Baltimore Sun photo by Jed KirschbaumMunch on Fisher's Popcorn (200 S. Boardwalk) ... or just savor the aroma.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoSurfers can visit special blocks designated as daily surfing beaches. The sites rotate two blocks south each day, and most area surf shops keep a schedule.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun photoBaltimore burger joint Abbey Burger Bistro has a location on the shore: 12601 Coastal Highway (126th Street).
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoPeruse artistic finds at Ocean Gallery, a Boardwalk staple for more than 50 years.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoVisit Northside Park, 125th Street, to walk, run, play baseball or rest in a gazebo in this 58-acre complex.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoEat breakfast all day by indulging in the doughnuts over at the Fractured Prune (various OC locations).
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoPlay Frisbee with your pooch at the Ocean City Dog Park at 94th Street. The park features separate entrances for large and small dogs. (oceancitymd.gov)
Photo by Laura Emmons, The Daily TimesWatch BMX and skateboard legends defy gravity at Ocean City's annual Dew Tour 2014, which will take place June 25-29.
Monica Lopossay, Baltimore Sun photoPick up a box of saltwater taffy from Dolle's, 500 South Boardwalk at Wicomico Street.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoHop on, hop off of the Boardwalk Tram.
Doug Kapustin, Baltimore Sun photoRead the inscribed plaques on the boardwalk benches.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoStop by The Alaska Stand (9th Street on the Boardwalk) for a cheesedog, burger or funnel cake.
Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun photoRide the vintage carousel at Trimper's amusement park by the Inlet. (trimpersrides.com) Venue info: Trimper's
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoTake a class or view the exhibits at the Art League of Ocean City's sprawling facility at 502 94th St., featuring a two-story gallery, pottery studio, classrooms, art library and five artist studios.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoOC Sandfest is on the beach from 4th Street to the pier, ococean.com. This new family-oriented event features 10 blocks of elaborate sand sculptures. From Aug.18-22, master champion sand sculptors will create works of art in the sand, which will remain on display until Sept.1.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoVisit nearby Assateague Island to see the wild ponies.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoHave a clambake -- for two, at Hooper's Crab House, 12913 Ocean Gateway.
Monica Lopossay, Baltimore Sun photoTake the kids to the wooden play sets on the southern end of the beach.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoLearn knot-tying at the O.C. Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S Atlantic Ave.
David Hobby, Baltimore Sun photoJules Restaurant at 11805 Coastal Highway offers the comfort of American cuisine and seafood with an upscale sophistication.
Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun photoCast a line from one of OC's four public fishing piers.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore SunSip or slurp a strawberry or banana milkshake at Dumser's Dairyland Ice Cream Parlor (various OC locations).
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoImprove your handicap at Old Pro Golf's six themed miniature golf courses. (oldprogolf.com)
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoOr simply view the colorful display at the Kite Loft at 5th Street and the Boardwalk. Venue info: Kite Loft
Lisa Rosato, for The Baltimore SunWith a menu of family favorites including pizzas, pancakes and hot dogs, Dough Roller is always a safe choice for the learning-to-read crowd and their weary parents. (And it doesn't hurt that grown-ups can order a beer, wine or cocktail.) The first Dough Roller opened in 1980, and now there are four locations, though only the South Division Street restaurant serves fried chicken and soft-shell crabs. The other three Dough Roller restaurants make up for it by opening for breakfast.
Glenn Fawcett, Baltimore Sun photoGo camping at nearby Assateague Island and wake up to the sound of rolling waves.
Lisa Rosato, for The Baltimore SunStop at Candy Kitchen for some sweet treats.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoTake an ocean dip or swim in the hotel pool.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore SunFind a partner to raise a racquet with at the town's public tennis courts. The Ocean City Tennis Center is just south of the Route 90 bridge on 61st St.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoCatch a skateboard competition, or do tricks yourself, at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, 3rd St. and St. Louis Ave., a 17,000-square-foot concrete-based park.
Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun photoFor a prime dining experience during sunset, sit on one of the outdoor decks overlooking the Bay at Fager's Island (201 60th St.), an award-winning favorite for Pacific Rim and American cuisine.
Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore SunOcean City Beach Patrol training coordinator Sgt. Jamie Falcon watches from his chair as new lifeguard candidates perform training exercises on the beach.
Rachael Pacella, for The Baltimore SunWatch fireworks crackle over the beach on July Fourth. Celebration is 8-10 p.m. on the beach at N. Division Street.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoGet up early and walk along the beach. Take your camera ?-- the light of the sun sparkling on the water is wonderful. Share your photos in our online gallery here.
Algerina Perna, Baltimore Sun photoEating a crab cake is an obligatory experience. Go to Phillips (2004 N. Philadelphia Ave.), the Crabcake Factory (120th Street and the Beach) or Captain's Galley II (12817 Harbor Road).
