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Ocean City has grown exponentially over the past few years. As such, it is now one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast, not just in Maryland. Thousands upon thousands flock to this beach town each year to soak up its sun and some amazing dishes. In fact, Ocean City was named a top 10 culinary destination by GQ Magazine in 2015. So, if a traveler wants to get to know Ocean City, Maryland like a local, here are important things they should know.
History Of Ocean City
Ocean City dates back to 1869 when a few fisherman families moved into the area. They were later joined by many others who recognized the potential of the area and began to build larger houses. On October 1, 1868, a real estate developer and realtor known as William Blaek was granted permission to organize the towns of Rio Grande and Ocean City. The first town meeting took place on August 2, 1870, with James K. Beal elected as the first mayor. Ocean City was incorporated as a town in 1873 and became a city in 1915.
In the first few decades, Ocean City was focused primarily on the fishing industry. However, over time it developed into a tourist destination. In the 1920s, several beachfront hotels were built. The resort experienced the first peak of its popularity after World War II. After that, it underwent several transformations and continued its popularity through the present times. Today, Ocean City is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, boardwalk, beaches, and its fishing and crabbing industry.
Interesting Facts About Ocean City
The town is a collection of two different neighborhoods: Somers Point and Atlantic City. The place is actually an area of approximately three miles along the coast from downtown Ocean City. This can make it difficult for people who just want to see what the hype is all about. Luckily, a visitor can easily access both neighborhoods without much difficulty by taking the Atlantica Bus.
By visiting both middle to late summer, a vacationer will see an interesting array of people. The town's population spikes in the summertime. A lot of them are young folks who come here for the beach, but many are visitors that are vacationing with their families and friends.
The city is home to an ice-skating rink. So, for those with little kids that love to skate, then they should make the effort to go check it out. If a traveler is looking for something a little more interactive, there is a crazy miniature golf course to get some rounds in. Most of the time, these activities are free, but they ask that families make reservations in advance.
Major Attractions In Ocean City
There are numerous cheap things tourists can do in Ocean City. The first place a vacationer will want to check out is the Seascape Beach boardwalk. This was actually built in 1999, but it has been revamped a lot over this time. It contains various shops, eateries, and a few other treats as well. If guests are looking for ocean views, then they'll want to head over to the Atlantic City Boardwalk as well. While they both provide different things to see and do, they are really very close together, which is why many tourists come here specifically for the beach.
One popular section of the beach is a little peninsula that sticks out into the ocean. The way that it flows into the water kind of makes it look like an actual finger. A lighthouse occupies a big section of the beach. If travelers are planning on walking along this part of town, they should wear shoes that can handle a good amount of sand. It can sometimes get deep and depending on when a guest is going, there may be some seaweed as well.
Famous People In Ocean City
The following famous people have taken up residence in Ocean City in recent years.
Travel Channel TV Show Host, Andy Dehnart
Andy Dehnart is the host of Travel Channel show "America Declassified", which looks at the seedy underbelly of all 50 states. He is also a journalist who wrote the book "The Gettysburg Address in Reverse". In 2014, he bought the house at 21st Street and the Boardwalk that was featured on MTV's Jersey Shore.
TV Personality Jules Benson
Jules Benson is the host of QVC's "Silhouette America" and "Sewing with Jules", on which she sells sewing patterns for a variety of different clothing items. She also is the owner of a boutique called "Jules Originals" in Ocean City, Maryland (which was at one time located at 33rd Street and Coastal Highway
Actor Steven Hill
Steven Hill is an actor who is best known for his roles as New York District Attorney Adam Schiff in "Law and Order" as well as D.A. Adam Schiff in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". He began acting when he was just a student at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating he joined the Merchant Marines, where he served on the "SS John Barry".
Ocean City, Maryland, is a popular destination for vacationers from all over. Whether one is here as a summer guest or as part of a large group, there are plenty of things to learn and do while visiting. As such, a vacation here is worth every penny.