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

Posted on October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 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!

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

Posted on September 16, 2024September 16, 2024 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 September 13, 2024September 25, 2024 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.

Artists Paint OC 2024

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Jeff

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.

2024 Ocean City Air Show

Posted on August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 by Madison

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!

The Only Crab House on the Ocean City Boardwalk – Mug and Mallet

Posted on July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 by Madison

When you think of Ocean City, Maryland, the first things that probably come to mind are the sandy beaches, the bustling boardwalk, and the iconic Thrasher’s French Fries. But if you’re a seafood lover, there’s one spot that you absolutely cannot miss: Mug & Mallet. This gem holds the title of the only crab house on the Ocean City boardwalk just a few steps from the Plim Plaza, offering a unique and delightful dining experience.

Mug & Mallet isn’t just a place to grab a meal; it’s an integral part of the Ocean City experience. Located right on the boardwalk, this crab house combines the charm of a classic seaside eatery with the vibrancy of the boardwalk atmosphere. As you walk up, the inviting smell of steamed crabs and Old Bay seasoning draws you in. Long wooden tables are covered with brown paper, ready for you to crack open some fresh crabs. It’s a casual, laid-back spot where you can roll up your sleeves and dig into a seafood feast without any pretense.

The star of the show at Mug & Mallet is, of course, the crabs. But the menu doesn’t stop at crabs. You can also indulge in a variety of seafood dishes including shrimp, clams, oysters, and fish. For those who prefer something other than seafood, Mug & Mallet offers a selection of other delicious options like juicy burgers, crispy chicken tenders, and fresh salads. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails or a cold beer from their extensive drink menu to complete the experience.

Dining at Mug & Mallet is more than just eating; it’s an experience. So, the next time you find yourself strolling along the Ocean City boardwalk, make sure to stop by. Grab a mallet, crack open some crabs, and enjoy a true taste of Maryland.

Ocean City’s Ruby Lilley in this Year’s 2024 Paris Olympics

Posted on July 25, 2024July 26, 2024 by Madison

Skateboarding, a sport that made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games, has seen significant growth in recent years. Among the athletes pushing the sport forward is Ruby Lilley, a 17-year-old skateboarder originally from Ocean City, Maryland.

Ruby is currently ranked No. 14 in the world and third among American female skateboarders. Although she now lives and trains in Oceanside, California, she spent her early years on a farm in Ocean City with her seven siblings. Initially a ballet and competitive ballroom dancer, Ruby transitioned to skateboarding around the age of 10, inspired by her brothers. The Ocean Bowl Skate Park is where she spent the majority of her time.

Known for her left-foot forward riding style, Ruby will compete in both the street and park skating competitions at the upcoming Olympics. She has already made a name for herself in the skateboarding world with impressive performances, finishing second at the 2023 Red Bull Bowl Rippers in France and the 2023 X Games in Japan.

The women’s street prelims and finals are scheduled for July 28, while the women’s park prelims and finals will take place on August 6. Ruby Lilley is poised to make her mark and represent Ocean City on the world stage!

If you need somewhere to watch the Olympics while visiting Ocean City check out one of these locations:

Harrison’s Harbor Watch
The Atrium Cafe & Bar
Coral Reef
The Wedge

Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim

Posted on July 19, 2024July 19, 2024 by Madison

Next Wednesday, July 24th, marks the 99th annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. For those who might not know, the pony swim was made famous by the novel “Misty of Chincoteague”, a classic children’s novel by Marguerite Henry about a wild pony and two siblings who befriend and care for her on the island. Every year people will gather to watch the ponies swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. If this is something you might be interested here is more info on what will be happening leading up to the swim as well as where you are able to witness it.