Beach Bites

beach bites

The summer season just started, and there’s a good chance you’ll likely spend a day or two at the beach before it’s over.

But all of that swimming, sunbathing and salty Ocean City air will make you hungry, and the last thing you’ll want to do is pack up and set off in search of something to eat.

Luckily, you won’t have to.

Beach Bites, Ocean City’s first restaurant marketing company, operates through a free app, good for any mobile device or tablet.

Customers are able to go onto the Beach Bites app or website, check out various menus, pick a restaurant they would like to order from and pay with a credit or debit card in a matter of minutes. The order is placed with the restaurant and a driver is assigned to meet the customer on the beach. Food can even be delivered to customers’ homes or condos.

The app launched last Memorial Day weekend with, “smooth success,” said Kimberly Davis, who co-owns the company with her husband, Brandon. The couple was inspired to create the food delivery service after a long, lazy day at the beach last August.

“We just thought it would be fantastic if someone would bring us food — good food, like a burger or a pizza — without us having to leave our spot,” she said. “We kept talking about it and started researching, and just ran with the idea.”

Delivery is offered between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., typically slower times for restaurants, she said.

Longboard Cafe was the first restaurant to collaborate. Owner Rich Vach said it was an easy choice.

“I think their app has a really good chance of shaking some things up around here.” he said. “For very little extra work on our end, we are now able to reach a whole new market of customers. It’s genius.”

Other participating restaurants include the Ninth and 45th Street TaphouseBJ’s on the Water, Primo Hoagies, Grotto Pizza and Ocean City Fish Co.. Davis hopes the list will expand once people learn of the app.

Standard delivery fee is about $5 for orders placed online, and an extra $1.99 for orders placed through the Beach Bites call center. The delivery fee does not include gratuity for the driver. Average delivery time is about 50 minutes, she said, although times will vary based on traffic, the restaurant’s ability to prepare the food and weather conditions.

Davis recommends large orders be placed at least two hours in advance, and those desiring a specific delivery time should give 24 hours’ notice.

Beach Bites could revolutionize the town’s dining scene, according to Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.

“Only time will tell,” she said. “But I think the concept is wonderful.”

Things to do on St Patrick’s Day

Break out the kilts and bagpipes. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and Coastal Highway in Ocean City is going green.

Kick off the day with a 5K run on the boardwalk.  The race starts at 9 a.m. and the post-race celebration will be held at Shenanigan’s Irish Pub on 4th Street.  For more information, contact Chris Klebe at 443-497-4324www.octrirunning.com, or info@octrirunning.com.

From marching bands to baton twirlers, the streets will fill with over 100 Irish-themed floats Saturday, March 11 for the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

A much anticipated Ocean City event, the parade begins at noon and travels north on Coastal Highway from 58th Street to 44th Street.  Be sure to visit the 45th Street shopping center after for a festival with food, drink and live entertainment.  For more information, contact Buck Mann at 410-289-6156.

St Patrick’s Day

Everyone has a favorite local pub, but here are some outstanding choices for an Irish-inspired celebration this St. Patrick’s Day.

And good news: the Shore is graced with the luck of the Irish, a number of restaurants serve these signature dishes not only on March 17, but throughout the year as well.

Duffy’s Tavern, Ocean City 

Nestled in the Montego Bay shopping center, Duffy’s has been serving pints of Guinnessand Irish stew to loyal patrons since 1985. The diverse menu offers traditional Irish dishes, such as the generously stuffed baked lamb pot pie, and beach favorites like steamed shrimp, crab cake sandwiches, grilled steaks and more.

Go: 130th Street, Ocean City. Call 410-250-1449.

Shenanigans Irish Pub & Grille 

Eat, drink and be Irish on 4th Street. Perhaps one of Ocean City’s only authentic Irish bars, Shenanigans allows patrons to step off the boardwalk and right into Ireland. The menu offers Irish inspired eats like “Shamrock Steamers”, “Crocks O’ Gold”, “Shenawhiches” and “Dublin Desserts.” Sit back with a pint at the bar and look for your family’s Irish crest — the pub’s ceiling is trimmed with dozens of them.

Go: 309 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. Call 410-289-7181. Visit ocshenanigans.com.

The Irish Penny Pub & Grill

The only Irish bar in Salisbury lives up to the hype with a tin ceiling, a hand-crafted oak bar and weekly, authentic live music sessions. The Penny’s warm, cozy atmosphere easily draws people in, but its the pickle shots and juicy Jameson burgers that keeps them coming back. The homemade menu is packed with classic Irish dishes with an Eastern Shore Twist. Don’t forget to try the bangers and mash.

