From D.C. to Philly: Ocean City, History, and Roadside Eats
When the Journey Becomes the Destination
The thing about being avid travelers like we are is that we never really stick to a straight line. What fun would that be? So, when we left Washington D.C. with Philadelphia as our destination, you might assume we’d take the direct route. But that’s not how we roll. Instead, we veered wildly off course, all the way to Ocean City, Maryland. Why? Because we were close to the ocean, and when you love to travel like we do, sometimes you just go wherever the waves call you. This little side trip, though unplanned, became a part of our larger journey, creating memories we hadn’t even expected.
A Little Ocean City History
Before we dive into the tale of our Ocean City adventure, let's uncover the backstory on this charming coastal town. Ocean City, Maryland, is one of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast. However, it wasn’t always a bustling tourist hub. In 1869, Isaac Coffin built the first beach-front cottage to attract paying guests, marking the beginning of what would become a tourism boom.
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Originally, Ocean City was a small fishing village. But by 1875, the Atlantic Hotel opened its doors, signaling the start of its transformation into a popular summer resort. Ocean City became the place where folks from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and beyond would flock for a taste of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it’s known for its family-friendly atmosphere, bustling boardwalk, and classic beach vibes.
Arriving in Ocean City at Night
After a day of sightseeing in Washington D.C., which involved a lot of walking and soaking up history, we were ready for something different. We packed up the car, set the GPS for Ocean City, and embarked on the three-hour drive. By the time we arrived, it was already night. The boardwalk lights glistened in the distance, but fatigue hit us like a wave. Instead of exploring right away, we checked into our hotel and called it a night.
We were exhausted from the long day in D.C. and the drive that followed, but there’s something calming about falling asleep knowing you’re just a stone’s throw from the ocean. The distant sound of waves made for the perfect lullaby.
Breakfast at Happy Jacks and a Morning Boardwalk Stroll
The next morning, we were ready to take on Ocean City. We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Happy Jacks, a local spot known for its no-nonsense breakfast options and friendly atmosphere. The pancakes? Fluffy and just the right kind of sweet. The coffee? Strong enough to wake us up from our travel-induced haze. We sat there, enjoying the morning calm before heading out to explore.
Post-breakfast, we made our way to the famous Ocean City boardwalk. Walking along the 3-mile stretch of wooden planks, the fresh morning ocean air reinvigorated us. There’s something special about walking by the water, especially when you know you’ve got a whole day ahead of you.
As we strolled, we passed the iconic amusement parks, perfect for families looking for fun. Trimper's Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park stood out with their timeless appeal. The laughter of kids, the whirl of carnival rides, and the smell of funnel cake wafting in the breeze added to the festive vibe.
Although we didn’t hop on any rides that day, we made mental notes for future visits, especially because this place is a family-friendly haven. Amusement parks by the ocean? A dream come true for kids and adults alike.
After the boardwalk stroll, we decided to take a quick drive around Ocean City to get a sense of what the town had to offer. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, we were crossing the state line into Delaware! That’s the beauty of road trips—you never know where you’ll end up. This wasn’t part of the plan, but hey, we love surprises.
Dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at Glen Riddle Golf Club
The real highlight of our day in Ocean City was dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. But this wasn’t just any Ruth’s Chris. This one was located at the Glen Riddle Golf Club, which used to be the stable building of the famous Riddle Farm. Now, we don’t golf, so it wasn’t the course that drew us in—it was the history.
Riddle Farm was originally constructed in the 1920s and became the home of some of the most celebrated racehorses in American history. The two most famous horses housed there were War Admiral and Man o’ War, both of whom are considered legends in the world of horse racing. Man o’ War won 20 of his 21 races, while War Admiral, his grandson, captured the Triple Crown in 1937. The stable building, which is now home to Ruth’s Chris, was where these equine champions lived.
Dining in a space with such history was fascinating. The rustic charm of the old stable, paired with the elegance of the restaurant, made for an unforgettable dining experience. The food, as you’d expect from Ruth’s Chris, was impeccable. Both of our meals were cooked to perfection. The drinks were top-notch, and the service was exceptional. It was the perfect way to end our day in Ocean City.
Continuing the Journey to Philadelphia via Dover, Delaware
The next day, it was time to hit the road again. Our destination? Philadelphia. But first, we had another travel tradition to uphold. When we’re passing through a state, we always make it a point to stop for breakfast or lunch, even if we don’t have a lot time to spend in that state. This time, our route took us through Dover, Delaware, and right by Delaware State University.
Delaware State University (DSU) was established on May 15, 1891, as the State College for Colored Students under the Morrill Act of 1890, which aimed to provide land-grant institutions for African Americans in states that practiced segregation. It is one of the country’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and has played a vital role in providing education to African Americans for more than a century. The university has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and is well-known for its research contributions in areas such as agriculture, optics, and neuroscience.
Nature's Symphony
Delaware State University continues to be an essential institution for education, diversity, and community empowerment, offering opportunities to students of all backgrounds while maintaining its proud HBCU legacy.
Grey Fox Grille & Public House
We stopped for lunch at the Grey Fox Grille & Public House, a cozy, welcoming establishment that quickly won us over. The building itself has some history, as it’s located in a Victorian home that dates back to the late 1800s.
Nature's Symphony
Faces of Humanity
Beyond Boundaries
Sands of Time
The food was delicious, but what really made the experience special was the owner. She came over to our table to chat with us, sharing stories about the restaurant and the town. It’s these little moments that make road trips so rewarding—you never know who you’ll meet or what local gems you’ll discover.
Reflecting on the Road Trip Experience
As we got back in the car to continue our journey to Philadelphia, we reflected on the spontaneity of our trip. We realized that these kinds of adventures—where you detour off the main route and explore places you didn’t initially plan to—are what make road trips so special. If we had flown from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia, we would’ve missed out on Ocean City’s boardwalk, dinner in a historic stable, and a chance encounter with a friendly restaurant owner in Dover. It’s these little detours, these unexpected moments, that create the best memories.
By the time we reached Philadelphia, we were tired but content. This trip was supposed to be about getting from point A to point B, but it became so much more than that. It became a testament to the beauty of the journey itself, the joy of discovering new places, and the simple pleasure of spending time together on the open road.
And now another adventure begins......Hello Philly!
