Gem, Jewelry & Mineral Show – Earth’s Treasures!
Coming soon! This year the annual Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show will come once again to Ocean City Maryland‘s famed Convention Center offering a wonderful opportunity to take an up close peek into what makes up our planet – Earth. Within this show we may view (and perhaps purchase) various semi-precious gemstones, rare pieces of rock and fossil and shell. Many are available as loose specimens and some have been crafted into unique items, including jewelry and attractive ‘art’ pieces.
We’ve all heard the ad – “own a piece of the rock” – here’s your chance to own a piece of ‘our rock’. This year, in addition to the near acres of strung beads, made from sizing and polishing both rare and common minerals, we too hope to find some of those incredibly, lovely sculptures made from Serpentine Jade. Last year there were several displays of large jars and urns cut and polished to a glistening sheen from a single piece of stone found somewhere in Asia. Also I hope to see more of my favorite earth treasure, fossils. They offer a most intriguing 
view of life long before our time…and while not often made into wearable personal jewelry, may be crafted into items for home/office décor such as a paperweight or just items we love to touch and look at pondering the mystery that this was once a living thing many eons ago. And, finally the endless breathtaking displays of unique jewelry – the “pearls” of the show – each one fashioned from a piece of our earth’s treasures.
The Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show will return to our town this weekend, April 8th – 10th, beginning on Friday at 12 noon. Don’t miss it! Admission $4.00 Adults, Students under 16 FREE.
Please note – photographing these items is not permitted without the express permission of the vendor.
To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!
OC SEASIDE BOAT SHOW – com’on summertime!
Arriving each year on President’s Day weekend (Feb 18 -20) the Ocean City Maryland Seaside Boat Show more than provides a much needed rescue from the mid-winter doldrums here at the beach for sea goers and landlubbers alike. 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 streetside 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, all containing an endless array of comfort and convenience features. There are even “peddle” kayaks and my favorite, the “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. And, for us landlubbers are 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, 2011 marks the 28th year of presentation for this inspiring event.
Give yourself a preview of warm weather fun here in Ocean City MD by visiting the show this weekend!
For more information visit the show website at – http://www.ocboatshow.com
Note: To enlarge any photo just “click”.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS 2009 – Ocean City style!
During the holidays people visit the Ocean City Maryland area for a variety of reasons; to rest and relax – get away, to visit family and friends, and to view and participate in the area’s many traditional and non-traditional, seasonal activities.
There is no doubt that our area offers a wide range of choices for all visitors. First, if your choice is to get away – the rest and relax part is easy. Early winter brings a huge sense of natural quiet to the area. Bundled up, going for a stroll beside the surf or on our famed Boardwalk, watching the sea birds aloft and breathing the brisk sea air is 
nature’s own best tranquilizer. To our south, Assateague Island becomes a winter wonderland; bare branches and the occasional island pony or deer against the background of long stretches of pristine beach often provides natures most reflective scenery. Prolonging this sense of relaxation means perhaps finding oneself of an evening in one of the area’s many fine restaurants enjoying choice refreshments.
For our visitors who instead choose to partake of more vibrant area activities – these too are abundant. Area shopping is 
unique – and although we have the nearby chains we also offer plenty of those hard to find, one of a kind shops and galleries, especially in our sister town, Berlin Maryland. Outlet shopping may be found at the nearby White Marlin Mall/Outlet on Rt. 50. Horse and Carriage rides are also offered in Downtown Historic Berlin on weekends through Christmas. Area museums offer additional ‘open’ hours – showcasing our region’s unique seaside history. Traditional choral presentations abound in area churches. Here on the island of Ocean City a drive along Coastal Highway showcases colorful and exciting displays of lights.
New Year’s Day presents the more ‘non-traditional’ in the form of the annual “Penguin Swim”. One may view a huge mass of shivering bodies topped with smiling faces brave a quick dip in the cold Atlantic – to benefit our local hospital – Atlantic General!
Yes, there are truly many unique ways to enjoy the Holidays Ocean City style 2009!
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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!
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The Ocean City BUS…”avoid the fuss”!
Driving around our busy resort during the height of the tourist season is sometimes best left to the professionals. Add to that the benefits of not having to find a place to park, feed a meter or a fuel tank – and riding the convenient and low cost Ocean City MD bus system just makes good sense. For a mere 
$2.00 you can ride all day – up and down Coastal Highway from the Delaware border to the Boardwalk at the Inlet, or west over the Route 50 bridge to the super convenient “Park & Ride” or the White Marlin/Outlet Shopping Center in West Ocean City and back again…over and over. A terrific way to enjoy all that Ocean City has to offer anytime. Enter a bus at any one of the 
numerous, well-marked stops located anywhere in town, pay the driver, receive your day pass and be on your way. The buses here at the beach run frequently (every 10 minutes in season) and are clean and airy, sometimes filled with happy folks heading to and from the beach along with area workers heading off to their jobs. 
