Whether you’re in a beach town or not, the question of what to do on a rainy day is always asked. The common answer is probably to stay in bed or watch a movie. But in a time where technology and screens are ever-present, why not take a step back and enter a world of nostalgia and fun?
The Board Room, located at 1123 Asbury Ave. in Ocean City, is hoping to become your new place for old-time fun. It’s a space where kids and adults alike can unplug, play a board game of their choice, and stay a while.
Locals Lauren and Nick Deckard have been softly open since May and will celebrate their grand opening on July 10. The idea is a “stay and play” game room where locals and visitors can drop in during operating hours and pay $5 per hour per person to play. There’s also a retail side, offering games you typically wouldn’t find just anywhere.
“We really wanted to add something to the community, especially as locals. We have two kids and our son is just always on screens. Even in school they’re using them all day, and then he comes home and it’s more screens,” Lauren said. “We’re super nostalgic on all ’90s things, loving board games, and we thought, ‘You know what? We think everyone could benefit from this.’ So, we just wanted to help bring the games aspect back to the community.”
While the couple is still getting everything in place ahead of their grand opening, the shop is open to visitors now. You can stop in to play right there or browse the unique games available for purchase. In the future, they plan to add themed nights, tournaments, and even classes into the mix.
Feedback from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Both children and adults have enjoyed the space, and on recent rainy days, the shop has been packed.
Fun and nostalgia are the feelings they want everyone to experience the moment they step inside The Board Room.
“We want to play up the nostalgia. Make this a place for everyone. Local kids are super stoked already, but we want all generations to enjoy it too,” Deckard said. “I feel like we’re all so dependent on our phones nowadays, but it’s like — wait — we used to do this and play these games before. Let’s go do it again.”
No matter the game you’re in the mood for, The Board Room probably has it among its library of over 160 titles.
“We have everything from party games, strategy games, board games, kid games (6 and under), classics like Monopoly, chess, Scrabble, just everything really,” Nick Deckard said. “I’d say we have pretty much every base covered of games people would want to play.”
And while the current game collection is impressive, the Deckards plan to keep growing it. With a wide mix of games for young children through adults, it’s a perfect spot for families to spend the day, unplug, and make new memories all together.
During the summer, The Board Room will be open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
You can stop by now, but the grand opening on July 10 is not to be missed. In addition to a ribbon cutting and celebration, they’re welcoming a very special guest: Dave Tarnowski, bestselling author and creator of the viral sensation “Disappointing Affirmations.” Known for his brutally honest (and hilariously accurate) take on modern life, Dave has built a massive following of over 3 million on Instagram (@disappointingaffirmations).
The grand opening kicks off with a ribbon cutting by Ocean City officials at noon, and the screen-free celebration continues until 2 p.m. It’s free to attend, family-friendly, and will feature giveaways, snacks, nostalgic game vibes, and a chance to reconnect, no screens required.
“I want this place to be a million things, but right now the goal is to provide a space for the community to reconnect and have fun again,” Deckard said. “We want to solidify this place and of course the goal is to expand later on — whether that be a bigger space, incorporating food and drink, or whatever the opportunity is.”
