Best of the Shore 2015: Ocean City

…From the pages of South Jersey Magazine…

There’s nothing quite like summer at the Shore.
Whether you’re spending the day enjoying the surf and sand or heading out for a cocktail before dining at one of the many spectacular restaurants up and down the coast, it’s time to head back to the beach. But, we don’t want you to show up unprepared, which is why for our annual Best of the Shore roundup we’ve gathered the top places from Long Beach Island to Cape May. Find out where you should be grabbing breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as the best happy hours, cocktail bars, retail shops, activities for the kids and more.

Rise and Shine
Ma France Creperie
Step into this cozy European style café for a twist on the typical heavy Shore breakfast. Ma France Creperie offers a lighter alternative, filling a buckwheat crepe with ingredients such as egg, ham, Swiss cheese, mushrooms or bacon. Pair your meal with their French press coffee and you may suddenly imagine yourself in Paris.
(609) 399-9955, MaFranceCreperieOCNJ.com

Out to Lunch
Cinco de Mayo
When your stomach growls midday, head over to Cinco de Mayo for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine served in a friendly atmosphere. Homemade salsa, guacamole and tortillas are just the beginning on this menu featuring classics like tostadas, chiles rellenos and tacos. If you’re a more adventurous foodie, try the beef tongue taco.
(609) 399-0199, CincoDeMayoOC.com

Dining Out
Vittorio’s
Authentic, fresh and friendly are just three words to describe this casual Italian restaurant on Asbury. Vittorio’s serves up a cuisine of classic dishes with homemade pasta and seasonal ingredients in a warm ambiance. We can’t resist the much-buzzed-about Chicken Esquire, stuffed with Boursin cheese and topped with scallops, shrimp and a creamy tomato sauce.
(609) 398-7800, VittorioRestaurant.com

Snack Attack
Curly’s Fries
For a snack that’s saltier than the ocean and hotter than the sand, you can’t beat Curly’s Fries on the boardwalk. Cooked fresh before your eyes and served in a bucket built for sharing, you might have to fight off a few seagulls while you enjoy them, but it’s worth the risk.
(609) 398-4040

Child's Play
Boardwalk Bounce
With any Shore vacation, there’s always the chance of rain ruining your plans. Instead of the kids bouncing off the walls at home, let them jump the energy away at Boardwalk Bounce, an indoor retreat featuring giant bounce houses, inflatable slides and a rock climbing wall. Rain or shine, this activity will have even parents jumping for joy.
(609) 385-0855, BoardwalkBounce.com

By the Bar
Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro
The Shore is probably the last place where you’d need an attitude adjustment, but that’s the theme of the daily happy hour at Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro in Somers Point. A selection of half-price appetizers, $5 martinis, 30 wines by the glass and 12 rotating craft beer taps are the perfect way to cap off a day on the beach—and soothe sunburn sufferers.
(609) 927-2300, SandiPointe.com

Drink Up
The Doc’s Place
Book a babysitter and grab a seat at The Doc’s Place in Somers Point—the ideal spot for a quality cocktail or two. From the classic cosmopolitan to adventurous combinations such as Cabo Wabo tequila, Grand Marnier, orange, lime and lemon juices, the drink list will make this date night one worth waiting for.
(609) 926-0404, TheDocsPlace.com

The Scoop
Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor
When the mood calls for ice cream, head to Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor. You can’t miss the iconic carousel horse out front or the 47 hand-dipped flavors inside, served on waffles, cones or cups, and topped with anything you can imagine. If you find yourself here more than once during your Ocean City stay, your secret’s safe with us.
(609) 399-1214, HobbyHorseOCNJ.com

The Buzz
Yesterday’s
Live music and summer go hand-in-hand, and Yesterday’s has a calendar full of bands all season long. Every Friday and Saturday night features two bands playing simultaneously indoors and outdoors; and there’s something for everyone, from rock ‘n’ roll to indie acoustic, leaving every member of your party entertained.
(609) 390-1757, YesterdaysBar.com

More in Store
Ta-Dah
What’s a vacation without a little retail therapy? Asbury Avenue is the hub for shopping, and Ta-Dah is not just one but five boutiques catering to different women’s tastes. From high-end clothing and jewelry to trendy accessories and summer sandals, there is plenty available to make heads turn while you walk the boards.
(609) 398-6768, TaDahOCNJ.com

What’s New

New restaurants include Vittorio’s Italian Restaurant on Asbury Avenue, Frankie’s on the Bay on Bay Avenue and Troy Mediterranean Cuisine on the beach block of Ninth Street in the former spot of Periwinkles, and Tony P’s House of Pie on the Boardwalk.

Yoasis, a popular frozen yogurt shop in downtown Ocean City, recently opened a second location on the boardwalk called Yoasis Beach Bowls.

A new skatepark is expected to be completed this summer in Ocean City, adjacent to the fire headquarters at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.

Ocean City is also hosting a new set of events this summer called World Record Wednesdays, attempting feats such as the longest line of high fives/connected beach towels, fitness challenges, taffy unwrapping and pizza eating, among others.

Ocean City also redecked a portion of the boardwalk between 6th and 7th streets during the offseason.

Click here for the full article.

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 3 (June, 2015).
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Author: Erica Bauwens, Matt Cosentino, Bill Donahue, Erin Fornwald, Amanda Hamm Hengel, Liz Hunter, Rachel Morgan and Peter Proko