Ocean City still draws the crowds
by Lori Barrett | July 3, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Posted in Baltimore, travel
In my mind, the long weekend has already started. However, it’s still lunchtime on Thursday, so I guess I should post something for my fellow clockwatchers out there.
Today’s Sun has a feature on Ocean City (Maryland, of course) and its remarkable ability to sustain itself during the lagging economy. The number of weekend visitors this June was virtually identical to last June’s tally: 235,000. (Some do suspect, however, that weekday number are down, although no official estimates are available.)
For many in the region, it seems like a yearly (at minimum) trek to OC is a time-honored tradition that will continue indefinitely — no matter the economic conditions.
Said the “boardwalk fudge lady,” Robin Derrickson: “Nobody seems to be talking about the price of gas. As long as I keep cranking out the fudge, we’ll be fine.”
If only it were that easy.
I am admittedly not a native Marylander, so sometimes I don’t understand the love affair people here have with Ocean City. In fact, I haven’t been to Ocean City since I graduated from high school (wait for it)… in 1996. Now, I’d sooner go to the beaches of Delaware — or the Greek Islands.
There’s a whole coastline slightly to our east, yet people seem to gravitate to OC year after year. What is it that brings you back to Ocean City — or, if you’re like me, what keeps you away?
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July 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Because even with the cost of gas, going to the beach is still cheaper than buying your kids yet another game system to keep them off your back for the weekend.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:33 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Totally agree with you as usual Lori - we actually have a condo in OC, but it's like pulling teeth to get me to go. I just don't like how alcohol soaked it can get in the evening hours...like clockwork someone is always way too willing to behave like a total knucklehead. As an adult (mostly) I find the whole experience to be a little too adolescent focused...which is cool...just not for me.
Now about those greek islands...so fierce...we went last summer and it makes ocean city look like a mud puddle on Calvert street.
!
July 4th, 2008 at 1:37 am | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Good to know it's not just me that feels too old to be in OC. Two weeks from today I believe I will be in Santorini, and I am so excited to escape the mud puddles on Calvert Street. Can't f'n wait.
July 4th, 2008 at 10:58 am | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Holy ****. I'm so jealous it has a flavor. Santorini was one the islands I visited...and actually my favorite...from the black beach to the single-serving churches it was by far my favorite. I'm soooo excited for you...have you been before? You have to rent a four-wheeler....easier to get around and much safer than moped.
Are you going to any other islands? Not that you have to...Santorini is by far the best.
!
July 5th, 2008 at 10:55 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
A few days in Athens, then a cruise that goes to (not in this order, because I can't quite remember) Santorini, Mykonos, Limassol, Antalya, Cairo, and Jerusalem. I've never been to any of those spots, so I'm incredibly excited.
My mind is already there, so bear with me for the next 11 days until I'm actually gone.
July 6th, 2008 at 11:50 am | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Cairo is an interesting choice - I have friend who is moving there soon...and we can't really figure out why he would want to...but to each his own. I've never been, so I really shouldn't comment. I try to stay away from places like Egypt...for the same I reason you couldn't pay me to go to Jamaica. It's pretty much acceptable to behavior to lynch gay people there. But I digress.
I predict that Santorini will be your favorite stop. Mykonos is a great island as well, but a lot more youth and party oriented...so if you're into that...get a good night's sleep before...those kids don't stop partying until noon the next day. The streets in Mykonos are amazing...you'll see what I mean. One second you think you've hit a deadend...then like magic it opens up into a major thoroughfare. The beaches are great there - but you have to take a boat to the really elusive super-paradise. It only takes ten minutes...but totally worth it. You can also take a taxi...but they're impossible to hail to get back.
Athens is fun for a few days - sort of dirty but full of history. The Kolonaki is the famous shopping district - most stores close from noonish to 3pm for lunch, so plan accordingly. The Plaka is the touristy restaurant area...you can find some really great outdoor restaurants with the Acropolis as your backdrop. Be prepared though...the waiters are super-aggressive in their attempts to drag you into their respective restaurants. Take your time and find the place you really want to spend your money in.
Ok, I'll shut-up now and let you get back to your daydreaming. I'm really excited for you though - a trip like this can change your entire outlook on the world. It's refreshing to be reminded that there's a whole world out there operating on levels we've never even considered.
!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:49 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
OC smells
July 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
the two things i love about OC:
putt putt
candy kitchen
July 7th, 2008 at 9:10 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Athens, Huh? I've always wanted to tour the Parthenon. Oh, and by the way, i have some family in and around Jerusalem!