I finally got my vacation from this blog…
…but not really. I’ve spent the past week down Ocean City, MD with my lovely family just relaxing, hanging out and, of course, eating. Some bona fide Baltimore foodie traditions were a must on our curriculum of boardwalk, mini-golf and beach which made this year’s trip seem almost like a delicious scavenger hunt.
First off though is why Ocean City is integral to Baltimore culture. Ocean City is basically a giant sandbar off the southeastern coast of Maryland in Worcester County bordered by Delaware to the north. The entire area was once owned by Thomas Fenwick, an Englishman for whom the Delaware beach town north of Ocean City is named. In 1869 the first beach cottage was built by Isaac Coffin and was rented out to guests who arrived by a series of stage coaches and/or ferries. These types of cottages were enjoyed primarily by wealthy people who could afford the long journey and the time off of work, especially women and children who were sent by wealthy husbands in Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia and Washington DC. In fact, before 1870 Ocean City was known as a “Ladies’ Ocean Resort.”
In 1875, the first traditional hotel in Ocean City, The Atlantic Hotel (which still exists today), was opened; the 400 room resort included dancing and billiard rooms. By 1881, a line was completed, crossing Sinepuxent Bay from Berlin and allowing more people access to the shore. Unfortunately in 1933 a hurricane destroyed these train tracks, but the same hurricane formed the Ocean City Inlet, establishing the town as a major fishing port.
Post WWII, Ocean City experienced a major economic boom; in 1952 the bay bridge was completed making the beach accessible to those in the middle and working-classes. In 1964 access once again expanded with the completion of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, attracting beachgoers from southern areas. Business continued to expand in the 1970s with the construction of thousands of condominium units to accomidate the growing number of summer visitors. Restaurants and stores sprang up to take advantage of these numbers (many Baltimore restaurants opened locations at the beach!) and the rest is history… some of these original beach food vendors still remain favorites at the beach.
All in all, Ocean City went from being a quiet, inaccessible resort town available only to those who could afford the time and money. After World War II and the completion of the bridge, summer vacations became a part of the American family experience and Ocean City became a relatively inexpensive, easily accessible and local beach getaway to city families, especially those hailing from Baltimore which was now only about two and a half hours away.
One of the oldest Ocean City beach food favorites is Thrashers French Fries is located on the boardwalk at 401 Atlantic Ave and has been there for over 80 years. In a partial outdoor stand, russet potatoes, vinegar, oil, and salt are freshly made HOURLY, providing thousands of people fresh fries daily. The smallest size bucket available is a pound and it is traditional to soak these fries in apple cider vinegar; no ketchup is available because the original owners thought it ruined the potato taste. For 80 plus years the recipe and preparation methods have remained largely unchanged, which is why I think the fries are so popular; they become a family tradition, a Maryland food heirloom. A trip to the boardwalk is a must just for the french fries for most beachgoers. Thrashers fries are only available on the DelMarVa strand, making them a true beach experience; they are also pretty cheap and sold in huge quantities. The fries are so popular that the line is sometimes 100 people long by the afternoon. Good thing my family always goes in the morning.
Boog’s Barbeque is one of the many Baltimore food traditions that made its way down the Ocean during an economic boom. Boog Powell, a Baltimore Oriole from back in the day, is famous for not only his 339 home runs in 17 years, four World Series and four All-Star teams, but his barbeque as well. In 1993, Mr. Powell opened Boog’s BBQ Stand in Camden Yards and saluted Baltimore tradition even further with his delectable pit beef. The barbeque became so popular at ball games, Boog expanded his barbeque business to reach his fan base in OC. The Ocean City location happens to be right next to Thrashers, which made for a convenient lunch experience. Boog’s is delicious and relatively inexpensive, but you either have to go to Ocean City or Camden Yards to enjoy a the BBQ alongside true Baltimore culture.
Lastly, the icing of the cake so to speak, Fisher’s Popcorn. Fisher’s, a family-owned business, has been making one of Ocean City’s sweetest treats since 1937. Still in its original location at the Boardwalk on Talbot Street, Fisher’s still makes popcorn the same way it has been since opening. Every day popcorn is freshly popped and caramel is made in huge copper kettles; the popped corn is then coated with the fresh caramel and poured still hot into storefront containers, where it is freshly scooped into buckets and boxes for people who sometimes line up for the storefronts gates to rise at 9:30. The popcorn is cheap, fresh and shipped everywhere, easily making it one of the most accessible of beach foods.
As much as I would prefer a quiet beach experience, I really do savor the blue-collar feel that Ocean City sometimes gives off. The fact that the beach was available only to rich white women once-upon-a-time is just unthinkable to me; I really think the beach is something everyone should enjoy. I really love nothing more than the sand between my toes, a book in hand and a cooler of sodas - the ultimate vacation of the American Dream. To Baltimore beachgoers though, this dream also includes Thrashers, Boog’s and Fishers as well.
Man, I love goin’ downy ocean, hon.
References:
http://www.fisherspopcorn.com/About-Us/
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