http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/ This blog was created to celebrate the good times and good people that visit, live in and love Ocean City, Maryland. en cwilley@harrisongp.com Copyright 2013 2013-05-16T18:59:08+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/cruisin-into-summer http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/cruisin-into-summer#When:18:59:08Z The transition into summer always feels the lengthiest.  As an Ocean City-zen, some indicators that summer is nearly here are all around; the influx of people, the option to go to more than one restaurant, the weather…the recent thunder storms. . .oh wait that’s not thunder!? It’s Cruisin’ Ocean City week!  The roar of the cars cruisin’ may fool a small child but not you. As an intelligent Ocean City frequenter you know this is the time of year when coastal highway is taken over by the sound of revving engines.  From May 16-19 take a trip down memory lane, watch as cars dating back to the 50’s smoke modern go-cart technology (no offense smart cars).  This year’s event is completely booked.  There is going to be plenty of car candy to eye.  Since some of these cars may zoom by too fast while you’re hooting along coastal highway in your Sunsations beach recliner, don’t fret, the convention center and $10 will allow you to stare at that speedy hot rod all day!  Once you’ve moseyed around the convention center and mentally rated and chose the best vehicle, hop in your own ride and share this opinion with Mountain Man from A&E’s Duck Dynasty.  The inlet is where you will find him signing autographs, so make sure to bring something to sign, paper, thrashers bucket, a baby.  This event is not one to miss, help us bring in summer, Ocean City is just a drive away, and once you’re here you can cruise. Events, 2013-05-16T18:59:08+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/ocean-city-history-the-ocean-bowl http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/ocean-city-history-the-ocean-bowl#When:20:45:32Z 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. History, Ocean City Vacation, Things to do in Ocean City, 2013-05-14T20:45:32+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/the-festival-of-spring http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/the-festival-of-spring#When:15:26:50Z 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!  Events, Things to do in Ocean City, 2013-05-02T15:26:50+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/come-one-come-all-come-bike-come-trike http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/come-one-come-all-come-bike-come-trike#When:18:33:13Z 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 of coastal highway to express what it means to be American.  Participants not only have the opportunity to deafen Ocean City locals but can also enter to win prizes.  Contestants are offered pre-registration in a select variety of different bike categories. The grand prize is a all expense paid vacation for Bikes to the Beach Fall rally, by then we locals will have regained our hearing..it should be like riding a bike.Let off the brakes and find out more about Bikes to the Beach. Does your motor-vehicle merit you an all expense paid stay, this fall, in one of the Ocean City Hotels. See what has gotten Bikes to the Beach goers revving for a chance to win. Events, 2013-04-24T18:33:13+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/jim-hudson-didnt-invent-tomato-juice-he-just-perfected-it http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/jim-hudson-didnt-invent-tomato-juice-he-just-perfected-it#When:12:06:01Z 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. When asked how he makes Tomato Nectar, Jim is not too keen on offering up such valuable information. However, we were able to pry a few tasty morsels of info out of this industry expert. He says the time to plant tomatoes is ‘right now, when the soil is warm,’ and to ‘expect 90 days’ before being able to chow down on your tomatoes. He also offered that the key to delicious tomato juice is the perfect blend of heirloom tomatoes. Although, which kinds and how many remain a mystery… Most everybody says that his juice really tastes like your biting into a ripe tomato. To try a bottle of your own you can find Luke’s Premier Tomato Juice inside of the Hilton on 32nd st. in the Starbucks Kiosk, Ace Hardware in Salisbury or How Sweet It Is in Eden Maryland. A full list of places along with recipes and other great stuff can be found on Jim’s website: lukespremierfoods.com Ocean City Vacation, Things to do in Ocean City, 2013-04-15T12:06:01+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/here-comes-the-bride-al-show http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/here-comes-the-bride-al-show#When:19:18:59Z 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. Events, Things to do in Ocean City, 2013-04-09T19:18:59+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/spring-is-on-the-way http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/spring-is-on-the-way#When:20:32:25Z 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. Events, Ocean City Vacation, Scenic, Things