It’s true though…as we quickly learned during our impromptu visit the other day.  As we entered through the single door from stark sunshine into a dimly lit interior we were immediately taken to another place; another time.  A time when the neighborhood tavern was just that – an integral part of the neighborhood; serving good measure drinks and offering ‘superior’ bar food. And, you notice a man at the bar (nice selections on tap!), eating while reading a paper; the one beside him watching TV – one of many, and then a couple of guys in for a table-side lunch having a rousing conversation – politically oriented no doubt!  It’s what a ‘locals’ bar’ should be!

Kirby’s Pub has been around for ten years now – taking the place of the old Mug and Mallet.  Sandwiched between Liquid Assets and Candy Kitchen in the 94^th Street Center, bayside, off Coastal Highway with off-street parking, it boasts a prime, uptown location.

Again citing those ten years, no doubt one reason for Kirby’s success is the waitress named Lisa; the best waitress that we’ve ever had good luck to ever encounter!  Immediately upon seating (perching) oneself either barside or at one of the tables aligned along the wall opposite, this waitress is greeting you – heartily, menus in hand and with a genuine smile.  Then giving you enough time (but not too much) to decide, she’s back, still smiling, taking your order!  The food takes a bit of time (but not too long) – it’s cooked to order!

And, oh the food – of course I had to try the Pub special (listed back of the menu in a blue box)…Kirby’s Seafood Club!  Served in a wrap or layered between your choice of rye/wheat or white, the jumbo-lump crab cake and generous scoop of house made, jumbo shrimp salad, crispy bacon, choice of cheese, lettuce, FRESH tomato and mayo- SING!!!  Fresh, spicy, just what you’ve been craving. It’s huge, and accompanied by Kirby’s fresh chips, weighs in as a ‘real meal’!  In my opinion, at $12.00 it’s a bargain!  My companion opted for the house-made, jumbo-shrimp salad on wheat.  Again, a more than satisfying portion of ‘real tasty’.

Feeling more than full, we asked for our check and after leaving a nice tip for our excellent service, departed.

We will return again to this wonderful ‘locals’ bar’ very soon, noting the special homemade soups on the menu. And, if you find yourself visiting in Ocean City MD, looking for the real deal, we hope to see you there!

To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1 – Oct 31: Delmarva Needle Art Show & Competition, Julia Purnell Museum, Snow Hill, MD.  Popular exhibit of regional needle art including quilts, embroidery & more.  Admission.  www.purnellmuseum.com

Sept. 3-5:  Labor Day Weekend Art & Craft Festival, OC Convention Ctr.  Tasteful mix of mediums including oil and watercolors, woodworking and furniture, stained glass, glass art, candles, pottery & more. ahastings@ocShows.info

Sept. 16-19: Delmarva Bike Week, Tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts enjoys rides and activities throughout Delmarva Peninsula.  Motorcycle related activities with displays, exhibits, entertainment, vendors, celebrities, manufacturers & more.  www.delmarvabikeweek.com

Sept 17 – 19:  Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show, OC Convention Ctr.  Jewelry and gems, classic and contemporary designs for show and sale.  Tote1523@treasuresoftheearth.net.

Sept. 23-24: Sandcastle Home Tour.  Unique Ocean City area homes on display in this popular annual event.  www.artleagueofoceancity.org

Sept. 23 -26: SUNFEST,  Sunfest celebrates its 36^th year as Ocean City’s biggest and best festival.  Sunfest artisans will delight your eyes with their arts and crafts creation.  Try the bold taste of the Eastern Shore with fabulous food and quench your thirst with a tropical smoothie.  Enjoy live entertainment on two stages.  Sunfest 2010 has something for everyone!  www.oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/specialevents.html

Sept. 23 – 26: Sunfest Kite Festival.  On the beach, 1^st St. – 6^th St.  Bring the family & let your spirits soar!  www.kiteloft.com

Sept. 24 – 26: Berlin Fiddlers Convention, Main Street, Berlin MD.  Annual event begins Friday evening with a free concert, continues through acoustic competition on Saturday.  On Sunday, a Bluegrass Gospel Jam.  Also crafters & food vendors.  www.BerlinChamber.org

Sept. 25 – 26: Park Place Jewelers Treasure Hunt at the Beach, 2^nd St at the Boardwalk.  Prizes include jewelry and gift certificates to area restaurants.  www.parkplacejewelers.com

