In all the years in I lived and worked in Ocean City, I rarely got to the boardwalk during the summer months. The Ocean City Boardwalk and the cool breezes were there all the time, but my only time outside during the summer was spent going to the walk-in or the dumpster……sigh
To be honest I was not in favor of this vacation because I didn’t want to leave my beloved Florida. But the other reason was I really didn’t have that many great memories of Ocean City, other than meeting Lisa.
Well let me tell you, what a difference retirement makes!! I love Ocean City, the beach and especially the boardwalk!! Where else can you see a banner ad for the Mormon Church and Beer at the same time, you gotta love the Ocean City Boardwalk.
No trip to Ocean City is complete without a stop at the Copper Kettle Fudge Shop.
Or Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and Fudge Shop.
And of course we can’t forget to stop off at the World Famous Johnson’s Popcorn for some of their legendary caramel corn. When you buy it from one of the boardwalk shops they give it to you warm with your bucket overflowing.
Although I don’t indulge in sweets as much as I use to, I’m still very passionate about my coffee. I love to try local roasts whenever possible and after sampling the coffees at the Ocean City Coffee Company, I can tell you I’ll be taking some home to Florida with me.
Of course if you’re not in the mood to eat there’s always shopping.
With lots of clothes with the Ocean City logo to let everyone know you spent some time at the Jersey Shore. I even bought a jacket to take back to Florida.
And if you’re not in the mood for clothes, there are lots of other stores to choose from.
With subtle and not so subtle reminders of your trip to Ocean City.
And then there’s the beach. This is the one sign you really wouldn’t want to see after driving through all the shore traffic to get to Ocean City. Luckily there is a “When” inserted after Ocean Closed. I thought that pretty funny.
This is the middle of the island and the busiest section of beach. It’s crazy busy here, but there are stretches of beach in Ocean City that are much less cramped, but for these folks it’s all about the location.
Swimming can be a little hazardous in this area with the drain pipe on one side and a jetty on the other, but no one seems to mind. And if anyone gets out to0 far or on the wrong side of the green flags the lifeguards are there to remind them to get to safe waters. The lifeguards in Ocean City do a great job of protecting the bathers enjoying the ocean.
And did I mention food? You have a lot of typical boardwalk fare to choose from, and if you leave the island hungry you’ve got no one to blame but yourself. They also have a new 24 inch pizza if you’re really hungry!
And as your day winds down and your kids wind up, think about stopping at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier or some of the other attractions on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Or you can play miniature golf at one of the many boardwalk courses.
And there are lots of opportunities for selfies and great photo ops with the ocean as the background.
But whatever you do, it’s going to be a great day on the Ocean City Boardwalk, with all the sights, sounds and smells of summer. For more information for your next vacation to the Jersey Shore, check out the Ocean City Visitors Bureau website.
Sharon Littley
Thanks for bringing me…wish we hadn’t run out of time to get together before I left! So glad you and Lisa are having such a good time! Thanks for the blog of all the fun things to do…no place better at the Jersey Shore than Ocean City! Love you guys! ❤️☀️❤️
Chef Dennis Littley
It was nice getting to spend more time with you on the ride up Sharon. We’re hoping to stop by for one night on our way back home, I’ll let you know for sure when we know when that will be.
Kelly
I am so incredibly jealous! Browsing through your post I was smiling ear to ear… soooo many wonderful memories. There is no place like the Ocean City Boardwalk — the sights, the sounds and smells. ENJOY!!!
Chef Dennis Littley
It’s been a lot of fun Kelly, Lisa is already talking about next year and finding a spot even closer to the beach!
Kim | a little lunch
Retirement & vacation (and marriage 🙂 look like they agree with you, Dennis! Thanks for this wonderful travelogue of Ocean City’s offerings.
Debbie D
Ah Dennis – the Jersey Shore! I love Ocean City; I think I started going there in the late 70’s with my girlfriends family, staying around 5th and Asbury, and later moving off island to a little “campground”. Lovely memories of Mack and Manco Pizza on the boards, Taylor pork roll and soft serve! Those were the days! I think that beach sign is newer as I don’t recall it, but who knows! I have moved to NC and frequent Topsail Beach, where we have a little money pit, but my girlfriend and her husband still have her parents little camp place and another good friend lives in Marmora, just off island. Looks like a visit must be made this summer “down the shore”!
Chef Dennis Littley
hi Debbie
I grew up in the Atlantic City area and have lots of great memories of that area, and then later moved to Ocean City where I worked for many years. You gotta love the sights, smells and sunshine! Hope you get to make it to the shore!
Dennis