congratulated for stepping up to sponsor this event and for bringing the Halloween theme into it.” Decorated cars will join the OC vintage plate cars, which will roll-off at 27th Street beginning at 3 p.m. Vehicles will driveoff the Boardwalk at the inlet parking lot, where prizes will be awarded and a group photo will be taken for all vehicles and drivers.
July 2014
In addition, various local organizations will have information booths set up and a DJ will play music. Other festivities are in the works. There is a $25 registration fee for non-vintage license plate participants and those vehicles must be decorated. There is no fee for those with an Ocean City “vintage” license plate (these are not vintage car tags but the special Ocean City plate). Proof of insurance is required for all participants. Proceeds from the event will be used for prizes and event costs. Registration forms are available at www.downtownassociation.net. For additional information, contact Nancy Howard at 443-235-4405 or email neffiehoward@comcast.net. If you do not have a city vintage plate and would like to obtain one visit the City web site at www.oceancitymd. gov These participants in last year’s license plate rally took the theme approach and wore costumes for the event.
WE DELIVER
Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
Asian Garden
July 2014
Page 17
Chinese & Indian Restaurant DINE IN • CARRY OUT • DELIVERY
CALL: 410 289 7423
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Locals Choice Home of the 3 Dozen Special Fresh MD Crab Meat • Gulf Shrimp Homemade Crab Cakes
We Accept The SNAP Program
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1511 Philadelphia Ave 410-289-3020
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
July 2014
OCDC marks 150th facade improvement Leaders of the Ocean City Development Corporation along with local and state officials cut the ribbon marking the completion of the OCDC’s 150th Facade Improvement Project.
The Ocean City Development Corporation on June 13 marked its 150th Façade Improvement Project downtown with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 11th Street. Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown joined city officials and members of the OCDC in celebrating the revitalization of June Regan’s 1930s home, which has a new roof, Energy Star-rated side shingles and windows thanks in part to a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Legacy Program. “It’s a wonderful building,” Brown said. “This is a great project and this is a great day for Ocean City.” The OCDC’s Façade Improvement Project, which started in 2002, is the organization’s most successful revitalization tool, Executive Director Glenn Irwin said. “It has provided substantial private investment in the downtown area and has comple-
mented our downtown design standards. Since the program began, it has given more than $700,000 in grants to help improve buildings in Ocean City’s downtown district. But the grants have generated far more than $700,000 in economic impact, Irwin said. To get a grant, building owners must match each dollar provided by the state with $2 of their own. “So if someone wants to get $5,000 of assistance, they have to complete a project of $15,000 or more,” Irwin said, although the projects average a much higher private-to-public dollars ratio. President of the OCDC Bob Givarz said every state dollar is matched five-, six- or seven-fold in the Façade Improvement Project, calling it a “win-win” for private business- and homeowners and the state. Since it’s inception, the program has generated more than $5 million in investment in revi-
talizing the downtown district, Irwin said. Statewide since 2007, the Community Legacy Program has given more than $41 million in similar grants to 440 projects, according to Brown. That has created 3,000 temporary jobs and 1,300 permanent positions, he said. With more than 130,000 Marylanders employed in Ocean City and tourism on the rise, he called this town “one of Maryland’s most important and historic communities.” Regan, who has owned the house on 11th Street since 1979, said the grant gave her the “push” she needed to fix up the exterior of the home she has shared with her five children and 16 grandchildren. “It’s a wonderful program. It gives homeowners the incentive to do something,” she said. “I wanted to make it as it was in its day… It’s absolutely wonderful to bring back the charm of these older buildings.” Regan replaced a leaking roof
as well as the siding shingles to resemble the original, historic home. “This is a legacy that I could leave my children,” she said. Buildings in Ocean City’s historic downtown — the area between the inlet and 17th Street — are eligible for Façade Improvement Project grants. Applications come in on a rolling basis, Irwin said. The program has helped revitalize such buildings as the Buckingham Hotel in the past. The OCDC organizes other revitalization projects, including public art and the new street lights along St. Louis Avenue. Also at the ceremony was the head of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Secretary Raymond Skinner Skinner lauded the work of the OCDC, proclaiming that no other community in the state of Maryland possessed a more superior community development organization than that of downtown Ocean City with its OCDC.
July 2014
Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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Ocean City Today/Discover Downtown
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July 2014
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