OCTOBER

Oct. 1: Family Campfire on the Beach, 130th St. on the Beach. 8 pm. Entertainment storytelling, music & refreshments. Bring a blanket or chair. www.ocsportscamps.com

Oct. 1-2: Winefest on the Beach, Inlet Parking Lot: Wine samplings, arts & crafts, live entertainment & food. Admission. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.  www.winfest.com

Oct. 2^nd:  Harbor Day at the Docks – A Waterfront Heritage Festival.  Seafood cooking demonstrations, fish cleaning techniques, live entertainment & much more.  Free admission.  www.ocharborday.com

Oct. 2 – 3: Chesapeake Celtic Festival, Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum, Snow Hill: All things Celtic including music and dance, booths, lectures and food court. Saturday and Sunday, 11a.m.-5:30 p.m. www.celticfest.net

Oct. 7-10: 12th Annual Endless Summer Cruisin, Inlet Parking Lot: Car show features 1,500 hot rods, customs, muscle cars, classics and more. Thursday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. www.endlesssummercruisin.com

Oct. 8-9: Oktoberfest, Convention Center, 40th Street: Three full days of continuous entertainment and authentic food and drink. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. www.oceanpromotions.info

Oct. 8-9: Oktoberfest Art & Craft Fair, Convention Center, 40th Street: Over 100 exhibitors displaying holiday items, gifts, fine art and more. Admission. Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.oceanpromotions.info

Oct. 9: Fiberfest, Julia A. Purnell Museum, Snow Hill. Annual textile festival includes vendors with handcrafted items, exhibits, children’s activities, animals, food & more. Admission. www.purnellmuseum.com

Oct. 15-16: Free State Corvette Club Weekend, Inlet Parking Lot: The 23rd gathering of Corvette enthusiasts features car shows, road rallies, and a Boardwalk parade on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Car show will be held from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m at Inlet. www.freestatecorvette.com

Oct. 17-24: Ocean City Fall Restaurant Week.  Many spectacular restaurants will offer a special fixed-price three-course dinner menu for just $30 and/or a two-course menu for $20 (tax, gratuity and alcohol not included).  Diners may simply visit their favorite participating restaurants throughout the week to enjoy the special prix fixe menus.  Recommend advance reservations.  www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com

October 23-24: Coastal Style Luxury Living Show, Convention Center. Showing the products & services of the region’s most prestigious businesses. Admission. www.coastalstylemag.com

Oct. 30: Halloween Spook-out Party, Northside Park Complex, 125th Street: Participants of all ages can have a howling good time with events that include carnival games, arts and crafts, hayrides, snacks and more. Costume contests scheduled throughout the event. Saturday, 1-3 p.m. www.ocsportscamps.com

Oct. 31: Swing for Youth Golf Open, Eagles Landing Golf Course. Benefits OC Recreation Boosters, which earmark all funds for youth recreation programs. www.eagleslandinggolf.com

NOVEMBER

Nov. 6-7: Fallfest of Fine Art, Convention Center, 40th Street: Juried show features fine art painters, sculptors and mixed media high crafts. Admission. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. duckmandon@comcast.net

Nov. 18-Jan. 2: Winterfest of Lights, town wide, Inlet lot and Northside Park, 127th Street: Dazzling lights on cold winter nights put everyone in a holiday mood. Northside Park display open Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10:30 p.m. www.oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/special events.html

Nov. 20: Turkey Trot, Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. Four-player scramble for adults, includes a turkey feast after play. www.eagleslandinggolf.com

Nov 27: Putting on the Ritz – An Evening to Remember Overlooking the Bay, OC Convention Ctr.  The Art League of Ocean City presents the First Annual “Putting on the Rize-An Evening to Remember Overlooking the Bay.”  Cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, open bar, gourmet dinner and dancing.

Nov. 26-28: Holiday Shopper’s Fair, Convention Center, 40th Street: Shopping extravaganza with quality crafts, photography, florals, wrought iron, jewelry, Nascar items, toys and more. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission. www.ococean.com

DECEMBER

Dec. 1- January 2, 2010: Winterfest of Lights continues. Dazzling lights and displays throughout Ocean City Maryland. www.ococean.com

Dec. 2 – 25: Victorian Christmas, Berlin, MD: Month-long celebrations include animated window displays, horse and carriage rides, breakfast with Santa, concerts, parade, house tours, Victorian fashion show and teas. Santa visits weekends at the Atlantic Hotel. www.berlinchamber.org

