Berlin New Year's Ball Drop

Berlin will be celebrating the New Year with a street party and Ball drop.  This will be Berlin's 2nd annual New Year's celebration.  Last year was a great time, I'm excited to see how this year turns out.  The town will allow people to walk around main street with drinks, the local bars will set up stands around the area.  This year the town will even have food vendors to accommodate the masses.  If you arrive a bit early, free carriage rides through the town will be available.  

I'll let you know how it went in the New Year!

Shorebread put out a great article this week listing some of the area events for the weekend, be sure to read Socially Speaking: Happy New Year's!

Holiday Hair Bow

So, I've recently become obsessed with the 'bow' hair style, and can't wait to try it.  It's the prefect holiday hair do, it's like wrapping yourself as a Christmas present!  I've seen a bunch of tutorials, but none of them are wonderful... until now!  Check out this great tutorial, complete with pictures and instructions from 'beautylish'

Holiday Hair Bow Tutorial

DIY Shark Purse

Looking at one of my favorite blogs today, a Beautiful Mess and I came across the cutest Shark Purse Tutorial. 

This would make the perfect gift for any 'coastal chic'!   Hopefully no one minds their Christmas Gifts a little later than normal... 

View DIY instructions here

Smith Island Cakes

It's time we all become a little more familiar Maryland's official state desert, the Smith Island Cake.  Named after the island it hails from, Smith Island cakes are thinly layered cakes with fudge icing between each layer.  A typical cake can have anywhere from 6 - 15 slender layers.  Smith Island is a small island located in the Chesapeake Bay, around 12 miles off the shore of Crisfield.  The island was settled in the 1600's, and has always been home to watermen whose livelihood depended on the bay.  Today, roughly 400 people live there, many can trace their lineage to the original settlers.  

No one knows for sure where the Smith Island Cake comes from, some believe was brought over with the first settlers.   Due to the layers the cake stays very moist, keeping it fresh much longer than most cakes.  This has always been a useful aspect for the watermen of Smith Island, who could be gone for long periods without refrigeration.  

A real Smith Island cake, from Smith Island is quite amazing... nothing can compare.   Unfortunately, Smith Island isn't the easiest place to visit, it's only accessible by boat.   I'm not sure of their secret, but I do know that each layer must be cooked individually.... don't try to slice a large cake, it will never be the same.  If you have a large amount of time on your hands, it's worth a try... if not your in luck!  A few years back a local company started a small cake shop in West Ocean City, the Original Smith Island Cake Company.  Their cakes are delicious and come close to a cake from the island.  Their real treat is their specialty flavors.  I'm a huge fan of their Chocolate Mint and Pumpkin cakes.  They offer different sizes, in case you just need a little treat.  They also offer cupcakes, cake pops and a new delight 'cake its'.   I can't seem to get enough of these little balls of goodness.  Cake its are basically cake and frosting, dipped in chocolate.... mmmm mmmm good!   In case Ocean City is a bit too far of a drive for you, you can always order online and the company will also ship your goodies to your door!

Pumpkin

Chocolate Mint

Ho Ho Ho Santa Con Success!

The first ever Santa Con in Ocean City was a success!  Over 50 Santa's met up at the Ocean City Inlet 'dead' shark and proceeded to carol their way down the boardwalk and through downtown.  To the festive cry of "Welcome Santa" the Santa's multiplied as we made our merry through the town.  I'd estimate we had closer to 100 Christmas spirited people joining in the festivities.  


Our joyous group hit all of Wicomico Street (Cork Bar, Clam and Pour House) then marched off to the Bloody Bucket for more jollity than they've seen in years!  Up next was the Lazy Lizard, Pickles and the Tavern.  In addition to a bunch of Santas, we had elves, reindeer, Mrs. Claus, Christmas Trees, naughty Mrs. Claus and my favorite was the bunch from 'A Christmas Story.'  The threesome sported a fragilé box, leg lamp dress and pink Easter Bunny Ralphie!  Buddy the Elf even made a 'few' appearances.  The only one missing was the Grinch!

Santa and Buddy

Santa's at the Inlet

Santa's at the Totem

Parading the Board

Overall, a great time! You know what they say....the Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!   Can't wait for Santa Con 2012!

Santa Con Coming to Ocean City!

This Saturday, for the first time, Santa Con will invade Ocean City and parade all through town..... or rather the downtown boardwalk area.

If you are unfamiliar with Santa Con, it's basically an 'organized' gathering of people dressed like Santa Claus, or Mrs. Claus... or anything to do with Christmas.  I'm sure a few elves and maybe a Reindeer will be thrown in this weekend.  Santa Con will be occurring in 228 locations this year, spreading out into 32 countries.   Santas will carol along the boardwalk, taking pictures in front of various Ocean City monuments.  There's no real schedule, but the Santa's last stop is to be Peppers Tavern on 16th and the boards.  I'm sure the Clam, Pour House, Pickles and a bunch of other locations!

