How does the new Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp benefit young players in Ocean City. What are the goals and future plans for this youth lacrosse program. Who are the coaches involved in running the camp.
The Birth of Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp in Ocean City
Ocean City, New Jersey, has welcomed a new addition to its summer sports offerings with the launch of the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp. This initiative, spearheaded by local resident Laura Wheeler, aims to fill a gap in youth lacrosse opportunities within the community. The camp, which kicked off on a Monday in summer 2022, caters to children from first through sixth grade and runs for four days.
Prior to the establishment of this camp, young lacrosse enthusiasts in Ocean City had to travel to Upper Township to participate in a recreational program. Wheeler’s vision was to create a local option that would allow children to learn and play lacrosse right on the island.
Camp Structure and Participation
The inaugural Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp attracted 16 eager participants, demonstrating a promising start for the program. The four-day camp structure provides an intensive introduction to the sport, allowing young players to immerse themselves in lacrosse fundamentals and gameplay.
Coaching Expertise: A Blend of Experience and Youth
One of the standout features of the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp is its diverse coaching staff. The camp benefits from a mix of experienced players and young enthusiasts, creating a dynamic learning environment for the campers.
- Laura Wheeler: Camp founder and primary organizer
- Jacob Wilson: 2022 Ocean City High School graduate and multi-sport athlete
- Mason Afanador: 15-year-old Ocean City High School lacrosse player
- Scott O’Connor: Manhattan College lacrosse player and summer resident
- James Picinich: Ocean City High School student and aspiring lacrosse player
The camp also received a special boost with a guest coaching appearance by Bryce Young, a professional lacrosse player from Egg Harbor Township who plays for the Whipsnakes.
Community Impact and Future Aspirations
The Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp is more than just a summer activity; it represents a stepping stone towards broader community goals. Wheeler has established a nonprofit organization called the Ocean City Lacrosse and Soccer Club, with ambitions to expand beyond lacrosse.
Why is community support crucial for the success of youth sports programs?
Community support plays a vital role in the success of youth sports programs like the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp. It provides resources, volunteers, and a network of families committed to fostering young talent. In Ocean City, the community has rallied behind Wheeler’s initiative, recognizing the value of offering diverse sports opportunities for local children.
Long-term Goals
- Create a Jr. Raiders Lacrosse team
- Join established leagues such as the Jersey Shore Youth Lacrosse League or South Jersey Youth Lacrosse League
- Expand age range to include players through eighth grade
- Develop a soccer program under the Ocean City Lacrosse and Soccer Club umbrella
The Importance of Local Sports Opportunities
The establishment of the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp addresses a crucial need in Ocean City’s youth sports landscape. By providing local access to lacrosse training, the camp removes barriers to participation and nurtures a new generation of players.
How does early exposure to diverse sports benefit children’s development?
Early exposure to diverse sports, such as lacrosse, can significantly benefit children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. It enhances motor skills, promotes teamwork, builds confidence, and encourages a lifelong love of physical activity. The Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp offers these benefits while fostering a sense of community among young athletes in Ocean City.
Participant Experiences and Feedback
The enthusiasm of the camp’s young participants is palpable. Liam Kane, a 7-year-old camper from Ocean City, described the experience as “awesome.” Jaxson Picinich, an 11-year-old from Upper Township, went even further, declaring it the “best camp ever.” These positive reactions underscore the camp’s success in engaging and exciting young players.
What elements contribute to a positive youth sports camp experience?
Several factors contribute to a positive youth sports camp experience:
- Skilled and enthusiastic coaches
- Age-appropriate instruction and activities
- A supportive and encouraging environment
- Opportunities for skill development and friendly competition
- A focus on fun and enjoyment alongside learning
The Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp appears to incorporate these elements, leading to high satisfaction among participants.
The Role of Volunteer Coaches in Youth Sports
Volunteer coaches play a crucial role in the success of youth sports programs like the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp. These individuals, often current or former players themselves, bring passion, knowledge, and mentorship to young athletes.
How do volunteer coaches impact the development of young athletes?
Volunteer coaches have a significant impact on young athletes’ development:
- They serve as role models, demonstrating sportsmanship and dedication
- Their expertise helps players develop proper techniques and strategies
- They create a positive learning environment that encourages growth and confidence
- Their commitment to the sport inspires young players to pursue their athletic goals
The Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp benefits from a diverse group of volunteer coaches, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the program.
Bridging the Gap: From Camp to Competitive Teams
While the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp serves as an excellent introduction to the sport, Wheeler’s vision extends beyond a summer program. The ultimate goal is to establish a competitive Jr. Raiders Lacrosse team that can participate in regional leagues.
