I love going to Ocean City. I have been going pretty much my whole life. There are probably very few summers in my 34 years, when I didn't have a least one weekend in Ocean City. And yes, that is NJ, not MD. And yes, it is a dry island. No buying liquor (or beer or wine) on the island. But fear not, there are plenty of places to patronize just across any of the bridges. You won’t have to go thirsty. So the fact that it is dry isn't my issue. My issue is the rules. The rules requiring all sorts of things that have to happen while you’re there. Like have Mallon’s sticky buns, Kohr Bros frozen custard, and pizza. Go on the go-carts, ride bikes, play skee-ball, ride the rides. Let’s not forget playing tennis, jumping in the pool, seeing a sunset, and going to the beach, where you must of course play paddle ball. Rules. It can be an exhausting mental challenge, trying to figure out how to fit everything in. And if there are new visitors, there needs to be fudge (from Steele’s), salt water taffy (from Shriver’s), and god forbid if someone decides they want to try something new – sure the fries and caramel corn look great, but they aren't part of the weekend itinerary! It is heralded as “America’s Greatest Family Resort” and I tend to agree. If there just wasn't so much good stuff to fit in, it might be relaxing too.

Flip Flops & Passports