Go: 1014 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury. Call 410-742-0002. Visit www.theirishpennypub.com.

Murph’s Beef & Ale 

Pitt ham, hand-carved beef, baked turkey and slow roasted potatoes are always available at this laid-back Irish eatery, located in Henlopen Square. The simple, yet mouthwatering menu features creamy potato soup, gravy cheese fries and slow-roasted beef, pork, ham and turkey sandwiches. Get yours “Murphed” by topping it with specialty aged provolone, homemade gravy and sauteed garlic broccoli rabe. Then wash it all down with a gloriously cold pint of ale.

Go: 37169 Rehoboth Avenue Extended, Rehoboth Beach. Call 302-212-5355.

Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub

After more than two decades, Irish Eyes has earned a reputation for quality service that matches its menu. And while there are a few authentic choices, the name of the game here is burgers, seafood and steaks. Plus, enjoy bands who specialize in the Dublin-down sound on a fairly regular Saturday night basis.

Go: 105 Union Street, Milton. Call 302-684-8889. Visit www.irisheyespub.com.

Looking for a great read this summer? We’ve got you covered

Featuring a mix of popular classics, romantic novels, thrillers, and modern fiction, this list highlights a range of the year’s hottest options to tote along with you to Ocean City.

Also, be sure to click here to view our available summer rentals to make it a vacation you’ll never forget.

Here are 12 beach day-worthy books:

The Sun is also a Star by Nicola Yoon.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

End of Watch by Stephen King.

Bark Skins by Annie Prolix.

Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty by Ramona Ausubo.

Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven.

Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes.

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

Be My Valentine

 

One of the hardest parts of Valentine’s Day is deciding how to make it “perfect” for that special someone. Well, what about something completely new this year?

Ocean City is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Be sure to click here to view our available rentals to make it a Valentine’s Day you’ll never forget. And while you are at the beach, enjoy a horse and carriage ride along the boardwalk.

For $40, couples will receive in a box of chocolates, a rose and glass of bubbly for the ride. To make reservations, call Randy Davis at 443-783-1409.

3 Ways to Make Your Vacation More Enjoyable

beach house rentals in ocean city md

Considering that we only have so much time off from work — and that family vacations aren’t exactly cheap, it’s imperative to make sure you enjoy that sacred time as much as possible.

Here are three strategies to relax, disengage and make the most of limited vacation time.

Manage your expectations

Studies have shown that the people of Denmark are among the happiest in the world — and that this satisfaction is partially attributed to their low expectations about what’s to come. Thus, they find themselves “pleasantly surprised” when life brings them joy.

Hope for a good trip, rather than anticipating you’re in for the best week of your entire life. This will help to curb disappointment if things don’t go perfectly, and may even inspire you to create a fun plan B in case you run into less-than-ideal vacation conditions.

Detox from your devices

If really need a computer while you’re away, then bring it. But if you can leave something behind, do. Your brain, and travel companions, will probably thank you for it.

Besides, without a device to distract you, you’ll have easier time letting go of your “real life” and tuning in to those can’t-miss-moments like a beautiful Ocean City sunset.

Pack like a pro

Don’t get worn out before you even leave. Use a basic packing list as you prepare for your trip. Joan Didion, for example, would keep a packing list taped inside her closet during her years of steady reporting and traveling. And you don’t even have to create it yourself:

Whether you’re journeying on a warm-weather weekend, a month-long holiday, or a four-day Inca trail hike on Machu Picchu, there’s a list here for you to reference.

Pet Friendly Attractions

A family-vacation does not have to mean leaving a pet behind. There are plenty of dog approved areas on Delmarva.

Also, be sure to click here to view our pet-friendly vacation rentals, or call 410-289-8531 to speak with one of our travel experts.

 
  • Ocean City Dog Playground, Ocean City
  • Northside Park, Ocean City
  • Dewey Beach
  • Assateague National Seashore, Assateague
  • Fenwick Island State Park, Fenwick Island
  • Bethany Beach
  • Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach
  • Junction and Breakwater Trail, Dewey Beach
  • Cinema by the Surf, Rehoboth Beach

Dog Friendly Restaurants

pet friendly rentals in ocean city md

There are dozens of restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables.

Need help deciding where to eat? Check out the list below for some pet-friendly eateries. Also, be sure to click here to view our pet-friendly vacation rentals, or call 410-289-8531 to speak with one of our travel experts.