Dec. 4: A Nutcracker Christmas Celebration, Julia A. Purnell Museum, Snow Hill: An event inspired by the beloved ballet.  See a display of nutcrackers and enjoy refreshments. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.purnellmuseum.com

Dec. 4: Ocean City Christmas Parade, 100th to 115th streets: Wonderful holiday parade with high school bands, floats and marching units.  Many activities in Gold Coast Mall following the parade., floats, marching units, antique cars & more. Saturday, 11a.m.- 2 p.m.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve, Town of Ocean City. Town wide celebrations at your favorite hotel or restaurant.  Enjoy ringing in the New Year at your favorite place.  Many Ocean City hotels, clubs and restaurants offer special packages or menus for this special night.  Call your favorite spot or 800-OC-OCEAN for general information.

FREE Movies on the Beach – Every Monday and Friday evening a movie is shown on the Beach at 27th Street with our 16′ projector.  Bring a blanket and enjoy the night beside the ocean.

FREE Family Beach Olympics – Each Tuesday evening at Beach and 27th St. we feature a variety of contests for all ages.  Sand castle contests, tug-of-war, relays and more.  Events are free and begin at 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

FREE Movies on the Beach Thursdays - Free movies on the beach for the family every Thursday night at 8:30 pm at the Princess Royale Hotel…Beach & 92nd Street.

FREE Sunset Party Nights - FREE!  Tuesday nights in July and August.  Watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay from the perfect location in Ocean City.  Event begins at 7 pm and runs to approximately 9 pm.

FREE Movies on the Beach Wednesdays – Free movies every Wednesday night at 8:30 pm at the Carousel Hotel – Beach & 118th Street.

FREE Bonfire & Story Hour on the Beach – Enjoy story hours; learn the history of Ocean City and some of the Town’s best-kept secrets!  Thursdays – 9:oo pm – North Division St. & Beach.

FREE Sundaes in the Park – Bring your picnic basket…enjoy free entertainment with ice cream sundaes for sale!  Family concert series – watch the sunset over the beautiful Assawoman Bay!  Northside Park & Bay – 125th Street Bayside.

For more information visit http://ococean.com/events!

MAY –

2010 OPA Offshore Powerboat race series presented by GEOCO – May 28 – 30, 2010.  Between 6th – 22nd Strs off Ocean City Boardwalk.  http://www.oparacing.org

Ocean City Restaurant Week – May 30 – June 6, 2010.  Week-long culinary experience allows guests to indulge in the finest OC fare at fixed prices.  No tickets or passes required, but reservations are appreciated.   http://oceancityrestaurantweek.com

JUNE

OC Car & Truck Show – June 5 – 6, 2010  Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. Vehicles, music entertainment, celebrity appearances & much more. Admission. http://www.occarshow.com

OC Air Show – June 5 – 6th, 2010, OC Beach & Boardwalk. Featuring U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds! Parachute team jumps, civilian aerobatic performances, low altitude flyovers, and military aircraft demonstrations. http://ocairshow.com

MD State Fireman’s Assoc. Conference Parade – June 13 – 16th, 1 pm. Inlet to 9th St.
More info – visit www.info@msfa.org

Arts Alive – June 19 – 20th, 2010, Northside Park, 127th St. Activities for the whole family in a tranquil park setting. 800-626-2326  http://ococean.com

JULY

Concert & Fireworks Uptown & Downtown – July 4th, The Bay & N. Division St & the Beach. Family fun begins at 8 pm – Fireworks display at 9:30. 800-626-2326  http://ococean.com

Sunset Party Nights - July 6 – August 24th, 2010.  Sunset Park at South Division Street Bayside.  Tuesday nights in July & August.  Watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay!  http://ococean.com

Bonfire & Story Hour on the Beach – July 8th – August 19th, 2010.  North Division Street & the Beach.  http://ococean.com

OC Tuna Tournament – July 9 – 11th, 2010 -  OC Fishing Center, off Rt. 50 in West OC. East Coast’s largest tuna tournament. Weight-ins: Friday & Saturday 4-7:30 pm, Sunday 4-7 pm www.oceancitytunatournament.com

Greek Festival – July 30-August 1st, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. Traditional Greek cuisine, music and dancing. Admission. 410-524-0990.
Polish Festival – July 28th, S. Division St. & Bay (Bayside Boardwalk/Inlet) Sunset Park. Share the beauty of different cultures with live entertainment, food and a wine garden. Tuesday, 5-9 pm. http://stgeorgebythesea.org

AUGUST

White Marlin Open – August 2 -6th 2010, Harbour Island, 14th & Bay. World’s largest billfish tournament. Spectators see weigh-ins free of charge. http://whitemarlinopen.com

Kids Crab Round-up – August 14th, Northside Park (125th & Bay). Fun & learning about blue crabs. For children 12yrs. and under accompanied by an adult. Sat., 9am-12noon.

