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 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 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 amusement parks in its southern area: Trimper’s Amusements and the Pier. Continued on Page 2
PAGE 2
Who We Are
Ocean City Development Corporation Vision: We envision an economically sound and socially healthy downtown Ocean City, Maryland where revitalization has capitalized on the positive aspects of the area to create a sense of character, charm, and community for both residents and visitors.
Mission: The mission of the Ocean City Development Corporation, Inc. is to create and foster a safe and attractive environment in which innovative public and private sector partnerships will collaborate to maximize available resources and opportunities, and eliminate barriers to revitalization in downtown Ocean City Maryland.
Discover Downtown
Downtown offers an exciting journey From water sports and fishing, to a walking tour and museums, it’s there
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 yearround. 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 Continued from Page 1
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
SEPTEMBER 2013
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.)
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
SEPTEMBER 2013
PAGE 3
At the Inlet Village 806 S. Atlantic Ave. Ocean City, MD 21842
410-289-FROG Free Parking for Customers at the Frog Bar
Breakfast with a view 8am - 11am Daily $5 Orange Crushes All Day Everyday Home of the Famous Portabella Mushroom & Swiss Burger!
HAPPY HOUR
3 pm-6 pm $2 Domestic Drafts
FROGGY HOUR 8-9pm Daily
Brew with a View! See the Dolphins in the Inlet and the Wild Ponies at Assateague Island from our deck!
w/$1 Miller Lt. Drafts $5 Miller Lt. Pitchers
$2.50 Bud Light Bottle & Rolling Rock FROG BAR & GRILL
Free Coffee with
Buy ANY food Item Get A FREE BASKET Of Breakfast Purchase Fresh Cut French Fries 8am - 11am Daily One Coupon per day, per person. Exp. 10/30/2013
One Coupon per day, per person. Exp. 10/30/2013
ALL THE TIME! Rt. 50 Bridge
Monkey Doodles Treasure Island Frog Bar Life-Saving Museum Atlantic Gold Doggie Style Canine Cafe
PAGE 4
Discover Downtown
Monkey Doodles Frog Bar Life-Saving Museum Doggie Style Canine Cafe
SEPTEMBER 2013
SEPTEMBER 2013
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
PAGE 5
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!
Discover Downtown
PAGE 6
SEPTEMBER 2013
Somerset Plaza lists its summer special events For the 11th year, there is a 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 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. Custom cars, hailing from way back when to the muscle cars of the 1960s, line the walkway at Somerset Plaza.
• • • • • • •
G o u r m e t Tr e a t s I t e m s f o r O v e r 1 0 0 B re e d s NFL & Harley Davidson D esigner Clothes Novelty items Flags To y s & m u c h m o r e . . . B u y 3 g o u r m e t t re a t s a n d get a FREE $5 Bully Stick! We l o v e C a t s To o ! !
Monkey Doodles Treasure Island Frog Bar Life-Saving Museum Atlantic Gold Doggie Style Canine Cafe
Free Parking w/any purchase at Canine Cafe
DOGGIE STYLE CANINE CAFE
10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE BILL One Coupon per day, per person. Exp. 10/30/2013
806 S. Atlantic Ave.
SEPTEMBER 2013
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
PAGE 7
New panels on Boardwalk tell visitors what’s where In August, the Ocean City Development Corporation, working with local sign company, Signs Illustrated, and Town of Ocean City staff installed new panels on the boardwalk to inform boardwalk visitors to the location of specific businesses as well as a variety of businesses. In addition the panels include a map of the full boardwalk to serve as a form of wayfinding signage. These five signs placed are placed at the following locations on the Boardwalk: 1. Tram wall at S. 1st Street 2. and 3. N. Division Street north and south sides of archway legs 4. 9th Street restroom 5. 27th Street tram building
Each sign panel is 6 feet high and 2 feet wide. The signs are single sided and made of a solid core PVC alu-
minum base (rigid poly metal) with a UV clear filter. Each panel includes the names of each boardwalk business in its appropriate business category. The businesses are color coded on the boardwalk map on each panel. Each summer a new sheet of current businesses will be overlaid on the board. A “you are here� notation is provided on each panel.
The directory panels are intended to be low maintenance and durable. The OCDC Boardwalk Committee will develop a new business directory listing for each summer season. The design, panel boards creation, business directory overlay cover, and installation has been paid for by the OCDC. The OCDC will also pay for the annual overlay of business directory list for each panel.
Experience at :
Boardwalk Location Between 2nd & 3rd St. under der Park Park Place Hotel /CEAN #ITY p
White Marlin Mall Next to Bed Bath & BeyondÂŽ 7EST /CEAN #ITY p
PAGE 8
Discover Downtown
SEPTEMBER 2013
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DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
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PAGE 9
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Discover Downtown
PAGE 10
Let us show you how to magically catch fish & have a great time!
SEPTEMBER 2013
2 4 Ta p p e d B r e w s ! Drink Specials ALL Day Everyday!! $1.50 Natty Boh Drafts $1.50 Natural Light Cans
Happy Hour is 11am to 6pm $3.00 Domestic Drafts
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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
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
SEPTEMBER 2013
PAGE 11
New enlarged postcard installed on Caroline Street One of the best “photo opportunities” in Ocean City has been recreated and installed on the north wall of the Fun City Arcades on Caroline Street and Boardwalk. This “Greetings from Ocean City” postcard was first installed in 2004 and this new one installed in July of 2013.