 
  • Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill
  • Micky Fins Bar & Grill
  • Bayside Skillet
  • Dumser’s Drive-In
  • The Greene Turtle
  • Malia’s Café
  • Fish Tales
  • Angler Restaurant
  • MR Ducks
  • Sunset Grille
  • Frog Bar
  • Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill
  • Anthony’s Carryout
  • Little Leo’s American & Mediterranean Kitchen
  • Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen

How to survive a senior week

Just a few months stand between you and Senior Week. After the caps have been thrown, the yearbooks have been signed and the parents have been convinced – it’ll be time to celebrate. But there are a few things you should consider.

For two weeks each year in June, popular destinations for graduates, such as Ocean City, Maryland, become inundated with 18-year-olds – many who make poor, unsafe choices.

Whether you’ll be drinking or choosing a safer alternative to spend your well-deserved vacation, there are several tips to think about before heading to the beach.

Here’s our guide to surviving Senior Week:

Be smart when you’re packing – especially your food and drinks

Be sure to pack plenty of nutritious snacks, meals and beverages in addition to celebratory drinks and cheap breakfast pastries.

Love your mom’s lasagna? Ask her to donate a pan, then all you have to do is heat it up. If everyone brings a covered dish, you won’t have to eat out as much, and you will save a lot of money.

Some healthy snack ideas:

  • Protein or granola bars
  • Fresh fruits
  • Crackers and cheese
  • Veggies and dip
  • Pretzels

Call your parents before they call you

Then they’ll leave you alone.

Trust us. Your parents are going to call you. It will happen, and it is because they love you. So set aside some time each day to reassure mom and dad that you are OK and staying safe.

If you’re under 21, don’t drink

Senior Week is a time to celebrate your accomplishments over four years of high school – don’t ruin it by doing something stupid.

>Remember, if you are under 21 years of age, you are not legally allowed to drink alcohol.

Getting in trouble at Senior Week could affect getting a job later, or could potentially put your college plans in jeopardy. Some students have had scholarships revoked because of a citation they received during Senior Week. Don’t let that happen to you.

Never go off by yourself

Always stay with someone you know. In a town flooded with thousands of visitors – many of which may be making poor choices – it is important to be someone you trust.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, youth who drink are more likely to carry out, or be the victim of physical or sexual assault.

Stay hydrated

With average temperatures reaching scorching levels in June, dehydration is a force to be reckoned with. Adding alcohol – a diuretic that causes more frequent urination – to the mix can lead to a dangerous problem.

Drink plenty of water to stay healthy and happy.

Have fun

Senior Week can, and should, be the time of your life. Act responsibly, take care of yourself and look out for your friends. You all deserve to come home with awesome memories, not regrets.

Senior Week in Ocean City, MD? Is this for me?

senior week in ocean city md

A June vacation getaway is a great way to celebrate the end of high school and the transition into the next, exciting phase of life. Reward yourself with an Ocean City rental. They provide coveted comforts like a kitchen for breakfast and late night snacks, a living room for watching movies together and separate bedrooms for some time apart.

To make the most of your getaway, choose a place you and your friends will like. Beach Getaway Rentals has plenty of options. Click here to view them all.

Still unsure if Ocean City is the ideal place for Senior Week? Think again. The town offers plenty of fun activities to keep you and your friends busy each day. Here are few to consider:

Old Pro Golf

Nothing tops a vacation like a friendly game of putt-putt, especially when bragging rights are at stake. Old Pro has six courses at four locations throughout Ocean City, including two indoor courses – which can come in handy on a rainy day.

Jolly Roger

Ocean City’s largest family Amusement Park offers 36 acres of some of the best nostalgic and cutting edge attractions found in the world. Jolly Roger now includes Splash Mountain Water Park, Speedworld, miniature golf, rides, games, concessions, a gift shop and free circus. The park’s latest addition is the Cyclone Cart Coaster – a crazy fast track that is more than 1,500 feet long and five stories tall.

Planet Maze Laser Tag

Four attractions at one location, all at a great price. Planet Maze features an indoor climbing maze, “Star Gate” themed laser tag arena, a 19-hole alien adventure mini-golf course and a token arcade. There’s also a snack bar with tables, Wi-Fi and HI-Def cable TV’s.

The Boardwalk

At just under three miles, the Ocean City boardwalk is perfect for a bike ride, a walk or run, or a relaxing tram ride. At night, the boardwalk comes to life with rides, arcades, performers and so much more.