Ocean City NJ: Historical Images

Scarborough Inn historical ad (innkeepers collection)

 We were excited to see historical images of the Scarborough Inn in a recent issue of Ocean City PATCH (an online news service). 

The building was constructed in the mid-1890s and looks very similar today as we have taken pains to maintain the historical character of the exterior.  You'll notice that the paint colors - while authentic - are lighter and brighter than the original dark brown. (See the link to the article with historical images below.)

At the same time, the interior spaces have been updated and modernized to accommodate the needs and wants of today's travelers.  These "modern" amenities at our New Jersey Bed & Breakfast include televisions and free wireless Internet throughout the building; coffee makers and ipod docks in suites, for example.

We take great pride in being able to blend modern amenities with historical charm and in being able to continue an over 100-year tradition of offering hospitality to Ocean City vacationers!

[Take a look at the OC PATCH article here.]

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

Easy "Mardi Gras" Recipes

Let the good times roll!

"Mardi Gras" is most often associated with New Orleans, but why not join the fun - wherever you are on February 21 - with these easy recipes?

Purchase some inexpensive beads in traditional colors, create some delicious food and drink, and "let the good times roll!"  Or...as Mitch Rosenthal, author of Cooking My Way Back Home (Ten Speed Press, 2011), says: “You need not be in that particular bend in the Mississippi River to join in the festivities. You can catch that spirit anywhere..."

Here's some resources to get the party started:

Try this recipe for Cajun Crawfish & Shrimp Etouffe and, for dessert, traditional King Cake.

Find a countdown to Mardi Gras, its history & traditions, + parade schedules here.

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

Ocean City NJ Attractions, TripWow Video

We could list all sorts of Ocean City NJ attractions you could enjoy during your next Ocean City vacation, but we thought it would be more fun to put together a little slide show for you to enjoy!  Take a look at our new TripWow video about the Scarborough Inn and Ocean City, NJ!

Ocean City NJ Vacation Getaway

Ocean City nj Vacation Getaway Slideshow: Scarborough’s trip to Ocean City, Jersey Shore, United States was created by TripAdvisor. See another Ocean City slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

INNsider Tip:  Plan the perfect Ocean City New Jersey Vacation - use the resources on our website, connect with the inn on Twitter, facebook, or via future blog posts or speak with us in person when you visit the inn!

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

NEW JERSEY LOVE

We love New Jersey; Scarborough Inn guests do, too!  

 This is a Valentine for the "Garden State!

http://youtu.be/OEZwKS_gWwA 

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

"Creating Romance" at the Scarborough Inn

Creating Romance

Creating ROMANCE is something couples can do all year long - not just for Valentine's Day. Here's a list to help get you started:

1. Recreate your first date.

2. Send a love note or email - just to say "I love you" - even without a special occasion.

3. Plant flowers or a tree that will bloom every year around your anniversary.

4. Create a play list of favorite, meaningful songs.

5. Plan a romantic getaway at the Scarborough Inn. Personalize your stay with our "Create-Your-Own-Package" feature that allows you to create a memorable vacation getaway - just for the two of you!


INNsider Tips:
Find additional romantic ideas here  Dose of Romance

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

Groundhog Day Traditions

Phil?

"The weather-predicting powers of the groundhog never sounded completely ridiculous to me until I was explaining the American tradition of Groundhog Day to an English friend during my semester abroad in Nottingham."

“You mean to tell me a furry creature pops out of a hole in the ground and you let its shadow tell you what the weather will be like?”

"Yes, in fact, that’s exactly what we do."

The above is the introduction to an article about international weather-predicting traditions. And, I've got to admit, put like that it DOES sound pretty ridiculous! Oh well, traditions you know! And probably no more incredible than Easter bunnies, or Leprechauns, or...whatever!

Apparently. Americans are not the only ones with odd weather-predicting traditions.  Around the world there are many other animals involved in weather prognostication including bears, hedgehogs, and frogs. A number of saints are also involved in the "business" and the weather on their Feast Day is said to be indicative of the climate for days or seasons.

To read more about fascinating weather-predicting traditions around the world, visit the BootsnAll website. And just for old time's sake, let's watch Groundhog Day one more time!

Here's to Punxsutawney Phil...and second chances!

INNsider Tip: Groundhog Day is February 2.  And here in Ocean City we have our own unique weather-predicting animal - hermit crab, MARTIN Z. MOLLUSK,  who specializes in predicting the start of Summer!  He was recently featured in an ANIMAL PLANET video on unusual pets. 

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

"Chinese Dragon Boats," at the Jersey Shore!

Chinese Dragon Boat (bow)

Chinese Dragon Boats provide a very ancient mode of racing competition; but are a very new addition to the Jersey Shore. 

In fact, I first heard of these races from a fellow innkeeper who belongs to a woman's team in a nearby community.  A few weeks ago, a local news article announced the formation of a Dragon Boat team in Cape May!  So, time to check out this amazing water sport! 

Apparently, Dragon Boat Racing originated in China at about the same time as the ancient Olympic games in Greece.  With the Olympiad, these races share "...aspects of religious observance and community celebration along with competition."

Races take place in long, narrow boats decorated in brilliant colors, the bow of which is crowned with a dragon's head - of course!  They are propelled through the water by a team of synchronized rowers.  The standard crew of a contemporary dragon boat is 22 - 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 sweep at the stern of the boat to steer or guide the craft.

I imagine the races are both colorful and very exciting.  Maybe during your next Ocean City vacation, we'll be able to tell you where to watch a Chinese Dragon Boat race - imagine that!

INNsider Tips:
For additional information about Dragon Boat Racing Wikipedia or an article about local racing teams.

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