West Ocean City

The Palestinian immigrant and his brother lived next door to each other in homes in West Ocean City , over the years opening a number of businesses throughout the area — three pizza shops, a Mexican restaurant, a liquor store, gas stations, and development companies, court records show. This week, however, authorities in New York alleged that Basel, 42, and Samir Ramadan, 39, were also at the top of a multimillion-dollar cigarette-smuggling ring and said they believe members of the organization may have funneled some of their proceeds to terrorist groups.

Going to the beach doesn't simply mean getting a killer tan. There's also plenty of great fashion and home décor finds along the way. Here's a guide to places to shop while visiting the shore. Ron Jon Surf Shop The iconic retailer, now based in Florida but originally launched in New Jersey, is opening its first Maryland location in Ocean City this month. The shop is known for its surf-centric inventory, ranging from boards and wetsuits to swimsuits and casual beachwear, outwear and even jewelry.

The weekend is so close you can taste it. If you're headed east to the Atlantic, take a look at our guide to 100 Best Beach Eats , which covers Ocean City, West Ocean City and Delaware towns stretching from Fenwick Island to Lewes. It might be hard to get to on a busy weekend, when the Ocean Gateway (Route 50) is bumper to bumper, but sometime this summer make sure you stop by the Shrimp Boat on Stephen Decatur Highway. This 23-year-old roadside shack is the real deal, where the locals have always come to buy fresh seafood and steamed-while-you-wait shrimp.

One of the joys of the beach is its consistency. The tide rises and falls without fail, the sun casts a glow over the water every morning and every night. But Ocean City , for all its constants, continually delivers fresh adventures. We've put together a calendar of something fun to do in Ocean City nearly every day, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Many, but not all, are free, and most are suitable for the entire family. MAY May 23: Check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum . From May 21 through June 22, as a thank-you for their service, admission is free for police, firefighters, EMTs, active duty service members, veterans, and members of the Armed Forces.

Going to the beach doesn't simply mean getting a killer tan. There's also plenty of great fashion and home décor finds along the way. Here's a guide to places to shop while visiting the shore. Ron Jon Surf Shop The iconic retailer, now based in Florida but originally launched in New Jersey, is opening its first Maryland location in Ocean City this month. The shop is known for its surf-centric inventory, ranging from boards and wetsuits to swimsuits and casual beachwear, outwear and even jewelry.

Ocean City vacationers and day-trippers with an appetite for organic produce won't go hungry this summer.O. C. Organics, a tiny shop on U.S. 50 in West Ocean City, is stocked with an array of fresh organic items, such as tomatoes, apples and potatoes; frozen foods, including chicken, emu and bison; and staples, like breads, spices and pasta.The store, which opened in November, is the healthful dream of Chris Ware, 37, who lives in Berlin. Ware started the organic foods co-op after she had a difficult time finding organic produce she liked on the Shore.

WEST OCEAN CITY - Once known as "the other side of town," this waterfront community across Sinepuxent Bay from its flashy beach neighbor is shucking its ugly-sister image. For decades, West Ocean City has been home to a commercial fishing fleet and other gritty maritime businesses. But developers have discovered its spectacular views of Assateague Island and the resort skyline, and property values have doubled in three years. Boaters with sleek yachts and flashy fishing vessels, drawn by a new 200-slip marina, are snapping up luxury condominiums as fast as they are built.

One of the joys of the beach is its consistency. The tide rises and falls without fail, the sun casts a glow over the water every morning and every night. But Ocean City , for all its constants, continually delivers fresh adventures. We've put together a calendar of something fun to do in Ocean City nearly every day, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Many, but not all, are free, and most are suitable for the entire family. MAY May 23: Check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum . From May 21 through June 22, as a thank-you for their service, admission is free for police, firefighters, EMTs, active duty service members, veterans, and members of the Armed Forces.

In the off-season, Ocean City often adds some new feature for tourists: a miniature golf course perhaps, a seafood restaurant or maybe a bar that caters to the beachgoing crowd. But here's a possible addition that might not be so welcome - parking meters north of 10 t h Street. On Friday, the Ocean City Council is expected to be briefed on a proposal to create a whopping 4,800 paid parking spaces. The most ambitious version of the plan would require visitors to pay for parking at any space along the streets on the Atlantic Ocean side of Coastal Highway from 10 t h Street to the Delaware line.

In Anne Arundel Arnold man, 48, killed in motorcycle accident TRACYS LANDING - An Arnold man was killed Saturday when his motorcycle ran off Leitch Road in Tracys Landing, county police reported. Stephen R. Minard, 48, was driving a 1999 Harley-Davidson east on Leitch Road shortly before 2 p.m. when he lost control of the motorcycle. It went off the road and struck a brick curb, throwing the rider, who hit a wall. Minard, of the 800 block of Mill Creek Road, died at the scene. Police said speed and alcohol appeared to be factors in the accident.

