Empowering Women-Owned Businesses in Ocean City, Maryland’s Vibrant Resort Community

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Mickie Meinhardt and the Buzzed Word

In the midst of the pandemic, 31-year-old writer Mickie Meinhardt left her busy literary life in Brooklyn and returned home to Ocean City, Maryland. During lockdown, she opened the resort town’s only bookstore, the Buzzed Word, located in North Ocean City. This cozy space doubles as a natural-wine bar, stocking a majority of books by writers of color, including works in translation from around the globe. Additionally, the shop champions the local LGBTQ community—having even planned the city’s first Pride event in June.

Dining Experiences in Ocean City

Ocean City still retains its nostalgic charm, reminiscent of its origins as a barrier-island fishing village turned resort in the 19th century. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, boardwalk strolls, and indulging in taffy and funnel cakes. Architectural remnants evoke the 1960s and 70s, and yet, the modern vibe introduced by high-rise condos and hotels keeps the atmosphere dynamic. Despite a year-round population of only 7,000, the city welcomes about 3 million tourists annually, providing numerous dining options for those seeking an upscale experience. At the Hobbit Restaurant, diners can savor outstanding crab cakes, while Spain Wine Bar features tapas comparable to those in Madrid.

Community Connections

The joy of the trip was strengthened by moments shared with Meinhardt and her friends, including Linda Barragán, the owner of Casita Linda, a Mexican café and bakery open for breakfast and lunch. Barragán serves both tourists and locals with a menu inspired by her mother Rosa’s home-cooked dishes. During our visit, we relished delightful chilaquiles and a plate of scrambled eggs with handmade tortillas and refried beans topped with queso fresco. Meinhardt, arriving after a morning surf, enjoyed a fermented pineapple drink and exchanged local stories with Barragán while her husband took care of the dishes.

Exploring Assateague Island

We spent our day at Assateague Island, a national park only 20 minutes away. Here, we enjoyed sunshine, the sound of the surf, and hikes until we encountered a group of wild ponies. Meinhardt shared that they sometimes raid campgrounds in search of human snacks. Later in the day, we were treated to a beautiful picnic prepared by Haley Norris of Palm Picnics, featuring a lovely charcuterie board in Meinhardt’s midtown backyard, complete with dried floral arrangements and candles.

Spotlight on Women-Owned Businesses

The following day, we visited three more remarkable women-owned businesses. The stunning floral arrangements at Inner Bloom filled our spirits with fresh scents, motivating us to pick up some delightful lip mint balm. Further along, we stopped by Real Raw Organics Kombucha Brewery & Cafe to refresh ourselves with flavorful orange-cranberry kombuchas. Nearby, the bohemian-style Ish boutique showcased women’s wear and jewelry, enhancing the local camaraderie within the community.