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.
Today, the park consists of artisan poured concrete that challenges skaters of every level. Walls start out around 3’ and grow from there, there are rounded corners, hips, steel coping, banks, escalators, bare concrete lips, and a burly gnar wall that keeps the most skilled skater scratching their heads. Then there’s the vert ramp, mini ramp and considered a favorite among many, the Ocean Bowl pool. It’s fast, smooth concrete with checkered tile and barking pool block is a destination spot for many while keeping the locals coming back for more. If you don’t skate but would like to watch there is a ‘crow’s nest’ observation deck, where onlookers can watch, free of charge.
The Ocean Bowl has been ever-changing since first being built nearly 40 years ago, but what it stands for and will always be is a safe place for people to participate in the sport they love. Sadly however, the park and the whole idea is being threatened with a partial closure, again leaving skateboarders without a legal place to go. There will be a hearing on partially closing the Ocean Bowl at City Hall in downtown Ocean City on Monday the 20th at 6pm. For more info and to support the Ocean Bowl click HERE.
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. ...read more
The invention of the wheel is a pretty significant milestone for mankind and the weekend of April 25th-28th we celebrate the minds that ventured outside the box. Bikes to the Beach endorses life on the road and American ingenuity. This is the third annual event and in the past it has proven to be a lively and loud showcasing of man and machinery. Bikes to the Beach will be held at Hoopers Crab House, located in west Ocean City. Exiting from 50 to the 90 bridge, will allow plenty ...read more
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 ...read more
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 ...read more
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 ...read more
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 ...read more
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 ...read more
The arrival of fall means more than just sweatshirts, bonfires, and pumpkin flavored everything; for anglers along the east coast, it means striper season has arrived once again. The Striped Bass (or striper) will begin their fall run from the New England area back down to the warmer waters of North Carolina until spring.
If you’re looking to get involved with striper fishing, be aware there’s a lot more to it than throwing a line with some bait out into the water. Here are some ...read more
Ahh, the Dew Tour is finally here, and this year its bigger and better than ever! With the Skate and BMX Vert, Skate Bowl, BMX Park, Surf and the new Mega 2.0 competition there is going to be so much to do over the next 4 days.
Day 1 was all about soaking in the free dew tour experience with an endless array of booths, demos, prizes, autographs etc. etc. Inside the stride gum booth you can try out slacklining which is a flexible nylon rope highly tensioned between 2 points, ...read more
All aboard as the Nao Santa Maria visits Ocean City.
Light up your night with the OC Drone Shows
Watch artists at work as they set up their easels along the Boardwalk, bayside & beaches.
Express yourself at Ocean City’s newest and most exciting showcase of the arts!
Subscribe to our newsletter for special offers, discounts and more!
The Harrison Group has been a family owned and operated business in Ocean City, Maryland since 1970. Read More
2021 © Harrison Group Hotels. All rights reserved. Contact Us | Brochure Request | Sitemap