The Palestinian immigrant and his brother lived next door to each other in homes in West Ocean City , over the years opening a number of businesses throughout the area — three pizza shops, a Mexican restaurant, a liquor store, gas stations, and development companies, court records show. This week, however, authorities in New York alleged that Basel, 42, and Samir Ramadan, 39, were also at the top of a multimillion-dollar cigarette-smuggling ring and said they believe members of the organization may have funneled some of their proceeds to terrorist groups.

In the off-season, Ocean City often adds some new feature for tourists: a miniature golf course perhaps, a seafood restaurant or maybe a bar that caters to the beachgoing crowd. But here's a possible addition that might not be so welcome - parking meters north of 10 t h Street. On Friday, the Ocean City Council is expected to be briefed on a proposal to create a whopping 4,800 paid parking spaces. The most ambitious version of the plan would require visitors to pay for parking at any space along the streets on the Atlantic Ocean side of Coastal Highway from 10 t h Street to the Delaware line.

Visitors to Ocean City are often struck by the contrasting fortunes of the vacant Ocean Plaza Mall on 94 t h Street and the bustle of development along U.S. 50 in West Ocean City , with its new Walmart and other big-box stores. There are a number of reasons for this, but one in particular sticks in the resort town's collective craw: double taxation. In essence, property owners in Ocean City have been subsidizing sprawl development outside town limits, a self-destructive policy that can only be described as dumb growth.

When it comes to dining, little things add up to make a restaurant great. That's why The Shark on the Harbor in West Ocean City is a good place to eat. They do a lot of little things right. They have handmade chips. Their dishes have little extras on them, like the seared tuna small plate with pineapple foam and a pineapple ring to help cool the spicy wasabi. They use local ingredients, and they serve local beer. They have really fresh fish, and they get all the spices right. The dining room has windows on all sides, giving you an awesome view of the commercial fishing harbor.

Which weekend is Fourth of July weekend this year? I'm stumped. Since the 4th falls on a Wednesday, neither weekend is closest. But either way, if you come down to the shore before or after the holiday, you have good reason to extend your long weekend by a couple of extra days. With plenty of beach, good food and fireworks at both ends of the town, Ocean City is a great place to spend it. Here are some tips and events to help you get the most out of your extended holiday weekend. 1. On the 4th of July, once you get to Ocean City, stay there.

Last September, the Burley Oak Brewing Company opened up about 8 miles inland in Berlin. The new brewery rapidly gained local popularity, and you can now find their beers in more than 32 bars, including an ever-expanding list in Ocean City. The care with which they make their beers is what has made it a real local favorite. "I think people want a product they connect with more than just your average, mass produced beer," said head brewer Sean Sasscer. "All our beer is made with a lot of love and a lot of local ingredients.

You've heard of once in a blue moon, but what about once in a blue lobster? The crew of The Potluck fishing boat came up with a sparkling catch last week off the shores of Ocean City: a rare blue lobster. Capt. John Gourley brought in the blue lobster with his normal catch to Martin Fish Co. in West Ocean City, where he typically sells his lobsters in the retail market. But a different fate awaits Toby, as the cerulean crustacean is now known. Weighing a little more than a pound, the lobster is destined for the National Aquarium in Washington, according to Ginger Nappi, the assistant manager of Martin Fish Co., where the lobster is currently residing in a tank until aquarium officials arrive.

NEW SECTIONMystic HarbourMystic Harbour, on 300 acres on the Sinepuxent Bay in West Ocean City, is selling 65 lots in the recently opened Goose Run section.Six waterfront lots have a view of Assateague Island National seashore.Mystic Harbour has an Olympic-size swimming pool, a playground and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.A $40 monthly homeowner's fee covers grass cutting and the recreational facilities.To comply with zoning for the Worcester County community, only manufactured homes -- built elsewhere and brought to West Ocean City -- are allowed in Mystic Harbour, where 230 houses have already been erected.

You've heard of once in a blue moon, but what about once in a blue lobster? The crew of The Potluck fishing boat came up with a sparkling catch last week off the shores of Ocean City: a rare blue lobster. Capt. John Gourley brought in the blue lobster with his normal catch to Martin Fish Co. in West Ocean City, where he typically sells his lobsters in the retail market. But a different fate awaits Toby, as the cerulean crustacean is now known. Weighing a little more than a pound, the lobster is destined for the National Aquarium in Washington, according to Ginger Nappi, the assistant manager of Martin Fish Co., where the lobster is currently residing in a tank until aquarium officials arrive.

Okay, so you're in Ocean City and you decide to do some shopping to unwind. If you're looking for some cheap souvenirs, there is nothing wrong with going to your nearest beach-item supermart. Or if you want the mall experience, there's always the recently renovated Tanger Outlets in West Ocean City. But, if you are looking for something beachy to add to your regular wardrobe, here are some of our picks for the best clothes by the beach. Raggamuffin, 2401 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-289-3311.