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Our family of 6 is staying at the Comfort Inn in OC on Tuesday May 25. We are on a budget and with 3 teenagers we needed free breakfast:) We will only be there one night and then we are spending two nights in a rental on Chincoteague. We usually pack lunch and take everyone out to eat in the evening. Any suggestions for less expensive seafood? Looked at Crab Alley which will cost about $200. Can you give packing hints? We're bringing kites. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
Submitted by Tammy M, Valley Center, on May 10, 2010
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
Great move staying at a place that includes breakfast. We have 4 kids and always try to use this approach to save money too.

As far as saving some money on dinners and other items here are a few tips:

1. Consider takeout. Many places have dedicated takeout counters with prices below that of their dinning rooms. Phillips has an extensive takeout menu and you can call in orders ahead. Waterman's of Route 50 in West OC also has a seafood counter area where they do takeout. It is less expensive than getting takeout form the restaurant area. Crabs-to-Go in West OC also has takeout (they are only takeout) at better prices than Crab Alley If you go this route check first. many place are the same price for takeout or eat in.

2. If you want crabs consider getting a few dozen instead of all you can eat (and ordering more if you want them). With a large group you can usually actually get better crabs and save some money and everyone actually gets all they want..

3. Want a crab cake or soft crab? Consider getting the sandwich version. Lots of places it is the same crab cake or soft crab, but at a lower cost.

4. Check out Sunny Day, Beachcomber, or other magazines for coupons. If you stop at the convention center tourism area you can pick them all up. Also, consider the early bird special. You can usually save quite a bit by getting there before 5 or 5:30.

5. You said you pack lunch, but if you want to buy one day the 64th Street Market (rick's Market) has a great deli with excellent, reasonably priced subs and sandwiches. They also have very good fried chicken.

6. You can save money by bringing sun screen and other personal items from home. Soda and beer are the same price in OC as everywhere else. If you forgot essential items head to the WalMart on Route 50 to save some cash.

7. Take advantage of lots of free stuff in OC: the beach, the boardwalk, Northside Park.

Have a great time!




Answered: May 10, 2010
Can you guide me to the orginization which sells the white benches on the boardwalk? Is it the park Service? Convention Center? I read where they are $200.00 and my family wants one! I would appreciate advice. Email is listed below, Cathy
Submitted by Cathryn P, West OC, on May 6, 2010
Johnstown Pa
Insider since: 2009

Hi Cathryn,
I found this information on Ocean City's Government site. www.oceancitymd.gov
The Public Works Maintenance Division is offering individuals the opportunity to purchase a bench and plaque in honor of or in memory of a loved one or friend. The benches are located on the boardwalk from the Inlet to 27th Street. The cost for the bench and plaque is $1,400. Please contact the Public Works Maintenance Division at (410) 524-0391 to obtain the bench dedication form that will need to be completed.
Answered: May 6, 2010
Hi, My husband and I are planing of visiting OC for our Anniversay weekend on Aug.21 for the first time. I looked into events going on and found several ending 8/13?...As a first time visitor, any suggestions on hotels,accomadations, and things to do would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
Submitted by Judith M, Brooklyn, on May 4, 2010
Ocean City, MD
Insider since: 2009
I'm going to suggest that you visist www.ococean.com and check out the events, accomodations, and things to do tabs.  Where ever you stay and what ever you do, I'm positive you will enjoy it.  You picked a great time to visit the beach since most of the tourists have returned home then.
Answered: May 5, 2010
My family and I will be coming to OC in 2 months. We will be using two cars because of my disibilty I need extra room in my car for equipment. Can the other car be parked in a city lot for 3 days and how much will it cost?
Submitted by Edward B, Carlisle, on May 2, 2010
Linthicum MD and OC MD
Insider since: 2008
I am sure other insiders have suggestions also but I reccomend that you park at the Ocean City Convention Center on 40th St.  You may park for free at this lot.
Answered: May 3, 2010
Coming to town from May 3 thru May 6. Looks like most things are open year round, but if the weather's not good - what's to do? And how would you rate the Flagship? First time staying, hope it's not icky:-(
Submitted by Sunnie C, White plains, on May 2, 2010
Ocean City, MD

We stayed in the Flagship a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised.  It is an older hotel, but it was very clean and well maintained.  The staff was very friendly also.  We had a kitchette which was great because we are early risers.  We made breakfast sandwiches and hit the beach to look for seashells just as the sun came up!

A few things to do in Ocean City if it rains.  There is indoor mini golf on 68th St.  You can check out the Life Saving Museuam at the inlet and the boardwalk.  Also, you can go to Ripley's.  Shopping at the outlets is always fun!

Sara

Answered: May 3, 2010
Looking for a web site where I can print all the events and activities this year to leave in our condo for guest to read. Do you know of any or is there a book I could get. Thanks
Submitted by Phil M, Baltimore, on April 29, 2010
Johnstown Pa
Insider since: 2009
Hi Phil,
This website has what you're looking for. You can print off each month and make a little booklet.
www.beach-net.com/Events.html
Or try our site at  www.ococean.com/events#event_tab_2  for a list.
Answered: May 3, 2010
We will be visiting OC the 1st week of June. Is the weather usually warm at this time & is the water freezing or warm that time of the year?
Submitted by Christina S, Bradenville, on May 2, 2010
Ocean City, MD
The water is still cool in my opinion but I am the biggest wimp around!  The weather is generally good.  Maybe a thunderstorm, but warm.  Bring a jacket for the evenings though.
Answered: May 3, 2010
I had an accident about a month ago and severely sprained my ankle and tore a tendon. I already had reservations for Spring fest and don't want to miss it. I can get around but my mobility is limited. Can anyone tell me if and where I might be able to rent something like a hoveround or other mobility scooter while on the boardwalk? My searches have been unsuccessful so far. THank you so much!
Submitted by Wendy N, Hanover, on April 29, 2010
Johnstown Pa
Insider since: 2009
Hi Wendy,
Someone had brought this subject up not too long ago.  Please check with the Visitor's Center at 410-723-8610
Or contact the Ocean City Police department at 410-723-6610
Either one should be able to help you.
Answered: May 3, 2010
Is camping allowed in Ocean city?
Submitted by Dayana P, Washington dc, on May 3, 2010
Ocean City, MD

If you mean on the beach, no, but there are campgrounds available.  Assateague has one if you can stand the bugs.  Also, Frontier town. 

Answered: May 3, 2010
Volunteers Needed Saturday, May 1st!!! The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (ccfa.org) needs volunteers for their Take Steps walk to be held Saturday, May 1st. The event begins at 5 p.m. at Sunset Park (at the end of the boardwalk) and volunteers are needed from 12 noon - 7 p.m. Live music, fun and entertainment! Anyone interested can contact Alli Coffey at acoffey@ccfa.org or 917-476-6511.
Submitted by Allison C, Columbia, on April 28, 2010
Johnstown Pa
Insider since: 2009

Hi Allison,
Have you considered contacting the Ocean City Senior Center?  Many of the seniors today do volunteer work. 
Contact: 
 WorCOA
104 41st St.
(410) 289- 0824

Answered: April 29, 2010