By Steffen Klenk
At two and a half miles long, the Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the most popular destinations for visitors and locals alike. With prime views of the ocean, and plenty of family-friendly amenities, there is something for everyone at America’s Greatest Family Resort. I recently had the opportunity to walk from end-to-end in search of the boardwalk’s most famed attractions.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier: Families will instantly notice the bright lights of the Ferris wheel while arriving over Route 52 Causeway. Wonderland is arguably one of the top family attractions on the boardwalk. The concept first came to fruition by David Gillian, who, according to Gillian’s website, probably spent more time on the Boardwalk than any other living individual. Mr. Gillian first played trap drums at C. Elwood Carpenter’s Dance Club, at the site of the Moorlyn Theater. Then, in 1917, he was transferred to the Hippodrome, Ocean City’s largest pier at the time, home to amusements, dancing, and vaudeville.
In October 1927, a boardwalk fire destroyed the Hippodrome and the pier was never rebuilt. It was during this tenure that Gillian decided to open a Fun Deck at Plymouth Place, with top attractions including a Merry-Go-Round and Ferris Wheel. In 1965, David’s son, Roy Gillian, decided to open his own amusement pier at 6th Street and the Boardwalk, the former home of Stainton’s Playland. Decades later, the amusement park continues to be a family destination for all.
Ocean City Music Pier: It is an entertainment venue worth talking about. Some of the biggest names in entertainment have performed at this legendary venue in recent years, including The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker, and, most recently, Kristen Chenoweth. It is also home to the annual Miss Ocean City pageant and OC Pops. The Music Pier dates back to 1928 when construction began on a brand-new concert hall for the community. It was formally dedicated on July 4, 1929, delighting entertaining crowds with the sounds of the Municipal orchestra twice a day, seven days a week.
Did you know that there was a lookout tower on top of the Music Pier? It was constructed in 1941, during the height of World War II, to keep watch for enemy aircraft. The sight was manned 24 hours a day. While that feature of the building has since been dismantled, the Music Pier continues to become one of the city’s most famous and cherished landmarks. Major renovations have been made to upgrade the sound, stage, and lighting, with video projection screens recently added.
Manco & Manco Pizza: Nothing says summertime quite like Manco & Manco. It is a name synonymous with Ocean City tradition. Even Kelsey Grammer, the star of the hit TV sitcom Frasier, was recently spotted here while on vacation. The first pizza parlor opened at 918 Boardwalk in the summer of 1956. Years later, a second location was added at 7th Street and the Boardwalk, followed by the expansion of a third parlor at 12th Street.
Part of what makes Manco’s tradition is the pizza making process. Eyes are dazzled as the dough is twisted, pulled, and turned in the air. And while many customers still prefer a tasty plain slice, new offerings have since been introduced, including buffalo chicken and veggie lovers. You will also find wings, tenders, and fries on their menu at 9th Street. Even through all the changes, their dedication to providing customers with the tastiest pizza around continues to make them stand out above the rest.
Kohr Bros: After a long, fun night strolling the boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds, nothing beats that mouth-water soft serve you’ll find at Kohr Bros. Their frozen custard was first introduced by a Archie Kohr in 1917. The schoolteacher from York, PA purchased an ice cream machine powered entirely by a gas engine. He, along with younger brothers, Elton and Lester, wanted to expand the dairy business run from their family’s farm.
After experimenting with their recipe, their uncle, Sylvester Kohr, urged the brother to take their new machine to the shore. In 1919, a small booth opened on the lively Coney Island Boardwalk, and the rest is history.
Playland’s Castaway Cove: This amusement destination has been bringing smiles to families for over 60 years. The park boasts a number of attractions, including the GaleForce Roller Coaster, Double Shot, and Ferris wheel. Take a ride on the classic train car and see all that Playland has to offer. While the park itself has been rebuilding the front boardwalk entrance, the iconic galleon and pirate will soon return, along with plans for a brand-new landmark coaster, set to open in 2025.
Flander’s Hotel: While the Flander’s itself sits only a few short steps from the boardwalk, this iconic Ocean City landmark is complete with a history that can’t be beaten. In fact, July 23, 2023, marks Flander’s 100th Anniversary. It was after World War I when city officials prompted the idea of a hotel to drive the city’s potential. The Chamber of Commerce voiced their support for the idea, and that completion of the Ben Franklin Bridge would drive more visitors to the Jersey Shore.
As a result, business leaders and citizens formed the Ocean Front Hotel Corporation to bring their vision to light. Construction began shortly thereafter, and in 1923, the 232-room hotel opened its doors. To this day, the Flander’s lives up to its name as the Queen of Ocean City Hotels. In celebration of its centennial, Flander’s is hosting monthly high teas, along with a formal celebration later this year.
Johnson’s Popcorn: Since 1940, Johnson’s has been serving the Ocean City community and beyond with the delicious taste of caramel popcorn. It is made in large copper kettles, and the mixing process draws plenty of crowds and hungry guests. They are also one of the few boardwalk businesses open year-round at their 14th Street location. You can also find them further up the boards across from the Music Pier and at 6th Street.
The Beach: Nothing completes an Ocean City trip quite like a day at the beach. USA Today has recently named Ocean City as the Best Beach in the Northeast. The good news: it is only steps off the boardwalk. Grab your beach chair, boogie board, sunscreen, and plenty of water, and soak up the sunshine. Beach tags are available for purchase at the Music Pier Information Center, City Hall, and the Welcome Centers.
Events Galore: There is so much to see and do along the Ocean City boardwalk all summer long. Tuesday nights are Mummers nights. Watch as your favorite string bands strut from 6th – 14th Streets, or enjoy Family Fun Night on Thursdays, featuring live music and entertainment. The Annual Baby Parade, held in August, is one of the oldest in the country, with children ranging from newborns to school-age, showcasing their creativity and cuteness. And you can ring in the Fourth of July with a dazzling display of fireworks overlooking the ocean.
While you find yourself walking the boards this summer, be sure to check out some of these legendary Ocean City landmarks and you will soon find out why you’re in America’s Greatest Family Resort. Stay tuned next week for part two in this series, as I take you along Asbury Avenue.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