Many offer convenient wheelchair and handicapped access. And, a well marked “bus lane” that runs nearly the entire length of Coastal Highway makes for safe and easy access and egress for everyone. For locals and visitors alike using the bus in our town is one great bargain! For complete Ocean City MD public transportation information visit the website at www.ococean.com/busflyer.html. Note: To enlarge any photo, just “click”.
ISLAND RATTAN/SUNSHINE WICKER – Great choices for easy livin’!
Coastal living demands spending extended time outdoors – enjoying ocean or bay views, dining with friends or taking a snooze in the warm sunshine on the balcony of your condo, porch, patio or deck. Having the right furnishings is 
critical. Mother nature has given us the ideal material – rattan and it’s cousin wicker, meet all of the necessary criteria of being sturdy, flexible and above all lightweight – easy to move. And with the new man-made rattan these already weatherproof furnishings become even more durable. Two shops that stand out here in the Ocean City MD area offering extensive 
selections of great beach-style furnishings are Island Rattan and Sunshine Wicker. Island Rattan, located on Coastal Highway at Rt. 54, southbound, in Fenwick carries a huge selection of high style outdoor/indoor, easy care thus easy livin’ furniture. Fully 
coordinated room-settings help make your selection oh so easy. Also noted at Island Rattan – a resident muralist, Jean Mayr, can turn that plain wall into a ‘fun in the sun’ scene simulating the view from your sliding door. At Sunshine Wicker further south along Coastal Highway at 62nd Street, southbound, Kathy has the perfect pieces, mix or match, to sit 
beside your pool or fountain. And Sunshine Wicker offers a large selections of island life accessories, that really “fun stuff” to complete the setting! Both shops are open year round. NOTE – SINCE THE TIME OF THIS WRITING SUNSHINE WICKER HAS CLOSED ITS DOORS! SORRY, A GREAT PLACE.
For more information visit the Island Rattan website at www.islandrattan.com
Or better yet just stop by and begin now making your island lifestyle getaway come true! Note: To enlarge any photo, just “click”!
MATTRESS STORES – Sweet Dreams!
An important ingredient to a good night’s rest is the mattress upon which you lay. Combined with the nearness of the ocean with its gentle, cooling breezes, salt air and the roar of the surf – and deep sleep is almost guaranteed 
while at the beach. Whether living here year round or just visiting your condo the recent proliferation of area stores that offer quality bedding can simplify your selection of the best mattress for you. 
Spring is nearly upon us and it may be time to take a look at that “fix-up” in the bedroom. Below is a list of the newest mattress specialty shops. And, to complete that re-do don’t forget the sheets and pillows…a new Bed, Bath & Beyond 
will be opening in a few short weeks within the White Marlin Mall located on Rt. 50 – Ocean Gateway, just before the south bridge entering our island – Ocean City, Maryland.
On Island –
SLEEP CITY & THE FURNITURE STORE – 137th Street & Coastal Highway,
443-664-6378, www.sleepcityoc.com – Great prices on bedding and furnishings!
Off Island –
MATTRESSES & MORE 4 LESS – 11934 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), 410-213-8221, www.ocmattressesandmore.com. “Largest selection of mattresses in Worcester County” including Englander and Laura Ashley.
MATTRESS SOURCE at Kendall Home Furnishings – 1239 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), 410-312-2520…www.kendallhomefurnishings.com – Full line of quality bedding including “Kendall Baby” complete with cribs and crib furnishings.
MATTRESS DISCOUNTERS – 12510 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), 410-313-9870, www.mattressdiscounters.com – “Have a good night’s sleep on us”. Really huge selection of name brands!
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HARRIS TEETER – into the 21st Century!
