Best of Ocean City® Winner: Locals Choice - Best New Restaurant

Berlin Beer Company has quickly become a standout on the Shore dining scene, earning the title of Best of Ocean City® Winner: Locals Choice – Best New Restaurant. Located in the heart of charming downtown Berlin, this locally loved spot combines a laid-back vibe with a chef-driven menu, house-brewed craft beers, and exceptional hospitality. Whether you're stopping in for a casual pint, a hearty meal, or a night out with friends, Berlin Beer Co offers a fresh, flavorful experience that’s already captured the hearts of locals. It’s more than just a new restaurant—it’s a new favorite.

The Berlin Farmers Market is a vibrant, producers-only market held every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, running from May through October in the heart of downtown Berlin, Maryland. Spanning Main Street, Pitts Street, and Commerce Street, the market features over 50 local vendors offering a diverse array of goods, including fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, and artisanal products. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy live music starting at 10:00 AM, a petting farm from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and free art projects for children, creating a lively and family-friendly atmosphere.Recognized as the "Best Event in Maryland" by the Maryland Tourism Coalition, the market is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the community spirit and charm of Berlin.

The Mermaid Museum, located at 4 Jefferson Street in downtown Berlin, Maryland, is the world's first museum dedicated entirely to mermaids. Opened in 2020 by local artist and photographer Alyssa Maloof, the museum offers a unique blend of history, folklore, and pop culture surrounding these mythical sea creatures. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts like a mermaid-shaped Cheeto, a Feejee mermaid, and displays on mermaid sightings from the first century to modern times. Interactive elements, such as costume tails for dress-up and photo opportunities, make it a fun experience for all ages. With its engaging displays and whimsical atmosphere, the Mermaid Museum provides an entertaining and educational stop in one of America's coolest small towns.

The Worcester County Arts Council (WCAC), located at 6 Jefferson Street in the heart of historic Berlin, Maryland, has been a cornerstone of the local arts community since its establishment in 1977. As the county's designated arts agency, WCAC is dedicated to promoting and cultivating the arts through a variety of programs and initiatives. The Council's gallery showcases a rotating selection of exhibits featuring pottery, paintings, photography, and mixed media by artists from throughout the Eastern Shore. Visitors can explore these exhibits Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In addition to its gallery, WCAC supports the arts through grants, scholarships, and community events, making it a vibrant hub for both artists and art enthusiasts.

Pollinator Way is an interactive sidewalk mural in downtown Berlin, Maryland, designed to educate and engage visitors about the importance of pollinators. Created by artist Jessica Hall of Happy Now Creations, the mural spans the alleyway between Island Creamery and Gilbert’s Provisions on Main Street. It features vibrant illustrations and prompts that encourage children to mimic pollinator movements, such as buzzing like bees and flapping like butterflies. The project also includes bio-retention gardens to address local flooding issues and support pollinator habitats. Funded by a $5,000 grant from the Keep Maryland Beautiful program and additional support from the Maryland State Arts Council, Pollinator Way is part of Berlin's commitment as a Bee City USA designee to promote pollinator awareness and conservation.

Best of Ocean City® Winner: Locals Choice - Best Ice Cream

Island Creamery in Berlin, Maryland, is a beloved local ice cream shop known for its inventive flavors and commitment to quality. Located at 120 N. Main Street, this family-run establishment has been serving homemade ice cream since 1985, with the Berlin location opening in 2017. All ice cream is made in small batches using fresh, natural ingredients, often sourced from local fruit farmers. Popular flavors include Limoncello, Salted Caramel Pretzel, and Bourbon Caramel Crunch. The shop also offers homemade waffle cones made fresh daily. With its charming atmosphere and outdoor seating, Island Creamery provides a delightful spot for families and visitors to enjoy a sweet treat in downtown Berlin.

Best of Ocean City® Winner: Voters Choice - Best Local Brewery

Burley Oak Brewing Company, nestled in the heart of Berlin, Maryland, is a popular craft brewery renowned for its innovative beers and vibrant community atmosphere. Founded in 2011 by Bryan Brushmiller, who transformed his homebrewing passion into a thriving business, the brewery is housed in a historic building that once served as a cooperage, reflecting its deep roots in local history. Burley Oak offers a diverse selection of handcrafted beers, including the popular J.R.E.A.M. series of fruited sours, the flagship Lost IPA, and the robust Rude Boy Imperial Red Ale . The brewery's taproom features open seating, a spacious outdoor area with picnic tables and lawn games, and regularly hosts events like Bring Your Own Vinyl Night and live music performances.

The Dr. Charles Albert Tindley mural in downtown Berlin, Maryland, is a vibrant tribute to one of the town’s most influential native sons and a pioneer of American gospel music. Located on the side of the Bruder Hill building at 25 Commerce Street, the mural was completed in June 2022 by Washington, D.C.-based artist Jay Coleman. It honors Tindley’s legacy as a composer, minister, and civil rights.

Born in Berlin in 1851, Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley rose from humble beginnings to become a leading figure in gospel music. His compositions, including “I’ll Overcome Someday,” laid the foundation for the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.” He later founded Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, one of the largest African American congregations on the East Coast.

The mural features a portrait of Tindley alongside symbolic elements such as a church and musical notes, reflecting his spiritual and musical contributions. It also includes a QR code that provides viewers with more information about Tindley’s life and legacy.

This public art project was made possible through a $40,000 grant and collaboration between the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, the Town of Berlin, and community stakeholders. Despite initial challenges in selecting an appropriate location and design, the mural was successfully completed and has since been recognized by the Maryland Tourism Coalition with the “Best Product/Event”

Visitors can view the mural at 25 Commerce Street in Berlin, MD, and learn more about Dr. Tindley’s enduring impact on gospel music and civil rights history.