SEPTEMBER

LABOR DAY WEEKEND – September 3rd – 5th, Convention Center. A fun shopping experience with art & crafters displaying unique items for show & sale.  http://ahastings@ocshows.info

Check back soon to view the jam-packed calendar of exciting activities and events for September…!

.  Begining Thursday, May 20th at 8 am and again on Friday, the fun day begins with the Boardwalk Parade. Car after car rolling southward on the Boardwalk passing folks standing with wide grins and awed expressions, evoking in most, memories of ‘the good old days”. Whether it be a shiny restored vintage, custom, hot rod or muscle car…many remember and wax nostalgic. A deep, steady rumble accompanies this parade – the large engines of the past, revved and ready to go. And, the odor of Fisher’s Caramel Popcorn or Thrasher’s Fries wafting through the crowd throughout the parade makes that nostalgia even more delicious! The “CRUISIN’ OC” show, one of the region’s largest and most popular comes to our island for four days in the late spring each year. Throughout the area more than 3,000 of the “best of the best” may be seen driving on almost any road in and around town…many owners along with their most prized wheeled possessions gather in parking lots all over…where they are further polished, admired and ready to be discussed with everybody! To add to the fun there’s live entertainment in the form of concerts…(this year featuring live in concert – ‘The Four Tops‘); music that will also take you back! Make no mistake; it’s a car weekend yet it belongs personally to all of us.  The fun begins this Thursday – May 20th and continues through Sunday, May 23rd.

For a detailed calendar of events…visit the website at www.specialeventpro.com/cruisin.php.  To obtain tickets for the live concert visit the Convention Center Box Office or call Ticketmaster 1/800-551-8314.

Note: To enlarge any photo, just “click”!

Hoping to avoid having to park far away and ride the shuttle, we decided that an early, ‘brunch’ time visit at 10 am was in order.  Weather-wise, we were already enjoying a breezy-sunshine on our way to Winterplace Park on Rt. 346 (Old Ocean City Boulevard) near Salisbury.  Within two miles of the festival – we began to sniff traces of wood smoke and good cooking.  Seems many of the contestants, in order to have their ‘specialties’ considered ready for judging, stay up all night to insure a good slooow, cook to produce a perfect tender offering!

Upon entering the lovely fairgrounds, (admission $2) we were confronted with row upon row of tents, trucks and massive cookers spread over several acres.  Early this day the most activity was to be in front of the judge’s tent – a sign up area for the day’s contestants.    After viewing this, all the while assailed with wonderful smells, we wandered off to find our ‘brunch’ only to find we were in the wrong area to purchase food.  Again, row upon row of busy barbecue cookers and serious contestants – but no food to have –YET!  Finally, crossing over several aisles we found what we were looking for!  Colorful signs, proclaiming past achievements and tables of trophies vied for our attention.  We had finally found our ‘brunch’ although it was now nearly lunch! We stopped at one bright place and placed our order; my companion asking for a genuine pulled-pork sandwich and for me – a ‘pulled’ chicken platter; complete with slaw and baked beans.  When presented, we were told to take our pick of today’s sauces…a ‘secret’ hickory recipe or one that spoke of ‘apple’.   I chose the apple barbecue sauce – and found it to be a real winner with my smoke infused, chunky, tender chicken on multi-grain roll (thank you).  We found a nearby seat; near the stage where consecutive musical groups were performing their most lively tunes.  Off in the distance we saw the colorful children’s rides already spinning and twirling.  Our food was good – really, really good.  We shared a bit and I can vouch for the pork barbecue and the chicken (with ‘apple’ flavored BBQ sauce).

Later, we ambled along the real mid-way – again rows of vendors offering about everything including some really tempting caramel popcorn!  When I begin desiring large quantities of warm, sticky popcorn I know it’s time to leave…but I promise to return again next year to this wondrous gathering of foodies…Pork in the Park!

For more info visit – http://porkinthepark.org

To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!

