THINGS TO DO IN OCEAN CITY NJ? VISIT THE FLOWER SHOW!

Beginning the design

Many Ocean City attractions are well known - the beach, the boardwalk, amusement rides, and water sports are all popular Ocean City destinations or activities. But there are many more things to do in Ocean City NJ and one of them is an annual flower show.  In fact, this year's event is the 40th Annual Ocean City Flower Show!

Staged by the Garden Club of Ocean City, the event takes place at the Music Pier (Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk), on June 1, 2 and 3 and includes an exhibit, plus trade fair. This year's theme is "Celebrating 40 Years of Flowers."

There are ten Artistic Divisions - each with a specific theme and unique specifications as to size, type of plant material, and how the arrangement is to be displayed or viewed. For example, Class 1 is titled "Tropical Paradise' and is to include visible water. Class 5, "Victorian Summer," is a 3-D arrangement on a white tea tray with teapot, plus cup and saucer. Miniature arrangements - no larger than 5" in any direction - are Class 8: "Garden Jewels"  As you can tell, these fascinating themes inspire creativity and, interestingly, all of these themes were used at some time during the 40 years of the Flower Show's history.

In addition, there are six Table Entries.  Participants may select a theme from six that are suggested.  The arrangements are floral centerpieces displayed on 48" tables including linens and related accessories.  Themes include: "Roaring Twenties" (1991), "America the Beautiful" (2002), and "Fairytale Garden" (2005).

An Invitational Exhibit is only open to area Garden Club members with interpretive designs on the theme, "Flower & Art Show," displayed on pedestals.

In addition, there is an extensive Horticultural Division featuring specimens of a wide variety of plants and flowers. The Trade Show section offers plants and related products for sale.

One year, a friend asked me to enter an arrangement, so I did. It was lots of fun - I even researched how to arrange flowers online. But, it is not easy. I forget the title of the class, but it had something to do with autumn I think. The arrangement won a Third Place ribbon.  However, before we get too excited, I confess there were only five or six exhibitors in the category. SIGH...

My "award-winning" design

The Ocean City Flower Show is a truly wonderful and varied exhibit, but of a manageable size so you can enjoy everything is a couple of hours at most.  The show is organized and run by member-volunteers of the Ocean City Garden Club - thank you, neighbors, for providing this terrific Ocean City attraction!

INNsider Tip: Show times vary, so check with us before enjoying the 40th Annual Ocean City Flower Show at the Music Pier - just 7 minutes walk from the inn.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Jersey Shore Vacation

 The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce recently published an extensive list of tourist attractions and special events for communities here in southern New Jersey.  This is an excellent resource for Scarborough Inn guests and will help you make vacation plans that perfectly fit your interests.

You will find an Ocean City Events Calendar listing a variety of activities that is organized by month and date(s). Plan to visit Ocean City during a patriotic celebration, to view the Night in Venice Boat Parade, during a classic car show, or for the Boardwalk Art Show, for example.

You'll also find suggestions for sites on the island - and throughout Cape May County - that appeal to visitors with various interests.  There are historical tourist attractions like the Ocean City Historical Museum or Historic Cold Spring Village (a living-history museum).  Cultural awareness activities include concerts, art shows, and live theater. Nature-lovers will be directed to great locations for bird watching, hiking, or parks like the Cape May County Park and Zoo - popular with children.

Visit our website for a listing of events or attractions. Once here at the Scarborough Inn, you'll find a collection of books, pamphlets, and announcements about current special events for guests' use.  In addition, we are always happy to answer questions or provide directions; just ask!

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Community Calendar -

"The Jersey Cape is famous for its beaches and boardwalks, but offers visitors much more to explore!"

INNsider Tip:
There's always new events being announced (and the occasional change), so check with us for current details or additional information.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

OCEAN CITY MEMORIAL DAY: SPECIAL EVENTS

Ocean City Memorial Day

Ocean City Memorial Day - and the days preceding the 2012 commemoration - Include several special events.  These activities range from the silly to the solemn:

May 25 - Unlocking the Ocean & Businessperson's Plunge - (the official "opening" of the Atlantic Ocean for the 2012 season; followed by local merchants and business leaders who enter the water to celebrate the arrival of summer.)

