Meet the Insiders

A: Things are starting to reopen in mid April. On weekends, especially if it is sunny, many of the shops and other places on the boardwalk will be open. It is impossible to name the specific shops that will be open as most shops don't have fixed schedules in the off season. However, most weekends Marty's Playland, Thrashers, Dough Roller, Kite Loft, Ocean Gallery, Ripley's, a few Jewelery Stores, and some T-shirt shops seem to be open. In April many of these palces will be open during the week too Lots of restaurants are open year round including most restaurants in large hotels. Here is a list of a few, and I have eaten at most of them in the winter time, but I'd still call ahead to double check that they are open: BJs on the Water - 410.524.7575 - 75th Street on the Bay Captain's Table - 410.289.7192 - 15th Street on the boardwalk in the Courtyard by Marriott Coins Pub - 410.289.3100 - 28th Street on Coastal Highway Harpoon Hannas - 800-227-0525 - Route 54 / 142nd Street at the MD/DE line Harborside - 410.213.1846 - West OC on the south side of the commercial harbor Bonfire (weekends only) - 410.524.7171 - 77th Street 32 Palm - 410.289.6444 - 32nd oceanfront in the Hilton Victoria Room - 410.289.1100 - 28th Street oceanfront in the Dunes Manor Bayside Skillet - 410.524.7950 - 77th Street Galaxy 66 - 410.723.6762 - 66th Street Little House of Pancakes (breakfast) - 410.520.0407 - 74th Street Fager's Island - 410.524.5500 - 60th Street on the bay La Hacienda - 410.524.8080 - 80th Street Greene Turtle - 410.723.2120 - 116th Street If you are looking for things to do here are a few ideas that are generally good year round, especially on weekends: Miniature golf (great indoor courses at 68th and 136th Streets) and lots of great outdoor courses all over town Bowling at Ocean Lanes at 72nd street (call ahead to check for lane availability 410.524.7550) note: cash only Go to the movies. Walk on the boardwalk, rent bikes, and visit to Marty's Playland (our favorite arcade.) Planet Maze (33rd Street) is also open and has an arcade and fun laser tag games. Sometimes on nice days, especially on weekends, Baja Amusements in West OC may be running some go cart tracks. In the off season I recommend people with kids stay at a place with an indoor pool as that can also provide some great fun for kids who probably haven't been able to swim since September.

A: There is generally not a set opening schedule, but generally the rides are open on the weekend of Springfest in early May and for subsequent weekends until Memorial day weekend. After that they are open everyday for the summer. Sometimes some of the rides will be open the last weekend or two in April. Trimper's indoor kiddie rides are open most weekends year round if the weather is nice.