It’s no secret that Ocean City is a dry town, you can’t even find a BYOB on the strip. So most Ocean City regulars stock up on their libations of choice before heading across the bridge and onto dry land, so to speak.

But where do you stop in search of your shore house drinks? There’s plenty of options for everyone before the bridge to keep your bar stocked through your trip. To start, there’s Boulevard Super Liquors in Marmora, just off Roosevelt Blvd towards the south end of Ocean City. There you’ll find a sprawling space full of wines, including a room of fine and hard-to-find bottles of higher-end specialties for those special shore occasions. And they offer a constantly-rotating craft beer list alongside dozens of craft and domestic kegs.

Farther north, in Somers Point, you’ll find the Circle Liquor Store, an almost 80-year-old establishment strategically placed right before the Stainton Memorial Causeway. It’s known for it’s liquor, mixers and liqueur. And if you’re looking for something a little special, take a turn off Route 52 onto New Road to check out Passion Vines Wine Bar & Spirit Company.The shelves there are stocked with hand-crafted, artisan wines and liquors — local and organic wines, included — and the store regularly hosts tasting classes throughout the summer.

And the options only continue at the more northern shores, like Margate, which is just a quick trip across Ocean Drive. In fact, a drive down Ventnor Ave. gives you more than enough opportunities to find that bottle- or bottles- you have in mind. Bloom Liquor Store (6500 Ventnor Ave.; 609-822-1188), White Star Liquors (6812 Ventnor Ave.; 609-822-2186) and Downbeach Liquors (7950 Ventnor Ave.; 609-823-3838) all neighbor each other and offer impressive craft beer, booze and wine selections. Each boozy oasis is about a 15 minute drive from Ocean City’s shores.

A trip down the shore just isn’t complete without a fully-stocked bar and loaded fridge. And a dry town like Ocean City doesn’t have to hold you back, especially considering the options neighboring the northern and southern parts of city. So grab a cooler and load up with any of these quick pit stops on the way in.

Photo: Flickr user kamgtr