What steps are involved in transitioning from a camp to a competitive youth sports team?
Transitioning from a camp to a competitive team involves several key steps:
- Building a consistent player base through regular camps and clinics
- Developing a structured practice and training program
- Recruiting and training additional coaches
- Securing necessary equipment and facilities
- Establishing relationships with local leagues and scheduling competitive matches
- Creating a supportive network of parents and volunteers
The Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp is laying the groundwork for this transition, with plans already in motion for fall clinics and potential league participation.
The Broader Impact on Ocean City’s Sports Culture
The introduction of the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp represents more than just a new sporting option for Ocean City’s youth. It signifies a growing diversification of the city’s sports culture and a commitment to providing comprehensive athletic opportunities for young residents.
How does diversifying youth sports offerings benefit a community?
Diversifying youth sports offerings benefits a community in numerous ways:
- It provides more options for children to find a sport they truly enjoy
- It promotes a well-rounded athletic culture that values multiple disciplines
- It can attract new residents and visitors interested in specific sports programs
- It fosters a sense of community pride and identity through local teams and events
- It creates additional opportunities for community involvement and volunteerism
By introducing lacrosse at the youth level, Ocean City is expanding its sports ecosystem and potentially nurturing future high school and college athletes.
Challenges and Opportunities in Youth Lacrosse Development
While the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp has seen initial success, developing a sustainable youth lacrosse program in Ocean City will likely face challenges. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and community engagement.
What are potential obstacles in establishing a new youth sports program?
Potential obstacles in establishing a new youth sports program include:
- Securing consistent funding for equipment, facilities, and operations
- Maintaining player interest and participation over time
- Recruiting and retaining qualified coaches and volunteers
- Balancing competitive goals with inclusive participation
- Navigating league regulations and scheduling constraints
Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the long-term success of youth lacrosse in Ocean City.
Opportunities for Growth
Despite these challenges, the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp has laid a strong foundation for future growth. Opportunities include:
- Partnering with local schools to introduce lacrosse in physical education programs
- Collaborating with established lacrosse programs in neighboring communities
- Hosting tournaments or exhibition matches to raise awareness and generate excitement
- Developing a pathway for players to progress from youth leagues to high school and beyond
- Creating a lacrosse culture that becomes an integral part of Ocean City’s identity
By capitalizing on these opportunities, the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse program can become a cornerstone of Ocean City’s youth sports landscape.
The Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp represents a significant step forward for youth sports in Ocean City, New Jersey. By providing local children with the opportunity to learn and play lacrosse, the camp is fostering new talents, promoting physical activity, and strengthening community bonds. As the program grows and evolves, it has the potential to make a lasting impact on the city’s sports culture and the lives of young athletes for years to come.
Ocean City Camp Puts Lacrosse Players “in the Game”
Kids from first to sixth grade are learning how to play lacrosse.
By MADDY VITALE
There’s a new camp offered in Ocean City for kids who want to learn how to play lacrosse, and from the looks of the first week of it, there are some stars in the making.
Ocean City resident Laura Wheeler opened Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp this summer – this past Monday, actually. The camp for grades first through sixth runs through Thursday. Lacrosse clinics are already planned for the fall.
Before Wheeler opened the camp, the only option for kids in Ocean City and the surrounding area to learn how to play lacrosse at the elementary level was through a rec program in Upper Township.
“We want to give kids the opportunity to learn the sport at a young age and be able to participate on a team on the island,” Wheeler said.
Ocean City Jr. Raiders Lacrosse campers and their coaches, including Laura Wheeler, at right.
In between playing time at Palmer Field on Wednesday, camper Liam Kane, 7, of Ocean City, had this to say about how he liked the camp so far, “It’s awesome. ”
Jaxson Picinich, 11, of Upper Township, said, “Best camp ever.”
Jacob Wilson, an Ocean City High School 2022 graduate who will be attending Rowan University in the fall, played lacrosse, football and wrestled in high school. He is one of several volunteer coaches, including current OCHS students who play on the lacrosse team.
“I think it is really amazing,” Wilson, 18, said of the new camp. “The community has been really supportive of Miss Wheeler starting the camp. I had to travel to play for Upper Township when I was young.”
Laura Wheeler played soccer, softball and basketball in school. Her husband, Rich Wheeler, coaches football and wrestling for the private rec program, which is different than the city’s recreation program. The couple came up with the idea for the lacrosse camp together.