A brand new grocery market from the Harris Teeter chain opened recently at the junction of Rts. 54 and 20 just off Rt. 1 in Fenwick, Delaware beside the new Bayside community. And it’s near enough to Ocean City Maryland to be a viable consideration for our own area shoppers. The store is massive, with over 48,000 square feet of space that includes a bakery, 
a huge deli, a “manned” butcher counter where fresh meat may be cut to order, a fresh seafood center and seemingly miles of aisles where the usual and some not so usual grocery items are stocked. There is also an area where “ready to go” or already prepared items are available. This could become very popular as good weather approaches…an instant picnic ready for beach goers. With shopping at a premium store usually considered expensive we found that by shopping with the Harris Teeter VIC card and 
paying attention to the in-store specials we really did not spend any more than usual except on the purchase of impulse items such as the freshly prepared sushi from the sushi bar that includes the necessary Wasabi and pickled ginger – a nice touch. Also of note – the staff, well scattered throughout the store are friendly, very friendly and instead of just pointing you are politely led to the location of any item of which you may inquire. Checkout is 
a breeze even when the aisles are teeming with people. The cashier unloads the basket and the bagger bags and will offer to load your car. Finally, you are thanked for shopping there, certainly an admirable trait in this day of indifferent clerks. Harris Teeter also offers online ordering called “Express Lane”…whereby you select your items online, click to place your order and a personal shopper 
gathers and has your order ready for pick-up at the entrance…a convenient service when in a hurry or when everyone in the household is down with the flu! Which brings us to another service offered – an in store pharmacy with a coffee shop serving Starbucks brand coffee so that you may sip while you wait for your prescription to be filled. It seems that Harris Teeter is working hard to bring the entire, usually mundane, grocery shopping experience into the 21st century. For further information visit online at www.harristeeter.com.
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HARDWARE STORES…tool time at the beach!
Well, maybe not just tools, perhaps add picture hangers and wire, welcome mats, wall paint, faucet washers, light bulbs, measuring devices, mops and brooms, a pail, trash receptacles, propane for the grill, potting soil, etc. – the nearly endless list of objects that it takes to 
operate a home. Whether we have a modest seaside cottage or a condo on the 6th floor overlooking the Atlantic Ocean we all need to visit a hardware store from time to time. Fortunately, in Ocean City Maryland one is never very far from some great hardware stores…spaced conveniently along Coastal Highway. Also, our island sports a well-known appliance parts dealer, Trible’s. This is the place where you can get that knob, element or even the do-dad that just broke off the stove or dishwasher. And, with company coming tonight – you know you need it NOW!
ACE Hardware – 68th St. & Coastal Hwy, 410-524-2300
ADKINS Co. of Ocean City – 5509 Coastal Hwy, 410-524-6800,
www.adkinscompany.com
FENWICK ISLAND Trust Worthy Hardware – Rt. 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3915 (RV supplies available)
MONTEGO BAY True Value Hardware – 12827 Coastal Hwy, 410-250-8665
www.truevalue.com
TRIBLE’S – 12815 Coastal Highway (Montego Bay Shopping Center), 410-250-7050
www.tribles.com
Bulk disposal of large items….
When updating or remodeling your Ocean City MD home or condo it is sometimes necessary to dispose of the old to make way for the new – the Town can assist.. To make use of this service, telephone 410-524-0318 or email your request to ctheodore@ococean.com at the Solid Waste Division of Public Works. Collection of large bulk items begins at 6:30 am. The items should be deposited beside your dumpster or as close to the sidewalk at possible. The price for is $10.00 per pick-up for three items or less. Each additional item is $5.00. The charge will be billed to the address you prefer. This service does not include building materials or yard debris.
Note: to enlarge, just “click” on any photo.
Furnish Your Dream…fashion beachwear for your home?
Whether furnishing your new, second home for the first time or just seeking a fresh “new look” for your Ocean City Maryland island condominium, finding the right stuff is not difficult and you won’t have to travel far. Ocean living, 
beach style, is by nature tropical, lighter and certainly easy-care enabling you to spend more long, lazy days on the beach and relaxed evenings strolling the Boards or dining with friends at that great new oceanside restaurant. And, these 
shops can provide the kind of easy living furniture and décor that provide the atmosphere and comfort for the many occasions of “carefree entertaining” that we all enjoy…
Donaways Furniture, 13001 Coastal Hwy, 410-250-5100, www.donaway.com
Best Mattress Selection!
Homeworks, 8403 Coastal Hwy, 410-524-5454, www.ochomeworks.com
Island Rattan, 37074 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island DE, 302-539-8922, www.islandrattan.com
Sunshine Wicker, 6301 Coastal Hwy, 410-723-9030
Bulk disposal of large items….
When updating or remodeling your Ocean City MD home or condo it’s sometimes necessary to dispose of the old to make way for the new – the Town can assist.. To make use of this service, telephone 410-524-0318 or email your request to ctheodore@ococean.com at the Solid Waste Division of Public Works. Collection of large bulk items begins at 6:30 am. The items should be deposited beside your dumpster or as close to the sidewalk at possible. The price for is $10.00 per pick-up for three items or less. Each additional item is $5.00. The charge will be billed to the address you prefer. This service does not include building materials or yard debris.
