Don't get taken for a ride by Trimpers.

Let me tell you a little something about the amusement ride situation in Ocean City. It's a rip off. This post is for all the hundreds -- thousands probably -- of parents who read me daily looking for advice on how to entertain their kids. My advice is to drive the 30 miles to Rehoboth if you want to ride the rides, especially if your kids are under nine.

• In Ocean City, a ticket costs $1.25 (all prices are close but not exact: constructed from memory), and no ride is less than two tickets.
• In Rehoboth, a ticket costs $.25 and the little kid rides are 1 ticket, most kiddie rides are 2 tickets, and except for the bumper cars, haunted house, and stupid spinning thing that looks like a flying saucer, nothing is more than 4 tickets. Five bucks will keep one child riding for quite some time.

So here's a suggestion (except for Saturdays): you pack the car up around two or three in the afternoon and head up Coastal Highway. Stop in Bethany if you want. Nearing Rehoboth, be careful not to hit the aging drunk fraternity and sorority types in Dewey Beach. Once in Rehoboth, avoid the main drag (Rehoboth Avenue) and go for a side street. There's often a few spaces to be had oceanblock if you venture a few blocks off the main drag. Ride until dinnertime. Eat at Grottos, maybe pick up some Thrashers, or if you're more ambitious (and remember this is with small kids), go to Big Fish Grill, but only if you go early. The line is outrageous after five-thirty.

If by the way you don't have kids or your kids are older and/or well-behaved, check out Planet X Cafe (35 Wilmington Avenue). With or without kids, avoid these Mexican-themed establishments: Tijuana Taxi and Dos Locos. Crappy food in both places. I've never had a worse chile relleno than the one I had at Dos Locos. I figure they stay in business because a cold margarita sounds so good after a day at the beach.

Maybe tomorrow or later today I'll write about places I like to eat at the beach.