Their two sons, Jack, 11, and Ryan, 9, are participating in the Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp. The hope is that the interest in it will be enough to create a Jr. Raiders Lacrosse team.
“Sports are really important to our family,” Wheeler said. “We just want to give back. A lot of kids need this sport.”
Wheeler is hoping that Jr. Raiders Lacrosse Camp could join one of two leagues, either the Jersey Shore Youth Lacrosse League or South Jersey Youth Lacrosse League. While the camp is for kids up to sixth grade, Wheeler said when a team is created it will be open to kids through eighth grade.
Coach Laura Wheeler talks to the players.
Some volunteer coaches, in addition to Wilson, have been giving the young players some advice on technique. In total, 16 campers signed on for the four-day camp.
Volunteer coach, Mason Afanador, 15, plays lacrosse for OCHS and is from Upper Township. He said he was happy to lend a hand with coaching.
“I want to help to make sure these kids can play lacrosse,” he said.
The other coaches are Scott O’Connor, an Ocean City summer resident who plays for Manhattan College, and James Picinich, an OCHS student, who plans to play lacrosse next spring.
Earlier this week, campers got a special treat. Professional lacrosse player Bryce Young, of Egg Harbor Township, from the Whipsnakes, coached the young players.
Wheeler has big plans for the lacrosse players. She formed a nonprofit called the Ocean City Lacrosse and Soccer Club. The goal is to have enough volunteer coaches for not just lacrosse but soccer.
“I established the camp as a fundraiser for my players,” she said. “The city also has been generous. Ocean City has a team for every sport. We just want to join the rest of the rec teams.”
For more information, visit the Facebook page for the Ocean City Raiders Youth Lacrosse Club or email Laura Wheeler [email protected]
Lacrosse is a fast-paced game.
Summer Camps Near You: Ocean City Area Summer Camps Await
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Kids & Family
Sign-up time is now for summer camps in the Ocean City area.
Here are a few camps to consider.
Marlene Lang, Patch Staff
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Ocean City area summer camps are taking registration now, so find one that your kids will like. (Shutterstock)
OCEAN CITY, NJ — Summer camp anyone? Games, arts and crafts, outdoor hikes, and snacks with friends are all part of the fun around Ocean City.
Now is the time to make plans for summer camps as they fill up fast. All around Ocean City and Cape May County there are some good camp options for kids. Here are a few.
Ocean City Parks and Recreation offers a long list of programs and camps all summer long. There are basketball leagues for all ages as well as OC Hoops Camp, art and band camps, LaCrosse camps, junior lifeguard camps, Police Department youth camp, tennis, track, and skate camps, as well as camps every week at the Bayside Center. Find a camp that fits your interests here.
Find out what’s happening in Ocean Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Paint Happy in Linwood is now registering for Summer Art and STEAM camps. Different themed camps last for five days, but campers can select days to attend, ages 5-12 are suggested. Groovy Summer, Jungle Safari Explorers, Out of this World, and It’s Electric are just a few of the camps. Find out more here.
Maverick Art Studio in Cape May Courthouse has five-day summer camps starting June 20 and running through Aug. 29. Classes for ages 6-12 meet in the morning and ages 9-14 meet in afternoons. Each week will bring new projects with mediums such as clay, mosaic, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, and more. Get more information here.
Find out what’s happening in Ocean Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Stockton CSI Camp may be just right for your science-minded youth and sleuth. It’s a residential summer camp for high school students who want hands-on experience with a criminal investigation and a trial. Campers will work as part of an elite team of investigators and professionals to help solve a murder. If this sounds like your adolescent’s thing, you’ll have to make the drive to Ponoma. Camps are filling up fast, so find out more here.
Camp by the Sea, JCC in Margate has summer Camp by the Sea classes open now for kids of all ages. Activities, sports, weekly trips and other supervised fun are all offered. Check out Camp by the Sea here.
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Best of Ocean City
Ocean City | Community CornerOcean City | Pets
Ocean City – areas, prices for holidays, beaches, attractions, food, holidays, transport
Lusya Zhdanova
013 How to get there By plane By bus When is the season. Best time to go Ocean City in summerOcean City in autumnOcean City in springOcean City in winter Areas. Where better to live What are the prices for holidays The main attractions. What to see Top 5 Beaches. What are the best Churches and temples. Points to visitTourist streetsThings to see around Food. What to try Recommended places Holidays Security. Things to watch out for Things to do Shopping and shops Bars. Where to goClubs and nightlifeExtreme sportsSouvenirs. What to bring as a gift How to get around the city Taxi. What features existRent a carTips for motorists Ocean City – holidays with children
Ocean City is positioned as the best family resort on the East Coast of the States. The town is dry and there are no noisy bars, when I found out that there was not even a seedy club in the town, I was very upset (I will not dissemble). But on the other hand, here is an ideal serene environment without criminals, thefts and robbery. Of the minuses: expensive life. All prices are an order of magnitude higher than in neighboring similar towns.
