Author: Madison Lewis

Festival Food Without Festival Pricing: Where to Eat in the Country Calling Festival

Posted on by Madison

Heading to the Country Calling festival in Ocean City, MD, and looking for delicious eats without the inflated festival prices? While the festival promises great music and entertainment, the food stands can sometimes stretch your budget. Luckily, just a short stroll from the festival grounds, you’ll find two spots that offer a better bang for your buck: The Wedge and Harrison’s Harbor Watch.

Want to know how to get there? Just walk south down the boardwalk and turn right at the OC Life Saving Museum.

The Wedge

If you’re craving a relaxed vibe, The Wedge is your go-to spot. Located at the inlet’s edge, The Wedge serves up a variety of casual favorites like burgers, tacos, and signature sandwiches. These will leave you satisfied without breaking the bank.

Their menu is perfect for festival-goers who want to fuel up before or after a long day of dancing and singing along to their favorite country hits. With outdoor seating offering unbeatable views of the bay and Assateague Island, The Wedge is a laid-back, wallet-friendly option just steps away from the festival.

Harrison’s Harbor Watch

For those looking to experience the best of Ocean City’s seafood without the festival price tag, Harrison’s Harbor Watch is a must-visit. This restaurant has been an Ocean City staple for years. It offers incredible views of the inlet and some of the freshest seafood in town.

Harrison’s Harbor Watch takes pride in their locally sourced seafood, providing a dining experience that remains reasonably priced. It’s a fantastic spot to comfortably wind down in a booth and enjoy dinner after a day filled with music.

Skip the pricey festival food stands and indulge in some local flavor instead!

Bayside Park at 3rd Street

Posted on by Madison

The Park on 3rd street has been around for decades but finally got the refresh that it needed. This Spring, the new and improved park opened and has it all. With four-acres, the park includes walking paths, benches, two playgrounds, a skate park, pickle-ball and tennis courts, as well as basketball courts! Don’t miss out on the boardwalk overlooking the bay where you can fish as well!

The last day of operation for the skate park was on Sunday, September 29th. However, they will be reopening in Spring/Summer 2025. In the meantime, you can enjoy the other amenities as the weather gets cooler. Keep an eye out for future events and concerts that hopefully will take place in the park. They just hosted their first event, Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest on September 21st and it was a success!

The park is free and open to all so stop by and enjoy a pickle-ball match or make your way across the monkey bars.

Park rendering
Finished Park

Maryland Folk Festival

Posted on by Madison

Celebrate Maryland’s Culture at the Maryland Folk Festival 2024!

The Maryland Folk Festival returns this September, offering an exciting weekend filled with live music, cultural performances, and artisan showcases. From September 22-24, downtown Salisbury will come alive with diverse folk traditions from around the country. This free, family-friendly event promises a memorable experience with performances across multiple stages, featuring everything from bluegrass to gospel, traditional dance, and much more.

Schedule Highlights:

  • Friday, September 22: The festivities kick off at 6 PM with a variety of live music performances and food vendors.
  • Saturday, September 23: Full-day events begin at 12 PM with workshops, storytelling, and music across multiple stages.
  • Sunday, September 24: Don’t miss the closing performances and the final artisan demonstrations, starting at 12 PM.

Enjoy a weekend celebrating the rich traditions of folk culture in Maryland! For the full schedule and details, visit Maryland Folk Festival.

Get Ready for Country Calling: Your Guide to Nearby Hotels in Ocean City, MD

Posted on by Madison

This year marks the exciting debut of the Country Calling Music Festival in Ocean City, MD! While this is the festival’s first year, its counterpart, Oceans Calling, attracts a staggering 50,000 people each day. With such large crowds, finding transportation or, worse, parking can be a major challenge. But don’t let that stress get in the way of your fun.

One simple solution? Stay at a hotel within walking distance from the festival. Not only will you skip the hassle of traffic, but you’ll also enjoy the luxury of strolling to and from the event with ease. Here are some conveniently located hotels that will keep you close to the action:

The Oceanic Motel

Oceanic Motel, 105 S 1st St, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 0.3 miles
    Located just a short walk from the festival grounds, this motel offers the ultimate convenience if you want to be right in the thick of things.
corner of the motel with sand, beach chairs and hammocks in the foreground

Plim Plaza Hotel

Plim Plaza Hotel, 109 N Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 0.6 miles
    A little farther but still well within walking distance, Plim Plaza Hotel offers a comfortable stay with great amenities. With its prime location on the boardwalk, you’ll be close to not only the festival but also the beach and local restaurants.

Harrison Hall Hotel

Harrison Hall Hotel, 1409 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.5 miles
    For those who don’t mind a slightly longer walk, Harrison Hall is a great choice. Set along the boardwalk, this historic hotel gives you the best of both worlds: proximity to the festival and a beachfront stay.

Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard Ocean City Oceanfront, Two 15th St, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.5 miles
    If you stay here, you’ll have the opportunity to conveniently dine at Captain’s Table, located inside the hotel.

