WEST 54 CAFE – Worth the search!
Marked with a small black and white sign roadside along Route 54, next door to ‘Catch 54’, across the bridge from Harpoon Hannah’s, in that long yellow building that formerly housed a furniture store resides a new café – West 54 Café! It is worth the search! To begin with, once discovered, we found the off street parking lot very accommodating! And, once entered, one finds the offerings herein pleasurable. After looking over the tempting variety of fresh baked goods (including lovely scones and flaky elephant ears) and studying the somewhat smallish menu my companion decided, being late morning, to try one of the breakfast items listed – French toast with fresh fruit. 
Out came a lovely and generous rendition of this tried and true favorite. He loved it! And too, remarkably – being a life-long coffee maven – commented that the coffee was very, very good! My selection, being almost lunchtime, was the jerk chicken salad wrap. Again generous, the herb seasoned wrap was delightful – filled with large chunks of jerk-roasted chicken and dried cranberries held together with a fresh tasting mayo!
We dined in a pleasant little room just off of the main bakery counter area and there met with other diners enjoying the 
day. We found that, although somewhat new, West Café 54 is already building a regular following; it’s a most congenial place. There is also a well-windowed lounge area with comfortable seating where customers, not wanting the more formal table seating, may enjoy one of the many inviting beverages offered and chat or read. The entire environment is low-pressure and seems a perfect place to quietly enjoy oneself while in the Ocean City MD – Fenwick Island DE area. A traditional café and again, worth the search!
Note: To enlarge any photo, just click!
Rainy, but FUN – more to see and do!
It does happen occasionally – that gray and cool-ish rainy day! However, a rainy day during the summertime while in Ocean City Maryland can be a welcome respite – offering that opportunity to see and do something other than lie in the sun or frolic in the surf! Our resort town and surrounds are filled with interesting and informative indoor activities to delight visitors of every age. First, there are the many local, small town museums, beginning with the famed and historic, Coast Guard Life-Saving Maritime Museum located at the inlet – south end of the Boardwalk, offering history. It’s a real ‘don’t miss’ for any visitor. And, then there’s the shopping…with the 
plethora of shops and stores on and surrounding the island, including the Ocean City Factory Outlets (including the White Marlin Mall), one may run out of time (or funds) very quickly. Also, combining history and shopping – there are the antiques shops, throughout southern Delaware (listed in the ‘Stormy Weather’ brochure available most anywhere) and over the bridge in Berlin – filled to overflowing with great-granny’s goodies, these shops elicit pleasant memories as well as curiosity of times past. Finally, there is dining, inclement weather seems to bring a more comfortable and leisurely pace while dining – more time to explore the fresh and diverse offerings from our local restaurants. Actually, any and all of the aforementioned activities may provide that more than welcome diversion until the sun shines again (as it ALWAYS does) here at the beach!
To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!
OC SEASIDE BOAT SHOW – com’on summertime!
Arriving each year on President’s Day weekend (Feb 13-15) the Ocean City Maryland Seaside Boat Show more than provides that much needed rescue from the mid-winter doldrums here at the beach for nearly everyone. Over 350 boats of all sizes and shapes are displayed 
indoors at the Ocean City Convention Center – 42nd and Coastal Highway, with the overflow proudly lined up along the street edge of the parking lot. Inside more than 140 exhibitors vie for the attention of those folks who have one thought – “com’on summertime”, with their boats and boating accessories. The variety of 
watercraft is truly amazing…from sport cruisers to performance boats to pontoon boats, which all contain an endless array of comfort and convenience features. There are even “peddle” kayaks and my favorite “blow” boats large and small including the Hobie Cat. Every nook and cranny, every conference room and exhibit hall is filled with shiny new 
adult “toys”…including personal watercraft such as the Sea-doo, for us landlubbers motor scooters and that unique motorized sidewalk traveling machine the Segway. This year the Segway display offers a model completely fit out for the surf fisherman that includes 
rod holders, a tackle box and the knobby tires needed to run over sand! The halls at the Center are filled with brightly colored balloon displays…each marking the way to further exhibits including fishing gear, sport clothing, nautical art and home accessories. Proudly sponsored by the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club, 2009 marks the 26th year of presentation for this inspiring event. Rescue yourself!
