Author: Jeff Evans

Now celebrating 19 years, the Art League of Ocean City’s annual outdoor painting festival, “Artists Paint OC,” is happening Aug. 14-18 in the resort, giving you the opportunity to select from hundreds
of just-created original landscape paintings of iconic coastal scenes

For five days, 50 artists compete for the top prizes of cash and prestige as they spread out across the area to paint famous vistas. These “plein air” artists are professionals; many are award winners in multiple competitions.  

There are two opportunities to buy the original art. You are invited to the free “Wet Paint Sales” on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5-7 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 1-3 p.m. Both sales are held at the waterfront Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94^th St. bayside, and both are free to attend. Every painting is one-of-a-kind and ready to hang.

“If you’re looking for a permanent and unique memory of your time in Ocean City, this is an opportunity to find a treasure no one else but you will have,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “This event only happens once a year, and our Arts Center is the only place you’ll find literally hundreds of original paintings to choose from.” 

The “Wet Paint Sales” at the Arts Center are a chance to mix and mingle with the artists, and enjoy light refreshments, live music, and a cash bar. The juror for this year’s event is Dutch artist Carole Boggemann Peirson who has been a professional oil painter since 2005 and is mostly known for her East Coast landscapes. Peirson moved to the United States from her native Netherlands in 2000 when she and her husband tied the knot and now lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. 

The easiest time and place to watch the artists paint is on the Boardwalk on Sunday morning, when they’re concentrated in the immediate area near South Division St. In two hours, from 9-11 a.m., the artists race to complete a painting of an iconic Boardwalk scene, frame it, and run it to the Arts Center on 94^th St. Peirson will judge the paintings, with cash prizes awarded by the Ocean City Development Corp. The art goes up for sale to the public at 1 p.m., while the paint is still wet on the canvasses.

The following article was provided by the Art League of Ocean City. For more information, please visit their website by clicking here.

Ocean City, Maryland, is more than a picturesque beachfront town boasting mouth watering seafood and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a vibrant community enriched by tradition and a shared love for the sea. Embodied in this community spirit is a long-standing opportunity of adventure for over 35 years, the Sea Rocket! Showcasing how this celebrated attraction seamlessly blends thrilling water activities with Ocean City’s robust community, let’s set sail on an exploratory experience.

The Patriotic Spirit of the Sea Rocket Speedboat

The Sea Rocket, painted in patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, symbolizes the American Dream! This is more than a speedboat; it’s an emblem of national pride that rides the waves of Ocean City. The Sea Rocket experience allows both locals and visitors to engage with the Atlantic Ocean’s mighty splendor while taking in an awe-inspiring perspective of Ocean City’s skyline. As you skim along the coastline, you can spot iconic landmarks, your own hotel such as The Doubletree by Hilton or The Holiday Inn, and even playful bottlenose dolphins, our regular aquatic companions- further enhancing your connection with this vibrant coastal community.

Basking in Nature’s Grandeur: Sea Rocket Sunset Cruises

As your day of adventure comes to an end, we invite you to join us on a more relaxing adventure: the Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise. Watch as the setting sun paints a canvas of golden hues across the sky, bathing the cityscape in a warm, calming light. Every landmark, from the bustling boardwalk to the beautiful beachside hotels, radiates in the sunset’s glow. These shared moments of tranquility, watching nature’s spectacle together, are the very essence of our close-knit community. Harrison’s Harbor Watch, only 5 minutes away, is one site that may grab your attention and be the place for dinner after your cruise comes to an end.

Elevating Adventures with Ocean Parasailing

For thrill-seekers, Sea Rocket’s parasailing ventures offer an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of our beautiful city and the neighboring Assateague Island State Park. As you’re lifted high into the sky, snugly fastened, and securely linked to our trusty boat, you’ll get a whole new perspective on Ocean City! It’s a sight that’ll stick with you as you satisfy your thrill seeking desire. Hey, is that your hotel over there? Seeing it from way up here sure makes you feel like a part of this remarkable city! Who knows, this new view may pique your interest of some new places to visit once you return to land, such as the new Wedge Bar that is located right in the inlet!

Sea Rocket: Activities for All

The Sea Rocket offers various exciting water activities for everyone. Hop onto our Banana Boat for an adrenaline-fueled ride or explore the calm waters with our kayak and Stand Up Paddle Boards [SUP] rentals. We also offer Private Party Cruises, ideal for unforgettable gatherings to share memorable moments against the beautiful backdrop of Ocean City. Angling enthusiasts can dive into a thrilling deep-sea adventure with Chaser Sportfishing, reaffirming Sea Rocket’s commitment to offering a variety of engaging activities that cater to everyone.