May 27 - Concert by Richard Allen Farmer at the Ocean City Tabernacle (7PM)

May 28 - Memorial Day Service at Veterans' Memorial Park, 5th. St. & Wesley Ave. (11AM)

On behalf of all of us at the Scarborough Inn, we express our heartfelt thanks to members of our United States Military - past and present.

INNsider Tip: As Memorial Day approaches, additional activities and/or special events may be announced, so check for updates on Twitter or Facebook or ask us upon arrival at the Scarborough Inn.

OceanCityPATCH Memorial Day Guide

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

WELCOME TO SOUTH JERSEY WINE COUNTY

Cape May Winery - tasting room

 Yes, southern New Jersey is increasingly popular as a destination for incredible wines and Cape May County vintners are part of this movement. In a recent Press of Atlantic City article, Gary Pavlis (Rutgers University wine expert) is quoted as claiming, "...New Jersey is the best place to make wine on the East Coast."

When you visit the Scarborough Inn during your Ocean City vacation, you are conveniently located to the "Cape May County Wine Trail."  Many local wineries host special events, entertainment, and wine tastings. Appoint a designated driver and explore these local wineries:

Cape May Winery & Vineyard - website

Natali Vineyards - website

Turdo Vineyards - website

Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery - website 

INNsider Tip:
To learn more about New Jersey wines, visit these sites

New Jersey Wine Growers Assoc.


Press of Atlantic City article 


Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

"EARLY BIRD" DINNERS: EAT EARLY FOR TASTY DEALS!

Early Bird at Charlie's Bar & Restaurant

Restaurant meals that are served earlier in the evening go by many names - "Early-Bird Dinners", "Dinner at Dusk", etc., but they share one thing in common - they are great deals.  For Jersey Shore vacationers, these deals are a win-win - filling tables early for restaurateurs and giving customers a savings, a
multi-course meal for the cost of an entree, or both!

Be aware that portions may be smaller, but I have never gone home hungry.

Recently, we tried the "Early Bird" offerings at Charlie's in Somers Point (just over the Rt. 52 Bridge from Ocean City, NJ). Charlie's has been a local favorite forever and is an unpretentious bar - popular for wings, pints, and seasonal sports on multiple TV screens.  Their EB lasts until 6PM (make sure you are seated by that time) and it is only available through the spring*.

When we visited recently, I ordered lobster tail and my dining partner had surf & turf. Both came with good-sized salads, sides, and a dessert. (We ordered drinks - additional charge.) The lobster tail was the tiniest I ever had - but succulent and sweet. The surf & turf was three scallops and a small fillet - perfectly cooked and tasty.  We agreed the portions were adequate, delicious, and definitely budget-friendly as the check was less than $40. for two people.

When Charlie's Early Bird Specials end for the summer*, there many other specials available.  For additional information, visit their website.  They are a short drive from the Scarborough Inn - maybe 10 minutes - and perfect for a casual meal or snacks and a drink.

INNsider Tip:
Charlies Bar & Restaurant, 800 Shore Rd., Somers Point, NJ - CASH ONLY!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

"AMERICAN CRAFT BEER WEEK" in New Jersey

American Craft Beer Week

"American Craft Beer Week will provide an opportunity for small and independent brewers, craft beer enthusiasts, and beer retailers to celebrate the ever-advancing beer culture and epicurean art form in the United States."

So says the press release announcing the 7th Annual American Craft Brew Week - being celebrated from May 14 to 20 in all 50 states!  Events will include brewery tours, special beer releases, food and beer pairing dinners and more, depending on the brewery.

As the event draws closer, we will try to get more specific information to share with Scarborough Inn guests - a great addition to an Ocean City vacation.  And, we may just have to go around Cape May County and "inspect" the local breweries - to collect information - for our guests, of course!

This event is organized by the Brewers Association - an association of small and independent American brewers.

INNsider Tips: Visit Cape May County breweries close to the Scarborough Inn:

     Cape May Brewery

     Tuckahoe Brewing Company

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

"...having children is like letting your heart walk around 

outside your body."

- Elizabeth Stone

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast