Winter Weekends at the Beach

The wind is blowing, the temperatures are well below what they should be and there's even been snow on the ground.

If you are cooped up in your office or hibernating at home, it's time to break out and get a change of scenery.

Ocean City is a great place to go in the winter. You may only think of Ocean City as offering beaches and expensive hotels, but there is so much more. 
 
Besides taking in the beautiful views of the ocean, winter weekends provide a great opportunity to visit popular Worcester County attractions including Assateague Island, Ocean City Factory Outlets, historic Berlin, antique shopping and Ocean Downs new casino.

Visitors also may want to take a day to discover Salisbury, home to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, suburban shopping, historic downtown with antique stores, or take a drive to Crisfield and other areas with the essence of the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. 

As even more motiviation, there are great package deals available during this time of year and you won't have to fight the summer crowds. There are numerous hotels offering a variety of package deals and specials. 

Built in the style of Ocean City's Victorian era, the Dunes Manor Hotel is truly one of a kind. With its unique design, all guestrooms are oceanfront with a balcony, each offering a spectacular view of the ocean.

Dunes Manor Hotel is located at 28th street and Oceanfront. Every day at 3 p.m. a complimentary afternoon of tea and crumpets are offered. After a dip in the heated pool and Jacuzzi dine at the oceanfront Victorian Room and Zippy Lewis Lounge. The weekend rate for a room is $84 but if you go during the week it is only $54 a night. Reservations can be made at www.dunesmanor.com

If you not only like a great view of the ocean but easy access to the famous boardwalk check out the Paradise Plaza Inn located at 9th and Boardwalk. The extra large guest rooms and suites with varying views of the ocean and will leave you with a vacation to remember. The suites have upscale amenities and start as low as $80 on the weekends. The hotel updates its web site with weekly specials, check them out at www.paradiseplazainn.com.
 
If you are looking for a weekend away that will leave you refreshed and recharged head to Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites on 17th street. The hotel features beautiful oceanfront luxury suites with full kitchens. Before going to your suite, take a stroll through the four-story atrium that surrounds the indoor pool and the Coral Reef Café & Bar. 

The Holiday Inn is offering an incredible spa weekend package through Feb. 27. Included are two overnight accommodations, breakfast vouchers and drink coupons. Plus, a one-hour massages for you and your partner at a lavish off-site spa. For more information on this package call 1-800-833-1633. 
 
If you want to get away from the cold of old man winter head east with no summer traffic and affordable luxury hotels are abound. Whether you go for the marathon shopping trip or a day at the spa, Ocean City will help you beat those winter blues.