For All Seasons- Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City, New Jersey is best known as America’s Favorite Family Resort. What the crowds of summer vacationers often don’t seem to realize is that after the sun sets on the last swim of the season and the lights on the Ferris wheels are darkened, this town doesn’t hibernate!

Of course, the pace of the town slows along with the traffic, and those fortunate enough to live here year round welcome the change, knowing that the slower pace doesn’t mean there’s less to do.

Ocean City is home to many unique festivals in the shoulder and off seasons. In the Fall, especially during Indian Summer Weekend, sales abound on Asbury Avenue, the heart of downtown, and on the boardwalk, where merchants clear those formerly hot summer items for a song. A festival on the boardwalk, in early autumn, gives free information, goodies, drawings, and even a free lunch for Seniors!

Free horse and buggy rides with Santa for children of all ages on the three Saturdays preceding Christmas and one of the best First Night celebrations in the country on New Year’s Eve are delightful winter events . The Quiet Festival and Block Party on Asbury Avenue during late winter and early spring add to annual fun. Besides being events where bargains can be found, they serve as connections for those who live here year round or those who visit on a regular basis.

A developing arts community is responsible for the First Friday Art Walks that also take place on ”the Avenue” throughout the year. Participants can view art work, shop, visit, and even win a piece of art! A free publication called ArtWatch is available at many locations and keeps art mavens informed of goings-on, in addition to offering a forum for local poets, musicians, and visual artists. The city has its own arts center and gallery along with the cooperative found downtown.

There’s always the beach! Along with the change of seasons, the beach offers changing scenes. In the fall and late spring, there are those exceptional days that offer a bonuses to a local grabbing book and chair to sit on a beach that’s become a private retreat. The changing
colors of the sky and water remind that beach sitter or walker that it isn’t summer and that she is indeed among a fortunate few.

It’s an open secret- Ocean City, New Jersey is a year round treasure hidden in plain sight.