to do in Ocean City, 2013-03-21T20:32:25+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/luck-of-the-irish http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/luck-of-the-irish#When:20:30:02Z 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!! Submit your best St. Patrick's Day Outfit photos tomeaghanpoulin@gmail.com with the subject line I AM LUCKY, please include the name of each person pictured in the photo and where you are from. We will create a photo album titled Luck of the Irish. Once your photo is posted into the album you are officially entered into the contest. From that point it is your responsibility to get your friends and family to join our Facebook page and LIKE your photo. Only LIKES on our OFFICIAL contest album count. If you share the photo on your personal Facebook page and people like it there, that does not count. I would recommend sharing the link to our Facebook page and having your friends find the contest album from there. http://www.facebook.com/ocsuites The goal is to get the MOST likes for YOUR St. Patrick's Day Photo. Contest is running from February 25, 2013 until March 8, 2013. Voting for photos will end at 8pm on March 8, 2013. In the event that we have photos tied with the same number of likes, we will extend the contest by one day. Only the tied photos will be voted upon for a tie breaker! Prize Breakdown First Prize: A two night complimentary stay at The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites during St. Patrick's Day Weekend. Choose any two nights from March 15th, 16th or 17th. Assorted additional prizse still to be determined! Second Prize: $50 voucher to our Hemmingways Restaurant. Third Prize: Coral Reef T-Shirt and 2 free drink vouchers. LUCK OF THE IRISH, TO YOU! Events, Things to do in Ocean City, 2013-02-25T20:30:02+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/oc-md-fishing-pier-to-be-rebuilt http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/oc-md-fishing-pier-to-be-rebuilt#When:16:13:32Z 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! Boardwalk, Fishing, History, Things to do in Ocean City, 2012-11-14T16:13:32+00:00 http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/striper-fishing-tactics-tips http://www.ocmdhotels.com/blog/striper-fishing-tactics-tips#When:15:16:44Z 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 tactics and tips to help you tighten your lines & catch the State Fish of Maryland, the striper: Locating Striper: Having your own boat equipped with a fish finder is a plus, as it will come in handy for getting an idea of depth. A basic strategy for locating fish is to look for birds working the surface of the water for food. This is a sign that the bait fish Atlantic Menhaden (aka bunker fish) are in the area. Bunker fish are a staple in the Striped Bass diet, and if you see a pod of bunker near the surface this may be a sign that a predator has driven them there. Fish like to hang out around structures, so fishing around bridges, docks, underwater rock piles, drop-offs, or wrecks can yield great success. When To Fish: Many professional and amateur anglers swear by the lunar phases when it comes to fishing. The theory is that the phases of the moon will determine when fish are in their prime feeding window. This is somewhat similar to the way humans are conditioned to eat breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening, only the feeding times of fish are constantly changing based on the phase of the moon. You can view the tide charts, lunar calendar, and peak fishing times here. Tactics and Bait Setups: There are different fishing techniques to use depending on what kind of fish you're going after. Below are some of the best that work for striper: Trolling is a very popular tactic used amongst many saltwater anglers. It consists of throwing your line in the water and actually pulling the bait through the water while keeping the motor going at a pace that is not going to spook the fish. Trolling allows you to cover a larger area than moving from spot to spot. Jigging is one of the simplest yet most effective tactics out there. When you’re jigging, you manually imitate the movement of the prey in the water. The most common setups for jigging are usually jig heads with eel, or plastic tube worms with a weighted hook to help get the line to the bottom. Live eels are a great bait to use for either trolling or jigging. Live bunker may also be a good trolling bait, depending if they are still present in the area during the season. When using eels for jigging, be sure to get them off of the bottom of the ocean floor quickly or they will bury themselves in the sand. The Striper will only be here for a limited time until they come back in the spring, so get out on your boat, reserve your spot on an Ocean City Striper charter fishing trip by calling 877-725-FISH http://reeladdiction.com/ or hi,t the beach with your rod and get those lines in the water! By Gregory Ignash, Captain, Reel Addiction Charters. Reel Addiction Charters is located at 12940 Inlet Isle Lane, Ocean City, MD. Contact Captain Gregory Ignash at gignash@reeladdiction.com Fishing, 2012-10-03T15:16:44+00:00