The fact that all cafes close at 9 p.m. m. I was also not happy, but there are pluses: no one makes noise on the street, at midnight you can not be afraid for your life, returning home. For example, in neighboring Atlantic City, you cannot afford such a luxury. It gets scary automatically after dark. And police cars with sirens do not stop. It feels like you are in a computer game GTA: Vice city.
And Ocean City is an exemplary city, which should be backstage for the filming of some protracted series about an ideal family.
Getting there
To visit the cute town of Ocean City, you first need to get to America. For those who live in Russia, this can be done in one way that is accessible and known to me – by plane.
Airplane
Flights from Moscow to the States are regularly operated by different airlines. Most likely it will be Aeroflot, in the USA it is called Delta. Quite a budget price tag compared to everything they offer. It must be remembered that you need to plan the purchase of air tickets in advance, then your chances of saving on tickets increase dramatically.
I have chosen a plane from Moscow that flies to New York. In fact, you can fly to Philadelphia, but most likely it will be much more expensive, because this destination itself is not as popular as New York City. You can look at the prices for flights on numerous ticket search services or here.
Imagine that you have landed at any of the city’s airports. Next, your goal is the bus station, which is called Port Authority. I got there from JFK airport, it is very likely that you will fly there from Russia.
I was very much in a panic that I would not be able to find anything and get to the bus terminal, but in reality, navigating through the airport is extremely clear. The main thing is to read the signs, as well as grab a map – your orientation on the ground, which will help a lot. You can pick it up at the airport information desks. Do not worry, it is simply impossible to pass by. They are literally on every corner. And if you speak at least a little bit of the language and can at least explain on your fingers to the helpful airport staff what you are looking for, consider success in your pocket! (I want to say that I usually have problems with orientation to the terrain. But here it did not cause much difficulty even for me.)
Nearest airport
Fort Walton Beach
Distance from Fort Walton Beach Airport to Ocean City – 20 km
Travel time – 23 min
More details
Bus 90 049
Subway will take you directly from the airport to the station next to the desired Port Authority (if you did everything right 🙂 ). It is located right in Manhattan. At the intersection of 8th Avenue and West 42nd Street.
Consider that the most difficult part of the mission is over. This is where your journey to Ocean City begins. You have to be very careful. It so happened that in America in different states there are the same names of cities. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify that you are going to the state of New Jersey. There is also the very popular Ocean City in Maryland, and traveling there is a completely different story.
So, flights to our cherished city depart from the Port Authority bus station. If you arrived during the season, in the summer, then at this time the carriers open a direct message from New York to Ocean City, and if not, then you will have to go to Atlantic City. Usually, two stable and reliable companies drive in New Jersey – Gray Hound and NJ Transit. Choose any, the price for tickets can vary by a couple of bucks. I took the Gray Hound only because the flight was the closest.
Buy your ticket at the bus station ticket office and get ready to travel 127 miles or 2 hours 9 minutes. The bus does not make any stops along the way. Each bus has a WC and a minimum set in a paid bar.
If you’re in season and you’re lucky enough to buy a direct bus ticket to Ocean – good. But if you took a ticket to Atlantic City, like me, that’s okay. When you arrive at the Atlantic City bus station, you will need to go inside the terminal and buy a ticket for the next bus to Ocean City. They run every hour or 45 minutes, almost 24/7. The interval depends on the time of day.
And now that you have arrived in Ocean City, I suggest you get off at the bus station (the bus still makes stops around the city) and go to the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts with free Wi-Fi to realize where you are. Where you move next depends on the location you choose. In principle, the bus station is equidistant from all parts of the city.
When is the season. Best time to go
Summer is the best time to visit Ocean City. Still, this is not such a southern place as Florida. Here, too, there are yellow alleys in autumn, snow in winter, and even sometimes the waves of the Atlantic Ocean freeze at the very edge of the coast.
Ocean City has the most fun during the summer. The most important thing, of course, is walking along the evening Boardwalk, aimlessly eating caramel and deliciously delicious popcorn, swimming in the ocean. What could be better? But I will talk about this in more detail later.In the warmest season, the air can warm up to +40 °C, but the ocean water remains pleasantly invigorating +20–24 °C. Rain in the summer is not often a phenomenon, but there are hurricanes on the coast. No need to be afraid, there were no destructive ones for a long time. Usually the epicenter falls on the southern states. But the weather can deteriorate, and not for a day, but, for example, for two weeks. There are endless rains, the sky is gloomy and hangs very low. They are not allowed to enter the ocean – big waves are dangerous for swimmers and surfers.
Once I was cycling through the streets in the rain, and my foot on the pedal in the lower position was knee-deep in water, and then I was very scared!
Ocean City in the summer
Ocean City is very busy with tourists during the summer. The season starts on the last Monday in May, when Americans celebrate Memorial Day. The peak season is on July 4, Independence Day, and the end of summer on September 1, Labor Day.
There are a lot of visitors to the city during all summer months. You can see literally masses of people moving along the main walking street.
Ocean City in autumn
From autumn (approximately October) to spring (early May), Ocean City goes into hibernation. The people leave, and the city remains half empty (or full:)). Therefore, in the off season, I don’t see much point in going there on purpose, only if passing through.
Ocean City in the spring
In the spring, starting from March, the air temperature begins to warm up to +10 °С. But it’s still quite cold, because the humidity near the city on the ocean coast is high. It’s not too hot in May either. If you are wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, or maybe even a windbreaker, it will be great. So, if you expect to come in the spring months, you must not forget to dress well. Rains and persistent, cool winds are also not uncommon.
Ocean City in winter
It snows in Ocean City in winter. Of course, not the same as, for example, in Norilsk, but he steadily falls asleep the whole town.
At this time of the year the temperature fluctuates between +2°C and -5°C, and people sometimes even go skiing on the snowy Boardwalk.
Ocean City monthly weather
Ocean City monthly weather
January
+10.6
February
+12.2
March
+15.6
April
+19.2
May
+23.3
June
+26.6
July
+27.6
August
+27.5
September
±25.6
October
±20.5
November
+15.4
December
+11.8
Districts.
Where is it better to live
It is better to live in close proximity to the ocean on the first or second line. But, since the town is very small, even if you live on the last street, this will not cause you much problems. Ocean City is bordered by the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. Nice picture, anyway.
The streets closest to the ocean (parallel to the Boardwalk) are Atlantic Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Wesley Avenue, Central Avenue, Asbury Avenue.
Yacht clubs are very popular in the city on the bay. Therefore, even if you live “on the outskirts”, you will still have an amazing view of the very bay, with swaying yachts. This, by the way, will save on the cost of housing. And there are no clear divisions into prosperous and disadvantaged areas in the city.
The city itself is very safe. For the most part, there are houses of wealthy people who live for permanent residence somewhere in the southern states (for example, Florida, Georgia), and move to Ocean City for the summer, because hellish heat and “off season” begin in Florida, but Ocean is very warm and comfortable. So don’t be surprised when you see supercars that are parked near the houses. I seem to have had my entire phone in photos of these machines, but you’ll soon get used to it.
What are the prices for holidays
As I said above, Ocean City is a city where wealthy people live. And this is clearly reflected in the price tags in stores. For example, if you have the opportunity to go grocery shopping to a neighboring city, and it is located on the other side of the bridge, you can save a lot on groceries. In Ocean, you can spend about 50 USD and not buy something very substantial: The purchased set of basic products (chicken, vegetables, cereals, bread, fruits) is enough for one person for 2-3 days.
Renting a house in the city does not seem like a difficult task. Full of different hotels and motels, designed for any income. You can book them on Booking, but here you can check if there are any services with a better price.
And there are also houses like dormitories or hostels where you can visit on more budgetary terms (I say budgetary terms – I mean 100 USD / week). You need to understand that in such places, you will be asked for another deposit in the amount of a weekly rent. This is normal, there is no need to be afraid of this, but it is important to have an additional amount. If at the end of your stay everything is in order, then the amount will be returned to you. In short, this is a kind of pledge and guarantee that you will not spoil anything and will not run away with the property of your landlord. 🙂 When looking for apartments from locals, it is convenient to use this site.
Taxis in such a small town are more rare. All taxi drivers are usually from nearby cities. For example, a taxi from Ocean City to Atlantic City will cost 50 USD.
It is better to move around the city by bike, you can rent it. There are many rental points in Ocean, but on average 2 hours will cost you 10–20 USD/day, and somewhere around 50 USD/week. Prices may differ, but not significantly, you can compare the cost of different distributors, say, here.
