The nights are getting a little cooler; it’s a mass exodus as college students pack up three months worth of memories and leave town; younger kids grudgingly accept that days spent on the beaches and in pools are soon to be replaced with classrooms and homework—summer is drawing to a close.  As much as this can be downright painful to accept, it also means that it’s time to save a little money, and who doesn’t look forward to that opportunity?

Tax Free Shopping

Just in time for back to school, it’s tax free shopping in Maryland during the current week (August 14-20^th), referred to as Shop Maryland Week.  Some stipulations do apply.  Individual items of apparel or footwear (no accessories) must be priced under $100, but the tax free discount is still applied to bills totaling $100 or more.  The state could lose as much as 15 million in revenue, but the incentive could boost retail sales as much as ten percent, certainly a big win for local merchants. 

In the immediate Ocean City area, there are many locally owned surf shops and retail stores, among them--K-Coast, Quiet Storm, Chauncy’s, Malibus, South Moon Under, and Ragamuffin--offering clothing akin to the unique style-perspective of beach culture.

Discount shopping thrives just over the Route 50 Bridge in West Ocean City.  The White Marlin Mall houses Marshalls, the popular discount conglomerate.  The Ocean City Factory Outlets (recently acquired by Tanger Outlets who own the much larger outlets in Rehoboth, DE), features Gap, Aeropostale, Calvin Klein, The Children’s Place, and many others. 

Ocean City Hotel Week

The name is actually a bit of a misnomer, in a positive way.  Ocean City Hotel Week is more than just the usual seven days, it’s 12 days of deals offered through the Thursday prior to Labor Day, (Sunday August 21^st through Thursday September 1^st).  This time period is notoriously slow (read--pleasantly so, after the craziness of a crowded summer.)  Vacationers return home to prepare for back to school, but all of the activities and excitement of the busy season still abound.  It’s really the ideal time for a vacation.

Deals include free night stays (at certain hotels if you purchase 3, 4, or 5 nights), overall lowered rates, or up to 25% off your stay.  There are still plenty of free activities to enjoy like free movies and concerts on the beach, demonstrations at the lifesaving museum and Sundaes in the Park.

For more information visit www.oceancityhotelweek.com

Additional Deals

Even more discounts are found all around town.  Visit www.oceancitydeals.com for deals on family fun, outdoor activities, restaurants, hotels and much more.  Sign up for deals direct to your email too.