Note: To enlarge any photo just “click”.
WINE FEST at the Beach…13th Annual Celebration
Mark your calendars now to come celebrate the 2008 “Wine Fest at the Beach” in Ocean City Maryland on September 26th and 27th. The party will be held at the Inlet Park…where the Boardwalk Begins. Along with local and regional live music and quality arts and crafts vendors, this winefest 
will feature fine libations from wineries throughout the United States, Micro-brewed beers and real Delmarva and Chesapeake Bay Cuisine. Wine tasting sample coupons and a commemorative wine glass will be given with the General Admission ticket price of $23.00. Under the Designated Driver Program, to insure a 
safe time for everyone, designated drivers, though paying the regular admission price, will receive a special wristband that entitles them to free Pepsi Cola soft drinks all day and will also receive a complimentary commemorative wine glass upon arrival at the fest. To obtain a printable coupon good for $3.00 off the general admission price and more information on this fun event visit the website at www.winefest.com.
(Our thanks to Bill Swartwout for the terrific photos.)
BEAUTY at the Beach – to pamper YOU!
Here’s a little secret…whenever I travel on holiday, upon arrival at my destination I try to find a local spa or salon to visit for a manicure or even a massage…after all, it’s my vacation – time to recharge! I’ve also found it’s a great way to get a local point of view on the very best places to tour and dine. Ocean City Maryland offers a full compliment of these wonderful sources of beauty, rejuvenation and information! And, ask at the desk, some of our fine resort hotels along the beach may also house a salon.
A Perfect Face Day Spa – 12638 Ocean Gateway, 410-213-9883, www.aperfectface.com
Avery Gallery – 9802 Golf Course Rd, 410-213-7222
Bongo’s – 12445 Ocean Gateway, 410-213-7607
Hair Repair – 1822 Philadelphia Ave, 410-289-7077 (includes men’s cuts)
Hair Shack – 104 28th St., 410-289-5007 (includes men’s cuts)
Hairworks, Inc. – 206 16th St., 410-289-6770
Headlines – 11009 Manklin Meadows Ln., 410-208-0300, www.headlinessalonandspa.com
Marion’s Beauty Salon – 4 N. St. Louis Ave, 410-289-6351
Ocean Nails – 9936 Stephen Decartur Hwy, 410-213-1173
Visions Day Spa – 12207 Coastal Hwy #H, 410-250-5188
West End Pool & Spa – 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy, 410-213-1417
And, for the guys…
Carmen’s Beach Hair Cuts – 605 S. Baltimore Ave, 410-289-6712
Ocean City Haircutters – 14203 Coastal Hwy, 410-250-8400
Perrone’s Barbershop, 13901 Coastal Hwy, 410-250-2222
Note: to enlarge, just “click” on any photo.
SUNSATIONS – for ALL your beach needs!
Some have called Sunsations a beach department store – it’s a fair call. With 13 locations in and around Ocean City Maryland including several on the boardwalk and two in West Ocean City you are never far from quickly obtaining any beach need. Perhaps you’ve forgotten to bring along the kids’ sand toys, didn’t pack your beach cover-up or left the tanning lotion on the kitchen counter – don’t despair, Sunsations will have it! In many of 
the Sunsations facilities most of the ceiling and walls are covered with samples of graphics that may be selected and then applied to a T-shirt – from scary to funny to nearly shameless you can select your personality du jour! There are bathing suits and sweatshirts in sizes for every member of the family. There are body boards and water toys and beach balls for the youngsters and exotic shell jewelry for 
mom, gifts and gimmicks for the friends back home, sunglasses and sandals and much, much more. And these shops all have a fine selection of postcards…something we’ve found to be strangely hard to find around town. Visiting an Ocean City MD Sunsations can be lots of fun – really an amusement in itself. You’ll be sure to find just what you need at reasonable prices with the nearly continuous sales throughout the season!