And yet, the entrance to the beach is paid. If you are staying for a long time, then it makes sense to purchase a pass for the entire season, it costs 25 USD, a weekly pass is 10 USD, and a day is 5 USD. It looks like an icon, that’s why it’s called a tag. Checkers walk along the beach and ask tourists for badges. You can, of course, seeing them, quickly run into the ocean. Works, tested on myself. But don’t relax too much. 🙂
US dollar (USD), exchange rate for today
RUBUSDEUR
=
USD
at the exchange rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on 06/21/2023
Main attractions. What to see
I advise you to take care and get yourself a bike. It is very pleasant to ride on smooth roads with polite drivers. Most of the streets have bike paths, so you can combine business with pleasure: a bike ride and sightseeing.
Top 5
The town is small, it is difficult to distinguish as many as five separate places. But the Boardwalk will replace them all. This is the concentration of all the entertainment and attractions of Ocean City. Here is the highest concentration of interactive per square meter. These include: panic rooms, amusement parks, frozen yogurt, restaurants, cafes, a cinema, various shops and a relaxing atmosphere, as well as an ocean breeze.
During the high season, the Boardwalk becomes a completely pedestrian street, so cyclists on their iron horses are not allowed to enter. 🙁
Beaches. What are the best
Beaches in Ocean City are not separated in any way, so the whole city is one big beach. You can choose any area for recreation. Just remember that it is paid. I wrote about this above.
You must take food and drinks to the beach with you, because no one will go and offer churchkhela, baklava, boiled corn and lemonade, as is the case in southern Russia Real Americans go to the beach with their portable refrigerators for soft drinks and with a lot of food, and also with my own umbrellas and chairs, so the principle works: I take everything I have with me. 0003
Churches and temples. What to visit
Ocean City has a very wide confessional spectrum. There are Baptist, Catholic churches and even a Masonic lodge. This is where I was very surprised. They are scattered around the city, but there are no large and significant cathedrals for tourists.
Tourist streets
The biggest tourist street is the Boardwalk, yes, the biggest tourist attraction too. It is around him that the whole life of the summer Ocean City is built. It’s all entertainment and movement.
Every evening during the high season, there is live music, and the music and vocals of the band are carried to all corners of the Boardwalk thanks to the speaker system that is even at the very ends of this popular and well-loved tourist street.
Wandering around the city is also interesting, but you will see mostly private houses. However, they are also very interesting to look at, I think.
What to see in the vicinity
First of all, I would visit Atlantic City (however, I did). This city is like Las Vegas in miniature, of course, not so chic, but seeing real casinos is cool.
There is also a Boardwalk in the Atlantic; at the beginning of the century, real gangsters and bootleggers walked along it, because the city was always quite criminal.
Then, it’s worth going to Cape May . This is the southernmost point of the state of New Jersey with a rich history. One of the first pilgrims, the founding fathers of America, moored to the cape.
Colonial-style houses, warm ocean and almost white sand.
And, of course, Philadelphia ! America’s first capital. The city is very cultured and intelligent, almost like our St. Petersburg. It was there that the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the US Constitution was signed. And also, Benjamin Franklin, whom Americans respect very much, lived in this city.
Philadelphia is described by Theodore Dreiser in his novel The Financier. In short, “Fili” was the cultural, political and financial center of the young country.
Food. What to try
American cuisine, I think, is known to everyone around.
But it is precisely for the area that is located near Philadelphia that the presence of such a dish as f or cheese steak is typical. Vacationers from Philadelphia and other cities in Pennsylvania come to Ocean City and this is their favorite dish. It has extra meat and cheese. I think it’s worth a try. But it would be better if you taste it in Philadelphia, and if it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t matter. In Ocean City, it is also very tasty!
Seafood is a must try in Ocean City. Of course it won’t be cheap, but it’s worth it. Then I will write about the places where they are offered.
Another very popular dish on the east coast is crab cake. In fact, this is a cutlet, but from crab meat. Although you can run into crab cake from crab sticks (yes, they also exist in America :).
I cooked more often than I ate out. Firstly, it is a healthier food, and secondly, it will save you money. In the stores there is just a monstrous variety, which I have not seen anywhere else, you can find absolutely everything you want and even more. It is possible to cook your favorite dishes, because finding the ingredients is not a problem! Meat, vegetables, fruits, various dressings, seafood and, of course, a huge amount of convenience foods that most Americans eat.
