Ocean City Boardwalk Traditions: Thrasher's

No matter where you're from in Maryland, chances are you'll run into someone you know -- maybe somebody you went to high school with -- while waiting in line at Thrasher's French fries in Ocean City, Maryland. I think the original Thrasher's has always had a line in the summer, ever since it opened in 1929.

Thrasher's fries are uniquely delicious. Isn't the secret something about frying them in peanut oil? You eat Thrasher's fries with vinegar and salt. Ketchup is available, but Thrasher's fans prefer vinegar.

The original Thrasher's is at the south end of the Boardwalk, near the entrance to the amusement pier. It is one of the few businesses located on the east side of the Boardwalk. For many years, Thrasher's has also had a stand on the boards at 8th Street. This afternoon, I spotted a small Thrasher's tucked into a row of stores at 2nd Street. And I believe there's at least one more around 12th Street. (What? You think I can keep track of every business on the Ocean City boardwalk?)

On a recent visit to Rehoboth Beach, Del., I was surprised to see two Thrasher's stands, practically across the street from each other, on Rehoboth Avenue, just off their boardwalk.