The Shore Things: Must-Do List for Summer 2012

Build a Beach Bonfire

This is quintessential beach at it’s best. Walk over the dunes, (if you happen to be on Assateague Island, say hello to the horses), and at dusk you’ll see the once crowded beach has cleared, and people clustered around bonfires that light the night sky. Assateague Island, MD, Fenwick Island, DE and Cape Henlopen, DE

Beach Lantern Tour of Fort Miles

Learn a part of history. Soldiers were stationed to defend the shoreline during WWII at Fort Miles. Step back in time and see how they lived and worked while strolling the beach by lantern light. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Cape Henlopen, Delaware.

Rockets on the Shore

Did you know NASA is on the shore? The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is located in Wallops Island, VA. They regularly launch rockets for research. If you happen to be visiting the coastal region, be familiar with the launch schedule and you may just see the trail of a rocket going through the night sky. Or, you can take a trip to the Vistor’s Center at the facility.

Beach Lights Spectacular

New this year in Ocean City, MD, every Sunday from May 27 – September 2, lasers, lights and special effects light the night sky on a gigantic 5-story beach ball set to music. The shows are approximately 8 minutes in length and start at 9:30, 10:00, and 10:30. North Division Street Beach; Free. OC Beachlights

History’s Not a Mystery

Visit the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum, (that happens to be debuting a new surfing exhibit in June), the Fenwick Island Lifesaving Station Museum, the Taylor House Museum in Berlin, MD and the Julia A. Purnell Museum in Snow Hill, MD. You’ll learn about the famous storms that wrecked the coast, life as the early beach patrol members, and the lifestyles of people who lived further inland.

See a Mermaid

Or is it something else? The Zwaanadael Museum is named after the first colony in Delaware where present-day Lewes is now. Learn about the shipping history; see artifacts, and perhaps a real mermaid!

Drive-In Movies, Beach Version

Miles of expansive beaches—just perfect for laying out blankets and watching a movie on the big screen, with the ocean and stars as the backdrop. Visit here for a complete listing of Ocean City beach locations and dates.

Ranger Walk

Take a walk with an expert on natural beach life. Learn about the creatures that inhabit the coastal region, the plants and trees that call this ever-changing landscape home, and pick up an oyster shell that’s a thousand years old! Assateague Island, MD

See the Sea

Rent a pontoon boat; take a family trip on the Assateague Adventure; go deep-sea fishing. The ocean and bay offer a whole new experience when viewed from the decks of a boat.

Healthy Foodie's Rejoice

Many restaurants on the shore are embracing the concept of local and sustainable food sources. This means you can enjoy a fish dish mere hours after it’s brought in from a fishing boat and produce delivered that morning from local farms. You are what you eat—it’s nice to know where your food comes from, and that’s it fresh. Check out the Shark on the Harbor in West Ocean City, A (MUSE.) in Rehoboth Beach, and Slow Food Delmarva for more information.

Take Home an Authentic Local Souvenir

Art Strolls in communities of Berlin, MD and Snow Hill, MD offer visitors a chance to take home a real coastal prize—a handcrafted work of art made by local residents. See Berlin, MD and Snow Hill, MD for dates.

Take a Detour and Escape Traffic on the Way Home

Just a short drive off the regular beaten path of Rt. 50, (which can also turn into a parking lot, especially on Sundays) sit quaint and historic beach towns like Cambridge, Easton, and St. Michael’s, MD. The historic centers of these towns offer art galleries, antiques, music venues, world-class restaurants, and plenty of gorgeous (some waterfront) views. Go sightseeing on the way home—it beats sitting in traffic, right?

Plan Ahead for Major Events

The Dew Tour returns to Ocean City in August. Plan to make reservations and buy tickets in advance if visiting from out-of-town. Check the Chambers of Commerce websites often for your favorite beach town to make sure you don’t miss out on any events.

Chincoteague Pony Swim

The ponies of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands have a long and famous history. One of the ponies was made famous in the book Misty of Chincoteague, and—interesting fact was saved during the infamous 1962 storm by being taken into a house. Today, you can witness the famous pony swim. The Chincoteague Fire Department holds the annual Pony Swim and conducts a pony auction, afterwards.

Become an Authentic 17th Century Sailor Aboard the Kalmar Nyckel in Lewes, DE

This ship is modeled after the original vessel that made four voyages across the Atlantic—more than any other vessel, from 1637-1638. Present day would-be sailors can get a hands-on sailing experience aboard the vessel on day sails or pirate trips. She docks in Lewes, DE in August.

Tour the Vineyards on the Shore

A number of wineries exist on the shore in both Maryland and Delaware. Take a day to sample the local flavors.

Four on the Shore

Grab a Home Grown Brew

Craft brewing is all the rage. Grab a growler from Burley Oak in Berlin, MD, sample both food and beverage at Evolution Brewery’s new restaurant the Public House in Salisbury, MD; visit the original craft brewer on the shore—Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach, and take a trip to 16 Mile Brewery. You won’t be disappointed.

History is Everywhere, Even on the Bustle of the Boardwalk

The Ocean City, MD Boardwalk was built at the turn of the 20^th Century. Some of the businesses have been in existence for nearly as long. You can ride a carousel at Trimper’s famous rides that is over 100-years-old!

Learn the Lifestyle Through Hands-on Experience

Rent a kayak or canoe and tour the wetlands and marshes; take surf lessons, rent bikes on the boards or in the national parks – don't just visit, be a part of what you love.