There is a supermarket in Ocean City called “Superfresh”, but it’s a bit pricey. For example, a pack of water bottles (0.5 * 12) will cost about 12 USD, when you can find it in another store for 8 USD. Bread, milk, meat are generally more expensive by 2–3 USD. Californian peaches cost about 5 USD, and in another supermarket 3.5–4 USD. Well, in general, it’s not critical, but if you buy a lot of things, the check will increase by 10–15 USD. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a car, you are unlikely to get to the cheaper convenience store that is located in the next town.
Recommended places
I offer you the following list of places to choose from:
- Hula Grill . Enjoy delicious crabcakes for $16.50 per serving (not including taxes and gratuities), teriyaki salmon for $15.00, deep-fried shrimp for $15.00. This is the best place in the city to get acquainted with delicious seafood. Address: 940 Boardwalk.
- Spadafora’s . Restaurant and oyster bar. Here you will be treated to fresh thick soups (chauders) of oysters and scallops. You will remember this creamy taste for a long time. A cup of this soup (bowl) costs approximately 7–8 USD, depending on the ingredients of the soup. It is better to book a table for the evening in advance. Address: 843 Atlantic Ave.
- Ike’s Famous Crabcakes 2 is located on the Boardwalk and looks like a fast food place. But with one difference: they serve various seafood in batter, deep-fried, with french fries and other things. Here, as well as in the first place, there are crabcakes, but they are not sold separately. Be sure to be accompanied by french fries or coleslaw (optional), as well as an optional salad. For example, a portion of fried crabcakes (2 pieces + garnish) will cost you 21 USD. Not quite budget for a cafe of this level, but it is considered one of the best places in Ocean City. By the way, fried crabcakes are the most expensive of the dishes offered by the establishment. The rest of the menu has a much lower price tag. The same chowder costs 4 USD here, a sandwich with crabcake, which is also served with french fries or coleslaw – 11 USD. Address: 1344 Boardwalk.
Holidays
In addition to the official and main holidays of the United States, in Ocean City you can become a witness of other entertaining events.
At the beginning of June, the Miss Ocean City beauty pageant takes place in Ocean City, one of the stages of the Miss America pageant.
Motorcades of girls are driving along the Boardwalk, waving from cars and blowing kisses to all spectators.
This attraction attracts tourists to the main walking street of the city. The holiday is in full swing! This is very interesting to look at.
Reminds me of a scene from a movie where a carnival is going through the streets of the city, and huge platforms are riding, which are decorated with absolutely unthinkable.
Safety. Things to watch out for
As I said earlier, Ocean City is a very safe city. This is facilitated by its insular position. The city is connected to the mainland by 5 bridges, and, if something happens, they are blocked, and it is simply impossible to escape from the city. Therefore, thefts and street robberies do not flourish there. And there is no poverty. There are people who live modestly.
There are no annoying and noisy homeless people in the city, which, for example, Los Angeles or San Francisco are famous for. Yes, and people live mostly European appearance, few Hispanics and very few African Americans. You can even not tie your bike, no one will take it (tested on yourself), but it’s better, of course, to be safe, it hasn’t harmed anyone yet.
You can walk until late, the only thing is, patrol policemen can ask you a question for what purpose you wander at night and, in general, advise you to go home.
You can’t swim in the ocean at night (officially), so police cars patrol the Boardwalk, and if they catch you doing this, most likely you will get an administrative fine, for disturbing the peace, well, or an unpleasant explanation with American cops. Who even wants this?
Things to do
Drink cola, eat pizza slice after slice, stare at people, swim in the ocean and sunbathe! And when you get tired of it, you can go for a morning run with American adherents of a healthy lifestyle, play mini-golf. You can also learn to surf! Well, the details are below :).
Shopping and shopping
There are few shops in Ocean City, and the ones that do exist are quite expensive. But I still advised you to look into the thrift shop (in our second hand). There, if you dig, you can find amazing things. Great quality, rare and original. And most likely they will be new. There are things like from a grandmother’s chest. In general, the assortment is amazing, it is worth going there at least out of curiosity.
And lovers of American brands of clothes and accessories should go to Atlantic City. There are popular shops and most of them outlets. For example, Guess at 26 N Michigan Ave, Polo Ralph Loren at 1935 N Michigan Ave, Coach at 45 N Arkansas Ave, DKNY at 29 N Michigan Ave. That is, they are all located on the same street (or across the street). If you arrived in the city at the bus station, then leaving it, you immediately find yourself in the realm of boutiques.
Bars. Where to go
There are no bars in the city, only if there is an ice cream parlor. So forget about the hot spots and enjoy the hot sand and the endless ocean!