One of our recent special discoveries was in the tiny town of Newark, situated just south of Berlin Maryland off of Rt. 113.   Just across the street from the Queponco Railroad Station Museum, on Patey Woods Road, in an old, but recently renovated storefront sits Barbely’s Family Restaurant.  We quickly learned that the best time to visit Barbely’s is on Thursday, Friday or Saturday after 4:30 pm.

This Friday evening, arriving right at opening, we were greeted in a most friendly manner.  It seems many (most) of the staff is part of a large, multi-generational family who own and operate this already special country style eatery.  After being seated we quickly selected our meals from an ever-changing menu.  ‘In season’ and ‘fresh’ seems to be a large part of their offerings as fried oysters and oyster fritters were prominently listed.  However, my companion wanted the special ribs…we later leaned that these lovely, fork-tender, lean ribs are slow cooked overnight producing a flavor and texture that only a lengthy preparation can produce!

My choice for the evening was a (what was listed as ‘petite’) crabcake.  However, when it appeared I was certain that there had been a mistake…it was HUGE!  Not only huge, but really, really good – all crab!  Of course, there’s a long list of appetizers, including a local specialty – ‘peas and dumplin’s’ soup.  However, knowing the filling nature of the soup I opted out this evening.  A large assortment of ‘sides’ was listed including another local treat – ‘greens’.  I’ve come to love these – boiled till tender mustard greens or collards flavored with a bit of ham and ‘mystery’!

One cannot mention Barbely’s without talking ‘desert’.  Everything is HOMEMADE:  Meringue topped pies and towering cakes…puddin’s, dumplin’s – whatever!  Last evening the focus seemed to be on the apple dumplings – served warm with vanilla custard atop and beside excellent vanilla bean ice cream!  My companion, a known desert lover, could barely finish his huge serving.  He commented (several times) on the flavor of the lovely whole, spiced apple inside the tender pastry!  Enough said…the food is tasty, generous and is accompanied by caring and friendly service!  Don’t miss a visit…

You can find out more about Barbely’s on facebook under ‘Barbely’s Family Restaurant ‘and see the specials for the evening listed there.

To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!

Links may be accessed by clicking beneath blue colored, highlighted titles…

APRIL

JULIA A. PURNELL MUSEUM EXHIBIT – April 2nd – October 31, Snow Hill, MD.
New exhibit featuring entitled, “Eye of the Beholder”, featuring the changing standards of feminine beauty through the 19th & 20th centuries. Admission. www.purnellmuseum.com

EASTER ART & CRAFT FAIR - April 2 – 4th,  10:00 am – 4:30 pm, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay.  Exhibitors displaying unique hand-crafted items including wearable art, jewelry, lawn & garden decor.  Door prizes.  Admission includes Easter Kids Fair – Continuous events, activities & entertainment, including the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, puppet shows and much, much more.  www.oceanpromotions.info

SPRING CELEBRATION – April 3rd, Main Street, Berlin Maryland. Events for adults & children. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, games, parade, entertainment & more. Berlin’s FAMOUS Annual Pig Race day. www.berlinmdcc.org.

WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING – April 23-25th, Convention Center, 40th & Bay.  40th annual event features carvers in competition for the world’s most prestigious awards in wildfowl art.  Visitors from all over the world enjoy the judging, auctions, seminars and demonstrations.  Children’s activities are included along with over 100 exhibitor booths of artisans and art supplies for this fine art craft.  Admission.  www.wardmuseum.org

MAY

SPRINGFEST - May 6 – 9th, 2010, Inlet Parking Lot.  Springfest 2010 celebrates the arrival of spring and the upcoming summer season.  It is four dynamic days of delicious food, live entertainment and clever arts and crafts under four huge big top tents located in the Inlet Lot at the south end of Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk!  www.ococean.com

CRUISIN’ OCEAN CITY – May 20th – May 23rd, Convention Center, Inlet Parking Lot.  Popular car show features over 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars and more.  Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions, Boardwalk parades, manufacturers vendor midway and more.  Admission.  www.cruisinoceancity.com

CRUSIN’ CONCERT -  May 21st, Convention Center.  A great concert is always part of Cruisin’ Weekend!  This year enjoy the fabulous FOUR TOPS!   All seats $35.00.  www.ticketmaster.com

OCEAN CITY RESTAURANT WEEK – May 30 – June 6, 2010, Ocean City-Townwide!  Week-long culinary experience allows guests to indulge in the finest OC fare at fixed prices.  Participating restaurants offer two & three course meals at $20 & $30 respectively.

Check back soon to see featured events coming this summer in Ocean City Maryland!