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What is the exact address for Ocean City for GPS settings?
Submitted by Derrick S, Bladensburg, on May 10, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
Exact address depends on where you want to be in OC. I would recommend you set you GPS to Harrison's Harbor Watch Restaurant which is right at the inlet parking lot. Its address is 806 S. Atlantic Avenue Ocean City, MD 21842.

The lat and long for the inlet parking lot are:
lat: 38.326672
long: -75.086532
Answered: May 11, 2011
Is there a hotel that offers a shuttle to and from the beach and all around OC?
Submitted by Chaunte D, Philadelphia, on May 11, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
Almost every hotel in OC is an easy walk (less than 5 minutes) to the beach. Many hotels are directly on the beach or just a block or two away. The Francis Scott Key Resort in West Ocean City across the bay offers shuttle bus service to the beach on a frequent schedule.

I know of no places that offer a shuttle around town, but OC has a bus service that runs 24 hours a day with frequent service. You can ride the bus all day (6AM to 6AM) for $3, or $1 for a single ride. The buses run 10 minutes apart in the summer from 6AM to 3Am and every 20 minutes from 3AM to 6AM. You can get anywhere in OC on the bus. You can get more information on all of OC's public transportation services here: http://oceancitymd.gov/Public_Works/2011SERVICESCHEDULE.pdf
Answered: May 11, 2011
The forecast says the weather for the next few days is supposed to be 69 Degrees and sunny. I know 69 degrees here in northern VA is pretty darn warm, but does that 69 degrees feel different on the beach with the winds off the ocean this time of year? Just wondering if I should pack a bathing suit to lay out on the beach with?
Submitted by Julian G, Winchester, on May 11, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
With the winds it could feel a little chilly, but the bright sun reflected off the water and the beach in the middle of the day often makes up for this. The winds always seem less strong to me at this time of year than in winter, when they can be bone-chilling. At this time of year they are more light breezes. 

I'd recommend packing the bathing suit with a light jacket or cover-up. You won't  be roasting on the beach, but you should be able to enjoy laying out here. Be sure to use sunscreen as the cooler air with the bright sun makes it easy to sunburn.

Have a great trip!
Answered: May 11, 2011
Do you have any listings for rentals that allow pets? I'd appreciate narrowing it down to those that do if possible. Thanks so much.
Submitted by Leslie B, Olney, on May 9, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008
Contact one of the local vacation rental agencies and they will be able to assist you in finding a rental for the entire family, inlcuding your pets.  Check out www.ococean.com for a listing of vacation rental agencies.

I highly recommend Coldwell Banker Vacations.  You can reach them on www.cbvactions.com or by calling 800.633.1000.  If you call, ask to speak with Breezy Kammermaier.  We work with her almost every year and she's always willing to help us find the right condo to meet our family's needs.

Whomever you do call, simply provide your desired vacation dates, budget, location, amenities (ie bedrooms, baths, pool, etc.), and they will work to find available units which meet or exceed all your needs.

Thank you,
Anna G.
Answered: May 10, 2011
Are there any opportunities for vendors this summer? We sell gourmet Hawaiian shaved ice. 
Submitted by SARAH P, HUNTINGTOWN, on May 9, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008
Since rules and regulations may change from year to year, it is best to contact the Town of Ocean City directly.  They will direct you to the appropriate department to discuss.

You can reach the Town via their website at www.oceancitymd.gov or by telephone at (410) 289-8221.

Best of luck on your business,
Anna G.
Answered: May 10, 2011
I would like to take a ferry from Ocean City to Atlantic City.  Where can I find more information?
Submitted by Vasthi V, Beltsville, on May 9, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008

It is the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and you can get all the exciting information on their website, http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/

Thank you,
Anna G.

Answered: May 10, 2011
What is the most family friendly area of Ocean City? What about the most affordable? We are looking to bring our family June 3- 10 and would like to stay on the beach. We could also use any ideas on attractions. Thanks!
Submitted by Heather J, Ghent, on May 9, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008

My family's favorite oceanfront hotels are Carousel, Princess Royale and Castle in the Sand.  All three have great accommodations and the hotel amenities are fabulous for children of all ages!  Plus, if you book through www.ocean-city.com you may be eligible for great money saving certificates for local restaurants, activities, and attractions.