Quality Inn Boardwalk

Quality Inn Boardwalk, 1601 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.5 miles
    Grab yourself a cup of coffee at the Starbucks right outside the hotel before heading to the festival!
Hotel entrance | Quality Inn, Ocean-city MD Hotels

Holiday Inn & Suites

Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, an IHG Hotel, 1701 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.6 miles
    If you prefer a full-service hotel with a range of amenities, this is a fantastic choice. When your not at the festival you can enjoy the pools, fitness center, or the restaurant.

With so many hotel options nearby, attending the first-ever Country Calling Festival in Ocean City couldn’t be easier. Whether you want a quick walk from your room to the festival or a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, these accommodations will ensure you’re close to all the excitement!

So, book your stay now and get ready to enjoy a weekend full of country music, good vibes, and the beauty of Ocean City!

Top 10 things to Bring to Oceans Calling

Posted on by Madison

As Oceans Calling gets closer, you’re going to want to make sure you have everything you need. Here is a list of 10 things you should bring this year:

1. Cash, Cards, ID, and Tickets

This might seem like common sense but sometimes your so focused on packing everything else that these get pushed to the side. Most or all vendors will accept card or mobile payment but it’s always good to have some cash incase. The tickets for Oceans Calling are wristbands so make sure you put it on the morning of and activate it because they cannot be loosened or removed. If you wind up needing a replacement, it is a $20 fee. You can also activate your wristband for cashless payment, making it easier to pay for food, drinks, and merch during the festival. It’s similar to the Disney Magic Bands in that case. If you are interested in this option, visit this page.

2. Sunglasses

Make sure you bring sunglasses so you are not squinting all day! I would recommend buying a cheap pair off amazon in case they fall off or break while your jumping around like these.

3. Sun Protection

Just because it’s September doesn’t mean you wont get sunburnt. I would put sunscreen on before you leave and then bring some for later. Don’t forget your face! You can also bring a hat to the festival which will protect your skin and keep some sun out of your eyes.

4. Battery Pack

You are going to be using your phone a lot whether it be to keep in touch with your group, arrange transportation, or take videos and selfies. If you know your phone battery will get low by the end of the night, bring a portable charger to be safe. They will have charging stations but if it was me, I would rather have my own.

5. Lip Balm

Being in the sun and not drinking enough water is bound to give you chapped lips. Bring your favorite lip balm to keep your lips hydrated!

6. Electrolytes

Let’s be honest, we’re not drinking enough water at music festivals. If your bring some electrolytes, you will make the most out of the water that you do drink.

7. Reusable Water Bottle

You can’t bring any outside food or beverages but you can bring an empty reusable water bottle. If you don’t feel like carrying one around all day, you can buy a collapsable one that will easily fit into your bag when empty. There will be water stations throughout the festival. Make sure to check the bag policy ahead of time though.

8. Ear Plugs

Ear plugs are always a good thing to have at concerts. Especially if you plan on getting close to the stage for your favorite artists!

9. Body Wipes

The festival starts at 12 pm and continues until 11pm. That’s 11 hours of fun! Body wipes are a good thing to have on hand for a number of reasons that I don’t have to list.

10. Extras

Depending on the weather, it might be a good idea to bring a poncho, foldable rain jacket, or extra pair of socks to stay dry. In addition, blankets are allowed if you want to take a break from standing and enjoy the music sitting on the sand.

Guinness World Record Breaker – Cascading Carlos

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Carlos, the 2 time Guinness World Record title holder tries for a third title at one of our locations!

Breaking his First Guinness World Record

Carlos broke his first world record July 9th in 2015 with the Diablo Throw. Using a Chinese yoyo, he threw it above an 8-story building before catching it again. This was actually preformed at one of your locations – The Holiday Inn on 66th street in Ocean City! The record that he broke was 65 ft, setting a new record of 78 ft 5 inches.

Breaking his Second Guinness World Record

Fast forward 6 years to May 15th, 2021, Carlos breaks his second Guinness World Record in Bethany Beach, DE. For this he had to break the previous record of 106 helicopter spins with devil sticks in one minute. He surpassed this with 113 spins in one minute marking him as the new record title holder!

Picture
Photo by Glenn Rolfe

Going after his Third Guinness World Record Title

This past Sunday, September 8th, Carlos attempted to break another world record at the Hilton Oceanfront Suites. This title was for the highest propellor toss with a devil stick. Carlos had to perform propellor spins for a full 5 seconds before throwing the stick over a bar, catch it, and then do the propellor spins for another 5 seconds.

Carlos Mir attempting the highest propellor toss with a devil stick at the Hilton Oceanfront Suites.

You can catch Carlos at a number of our locations to see him in action!

Ocean City Bikefest

Posted on by Madison

Rev Your Engines for OC BikeFest 2024!

Every September, Ocean City, Maryland, transforms into a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts as OC BikeFest roars into town. This year’s event, happening from September 11-15, 2024, promises an unforgettable experience for bikers and fans alike. With epic live music, custom bike shows, and scenic rides along the coast, OC BikeFest is the perfect end-of-summer event. For more information regarding tickets, parking, and rules and regulations visit https://ocbikefest.com/.