We are proud to partner with the Sea Rocket to provide guests with an incredible Ocean City experience. From soaring through the sky to cruising along the beautiful coastline, let the Sea Rocket steer toward an adventure you’ll cherish forever. To receive a ten percent discount on any Sea Rocket experience click here to book your adventure today! Please enter “OCMDHOTELS10” to receive the discount.

Celebrate July Fourth in Ocean City

Free Fireworks and Music at Two Locations

Ocean City, Maryland – (June 18, 2024): Ocean City will light up the night sky with two simultaneous fireworks displays on Thursday, July 4^th in celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. With your family and friends, beach chairs and blankets, residents and visitors can watch the fireworks sparkle over the beach and the bay.

The northern celebration at Northside Park, 125th Street and the bay, will kick off at 8:00 p.m. with DJ musical entertainment followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. “Northside Park is the perfect place for families to watch the colorful displays light up the evening sky and lagoon,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We encourage spectators to get there early to claim their spot to watch the fireworks.” The soccer field and walking path on the northwest side of the park will be closed from viewing due to state and local safety precautions as the fireworks display will move off the west pier into the park to bring the experience closer than ever before.

On the south end of town, guests can head to Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk with its bright lights, an assortment of food, family fun and more. This celebration will kick off with a DJ at 8:00 p.m. on the beach at Caroline Street. The official fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. “The July Fourth Celebration in Ocean City is a unique opportunity to watch fireworks over the ocean,” Meehan continued. “Our Caroline Street Stage allows visitors to bring beach chairs or blankets and claim a spot on the sand where they can enjoy the live performance and capture a special and patriotic firework display set to music.”

Parking operations for the Inlet Parking Lot will stay the same for the holiday, Thursday, July 4, however; the parking rate for the Inlet Lot will increase to $5 per hour for the day. Visitors are reminded that parking is extremely limited at both fireworks locations and significant traffic delays are expected after both shows.

Coastal Highway bus service will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Patrons can ride for only $4 for a ride-all-day pass and are reminded to anticipate delays and full buses due to event-related traffic and ridership. The West Ocean City Park & Ride on Route 50 is another transportation alternative, offering free parking and $4 ride-all-day shuttle service downtown to and from Dorchester Street and St. Louis Avenue. The service running to and from the West Ocean City Park & Ride to Dorchester Street and St. Louis Avenue will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Expect traffic delays and high rider demand at the West Ocean City Park & Ride. West Ocean City Park & Ride passes are also valid on Coastal Highway buses.

Finally, area boaters should note that on the evening of July 4th, the span of the Route 50 Bridge will remain closed to marine traffic at the usually scheduled 10:25 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. opening times. The Route 50 Bridge will reopen for boaters at 11:25 p.m. on the evening of July 4th.

With safety in mind, the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) is also urging spectators to leave the fireworks to the professionals. “The power and danger of fireworks should not be underestimated,” said Ocean City Fire Marshal Josh Bunting. “In addition to causing damage, fireworks can cause injuries and we want people to be safe during their holiday stay in Ocean City. The safety and wellbeing of all residents and visitors of the Town of Ocean City is the primary goal of the Ocean City Fire Department.”

Although the State of Maryland has approved the use of ground-based sparkling devices such as cylindrical and cone fountains, these are not legal to use or possess in Ocean City. Further, all other fireworks that may be sold in neighboring states are not legal for use by the public anywhere in Maryland.

“The Fourth of July holiday is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to stay and play in Ocean City,” Meehan finished. “With a beautiful setting and two great fireworks events, we hope our guests will come early and stay late to celebrate America’s birthday at the beach and leave knowing that Ocean City gave them something to smile about.” For more information about July Fourth activities, visit ococean.com/events or call the Ocean City Welcome Center at 410.723.8600.

What’s on Your Summer Bucket List?

Dive into the ultimate summer adventure in Ocean City, MD! Experience the best of OCMD with our exciting “Bucket List” promotion. Complete these must-do activities, check them off your list, and you could win an unforgettable stay in Ocean City!

Here’s how to join the fun:

1. Explore Ocean City and complete as many bucket list items as you can.
2. Snap a photo of at least one bucket list activity.
3. Share your photos with us for a chance to win. Upload on the below form or tag us in social media @ OCMDHotels

Prizes:

• Grand Prize: One lucky winner will receive a free stay in OCMD.
• Swag Bags: Ten winners will receive exclusive Ocean City swag bags, packed with goodies.

Don’t forget to tell us about any exciting activities we might have missed! Make this summer one for the books, filled with unforgettable memories and endless fun.

Get started on your Ocean City summer bucket list today! CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, is a significant holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery. It marks the day in 1865 when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which declared that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had officially outlawed slavery in the Confederate states on January 1, 1863.

Here are some opportunities to learn and celebrate the Holiday on the Delmarva Peninsula:

1. Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument and National Historical Park. The Center houses permanent exhibits, a film, restrooms, a museum store, an information desk, and a research library, and it serves as the park’s primary visitor destination. More information can be found by clicking here.