On the boardwalk between N.Division & Caroline Streets
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PAGE 12
Discover Downtown
SEPTEMBER 2013
A visit to 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, Tshirts 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 forward to the Air Show in early June and the Dew Tour in late June. The completion of the new com-
fort station at Caroline Street is anticipated to open in late June. In addition, there will be an oceanfront stage for performances. HELPFUL INFORMATION
Scooter sales start at
$499
$5 OFF CLEARANCE and up
ANY 3 HR. RENTAL
END OF SUMMER
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.
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!
Ocean City Development Corporation, 108 Dorchester Street, Ocean City, Md 21842 • www.ocdc.org
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
SEPTEMBER 2013
PAGE 13
THE COURTESY SHOP
Welcome to
The Kitchen A Family Restaurant Breakfast & Lunch Served • 7am - 2pm
H o m e t ow n e C o l l e c t i b l e s S A L E Oc ean C i ty Chr i stm as Car d s Ocean City Houses In Miniature
Come try our Homemade Creamed Chipped Beef, French Toast & Huge Omelettes
Start A New Tradition
Adora & Kewpie Dolls • Jim Shore Collectibles • Kitchen Fairies
Corner of Philadelphia Ave. & Wicomico St. 410-289-2226 FREE PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS
3 Ta lbot Street • 410-289-9228 Just around the corner behi nd FI SHER’S POPCORN
Order On lin e at www.courtesyshopoc. com MAIL ORDER AVAI LABLE
Discover Downtown
Ocean City’s Newest Cafe is Causing Quite a Stir!
PAGE 14
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Muze Cafe
UST R C N THI DOUGH H FRES ZAS! PIZ HE ZZA F T SE PI O ME EE HO & CH C MA
CARRY-OUT (443) 664-2721
OPEN 7 DAYS 11AM-11PM EAT IN • CARRY OUT • DELIVERY
FREE WIFI
HOT
SAN & W DWICH E RAP S! S
SOUPS, SALADS & APPETIZERS
LavAzza Coffee & Espresso Bar
Serving Breakfast & Lunch •Crepes (OC’s Best)
DELIVERY (877) 958-2828
DOWNTOWN OC (1 BLOCK OFF THE BOARDS) TALBOT ST. & BALTIMORE AVE, OCEAN CITY MD
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 United States Life-Saving Service in Ocean beginnings; The Ocean City 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
•Omeletes •Waffles •Chocolate Chip Pancakes •Sandwiches •Salads
Just off the Boardwalk • Somerset Plaza 410-289-8800 • 7am - 3pm
SEPTEMBER 2013
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
PAGE 15
REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN ONE BUILDING AT A TIME – NOTABLE FACADE PROJECTS
The OCDC’s Façade Improvement Program has now been used to assist 145 property owners and businesses to renovate their buildings in the downtown area in Ocean City south of 17th Street. Started ten 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.)
Before: 106 11th Street
After: 106 11th Street
Before: 3 12th Street
After: 3 12th Street
Before: 1411 St. Louis Avenue
After: 1411 St. Louis Avenue:
Discover Downtown
PAGE 16
SEPTEMBER 2013
USED & NEW
Grand Opening Wild Pony Bar Open Air Roof Top Dining
BOOKS Masons Used & New Books, Tin Signs, Clocks & Gifts CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, Board Games, History Books & Faeries
Open 11 am to 11 pm serving Lunch & Dinner
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT MENU
STEAMED SHRIMP, BBQ RIBS, BLUE CRABS & CRAB LEGS
OVER 25,000 BOOKS New Age Books & Tarot Cards HUNDREDS OF CHILDRENS BOOKS Kids Menu & Playground too!
101 S Baltimore Ave. 21842 Corner of Baltimore & Caroline 118 Steps Off the Boardwalk Open Daily • 410-289-5511
LARGE PRINT BOOKS Find Us On Facebook
Hundreds of Popular Titles & Authors
Happy Hour
3pm – 6 pm Downstairs bar
Waterfront Restaurant & Bar
306 Dorchester St. • Ocean City, MD • 410.289.4411 www.marinadeckrestaurant.com
Now Celebrating Our 10th Season of Serving * the Best Breakfast * * in Town to * Our Hungry Patrons!
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George R.R. Martin & Other New Series In Stock 50 Shades of Gray - All Three Volumes Palahniuk, Vonnegut, Murakami SEPTEMBER SUPER SALES ON MANY ITEMS
FAERIES
• Pixies • Queens • Males • Cats • Dragons • Babies • Unicorn Large Selection of:
Kingsbury, Bev Lewis, J.Scott Bell & Other Inspirational Fiction With Coupon,
We Will Pay Your MD 6% Sales Tax On Any Purchase Masons Used & New Books, Clocks, Gifts & Tin Sign Gallery Exp. 10/12/2013 OCT
FREE
Mini Knot Board
with purchase of $5 or more
Masons Used & New Books, Clocks, Gifts & Tin Sign Gallery Exp. 10/12/2013 OCT
Breakfast Served Daily 7:00am to 1:30pm 7 days a week through September Winter months - Open weekends
203 North Baltimore Avenue * * *
Parking in Rear
410-289-6020 Eat In *or Carry Out* * * NOW OFFERING HOTEL DELIVERIES - ask for details ! ! 2004 ! Est.
!
Catering Available ! ! ! - Call! for ! Details !! !
! !
*