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.

Or as the locals like to call it, “Spring fest”.  The multicolored banners spanning from Salisbury to Ocean City are a constant reminder that Springfest is coming “4 day event” “May 2-5” and it’s time to celebrate.  This reminder is convenient because with the bipolar weather, one often forgets Spring is here.  This Springfest, forgive Spring for being such a tease.  Indulge the senses with salty sea air and salty treats.  There will be many a vendor to explore.  Refresh those memories of Summer in OC and park on some random street to walk (or skate!!) to the inlet, where the event will be held.  Challenge a friend to race up the rock climbing wall, petrify your child and send them into the moon bounce, eat everything and then get in the moon bounce yourself!  Spring is about new experiences and starting anew.  Spring has already made a mistake by not being Summer, and Spring is not over, try something new! 

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.

Memorial Day is just around the corner, so why not have those white dresses picked out?  This April 14th from 1-4pm, join an array of wedding vendors as they showcase this year’s upcoming bridal fashions.  Whether you are a blushing bride, bride to be, or just enjoy blush wine, this bridal show has much to offer. If fashion has not got you excited, there will also be live music and prizes, which include a free Caribbean Cruise for two!  For the brides, if you have already exhausted all your friends and family with the “subtle” engagement ring showing, this event gives you the opportunity to annoy a whole new slew of people, just like yourselves! For the grooms that will attend, the event will be held at Seacrets you know that’s a bar.. right? This event is the opportunity to meet other future Mr.  & Mrs. (or any variety of future newlyweds!!), plan the special day, enjoy the lively atmosphere that is Seacrets and spend time with the special someone all in the name of love.

Itching to get hitched or if the bridal show did not slake your hunger for all things wedding, check out the Special Occasion page or call 1-800-399-6820.  Find out if an Ocean City wedding is for you.  With many locations to choose from, such as Harbor Watch Restaurant , you’ll want to get married.

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.

Are *YOU* Feeling Lucky!?

Ocean City, Maryland is host to one of the greatest St. Patrick’s Day Parades around!  If you have never been, you are truly missing out on one of the best weekends OC has to offer. Our parade includes marching units, floats, and local celebrities. The parade begins at noon on Saturday March 16th, 2013 and travels along Coastal Highway from 59th Street to 45th Street in the Southbound lane. The fun continues at the 45th Street shopping area with a fun festival, food and beverages!

The Contest

The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites is looking for your *BEST* St. Patrick’s Day Costume!  We will be giving away a free 2 night stay on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites on 17th Street in OCMD along with other assorted gift cards and prizes!!

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!

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!”

Lot's of fuzzy dice and burnt rubber in Ocean City this weekend for the 2012 Ocean City Cruisin' weekend.