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.”

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.

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

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.

Does your vacation affect your happiness?

Vacations are a chance to take a break from work, see the world and enjoy time with family. But do they make you happier?

The study, published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, showed that the largest boost in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation. In the study, the effect of vacation anticipation boosted happiness for eight weeks.

After the vacation, happiness quickly dropped back to baseline levels for most people. How much stress or relaxation a traveler experienced on the trip appeared to influence post-vacation happiness. There was no post-trip happiness benefit for travelers who said the vacation was “neutral” or stressful.”

Surprisingly, even those travelers who described the trip as “relaxing” showed no additional jump in happiness after the trip. “They were no happier than people who had not been on holiday,” said the lead author, Jeroen Nawijn, tourism research lecturer at Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.

The only vacationers who experienced an increase in happiness after the trip were those who reported feeling “very relaxed” on their vacation. Among those people, the vacation happiness effect lasted for just two weeks after the trip before returning to baseline levels.

Boost your happiness, start planning your summer get-away to Ocean City, MD now!

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!

Surviving the winter blues

summer fun in ocean city md

Think of this approach as a survival guide for the remainder of the winter season. Plan your summer get-away now! It’s a way to channel soothing, summery thoughts during the big chill of winter. Being in a warm house while reading a travel guide or calling up all of these exotic destination photos online is a great way to spend a cold, dreary day. Besides, anticipation is half the enjoyment. The sooner you plan, the longer you have to look forward to your trip.”

Vacation Payment Plan

plan your vacation in ocean city md

Another way to pay piecemeal is through vacation payment plan. But you can’t do this if you procrastinate!

You can put a small deposit to confirm the reservation and pay the remainder over time, interest-free. The earlier you book, the more time you have to pay.