So throw on your best Santa costume at head to the inlet, Santa's are meeting at 3 pm at the Dead Shark aka next to the OC Life Saving Museum.   See you Saturday Santas!

Here's my favorite Christmas clip to get you in the spirit:


Check out Ocean City's Santa Con Site or their facebook page

The Cutest Uninvited House Guest

Not sure if you've heard about this little guy yet, but it seems there's a lost baby seal pup wandering New Zealand!  He looks a bit like Ocean City's Hastings ( Release of Hastings the Seal) 

Apparently, the seal came from a nearby island, Montaunua.  The island is a breeding ground for fur seals, located about 7 miles off shore.  Earlier that day the seal was seen wandering through the town, apparently he'd scared a few elderly people.  He then continued on, crossing a road, driveway and into someone's home via their cat door.  As if that wasn't enough he then climbed the steps and took a nice nap on their comfy sofa (I don't blame him, I bet he was tired!).   No surprise, the baby seal's been nicknamed Lucky, since he was incredibly lucky to have survived is adventure.  

Lucky's been released back into the sea, hopefully he'll find his other pups and stay out of trouble for a little while.

Welcome to the World Turtles

Back in August I posted about a Loggerhead Turtle who laid roughly 200 eggs just a few miles north of us, at the Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware (Sea Turtles near our Beach).  Scientists were hopefully that they would survive, but given our slightly colder northern weather and storms the odds weren't in the baby turtles favor.  Against it all, 6 baby loggerhead turtles hatched last week!  These little guys are amazing.  They've made it through already so much.

In the early fall, the eggs were moved farther inland to escape harm from the encroaching tide.  Then the eggs had to battle through two tropical storms and a very cold snap that came through our area.  In early October scientists moved the eggs once more to a facility with incubators to protect them from the colder weather.  Since October scientists have been hoping for the best, unsure of the final outcome.  Typically, sea turtles take around 60 days to hatch (meaning they were expected in middle October, adding to many of the scientists worry).  Yet, weeks later we now have 6 more turtles that have survived and will be released into the waters. Talk about survival against all odds!

This marks the first time an endangered sea turtle has laid eggs, and the first hatchlings in Delaware! The little guys are around the size of a sand dollar, but will grow to be over 400 pounds.   The baby turtles will be taken to an aquarium in North Carolina where they can be assessed and released into the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream.  The warm waters and current of the Gulf Stream will hopefully assist in their survival.  The remaining eggs will also be taken to the aquarium, in hopes that they might also hatch in their own due time.

Check out the video from Delaware Online - beware extreme cuteness factor!

Winter Blues? Take a Trip!

I came across a neat article today 'RX for whatever ails you: take more trips'  Given the article was posted by a travel organization, I'm sure the studies weren't bias.  Apparently, taking more trips might lead to better health!

This isn't the first time I've heard of this - there are numerous studies which have a high correlation between health and vacation time (ie relaxation!).  But this article brought up an interesting point, that our brains are constantly rebuilding like the rest of our body.  Travel and new experiences provide our brains' with the stimulation it needs.  Relaxing trips also provide our body with the time it needs to rest and restore.

Why not travel to Ocean City?  I can't think of a better way to escape your winter blues!  I know we're known for being a summer destination, but Ocean City's great in the winter too!  The boardwalk and beach are open year round; take a nice stroll or bring a bike and enjoy a beautiful winter day.   We've got plenty of cute stores in Ocean City such as Raggamuffin, South Moon Under and Quiet Storm.  Nearby Berlin is filled with unique stores, antiques and art galleries.  Stroll the old-timey streets and enjoy the sites.  If you're more of an out doorsy person, Assateague Island is open year round.  It offers some great nature trails for those on foot and bike.   If it's too chilly outside for you, visit one of our 2 indoor mini golf locations or strap on a pair of skates and hit the ice at the Carousel.

We've got plenty to do in the winter, start the New Year off right - protect your health and come for a visit!

Visit Ocean-City.com to book your trip and get Free items (just for booking online!!)

Eventful Benefiting Weekend

Last week I posted about the great events happening in Berlin, MD for their Victorian Christmas .  The majority of events will continue this weekend.  Click here for a full list of Berlin's Events

In addition to their Victorian fun, Baked Desserts Cafe and Gallery will be hosting a Holiday Open House & Food Drive this Saturday.  From 10 am - 4 pm Baked Desserts will have dessert tastings, holiday greens for sale and their annual Food Drive for the Hungry.  Bring in items, save 10% on your purchases all day. 

Nearby Paws & Claws will be hosting a photo shoot with Santa on Sunday.  All pets are welcome, owners can 'browse' for stocking stuffers for their four legged family members.  The photo shoot and photo is just a $20 fee, and it includes a donation to our local Animal Shelter. 

