Hidden Gems of Ocean City

By Phoebe Prettyman There are so many amazing places to eat and shop at in Ocean City, it can be hard to branch out and find places outside of your “usual”. Among the mainstream businesses there is a plethora of “hidden gems” throughout the town. Everything from ice cream shops to boutiques, there is something for everyone. When you are looking for a tasty but healthy treat you have to try Spoon & Sip, located on Asbury Avenue. It is a new business that has a unique story. Store owner, Britney Stein, grew up in Ocean City and always envisioned herself as a business owner. Over the past year, her dream came true. On December 1^st, at the age of 19, she opened her very own café that specializes in healthy treats including frozen yogurt, smoothie bowls, juices, and smoothies. “Our big thing is personalization” Stein explained while talking about their philosophy. Everything they offer is made to order and can be personalized to satisfy the customers likes. They are also very involved with the community. They have participated in many events such as “Dancing for Hailey”, OCHS After Prom, Friday with Friends, and many more. Stein believes it is important to stay involved in the community to establish a local vibe and especially since they are opened all year round. Go to 838 Asbury Ave for a sweet and healthy treat! Santucci’s walk-up counter gives customers the option to eat on the go. When you are craving something savory, Santucci’s Origninal Square Pizza on the boardwalk is a must. This pizzeria specializes in deep dish pizza, different than any other pizza in Ocean City. Store manager Leo Castillo explains, “the pizza is like a deep dish [because of] the thickness and the sauce, with the cheese on the bottom and the sauce on the top it is like an upside down pizza basically”. This restaurant is an expansion to their business located in Philadelphia. Castillo explained how they wanted to bring a high quality and different kind of pizza to the boardwalk to add depth to the already existing options. Taste the difference at this authentic restaurant located between 9^th and 10^th street on the boardwalk! Scoop Box has plenty of outdoor seating and is a perfect place to enjoy a frozen treat. If you are looking for a splurge, you have to try the ice cream at the Scoop Box. This little Ice Cream shop has an interesting history. Located on the corner of 34^th Street and West Avenue, this shop is a part of the 34^th Street Market. The Scoop Box, formerly known as the Crab Box, became an addition to the market in 2007. The 34^th Street Market, that has been around for over 40 years, offers locally grown fresh produce, flowers, bike rentals, and of course ice cream! The Scoop Box has both hand scooped and soft serve ice cream with dozens of toppings to choose from. Longtime employee Issy Gilhooley told me about her favorites, “I like the hot waffles because you can get whatever ice cream and toppings you want I also like the salted Carmel pretzel and birthday cake ice cream!”. The possibilities and combonations of delicious treats are endless. Be sure to treat yourself to some dessert at the Scoop Box on 34^th Street and West Avenue! Sand & Stitch boutique is an ideal place to stop as you take a stroll on the Boardwalk. When you are looking for a boutique, stop by Sand and Stitch! They are entering their second year on the boardwalk and it is a must for any fashionista. This ladies’ boutique focuses on high quality and trendy clothing. With both women’s dresses and athleisure wear, there is something for every girl. Meryl Bangelov, store owner, explained how they, “wanted to do something new and fresh”. That is just what they did by bringing this shop to the Ocean City boardwalk. There are so many t-shirt stores, pizza places, surf shops, and beach necessity stores. Therefore, this boutique is unique because they add a different type of product to the mix. Stop by Sand and Stich located in between 8^th and 9^th street on the boardwalk!