Osborne's Inn

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September, 2010

That first sound of the seagulls and the smell of the ocean,

Colorful array of beach umbrellas lining the shore,

The feeling of the sand between your toes,

Watching the rhythm of the ocean waves moving in and out,

Renting the bike from 13th Street every morning to welcome the start of a new day,

Breaakfast at Brown's and fresh homemade doughnuts,

Long walks on the beach, enjoying the ocean air,

The feeling that the day goes on forever,

Those yearly treats the boardwalk brings...

Shriver's mints, Johnson's popcorn, Polish water ice, 

Mack and Mancos Pizza and Kohr's frozen custard.

The never ending smiles on children's faces,

The chats on the big porch before retiring for the night,

The bells on the trolley rounding 15th and Wesley,

Hating to say goodbye for the summer, but already looking forward to next year's visit to one of my

most favorite places which is 'Osborne's Inn'!

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I remember hurricanes during which floats and surfboards were ridden in the street all the way up to the Fairview. My Dad and I watched Shrivers make taffy.  At age 8 I sat in the hall on the music pier enjoying the Ocean City Pops Orchestra but secretly watching the ferris wheel on Gillian's Fun Deck and wishing I were there instead.

Places that live in the memory are restaurants like Simms at 8th and the boardwalk.  Watson's with its daily long lines waiting.  Hills Seafood and Clam Bar when the tide came up almost to the windows as we ate, College Grill; the Emily Dining Room and the Hen House around the Moorlyn Terrace; worship services in the movie houses on Sundays and bronzed waitresses at Bob's Grill (thankfully still present).

We could see much of the Sandia shipwreck in former years and what a treat it was to seek out a shady spot under the Boardwalk, lay out towels and blankets and take a snooze.

Once our fourteen year old son was credited with saving a visiting teacher's life when the raging surf threatened to dash her against the jetty.

Our favorite memories are of good people and relaxing times shared on Osborne's Fairview Inn's front porch. Every summer it feels as though no time at all has elapsed since we talked and shared events of the year gone by.  Still we miss the faces  and voices of Peggy Ann's Mother, Father and Brother who are with the Lord.

Just yesterday our own dear Aunt Louella, who is 94 years old, reminisced about the time she sat enjoying morning coffee and ocean breeze and friendly people.

On one occasion, back in Baltimore, a student at Loyola College, where our daughter works said: 'I've seen you somewhere before' followed by a puzzled look.  Then, 'I know! Osborne's front porch, Ocean City, New Jersey!'

Another time a facualty priest saw a picture over my daughter's desk:  ' I know that house! It's 15th and Wesley in Ocean City, New Jersey!'

Whether its thoughts of beckoning sea and sand, bike rides on the Boardwalk and thru the town alleys.  Litterer's Orange Juice or big cups of lemonade, spotting the Flanders and the Port-O-Call, fisherman near Somers Point or visiting town shops, the Flaherty Family is still in love with Ocean City.

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Our Memories of Ocean City are 2-fold.   The first centers on people.  Staying at Osborne's is a 'people experience.'  There are always friendly, caring people there.  From the front porch to the living room, there is always someone greeting you with a smile (usually that Osborne smile is the first one you see),  You are made to feel like family (they must be family if you let the ever present kids move your car!)  Peggy had mastered the art of making you feel welcome while allowing you enough privacy to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Our memories also center on peace and solitude.  We always try to choose a room or apartment that affords us an 'ocean view.'  It is so peaceful to wake up and look at the ocean.  There's usually a solitary sail boat looking very small in a very large ocean at that time.

After reading this to our son, he asked to add his memories - Amstel on the porch and the 'Bathroom Digest' in the bathroom.

We are so pleased to be able to share our vacation with the Osbornes.  We hope to continue to do so for many, many years to come.

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Catching a BIG ONE!!!!

We really enjoyed our time "downtheshore".  Thanks for you....

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We love the Osbornes and we LOVE Ocean City.

Thanks so much for your friendliness and hospitality!  The room and bathroom are lovely and WOW the balcony....!!!  Thank you and be well dear people.  It was the PERFECT place to be still and relax between two challenging bike rides.

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We have been coming to Osborne's Inn for at least 13 years. We always visit in September - the beach is just beautiful at this time of year. Our favorite memories are of the warm welcome that we always receive, the cozy rooms that we have stayed in, reading on the porch and sharing news about each other's families and grandchildren. We feel blessed to have found Osborne's Inn.

Always enjoy getting away to Ocean City and spending time with the Osbornes.

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Mornings and afternoons filled with fresh salt air, collecting shells, digging for sand crabs, building sandcastles and who could leave out the outdoor showers. Watching the sunset through the dunes as the cool air begins to blow in preparing you for an exciting night on the boardwalk full of deliciously sinful food, games and rides. All these cherished moments together are what make my son and my vacation each year one that creates summers we never forget. This past summer's visit was made even more special by the warm, genous, kind, souls who opened their HOME to us, Peggy Ann and Frank Osborne. We felt like part of the family immediately and my son and I actually missed them as we drove away at the end of our trip! They even sent us home with some of their own personal leftover pizza for the ride back to North Jersey! My son shared his salt water taffy with his 'new friends'.  I HIGHLY recommend the Osborne Inn. Beautiful home, incredibly good people, great location and memories to last a lifetime!! We love you Peggy Ann and Frank!!!