OC BikeFest 2024: Daily Event Schedule

Wednesday – Saturday

  • Inlet venue: Gates open 4PM
  • Convention Center: 9AM – 7PM

Wednesday, September 11

  • Main Stage: Cecilia’s Fall at 5:30 PM, Jasmine Cain at 7:30 PM, Buckcherry at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM.

Thursday, September 12

  • Main Stage: Nothing More at 5:30 PM, Sevendust at 7:30 PM, Theory of a Deadman at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM.

Friday, September 13

  • Main Stage: The Rockoholics at 5:30 PM, Tesla at 7:30 PM, Ted Nugent at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM

Saturday, September 14

  • Main Stage: Jet Black Roses at 5:30 PM, Cheap Trick at 7:30 PM, Styx at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM.

Sunday, September 15

  • Inlet Venue: Closed.
  • Convention Center: Vendors from 9 AM to 2 PM, Rommel Harley-Davidson from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Sunfest in Ocean City

Posted on by Madison

As the summer season draws to a close, Ocean City, Maryland, pulls out all the stops with its signature event, Sunfest! Taking place along the iconic Inlet Lot and beach, this beloved festival promises four days of live music, local food, arts and crafts, and non-stop fun from October 24th-27th, 2024. Whether you’re a long-time visitor or new to the area, Sunfest is the perfect way to savor the final moments of summer. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Event Hours:

  • Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Music Lineup:

Sunfest features free live performances on two stages, with over 20 bands covering genres like rock, country, R&B, and fusion. Notable performances include July Moon, performing on Sunday, October 27, at 11 a.m.

Delicious Local Eats

No festival experience is complete without trying the amazing food, and Sunfest does not disappoint. From fresh seafood to sweet treats like funnel cakes, the food options reflect the best of Ocean City’s culinary scene. Don’t miss the chance to try local favorites like Maryland crab cakes or fried oysters.

Art and Craft Show

Sunfest is famous for its Arts & Crafts Tent, which features more than 200 artists showcasing their talents. You’ll find handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more, with many vendors offering unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a special souvenir or gift.

Activities

This festival is a fantastic family outing, with plenty of kid-friendly activities. Some daily activities include the beach maze, tractor rides, a turtle search, and bikes on the beach. They also have pet events like Dock Dogs, Howl-o-ween parade, and other casual competitions. Some more fun events include a pumpkin race, OC Jeep club Drive in Disguise and a bonfire with fireworks on Saturday!

How to Get There

Located at the southern end of Ocean City, the Inlet Parking Lot is the hub of all Sunfest activity. Parking can fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to take the Ocean City bus for easy access to the event.

College Football Specials

Posted on by Madison

The mornings are colder, and the days are getting shorter. Fall is upon us, which means college football is back! So put on your jerseys, grab a beer, and get ready to enjoy the game. Two of our in-hotel restaurants are offering specials for game days on Saturdays.

Marlin Moon

Extended happy hour from 12-6pm

$9 Menu

  • Big House Salad
  • Big Caesar Salad
  • Cream of Crab Soup
  • Soup of the Day

$12 Menu

  • Bangin’ Shrimp
  • Mom’s Shrimp
  • Fish & Frites
  • Chicken Tenders
  • Chicken Wings

Drink Specials

  • $2.50 Natural Light Cans
  • $5 Domestic Bottles
  • $6.50 Local IPA Drafts
  • $6.50 Imported Bottles
  • $6 Rail Drinks
  • $6 House Wine
  • $8 Crushes
  • $10 Martinis

The Atrium Cafe & Bar

Extended happy hour from 12-7pm

Drink Specials

  • $3.25 Draft Beers
  • $4.00 Domestic Cans
  • $5.00 Wines
  • $7.99 Frozen Delights
  • $8.99 Rum Runners

2024 Ocean City Air Show

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Experience the Thrill of the OC Air Show

The OC Air Show, a highlight of Ocean City, Maryland, has a stellar lineup of aerial performances this year. The show will take place between 13th and 17th street on August 24-25th.

Featured Performers:

  • Frecce Tricolori: The renowned Italian aerobatic team.
  • F-22 Raptor Demo Team: Showcasing the prowess of the Raptor fighter jet.
  • E/A-18 Growler Team: Demonstrating advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
  • A-10 Thunderbolt IIs: Known for their close air support roles.
  • C-17 Globemaster III Demo: Highlighting the versatility of this military transport aircraft.
  • West Point Parachute Team: Precision skydiving from the U.S. Military Academy.
  • Air Force Heritage Flight: A tribute to the history of military aviation.
  • Navy Legacy Flight: Honoring naval aviation heritage.
  • B-25 Bomber “Panchito”: A classic World War II bomber.
  • Buck Roetman: Performing exhilarating aerobatic maneuvers.

For tickets and more information, visit the OC Air Show website.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or looking for a thrilling family outing, this event is not to be missed! Pull up a beach chair and enjoy the show!

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