Stepping Into the Past

We visited the Ocean City Boardwalk today. According to their website, "The Boardwalk, officially known as Atlantic Avenue, dates back to 1902, when several oceanfront hotel owners got together and constructed a wooden walkway for the convenience of their guests. At high tide, it was rolled up and stored on hotel porches. Around 1910, a permanent promenade was built. It ran about five blocks and was expanded to 15th Street in the 1920's. After being leveled by a storm in March of 1962, it was rebuilt to its present 2.5 mile length, ending at 27th Street." 

The shops were typical of those you'd find at any boardwalk - candy, souvenirs, funnel cake, etc. and most were closed for the winter, but you can still buy popcorn and t-shirts.  Candy Kitchen must be doing really well, because we saw 3 of their shops along the way.

We tried to imagine how chaotic it must be in the summer, with 2.5 miles of teenagers, parents, small children and various fun-seeking tourists, all there to party and to enjoy the rides and the junk food. I was glad that I got to see it during a quiet time. We've also seen amusement parks in Panama City and Tampa, and they all have one foot in the past and one in the present and they all remind me of Santa Cruz.  Long live boardwalks!