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Now Jilly's has a presence all over the boardwalk, but when Emma was growing up, the arcade and the ice cream shop attached to it were the only places with the Jilly's name! They've opened a few more storefronts since then, but the arcade has not changed much. We're Skee-Ball lovers ourselves, and Bryan enjoys getting a full workout on the DDR machine. Pinball fans might want to stop by to see the impressive collection of pinball machines.
Emma went here many times as a kid and introduced Bryan to the taffy. Now he has his own favorites, too. We always end up with a few pounds of taffy from here when we leave town. They also sell fudge and classic chocolates like cherry cordials. Emma really likes those. There's a taffy pulling and wrapping machine in the back where they make everything. Another time capsule of a store on the boardwalk.
This shop is one of the last of its kind on the boardwalk, with a mix of silly toys that will throw you back to childhood, kites, circus equipment, pirate gear, and beautiful laser-engraved wood artwork. It's one of those stores that makes more sense when you step inside and feel it than when you listen to someone tell you about it. We're grateful it exists.
Serves standard diner fare for breakfast, but eating on the water is like nothing else. Make sure you request a table outside.
Unique oddities store that guarantees you will crack a smile within thirty seconds of entering. One of Bryan's favorites. Things you didn't know you wanted and blasts from the past. The website is a 3-dimensional tour of the store that probably explains better than we can.
Did you think you had to go to a Disney park to have Dole Whip? You were wrong!
There are many places to rent surreys (the covered pedal cars that you can take on the boardwalk before noon each day), but this is the place we always end up going ourselves. They also rent bikes and tandem bikes that can be taken the entire 2.5 mile length of the boards.
Emma grew up drinking milkshakes and marveling at the artwork in this historic building. By the time Bryan got his chance to visit, the Chatterbox had been re-opened under new ownership. Thankfully, they pay a wonderful homage to the beloved Chatterbox from Emma's childhood, and the food is still delicious. Go hungry.
Bryan had never had pizza like the kind Piccini's serves until his first trip to Ocean City. Now it's hard to convince him we don't need it for dinner EVERY night we're there.
We didn't ever think we'd have a favorite oil and vinegar shop, but now that we do, it doesn't really surprise us.