Get Answers from the OC Insiders

You are undoubtedly thinking of the great sandcastles by Randy Hofman and yes, he s still there making these great works of art. You can find them in front of the Plim Plaza just south of 2nd Street. You can often see them on the Plim Plaza's webcam here (select Sand Sculptures to steer the camera to them).

As far as shark attacks go, Maryland is the only state on the east coast with no reported attacks.  You can swim safely in our waters!

The old tower was washed away by Hurricane Irene last August. The new tower is owned and maintained by the US Coast Guard as a navigational aid. The one in place now is intended to be temporary and to be replaced by a more permanent one that will better withstand the storms it will undoubtedly face. If you want to request a return of the fog horn I suggest you contact the Coast Guard Station in OC (410.289.1905)  or the OC Public Works Department (410.524.7715) as both will likely have a role in establishing the permanent replacement.

However, since you miss the sound of the fog horn, I have great news for you. Fellow Insider Bill F. created a CD that features the Sounds of Ocean City. It includes a recording of the Fog Horn. You can find out more about that CD here and can buy it at various places around town, including at the Lifesaving Museum.

The lifeguards are on the beach from 10 am until 5:30 pm.

Hello. North Division street is right below 1st street on the boardwalk near caroline street and close to the rte 50 bridge. You will see it there are many activities and web cams down there.  Yes you can ride the tram down to the end of the boardwalk or a family stroll down the boardwalk from your motel.  Have a nce time.

I found a site that has two scooters available:  http://www.rentittoday.com/rental-stores/Scooters-4-Rent-Ocean-City-MD-Mobility-Scooters-1405

This is just a rumor (and on I had not heard before this post). All of Ocean City has been serviced by a large scale state-of-the-art water treatment system since the 1960s. Water quality is monitored daily and I cannot recall any significant issues being reported or identified. I will be in OC this year with my family and will be more concerned about getting sunburned than I am about the water we drink. You have nothing to be concerned about here. If you did, you can be sure that the news media or at least the internet chatter would be rampant on the issue.

However, there have been some suspected and confirmed cases of Legionnaires Disease in OC in the past few years, including one this week. Legionaries is typically transmitted by airborne water from standing or stored water sources. Cases are often tied to the storage or pooling of water of water in storage tanks, plumbing, or air conditioning systems, especially if that water gets heated allowing the bacteria to grow. I believe the recent OC cases have been tied to pooling water in air conditioning systems, not drinking water systems. The OC water supply has been tested for this this bacteria and it has not been detected. It is not the source of the problem. The city's water is treated to prevent this bacteria, but it could still emerge in individual hotel, motel, condo or other facility's storage tanks or pipes that are not used frequently. Such issues are not unique to properties in Ocean City.

Enjoy a great, healthy trip to OC!

There are a few arcades on the boardwalk, mostly near the Southern end near the Inlet.
Planet Maze is another arcade which also offers mini golf and laser tag.

As for a date, I suggest heading to Seacrets during the day. They always have live music, great food and drinks. It's always crowded there so you might find a dinner date. Even if you don't, it's fun to hang out on their beach rafts and enjoy the awesome drinks.

Phillips can also hold a large party.  They can do the seafood buffet and give you a private room.  I also recommend the Clarion or Princess Royale.

The Ocean City Passport to Fun is another magazine with a discount coupon to Jolly Rodgers. They can be found at most hotels and some super markets.