2. Elevate Vocal Arts (EVA) is excited to present “Afro Beats,” a Juneteenth celebration of vocal music by Black composers at the Freeman Arts Pavilion on June 19th. For more information, click here.

3. Visit the Frederick Douglass Statue and take the driving tour. November 25, 1878, Frederick Douglass gave “Self-Made Men” speech to a segregated audience in the main courtroom of this courthouse. The statue of Douglass on the courthouse lawn, created by Jay Hall Carpenter and erected in 2011, portrays Douglass at the podium delivering this speech. Click here for more information.

For a more in-depth history on the Holiday, visit the “Historical Legacy of Juneteenth” article by the Smithsonian here.

Celebrate Dad this Sunday at one of these amazing restaurants in Ocean City! Enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner!

Lunch Special: $10 Burgers and $4 drafts from Noon until 4pm! Or enjoy a complimentary draft beer with a purchase of a dozen oysters all day long! For more information on Marlin Moon on 33rd Street, click here.

Special Menu on Sunday includes:
10oz sirloin with a Cajun Mushroom Sauce  $36
Jack Daniel’s BBQ Ribs and Coconut Shrimp Surf and Turf $32
18oz porterhouse with a rosemary compound butter roasted potatoes and asparagus $55
$5 Drafts at Coral Reef from Noon until Close
For more information on Coral Restaurant on 17th street, click here.

Fathers Day Giveaway on Sunday! Any Dad dining with us can register to win for a Harrison Harbor Watch swag bag including an oyster stew pot!

Also enjoy Happy Hour at the Raw Bar from 2pm to 6pm with $3 Natural Lights, $8 Crushes, $8 Margaritas, $10 Steamed Shrimp and $10 Steamed Clams. For more information on Harrison’s Harbor Watch, click here.

Complimentary Draft Beer with the purchase of any of these entrees on Sunday.
12 ounce Cowboy Bone-In Pork Chop
14 ounce hand cut Ribeye
6 ounce center cut Filet Mignon
For more information and a full description of these entrees at 32 palm on 32nd street, click here.

Enjoy Happy Hour from 4 pm to 7 pm with Drafts for $3.25, Frozens for $8, Rum Runners for $9 and Wine for $6. The Atrium Cafe & Bar is located inside the Quality Inn Oceanfront on 54th street in Ocean City.

Enjoy Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm with $3 Natural Lights, $10 wings and $8 crushes. Live music from 1pm until 9 pm! Learn more about the Wedge Bar & Grill at the Ocean City Inlet by clicking here.

Special menu for Saturday and Sunday includes one entree and two new drinks:
(pictured above) Charbroiled 20oz Porterhouse, charbroiled, topped with Boursin Cheese Compound Butter, served with grilled asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes.
Mandarin-Mezcal Margarita
The Captain’s New Fashion

$50 gift card and a Deep end t-shirt and hat for $100. Available at the 17th street pool bar only.

Want to learn how to surf this summer?! We can help you with a great partnership we have with the Wave Riding School in Ocean City Maryland.

The world renowned Wave Riding School has all your surf Lessons and other forms of riding waves covered.  They offer a one of a kind system in learning to surf that maximizes success and ensures fun.  After all, fun is the ultimate goal! Call or text 443-203-WAVE (9283) for details and book online, click here.

Owner Brian Stoehr and his team of instructors consist of some the best skilled wave riders in the country.   After competing world-wide, they’re now focusing their expertise on helping the next generation of wave riders.   No matter the age or experience in the ocean, their team can help.

Lessons offer a complete how-to in your choice or surfing, bodyboarding, skim, stand up boogie and even paddle surfing.  Everything you want to know, and in the RIGHT order.  This is the key to our success.  Many people learn to surf the wrong way and that greatly affects their ability in the water long term.  Their approach to teaching makes the experience easier than you ever imaged and more memorable than you can believe.  The fun starts NOW.

All lessons are $99 and last 1.5 hours from check in to finish (8:30am-10am or 5:30pm-7pm) – CUSTOMIZED TIMES AND PROGRAMS MAY DIFFER.  TEXT FOR DETAILS.  Please note for ALL lessons, ocean conditions are ever changing and lessons can be postponed at any time.

Stay More, Pay Less

Want to enjoy four nights in Ocean City for the price of three? Call us at 410-289-6222 and take advantage of this amazing deal!

Guests must stay at least 4 consecutive weekday nights, in order to qualify for the fourth weekday night as free. This offer excludes Fridays and Saturdays. Guests would have to check in on Sunday or Monday and checkout by Friday. Available weekdays starting May 27, through June 27th. Sundays through Friday (checkout by Friday). *Limited time promo, while supplies last. Subject to 72-hour cancellation.

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