Stories and photos by Roxie LaFever
Okay – anyone else have that boarded up and cannot wait to get out feeling? It has been a crazy year with COVID and a cold winter to boot! So along comes a 50-degree day at the end of February, and we broke out! Safely, of course! But the ocean was calling us….and we answered the sirens’ calls…with another one-day road trip from the DC Metro area. It is a three-hour trip each way – but oh so worth it!
Ocean City is a coastal town in Maryland, and the Boardwalk is the best view of the Atlantic Ocean. During the offseason (like now), the population shrinks to about 7,000, whereas it expands to accommodate about 325,000 vacationers and over 8 million visitors during peak. The swelling starts around Spring Break but will shrink again until school’s out because, overall, this is a “family town.”
Many events are scheduled during peak season, so check these sites for updates before heading out. Ocean City Calendar of Events – Town of Ocean City, Maryland (oceancitymd.gov) and Ocean City MD Maryland Vacation Guide | Ocean City Hotels (ocean-city.com)
Boardwalk Sights Like No Other
Now “hmmm” along with “Under the Boardwalk” as we explore the offseason! And yes – that song is stuck in my head, too! Drive straight through town and head for the beach – that’s due east! You will know you have arrived when you see the boardwalk sign. Park your car near the sign or anywhere along a several-mile stretch of two one-way streets aligned with the beach – you have arrived!
The Boardwalk looks precisely like your childhood memories with t-shirt shops, decadent “bad for you” food, and souvenir and curiosity shops. There are Ferris wheels, carnival rides, booths to show off your “dart-throwing” or “hoop tossing” skills, and then show off your spoils of competition by lugging all those prizes home. Ocean City’s Boardwalk, recognized as one of the best, has been around since 1902!
Only open on weekends during the offseason, we missed the opportunity to explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not, so make sure to check their website regarding hours, ticket costs, etc. Things to do in Ocean City, MD – Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Claiming the Beach – Almost Exclusively During Offseason
In the open areas between shops, the beach extends a good distance during low tide, allowing plenty of space to safely walk, daydream or exercise. Social distancing will not be an issue. If you would like to see how quickly the beach fills up during the summer, check out the boardwalk website at Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk (ocboards.com).
Offseason is a great time to feel the breeze, smell the salt air, remove the winter cobwebs, and relax. Whether contemplating life’s challenges or just putting the day-to-day hassles behind you, we found this to be a great time to visit.
Food to Tantalize Every Kid’s Taste Buds – Adult, Child, or Seagull
After a long walk on the beach, reward yourself with all that food “that isn’t good for you” but “you love it, crave it, and you’ve earned it!” Whether you are craving seafood, a coney dog, pizza, or burgers, it is here! You can get it to go and sit on a park bench, ask for an outside table or sit inside with friends. With the recent changes in Maryland’s COVID rules, it is up to your comfort level.
For dessert, you can find the age-old favorites from companies that were first established here in the early 1900s. And you may want to get some to take home, whether it is caramel corn, salt water taffy, or cotton candy! Enjoy it till the stomach hurts!
The craziest food we saw was a “Deep Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich!” And no – I only took a picture of the sign – my taste buds just were not up to the challenge.
Amusement Parks and Mini-Golf Everywhere
If the Boardwalk Carnival has not provided enough entertainment, there are numerous amusement parks, arcades, and mini-golf courses along the roads aligned along the coast. The themes offered could fill a weekly schedule from pirates, safaris, the old west, dragons, and haunted houses. There are water parks for the warm weather and go-karts year-round. The hard part is deciding which to do first.
Where to Stay
As we walked along or drove the main street next to the Boardwalk, it became readily apparent that there are at least 2 or 3 hotels in every block. It would be difficult not to find a place to stay here…and during the offseason… you can be as close to the water as you like.
You can choose small boutique hotels with seaside themes, large hotels filled with all the amenities, or local Airbnbs. While a few are open year-round, others were preparing to open mid-March for Spring Break. You might even want to stay at the Atlantic on the Boardwalk – open since 1923.
Take your pick!
Flags at Half Mast and Honoring Others
From February 22nd to the 26th, 2021, the White House ordered flags to be flown at half-mast to honor the unbelievable milestone of 500,000 deaths to COVID in just the US. As the photo shows, in addition to lowering the US flag here on the Boardwalk – they also lowered state, city, and firemen flags as well. The next photo shows the memorial dedicated to “All Firefighters of the World!”
The smaller print on the side honors three firemen from the area with the quote, “Greater Love Hath No Man than This, That a Man Lay Down His Life for His Friends.” Remember and say a silent prayer for all lives lost!
Keep that Attitude Adjustment
As you can tell – Ocean City is a laid back, eat, drink and be merry kind of town! This city is a great place to escape the past year’s challenges and restrictions and venture out with caution in mind. Even the sidewalks have messages here…and seem appropriate as we all take care of our mental health and check on friends and family often.
As vaccines become more readily available in the next couple of months, it is time to venture out again, and Ocean City, Maryland – or a town like it – is a great choice! Be Safe Everyone!!