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunIt might be hot on the beach, but it's cold inside the Carousel Hotel. Visit the hotel's ice rink for some skating (skate rentals are available at the hotel) or to check out a free ice show. The professional ice shows take place every evening from June 15 through Aug. 25 (except July 7-8). Carousel Hotel, 11700 Coastal Highway, 800-641-0011, carouselhotel.com
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoAttend the annual Ocean City Air Show, June 14-15. Or take to the skies for a tour by airplane of the skyline and beaches. (oceancityairport.com)
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore SunReel them in, or just hang out at the O.C. Fishing Center, 12940 Inlet Isle Lane, to watch fishermen unload their catches.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoLook for hidden messages as you count the number of banner planes along the coast.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoCheck out the Electric Quarter Arcade on 137th street. It's been there a long time, but always has new games and awesome prizes.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore SunWatch the boats zip along the shoreline or through the inlet.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoOrder up some Thrasher's fries and don't forget the vinegar. (various OC locations)
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoDance the night away at Seacrets, 117 49th St. The club, which opened in 1988 as a single Jamaica-themed tiki bar that could seat maybe 100 people, has grown into a sprawling beachfront megalopolis with 18 bars, five dining areas, a hotel, an on-site radio station and retail stores.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoVisit the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum (ocmuseum.org/) to view an exhibit that traces the history of the Boardwalk.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoJesus on the Beach Music & Ministry Festival, July 28-30 at the Convention Center, offers ocean baptisms. Randy Hofman's sand sculpture of Jesus is a focal point for the annual festival.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoExpect the weird and odd when you visit Ripley's Believe It or Not on the Boardwalk.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoOne of the best places to view a gorgeous sunset is at the aptly named Sunset Park on the south end of town.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoBring your own or check out books at the library. The Ocean City branch of the Worcester County Library is at 100th St. and Coastal Highway.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoRent a bike or a surrey for a ride along the boardwalk. (ococean.com)
Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun photoPack a basket and head for the Isle of Wight Park (between the two Route 90 bridges) to enjoy the scenic Bay views.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoSightings in OC's back bays include egrets, pelicans and herons.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun photoPlay a family team laser challenge adventure at Planet Maze, 3305 Coastal Highway.
Cultura photo/via Getty ImagesHead west on Route 54 in the morning to pick strawberries at Magee Farms. Pick up a box of fresh strawberries -- maybe even eat a few off the vine.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoUse seaweed and shells for a little extra decor.
Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun photoGrab a bite and enjoy live entertainment (often free) at M.R. Ducks on Talbot St; Macky's on 54th; Fager's Island (pictured) on 60th; and BJ's on the Water at 75th.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoBeachgoers make their way on the boardwalk at Ocean City.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoRelax in a rocking chair on the front porch at the Plim Plaza, 109 N. Atlantic Ave. Venue info: Plim Plaza
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoIt's relaxing and requires zero energy.
Monica Lopossay, Baltimore Sun photoPerfect your golf game at Eagle's Landing, 12367 Eagle's Nest Road, which features 18 holes.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoHave a cold one at Backshore Brewing on the Boardwalk at 10th Street. Patrons can take a seat, order a beer and watch brewmaster Adam Davis at work.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoThe giant wheel at the pier is one of the town's most iconic images.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun photoCheck out one of the many Go-Kart tracks around town.
David Hobby, Baltimore Sun photoTake a jog on the beach, along the Boardwalk or in the park.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoTest your family's athletic prowess at the annual Family Beach Olympics, held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 24-Aug. 5 at 27th Street Beach.
Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore Sun photoDon't go home empty-handed.
Photo by Emily HarrisIt's such a drag, but skin cancer is worse. So apply some sunscreen before, during and after you hit the beach. And don't forget your hat.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoOrganize an Ocean City-themed scavenger hunt.
Glenn Fawcett, Baltimore Sun photoTake a hike along the sand dunes trail at Assateague Island.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoGo deep sea fishing for tuna, bluefish and more. (bahiamarina.com)
Doug Kapustin, Baltimore Sun photoPlay -- or watch -- a game of beach volleyball.
Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore SunMeet Rodney, Ocean City's lifeguard mascot.
Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun photoWrite a beach-inspired poem in your diary.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun... And work out your stress -- on the Sinepuxent Bay.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoFolks sing ?God Bless America? every evening at sunset at Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill. 54th Sreet, bayfront.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoShop the outlet stores in West Ocean City (many hotels offer free transport shuttles). When you're done, stop in for a cupcake at the Original Smith Island Cake Company.
Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun photoAttend a wine tasting at Liquid Assets, 9301 Coastal Highway.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoStop by City Hall, 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, to view images of Ocean City's past.
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun photoOffering everything from doughnuts to omelets, Layton's (1601 N. Philadelphia Ave.) is an Ocean City breakfast destination, recently voted Best Breakfast in Sun Magazine's 2014 Best of Ocean City Reader's Choice awards.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoSplash Mountain, part of Jolly Roger Amusement Parks (jollyrogerpark.com), is fun for all ages.
Mauricio Rubio, Baltimore SunPlay - or watch - a game of beach volleyball.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photoBerlin, just outside Ocean City, opens up on to another world. Budget Travel magazine recently deemed Berlin "America's Coolest Small Town, 2014" after a nationwide contest in which tens of thousands cast votes online.
David Hobby, Baltimore Sun photoDrink a Dirty Banana at Seacrets.
Sam Paciello Jr., for The Baltimore SunTry kite-boarding.
Baltimore Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum
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Munch on Fisher's Popcorn (200 S. Boardwalk) ... or just savor the aroma.
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PA Gourd Fest
Where: Smucker’s Gourd Farm, 317 Springville Road, Kinzers, Pa.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25
What: The annual PA Gourd Fest is the celebration of the Pennsylvanian Gourd Society. The summer festival features classes on gourd cutting, family-friendly arts and crafts and thousands of beautifully crafted gourds. The event takes place on the grounds of Smucker’s Gourd Farm in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country.
For the three days of the festival, this quaint farm becomes a bustling marketplace. Children will enjoy the Kids Korner, which features an arts and crafts table and musical gourds. Also on the grounds will be 21 experienced gourd artists from several different states ready to answer your questions.
How much: The fee varies for the different classes and workshops. Details can be found on the website.
Information: Go to pagourdsociety.org/fest.htm
— Arielle J. Patterson, The Baltimore Sun