SOUTHERN EXPOSURE – beach life clothing at its BEST!
Enter the Gold Coast Mall (the only remaining mall in Ocean City) at 114th St. & Coastal Highway, take a few steps forward to the left and find yourself in front of Southern Exposure. This is a women’s clothing shop with an excellent selection of stylish, yet casual clothing for life here at the 
beach in Ocean City MD. Colorful, easy care cotton and cotton blend clothing abound. Really fun, everyday, beach and eveningwear in both late summer and fall styles in such well-recognized fashion names as “Fresh Produce”, “by Taylor” and “Sea Breeze”, available in all sizes, were being featured. This day, to 
our delight, there was a sale – some items up to 30% off. Sadly, it was only by word of mouth that we came upon this shop…the sign is small, however, once you find it you won’t forget it. We will make this our headquarters for quality, casual fashions for our beach life. There are three locations…Gold Coast Mall and two on Fenwick Island, DE. Telephone 410-524-3375 for additional information.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not…timeless appeal – believe it!
“We must be getting close…there’s the huge animated shark sticking through the building overhead”…can’t miss it! Located along the south end of the Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk at 401 S. Atlantic Ave, over the years the Ripley’s Museum has continued to fascinate generations of area beach visitors. The artifacts and displays contained within are the life’s work of Robert Leroy Ripley who was born in 1890. 
Mr. Ripley was an artist and newspaperman who, during his lifetime visited over 200 countries amassing a collection of the strange, the bizarre and most unbelievable artifacts and facts. For many years he reported on these findings in hundreds of newspapers through a cartoon format, in books and later in a television show. Now there are twenty-nine (29) Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museums throughout the world – from Orlando, FL to Hong Kong including the one right here in Ocean City. Upon entering the museum you will see steps which have “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” written in several different languages which help you understand the 
worldwide appeal of Mr. Ripley’s curious collection. Currently there is even an iTunes Oddcast available for your iPod – which again proves the lasting appeal of Mr. Ripley’s work. Please try and allow a couple of hours for this intriguing attraction…and don’t miss the room filled with sharks! Ask for the wonderful guidebook for sale at the museum for only $1.00…a great value and memento of your visit. For more information phone 410-289-5600 or visit the website at www.ripleys.com. Hours 10 – 5 daily. Open Fall weekends. Season close November.
ARCADES – Delicious game fun for all!
Just a couple of steps to the side while strolling near the south end of the Boardwalk and you may instantly become commander of your own spaceship, 
navigate hairpin turns at Monte Carlo in your custom Grande Prix, Formula One race vehicle, battle alien invaders, become that “pinball wizard” or pit your skills against another humanoid in Laser tag. You have entered but one of several of Ocean City’s famous arcades. They are filled with games…electronic and video, games of skill and games of chance and you may be instantly rewarded 
with coupons that may be redeemed for fun prizes or even more games. All offer complete family entertainment. The weather outside is never a factor…sunny or cloudy or during a drizzle the exciting and fun filled arcades of Ocean City Maryland await you.
BAJA Amusements – 1 mile west of Rt. 50 Bridge – West Ocean City. 9 am – midnight in season. 410-213-BAJA. www.bajaoc.com
FUN CITY Arcade, Inc. – at 2 locations – Caroline St. & Boardwalk and 1007 Atlantic Ave. Open year round, 7 days in season. 410-289-9742
Marty’s PLAYLAND – Worcester St. at the boardwalk. Open all year. More than 250 games. Photo machines. www.martysplayland.com or 410-289-7271
PLANET MAZE & LASER STORM – 33rd St. & Coastal Highway. 9 am – 12 midnight all year. 410-524-4FUN. www.planetmaze.com
SPORTLAND Arcade – Atlantic Ave & Boardwalk. Open 9 am – 2 am daily all year. Children’s parties available during the fall & winter.
