New Years Eve By The Sea

Santa hasn't yet arrived, but it's not too early to start making plans for New Years Eve.  I've been checking out the events planned in the DE/MD resort towns and I'm trying to decide if I should venture out to party, or plan a quiet dinner at home.  Here are some options to consider if you're planning to head toward the sun and sand to ring in the new year:




1.  Fireworks at Northside Park (OCMD)

In conjunction with the Winterfest of Lights, Ocean City will be hosting a fireworks display (at midnight).  There will be live entertainment, warm hot chocolate, and the opportunity to ride through the light display one more time and listen to Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" over and over and over and over while waiting in line for an hour or more.

2.  New Years Eve at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach
Tickets are $100, but you get dinner, open bar all night, champagne toast @ midnight, free coat check, free photo booth, and a free fortune teller.  Entertainment includes The Rockets, Love Seed Mama Jump, and DJ Hector.  Plenty of Dewey motels are offering deals for those who don't think they can drive home after the festivities as well.


3.  Boardwalk Plaza (Rehoboth Beach) 2 Night New Years Package

Stay Tue/Wed or Wed/Thur at this Victorian-Style hotel sitting right on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.  Package includes:  2 splits of champagne with 2 logo flutes on arrival, DJ and dancing in the banquet hall, breakfast or New Years Day brunch (Thursday only) in the hotel restaurant, and a late (1 PM) check-out.  They don't list the price for this package, but their regular winter rate for a 2 night package is nearly $500 so...yeah.

4.  Ocean City, MD Hotels - New Years Eve Party Packages

There are way too many of these to list.  Follow the link above to get details.  Lots of food,

fun, entertainment, and discounted hotel rooms.  They all pretty much follow the same formula - free food, drink, DJ or band, and, most likely, some party hats and noisemakers.

5.  Penguin Swim

For all the crazy people who aren't too hung over to raise money for charity on January 1, you can dip your toes (or your tush) in the Atlantic to benefit Atlantic General Hospital.  Registration is at 11:30 at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel (91st St.) and the "swim" starts at 1.  Suggested donation is $25, but there is no minimum amount required to participate.

Whatever your plans, make them early and make sure that you have safe transportation back to your home or hotel.