OCEAN CITY OFFERS TERRIFIC SHOPPING & DINING OFF THE BOARDWALK...

June 2007

Even if the meter parking in Ocean City is no longer free, the shopping on Asbury Avenue is so good that it is worth the price. It is a wonderful mix of small retail stores.

Sun Seekers may sound like a surfer shop, but don’t let the name fool you. While the women’s sportswear shop has a wonderful selection of swimwear, I just loved the inventory of fashionable apparel. Lynn, the owner, showcases colorful, attractive clothing at very desirable prices. I have shopped there a few times, and found that my problem was limiting myself on what I wanted to buy.

Down the street is the Animal House, a charming boutique for our furry friends. In addition to the usual animal foods and bedding, this shop features some beautiful pet clothing, carriers and collars.

Across the street, The Sneaker Shop brings back personal service. The big outlets may sell thousands of sneakers, but coowners Maureen and Janet really care about their customers.

They know their inventory and can easily match individual feet to the right sneaker.

I frequently wear down the heels by the way I walk. The unevenness is uncomfortable. Although they spent a lot of time and offered numerous pairs of sneakers both times I was there, I did not find the right pair. However, their new spring/summer line arrives in early June, and they are certain that the new styles will be just right.

With their help, I am sure I will find the perfect fit. If you get hungry, stop in for lunch or dinner at either the Nag’s Head Café or the Sunset Cafe...

Hold off for dessert, and buy a sweet treat from Ward’s Pastries, a landmark bakery in Ocean City.

That is a small sampling of how you can spend at least one day strolling and shopping down Asbury Avenue.

There are dozens of other shops with interesting merchandise and services.

SOMERS POINT REAWAKENS FOR SUMMER

The “R’s” have it - refresh, renovate and reopen - when it comes to dining in Somers Point. The city has welcomed new or rejuvenated eateries in time for the summer season.

`The Inlet, located on the former Sails and Waterfront site, opened for Memorial Day weekend. It is the latest creation of Martin Grims, owner of four other dining spots, including The Moshulu, docked at Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing.

At a recent pre-opening party of at least 1,000 people, I sampled several delicious appetizers. The Inlet’s affordable, casual all-day menu features lighter sandwiches and entrée salads, plus fresh fish. The well-stocked bar includes 150 wines. An outdoor deck, overlooking a spectacular water view, seats 175, and has slips for 20 boats.

JR’s Tavern renovated over the winter. Inside, JR’s has a large bar area that is separated from a dining room that seats several dozen diners. The multi-page menu includes everything from soup to nuts for both informal and full service dining.

The new Kobe Steak and Sushi/Ocean Buffet dual restaurants opened this year on the old Schooners' site. The seafood buffet boasts 150 items, and the Japanese steak house features hibachi and sushi bars. If time is limited, the buffet items are available for takeout since they charge by weight.

The venerable Anchorage has emerged following a devastating fire last September. After an expedited reconstruction, the local favorite reopened to the same large crowds as before. It could be that they rebuilt the Anchorage to look exactly as it did before the fire. Everything is in the same place, only more modern. While you are waiting for a table, which is always the case there, peruse the wall of photos of both the fire and the reconstruction progress last fall.

After debuting in February 2006, Mac’s was not open too long before it closed for several months. However, Mac’s reopened in April, and may be limiting the menu to a smaller list of favorites. Mac’s is open daily for both Early Bird and regular dinners.

THURSDAY IS NOW A BETTER DAY

You don’t have to wait for weekends anymore to enjoy favorite drinks. The Tropicana introduced Thursday Night @ The Trop in early May. Every Thursday night, the restaurants and lounges at its popular Quarter shopping and dining complex will feature different brand and drink specials.