Museums of Worcester County MD – You’re invited!
Whether a first-time vacationer or a long time resident to the Ocean City MD area, a visit to any of the fine museums located within Worcester County is a great way to spend a cloudy (we call ‘em, “non-beach”) day. Our coastal area enjoys a varied and rich history, which parallels that of America. Traversed by early Indian tribes, the beach to bay trails along Delmarva offer insight as to why this area is 
unique. The sparsely populated, early waterfront settlements gave way to thriving 19th century villages and later, towns, many which remain here on the shore. We invite you to visit and view our cultural history through the Museums of Worcester County. (Note: all are within an easy drive from the beach) For specific information about each listing telephone or visit the website indicated.
* Costen House – Circa 1870 – Home of Pocomoke City’s first Mayor, Dr. Issac Costen – House open Wednesday thru Saturday from 1-4 PM from May through October. $2.00 fee. 410-957-3110 206 Market Street, Pocomoke, MD
* Furnace Town – 25 acres near Snow Hill MD. Historic Site and The Nature Conservancy’s PAUL LEIFER Nature Trail – Maryland’s only bog iron ore furnace – on the banks of Nassawango Creek. 410-632-2032 – www.furnacetown.com
* Girdletree Barnes Bank – Six miles south of Snow Hill (Rt. 12). Built in 1901. Rural memorabilia. Open May through September on Wednesday and Saturday from 1:00 – 4:00.
*Ocean City Lifesaving Station – South Boardwalk at the Inlet – Shipwreck Museum – Life Saving & Rescue, History, Swimwear, Sea life & More – www.ocmuseum.org Hours:
* June through September, Daily 11 am to 10 pm
* May and October, Daily 11 am to 4 pm
* Winter, Weekends, 10 am to 4 pm
Admission: Adults $2.00, Children 12 and under $1.00.
* Julia A. Purnell Museum -208 W. Market St., Snow Hill, Victorian era is represented, complete with clothing, jewelry and everyday items made of silver and exquisitely carved ivory, including hundreds of pieces of original artwork. www.purnellmuseum.com Open April through October, Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM, Sunday: 1pm – 4 pm
* Queponco Railway Station – 8378 Patey Woods Road, Newark, 410-632-0950. Restored railway station first built in 1910. Open to the public during the 1st and 3rd Saturday, May through October from 1:00 – 4:00.
* St. Martin’s Church – Routes 113 & 589, Worcester Hwy, Showell. Erected in 1756, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church endures as one of the most significant religious sites on the lower Eastern Shore, considered by many an architectural gem of Episcopal history.
Phone: 410-289-4160 Open: June 2 to October 5, 2004, Wednesday only. Donation.
* Sturgis School House – 209 Willow St, Pocomoke City. Sturgis One Room School Museum, formerly known as Sturgis School, is the only African American One Room School in Worcester County retaining its original integrity. It is a small structure built about 100 years ago on Brantley Road on land that was purchased by William Sturgis in 1888. 410-957-1913 Open May – October, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1 – 4 p.m.
*Taylor House Museum, 208 N. Main St, Berlin. Restored early 19th house, which is located in Berlin’s National Register Historic District. The main block of the house has been furnished as a house museum and the west wing as a gallery displaying local memorabilia. Open – Memorial Day Weekend through October on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 410-641-1019 www.taylorhousemuseum.org.
*Mt. Zion One Room School – Ironshire and Church Streets, Snow Hill. Now located on Ironshire Street this school was built in 1869 near Whiton and used as a school until 1931. Admission is $2.00 for adults and $.50 for children. Open – Mid June through 1st week in September, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. 410-632-0669