If you are looking for a condo to provide all the amenities of home, consider contacting a local vacation realtor.  Our favorite is Coldwell Banker Vacations hands down (if you call 800.633.1000, ask for Breezy Kammermaier).  Give the vacation realtor your requirements, dates, location, budget, etc. and they will do their best to find available units which meet or exceed your needs.

Attractions for kids -
      Jolly Rogers
      Mini Golf
      Beach - sandcastles, surf, seashell collecting, and kites!
      Boardwalk
      Arcades
      Bike riding on the boards
      Pool (hotel or condo)

You will be visiting during the OC Restaurant Week (http://www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com/).  Great specials and opportunities to try new items at budget friendly rates.  Check out the website for all the participants, dates, times, and menus.

Another item not to miss is the Ravens Roost Parade on June 4th.  It runs from 19th to 26th and is full of fun and excitement.  Check out their website as well http://www.councilrr.com/.

Have a wonderful vacation!
Anna G.
Answered: May 10, 2011
Are there any beach stands in OC open to rent beach chairs/umbrella before Memorial Day? We are looking for equipment rentals for Mothers Day, May 8, 2011. Thank You. Betsy Zabel
Submitted by Betsy Z, Salisbury, on May 6, 2011
Ocean City, MD
Insider since: 2009
I don't know of any that are up and running yet.  They normally put the boxes back on the beach a week or two prior to Memorial Day.  If you are staying at a hotel, you may wish to call and see when their local vendor will be setting up shop.
Answered: May 9, 2011
Sessions By the Sea regristration/ dates/ lodging recommendations.
Submitted by Dane W, Leola, on May 9, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
Sessions by the Sea will be held Tuesday September 6, through Saturday, September 10. The event is at the Convention Center at 40th Street. I do not know if the event organizers are arranging accommodations, but two nearby places I would recommend stay at are Castle in the Sand (37th Street, http://www.castleinthesand.com/home.php) and Quality Inn and Suites (33rd Street, http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-ocean_city-maryland-MD063). Both of thease are any easy walk to the convention center.
Answered: May 9, 2011
I Just Want to know how much it would cost for a family of (6)six for a weekend?
Submitted by Dana D, Blue Ridge Summit, on May 8, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008
Great question, however there are lots of variables that would affect this rate. 

A few key questions:

Where would you be staying? 
If in a condo with kitchen, this will reduce your costs because you can eat in for several meals.  We normally fix breakfast most days because everyone rises at different times.  If we are heading to the pool or beach, we will fix and take sandwiches for lunch.  Plus, just having beverages at the condo will save a lot of money on any size family.

What type of activities does the family enjoy?
If you enjoy fishing, visiting local parks, bike rides, sand castle building, etc. these are all FREE services in OC.  For all the other activities OC has to offer, don't forget to check websites, local Sunny Day Guides (or the website), etc. for great money saving coupons.

A few budget savings my family always entertains:

If booking a hotel, check out www.ocean-city.com .  By booking online with them, you may be eligible for free certificates for local restaurants, activities, and attractions.

Sunny Day Guide ( www.sunnydayguide.com).

www.ococean.com's travel tools has great vacation planning ideas.

Websites for local businesses will offer specials, coupons, etc.  Many restaurants will offer mid-week specials or early dining specials.  Don't forget to look for them as well.

Finally, pick up all the local papers when you arrive.  Many will include highlights during your stay of specials, entertainment schedules, etc.

OC is definitely family friendly and like any vacation can be budget friendly or a budget breaker.  It really all depends on how much time you are willing to put in to finding specials and coupons BEFORE your vacation. 

Base your vacation budget on what your family enjoys.  For example, my children LOVE to visit Jolly Rogers amusement park, water park, and go karts (normally more than once!) - so I start looking for specials and coupons before our vacation so we can include Jolly Rogers in our plans to make their vacation memorable.

Before any vacation I will pull coupons and grocery store specials to determine meals at the condo, coupons and specials for eating out and attractions, etc. and we always have a fun-filled budget friendly family vacation.

Have a great time!
Anna G.
Answered: May 9, 2011