Jo Carol Hopkins

Hi, my husband and I are going to Ocean City, Md. in September. We are in out late 40's and looking forward to relaxing and listening to the surf from our balcony overlooking the beach. I understand there is a gambling place about an hour away. Any idea on places and things to see and do?
Restaurants, Shopping, Sightseeing?
Any suggestions or comments appreciated. Thanks.

SPallos

We lived in Maryland 20 years ago and still enjoy going back every now and then. I went to O.C. about 3 years ago and found it hadn't changed much, if at all. Try to stay somewhere in the boardwalk range as it is a great way to take long walks (easier than walking the sand all the time) and there are little shops and junk stores all along it. You must have Thrasher's french fries with the vinegar and the salt water taffy is better there than most. As for restaurants- just eat at Phillips crab house. Crab cakes, steamed crabs and crab soup are all excellent but NOT CHEAP. I don't know where you would go to gamble because gambling wasn't when we lived there - closest NJ, Atlantic City. Also drive up the coast a little bit and try Rehobeth Beach (not as crowded and a little bit quieter). Wish I was going with you!!!!!

Keith Beer

I'm not sure, but I think the individual that told you about gambling near Ocean City, MD might have been talking about riding the Cape May - Lewes ferry to Cape May, NJ and then taking a bus up to Atlantic City. Many people who stay in Ocean City do just that. The ferry leaves on a regular schedule from Lewes, DE. Lewes is about a 25 minute drive north from Ocean City.

As for places to eat, many people do enjoy Philips in Ocean City. I've found the places in Ocean City to closely approximate the eating experience you might have at a Red Lobster, or Olive Garden. Slightly better, white tablecloth places can be found in Rehoboth, DE and in Lewes, DE. Both towns are an easy drive from Ocean City, and offer quiet, tree-lined streets and more sophisticated venues. They are worth the short drive.

dave

OC is awesome..definitely get a bunch of crabs and beer and chow down. As for the gambling, they have slots about an hour north at the Dover Downs race track with racing (simulcast) I think. Heard it is great.

Susan

I have a condo in Ocean City and know that you have chosen a great month to visit. The crowds are gone and the weather should be beautiful! I'd like to recommend some restaurants for you. The Galaxy is a wonderful restaurant- not advertised and you will need reservations. It is pricey, but delicious. Also, in O.C. is a place on the bay called Fager's Island. There is an expensive part, but I recommend the casual dining. Come at sunset to eat or have drinks. There is a charming little town 15 min. away called Berlin. It has a wonderful old historic inn- The Atlantic Inn. There is a casual restuarant and a beautiful expensive dining room. It is enjoyable to walk around the town. Now heading from OC to Delaware. Take route 54 for about 10 minutes to Tom and Terry's Restuarant or it's casual counterpart called Flamingo's. It's a beautiful setting on a marshy part of the bay. Back to the highway and heading toward Bethany Beach Delaware there is a good pizza place called Grotto. In Bethany itself there is a good Italian place called Defebos. Off the highway in North Bethany is a place called Luna Tuna- also on the bay. You would probably need reservations for dinner. Keep heading north and you will be at Rehobeth Beach where they have so many great places to eat- in many price ranges. There are lots of great little shops too.
Outside of Rehobeth on route 1 are three outlet malls. They are not far from the town of Lewes- a historic fishing town- that's where you catch the ferry to Cape May. Lewes is charming with nice restaurants. You may also want to consider a ride to Assateague Island and Henlopen State Park. There are lots of newspapers to tell you about activies- enjoy yourselves. You may e-mail me if you need more ino.