RAMPS. In roughly two weeks the Ocean City beaches will be full of these things. Concrete ramps, wooden ramps, steel ramps, vert ramps, kicker ramps, spine ramps, natural moving water ramps (waves) and every other kinda ramp in between. We can rest assure that Evel Knievel will be smiling down on Ocean City during Dew Tour weekend. No, Evel didn’t invent the ramp, or the wheel, but he was the first to cast the spell of RADICAL upon these simple machines. What he did was true magic and kids caught on. Fast forward 40 years to modern day skateboarding, bmxing, surfing, etc… and its the same idea applied - have ramp, get radical. Sure, there’s a lot more flipping & spinning and fancy grabs involved but when it’s all said and done it comes down to getting rad on a ramp, period. But a ramp is nothing without a daredevil and his maneuvers. Take for instance the oversized Dew Tour ‘pool’ that skate legend Chris Miller designed and skatepark builders Spohn Ranch constructed. The deep end is a good 13 feet deep! Nearly two stories tall! Now factor in a thin piece of pine wood, 4 urethane wheels and the lunatics that race around this ‘pool.’ With spectacular overhead airs and graceful coping dances that resemble kung fu masters doing ballet (or is it ballet dancers doing kung fu?) propelled by nothing but their own will to defy gravity. And a lot of these guys have no pads or helmets! Confused? Intrigued? Bart Simpson summed it up nicely by once saying ‘Bones heal, chicks dig scars, and the United States of America has the best doctor-to-daredevil ratio in the world.’

As in there will be planes in Ocean City.  June 8th through the 9th, Ocean City will be looking to the skies in awe as the 6th annual Air Show transcends.  There is nothing plain about this event with the nations top civilian performers demonstrating flight formations and cutting edge jet technology, this event is anything but for the birds!  The show is free and visible to those in close proximity to the boardwalk. Those seeking a more birds eye view, the Drop Zone and the Club Chalet offer premium viewing. At the Quality Inn 17th St., VIP tickets can be purchased for a panoramic view.  This highly anticipated air show is only two days and Ocean City is happy to celebrate another year.

Do not be down the Air Show is near and is capable of cheering anyone up, so bring those high spirits to celebrate another spectacular event in the never plain Ocean City.

In retrospect, Ocean City, MD and the Delmarva coast was spared from the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. Especially when compared to the destruction and hardships it caused to New Jersey and New York. The ‘Frankenstorm’ that was Hurricane Sandy did destroy much of the iconic Ocean City fishing pier. However the pier will be rebuilt back to its former self in preparation of the 2013 summer.

An icon doesn’t just become one overnight. There has been a fishing pier, in Ocean City on that exact site for over 100 years. The first one being built in 1907. Over the years the pier has been home to a skating rink, bowling alley, theater, dancing pavilion, pool room and ballroom. Now it is home to some of the best Mid-Atlantic fishing along with spectacular views of Ocean City and Assateague Island. It is great news to hear that the OC Fishing Pier will be rebuilt for the summer 2013 season!

With so many beach days spent in Ocean City, it's easy to find yourself needing an afternoon out of the sun and into the stores!

Ranging from high end fashions at South Moon Under in Ocean City on 81st street to the best of beach and surf essentials for the whole family at Quiet Storm on North Division street on the boardwalk, shopping in Ocean City is easy breezy.

The Tanger brand of outlet stores has relaunched itself at the West Ocean City outlet mall. They are sure to bring new outlet stores to the area, offering up deals every day. Being a few moments from Ocean City, comfort and convenience makes outlet shopping a must.

If you are feeling adventurous and find yourself in the historical town of Berlin you are in for a real treat! Right in the heart of town there is John's Premium Cigars, several antique malls and unique boutiques that offer jewelry, clothing and home decor.

Last but not least, take advantage of the Ocean City Md boardwalk stores which offer a wide selection of shopping - plus an air-conditioned break from the summer sun! Malibu's Surf Shop on 8th Street has a unique selection of locally designed clothing - also sunglasses, watches, swim trunks and souvenirs. Speaking of souvenirs, no Ocean City vacation is complete without a trip to the Kite Loft on 5th Street and the boards where you'll not only find great kites but also lots of great stuff for the kids or your home.

Take the time for yourself on your next visit and enjoy the abundant shopping that the area has to offer. And share some of your favorite places to shop in Ocean City on our Facebook page!

Terry McGean, the City Engineer for the Town of Ocean City, gives us the inside scoop on the first phase of the Ocean City boardwalk project that finished up this week. Just in time for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

The project finished 2 weeks ahead of schedule and under budget, which is always nice! The new boardwalk is a huge improvement. For updates check the Town on Ocean City’s Boardwalk Reconstruction Page.

“Before the boardwalk was more like a bridge. Now the boardwalk is more like a railroad.”

Calling all baby sitters, we have a job for you! Five “OC Mammas” are going to be dusting off their running shoes to join together in participation of the FIRST ever 2012 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Ocean City, MD. Together these local Mom's are looking to raise $2,000 for their team goal! Decked out in their matching team shirts they will be walking in honor of many special people.

The goal is not only to raise the $2,000. They also are looking to celebrate the lives of breast cancer survivors they know, as well as honor the lives of loved ones that lost the fight to breast cancer. Needless to say, this event holds a spot very close to their hearts and many others who will be joining OC Mammas, so get these girls a baby sitter because it's on!

Are you looking to join the “OC Mammas”? Grab some friends and read on:

2012 Komen Maryland Ocean City Race for the Cure®

Race Information

What is the date of the Race?

Sunday, April 22, 2012

What is the Race route?

The 5k run/walk and 1 mile run/walk both start on the Ocean City Boardwalk, just north of Wicomico Street then loop around and end at the Ocean City Inlet.

What time do I need to be there for the Race?

The Race Village opens at 6 a.m. Arrive early for the closest parking. We recommend Park and Ride and OC Transit Services

Where can I register?

Walk up registration will take place in the lobby of the Ocean City Convention Center beginning on Thursday, April 19, 2012 and running through Saturday, April 21, 2012. Times will be announced once they have been finalized.

Of all the money raised in the Race for the Cure, 75% stays in Maryland to fund local programs for women and families. The remaining 25% of funding supports national research. - source

More information can be found on the official website or by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

There's nothing like the smell of fresh salt air. But mix in the scents of some newly laid boards and it only gets better.

The Ocean City boardwalk project is a 2 year project but the south end is already looking great. The North end is getting there too, but they still have a few streets to go.

Check out some more Ocean City boardwalk construction pics on flickr.

The town of Ocean City is restoring the boardwalk starting from 27th Street - 25th Street, in front of the flagship hotel.

I can't wait to see how it turns out!