Last month, I blogged on about a local charity, Diakonia (Giving Back - Diakonia).  This weekend there will be two events in town that will benefit the organization.  A cookie walk on Saturday at the St. Peter's Church on 103rd street.  The walk will be held from 9 am - 2 pm, and ALL proceeds from the cookie sale will be matched and go towards Diakonia!  If you don't feel like baking this is a great way to get your Christmas Cookies!

Also on Saturday, the Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound will host a pancake breakfast with Santa!  The breakfast will take place from 7 - 11 am.  This event is a great day for any family, but also for the children of Diakonia (often it is their only Christmas Holiday event).  The breakfast is very affordable, $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-10 years and 5 & under are free.  Tickets can be purchased at Lighthouse Sound Restaurant or the 4 local Taylor Bank locations.  

I hope you enjoy the weekend with these great events that give back to others (and animals!)

Victorian Christmas

Last night's Christmas Parade in Berlin was a success (like all years past!).  The town was beautiful, homes and shops were lit up and festive.  People crowded the streets, it was a great turn out.

For the next few weekends until Christmas, Berlin will be celebrating their Victorian Christmas.

Santa Claus will be at his house on Broad Street, between the Atlantic Hotel and the Globe on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 - 2 pm.  Feel free to bring your camera to snap a few pics of your little ones with Santa.

Horse and Carriage Rides are available for free to provide a scenic ride through the historic town.  Rides last around 15 minutes and depart from the Atlantic Hotel.  Carriage rides will be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 - 4 pm.

After your ride checkout the Blacksmith at work in front of the Atlantic Hotel from 11 am - 3pm on weekends.  The Atlantic Hotel is decorated with period furnishing, their seasonal decorations are no exception.  Guests are invited to tour the open rooms throughout the month.

Right behind the Atlantic Hotel is the studio and gallery of Jeffery Auxer Designs.  Stop by to check out beautiful glass blown pieces.  On Saturday he'll offer short classes where you'll learn to make your very own glass blown ornament for just $15.  Classes run from 11 am - 2 pm.

Be sure to stop by the Calvin B. Taylor House for a museum tour.  The museum has displays of Berlin and Worcester County history and will be decorated for the season.  Open houses are weekends from 1 - 4 pm.

While in town don't forget to support our local merchants.  Berlin is not only rich in history, but it has some amazing artisans.   Galleries will be open to the public each weekend, many having open houses and events.  Stop by my favorite stores, Ta Da & Ta Da Home for refreshments and gourmet tastings.  Ta Da offers beautiful coastal inspire  home decor, jewelry, and gifts.  During the month they'll be offering free gift wrapping.  If your hunny needs a few ideas, fill out a Santa wishlist.  Your wish will be brought to nearby Burley Oak on Fridays from 5 - 7 pm, your sweet is sure to find what you've been looking for there at happy hour!  Make sure you try a cupcake at Ta Da, it may save you anywhere from 5 - 35%!

Just a few minutes from downtown Berlin is Worcester Prepatory School.  On Sunday they will be hosting their annual Christmas Bazaar from 11 am - 4 pm.  A wonderful selection of gifts, crafts, baked goods, greenery and books will be available.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be present for pictures and tea.

December's Here and Christmas Parades

Happy December!

Can't believe we've made it to December, winter is really here!  To celebrate, Berlin will be hosting their 41st Annual Christmas Parade tonight at 7 pm.

Berlin's Christmas Parade is easily my favorite event held in the small town.  The town celebrated their Tree Lighting last week, on the 25th of November,  launching itself into a month long celebration of Holiday Events; deemed Berlin's Victorian Christmas.  Every weekend Santa will be in his 'house' welcoming visitors, plus Horse and Carriage Rides will be available to take you on a scenic tour of the town. All of Berlin's quaint merchants that line the street will have seasonal decor and holiday window displays (eat your heart out Macy's!)

The Atlantic Hotel decorated for the Season

The entire town will be lit up tonight.  The Atlantic Hotel and The Globe will stay open late, enjoy an early meal then grab a cider or coco to keep you warm while you watch the parade (adults can add something special to theirs).  I love that they host the parade at night, it helps to capture the twinkle of the lights and adds to the holiday magic.   They are expecting over 130 different organizations to partake in the festivities tonight!  Expect to see floats, marching bands, fire companies, local performers and even Santa Claus!

It's the Grinch!

Trimper's Rides Float

This Saturday, Ocean City will also host their annual Christmas Parade as well.  The Parade starts at 11 am and will run from 100th st. to 115th st.  Many of the same floats will be present.  Ocean City's parade makes a great day time activity.  I won't lie though, I'm partial to the Berlin Parade - it really helps you get into the Holiday Spirit!