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.

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

Countdown to Spring!

spring vacation in ocean city maryland

Daylight saving time 2015 will begin on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 a.m. That means it’s time to spring forward!

For most, daylight saving time is an exciting sign of spring that comes with a slightly sleepy Monday, but let’s look at a bright side – it’s going to put us one hour closer to Friday, March 20, 2015, the official first day of the Spring!

Count down to spring!

Why plan your summer vacation now?

planning your summer vacation in ocean city

The winter holidays are over, and you’re bracing for the cold months ahead. Sounds like a perfect time to think about … that big summer beach getaway?

Whatever your destination, you should start your planning now to discover great deals, sock away funds and ensure that you have made all the required arrangements so you can enjoy a memorable summer break in a locale you have always wanted to visit.

This is especially true if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to stop procrastinating and missing out on great opportunities. You can never start too soon in researching discounts and deals for your next summer trip!

Here 8 reasons WHY you should start making your plans now:

Early birds get the deals

It’s smart to start saving early

Some destinations let you pay in early installments

You’ll be able to travel together with loved ones

You can save on lodging

You’ll have time to arrange pet-care services or find pet friendly accommodations

You’ll get the most out of your experience

You’ll have something to look forward to

Need a vacation?

Need a vacation? …Plan one!

It’s no longer looked upon as a “luxury”, it’s a MUST do!

The concept of taking a vacation is a recent invention, and has developed through the last two centuries. Historically, the idea of travel for recreation was a luxury that only wealthy people could afford. In the Puritan culture of early America, taking a break from work for reasons other than weekly observance of the Sabbath was frowned upon. However, the modern concept of vacation was led by a later religious movement encouraging spiritual retreat and recreation. The notion of breaking from work periodically took root among the middle and working class. ^WikiPedia

It is an opportunity to  organize your emotional state and take proactive steps to avoid the stress.

It’s only at those moments when we take a step back from our everyday lives that we can rewind all the events and think about them objectively. Are you on the right path? Do you need to change anything?

Almanac is promising that the months of April and May will be drier and much warmer than normal in our area this year. Plan a weekend at the beach or maybe a full week?

Air out your mind and take a chest full of ocean air after this loooong and cold winter that we all have endured.