Clubs and nightlife
If you went to Ocean City for this, I hasten to disappoint you, friends. With nightlife, there is a fat minus. I already wrote that this is a city of dry law and a complete lack of bars. All establishments close for a stick at 9 p.m. m., except for those on the Boardwalk. But the plus is that you can go to Atlantic City for 50 USD by taxi and for 3 USD by bus, which departs from the bass terminal, which I also wrote about above. That’s where you roam.
Or simply cross the bridge that leads to Somers Point (this is a neighboring town that starts right after the bridge across the strait). There is a cool bar with unusual drinks and a DJ. It’s called Baia and its address is 998 Bay Ave, Somers Point. Very intimate and cool. The feeling of a real American entry. Actually, it’s a bar and a restaurant. Just after 10 p.m. m, a DJ starts playing there and the place becomes like a club.
Extreme Sports
What can you do on the ocean coast? Well, surf, of course! Even if you have never tried it, there are a lot of different schools on the Boardwalk that will take you on and teach you the basics of this activity.
Every surf shop advertises surf lessons, if not, you can ask. Usually the people who sell all this ammunition are connected with this occupation and will certainly tell you.
You can work in groups or individually. An individual lesson will cost you about 60 USD, and a lesson for two will cost 80 USD. For this money you will get 1.5 hours of instruction, as well as all the necessary equipment. The most popular surf lessons are given by the surfshop, which is located at the intersection of the Boardwalk and 7th Street. It’s called the 7th Streer Surf Shop.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Only if there is a magnet with the inscription Ocean City, well, or a key ring in the shape of a surfboard. There is nothing particularly special. A keychain/magnet will cost you between 2 and 5 USD.
Although I made myself a hoodie with a print that I chose myself. And it’s much more useful than a souvenir! Now this sweatshirt helps me a lot. The cost is about 20 USD, and there are a lot of shops on the Boardwalk with this option. You can make a T-shirt, a topic with any pattern you like. Mine says Ocean City NJ. It came out unusual.
How to get around the city
Buses do not run around the city. There are few options: walking (which is tiring), taxi, bicycle, however, you can still rent a car, but more on that below.
Taxi. What features exist
Rarely does anyone use a taxi within the town. But if you really need it, then you have to pay about 10 USD + tips, somewhere around a couple of bucks. Since the distances are small, this is not very profitable. Payment is made by meter. Some cars have terminals for paying by card, but it is better to always have cash if you decide to travel by taxi.
Car rental
For some reason, there are no rental cars in Ocean City. They are in the neighboring towns, which are located behind the bridge. Therefore, in order to rent a car, you need to go there. To rent a simple car will cost about 60 USD per day, including taxes. It should be noted that the amount may vary depending on the age of the driver: the younger, the more expensive. Here you can see the possible options for cars from various companies.
From the documents you will need a passport if you are a citizen of Russia and also your driver’s license (Russian rights are quoted). Therefore, if you do not have international rights, do not be discouraged. You will be able to rent a car with a driving license of the Russian Federation.
Interestingly, in America, gasoline is not sold in liters, but in gallons (approximately 3.8 liters). A gallon of gasoline in different states costs differently. In New Jersey, they ask for about 3 USD per gallon. But now, when oil is getting cheaper, the cost of gasoline is going down. The minimum price was fixed in January 2016, when the cost of a gallon reached 1.5 USD. Lower than in Russia (for a moment!).
Tips for motorists
The most important and common road sign in the United States and, as a result, in Ocean City is the STOP sign. It must be honored as an inviolable shrine. It stands at every intersection, and you should always stop in front of it, ALWAYS. Even if you are alone on the road, even if there is not a soul on the street.
This is how their laws work. And the most surprising thing is that drivers really fulfill this requirement. To be honest, I was shocked. Where would we see this in Russia?
Ocean City — holidays with children
Holidays with children in Ocean City will be 100% successful! The city has a huge number of different entertainment and entertainment items for children. The main attractions are collected on the Boardwalk. There are amusement parks, and colorful ice cream, and photo salons where you can dress up as gangsters, and they will give you replicas of weapons of those times. In a word, sheer fun.
Well, plus, almost no noisy youth. Only walking couples with children of different ages, mostly under 15 years old. Why not an ideal city for families with children?
Ski holidays
See also:
- Wailing Wall
- Mariinsky Palace
- What are the national cuisine, traditional dishes and food in Mauritius?
- Hotels in Egypt with a beautiful and good coral reef
- Tours Kazan for 14 days
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