Here in Ocean City, MD there’s quite a bit of living history. You can enjoy many of the same things today, that people enjoyed 50 and even 100 years ago. Trimper’s Carousel, Fisher’s Popcorn and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean are just a few that come to mind. One that might not come to mind on first thought, but is very much a part of Ocean City’s history, is the town’s skatepark. THE OCEAN BOWL. The Ocean Bowl’s roots run deep down on 3rd street, so deep, that it is, in fact, the oldest Municipal Skatepark in the world!

Back in the 70’s, skateboarding was becoming increasingly popular. Being a surf town and considering the close relationship that surfing and skating share, skateboarding caught on quick here. Naturally, surfers would look to skateboarding when the winds blew the surf out. With the rise in popularity, and to the dismay of many of the public, city officials banned skateboarding in Ocean City. Many skateboarding supporters, led by legendary concerned mom Haystack Marlowe, attended the next council meeting pleading their case for a legal place to skate. Thus the idea of the Ocean Bowl was born and, with many thanks to the originators, in 1976 the park opened.

Who doesn’t like a delicious ripened tomato grown in your own backyard? Sounds good, and there are so many ways to enjoy these summertime treats. Perhaps you’d like to slice it up and place it between two warm slices of toast with a little bit of mayo? A classic Eastern Shore ‘mater sammich.’ This is how self proclaimed ‘tomato nut’ Jim Hudson most enjoys a delicious ripe tomato. It would be wise to trust his seasoned tomato taste, as owner of Luke’s Premier Foods his company is the only one to produce tomato juice not from concentrate. He is also the only producer of a clear tomato juice which he calls ‘Tomato Nectar.’ “Not only does it taste great as a drink, it’s also great for cooking because you get all the flavor of a ripened tomato without the pasty consistency,” says Jim. On top of all that Luke’s Premier Foods uses only locally grown heirloom tomatoes grown right here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland!

We here at the Harrison Group & ocmdhotels take great pride with our welcoming hotels and restaurants that offer great food with unique dining experiences. We use Jim’s delicious homegrown juices at our restaurants to bring flavor to our dishes that is unique to Ocean City, MD. When dining in our restaurants you truly are experiencing the Eastern Shore, along with all it’s flavors, and we are proud to have Jim be part of that.

As winter fades and spring comes more and more into the picture there seems to be a common theme around here in Ocean City. GOOD RIDDANCE! Good riddance to the cold, the ice, the snow, the early nights and spending money on heating bills! Who likes spending money on heating bills!? Ain’t nobody got time for that. But! There is hope, believe it or not, even though its snowing outside right this minute, there is hope! SPRING! Ahh, glorious Spring. All the great poets write about it and use words like; sweet, melody, blossom, bright and even cuckoo! All kinds of pleasant words that you wouldn’t normally hear during Winter. Use the word cuckoo during a Winter month and you might get locked up. Ain’t nobody got time for that either.

Not only is the Atlantic and it’s beaches such a beautiful sight all year round, it is especially beautiful during the spring months. The greens and blues of the water reflecting the bright blue sky that sits above it, the sands of the beach being warmed by the sun a little more each day makes Spring in OC great. Spring also brings plenty to do on the shore with the Easter Art & Craft Fair March 29-30, The International Kite Exposition & The Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition April 26-28 and Springfest May 2-5. Spring is certainly a wonderful time to visit Ocean City, Maryland.

WANTED: Famous Families of The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites

REWARD: A complimentary stay, $50 Voucher to Hemmingways Restaurant, Coral Reef T-Shirt and 2 free drink vouchers

The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites is looking for your BEST family photo. Kudos if you find a photo that is actually taken in Ocean City, Maryland at our hotel or the nearby Ocean City Boardwalk, but not mandatory. This contest is for our loyal guests, we want to give back to you for all the great things you give to us each year.

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!

I know we've posted a lot about the Airshow but these photos are too nice not to share!

See more pics by Chris Willey on Facebook from the 2012 OC Air Show last weekend.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds landing at NASA Wallops for the OC AIR Show which starts TOMORROW!

An´ pour me somethin´ tall an´ strong,
Make it a “Hurricane” before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don't care.
It's five o'clock somewhere.

I could pay off my tab, pour myself in a cab,
An´ be back to work before two.
At a moment like this, I can’t help but wonder,
What would Jimmy Buffet do?

Alright, let’s see a show of hands from all of us who find ourselves humming this song to ourselves after a long day at work, a head spinning day with the kids at home, or after a 5 hour drive “down the ocean” when it should have taken 3 hours max. That’s right, sometimes we just need 5 o’clock to happen sooner than later!!

With over 175 liquor accounts in Ocean City, MD alone, I would say that our town does not lack in the Happy Hour department. If you’re in need of a refreshing beverage to calm your nerves and relax your body, Ocean City, MD has the HAPPIEST Happy Hour’s around!

While browsing my Facebook news feed recently, I stumbled upon a few of my friends voting for the Happiest Happy Hour in Ocean City, MD. Being the nosy person that I am, I clicked on the link and was led to oceancityhappyhours.com where I could cast my vote. Of course I voted for Harborside because really, who can pass up their fresh squeezed Orange Crush?? I decided I needed to chat it up with Ocean City Happy Hours owners Nicole Hills and Jeremy Brink, about what exactly they meant by “Promoting happiness one hour at a time!”

…come again another day!!! We can’t always stop the rain, but we can provide you with plenty to do! For those of us who might find ourselves in Ocean City, MD on not the most beautiful days, this list is for you!

We’ll be keeping this list updated, so if if you have any suggestions please let us know!

Each and every summer day in Ocean City, Maryland memories are created and stored in the brains of thousands of our out-of-town visitors. Once those visitors all trickle back to their own respective homes and get settled back into their normal life routines, they sometimes stop and wish they could relive that OC memory created a few weeks ago - or even a few years ago! Sometimes it's the smell of apple cider vinegar that triggers your senses into thinking you're about to eat a Thrasher’s French Fry. Sometimes it's the sound of the Atlantic Ocean, the distant sound of the fog horn or even the sound of the Route 50 drawbridge opening that can trick your senses into thinking you’re actually IN Ocean City! I know you’re thinking, well if I’m hearing all those things, I must BE in Ocean City! Nope, think again!

It’s very possible to actually “feel” like you are in Ocean City, MD from the comfort of your own home. It’s truly the next best thing, thanks to our own OC Insider Bill! He has been visiting OCMD now for over 40 years and recorded his first “sound” of Ocean City back in 1974, it was of the old Jetty Beacon Foghorn. In the more recent years Bill has taken to recording sounds all over the city.