TRAVEL – Atlantic City: Roll the dice at the “Boardwalk Empire” on the casino coast

May 1, 2012
By Ashley Weber
News Writer
Travel

With its gambling, entertainment, and famous boardwalk, Atlantic City offers something for all travelers. Located in New Jersey on the Absecon Island, the city also serves as the inspiration of the board game Monopoly. Many street names are recognizable as coveted properties in the realestate game. For those seeking travel destinations as the weather grows warmer, look no further than Atlantic City.

Casinos

While Atlantic City is second to Las Vegas on the gambling front, the casino resorts in the city offer a variety ofentertainment to those who wish to try their luck. Atlantic City’s twelve casino hotels have everything from low-stakes slot machines to roulette and poker, no matter how vacationers wish to challenge themselves. The resorts also serve as venues for performers like Florence & The Machine and RussellBrand, making them attractive destinations even for those who do not wish to gamble. Most casino hotels offer room and show, or room and spa package deals.

Hotel Recommendations:

The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: http://www.theborgata.com
Harrah’s Resort: www.harrahsresort.com
Tropicana Casino & Resort: www.tropicana.net

Things to Do

No visit to Atlantic City is complete without a walk along its famous boardwalk. The five-and-a-half-mile promenade is fronted by casinos, retail stores, restaurants and attractions on one side, and the beach on the other. All beaches in Atlantic City are free, and many offer opportunities for kayaking,windsurfing, fishing and boogie boarding. Salt water taffy, a sweet treat originally conceived in Atlantic City, can be found at The James Candy Company on the boardwalk. (http://www.jamescandy.com/)

The boardwalk is the backbone of the city, with something to offer for all visitors. Piers leading off in different locations are host to more activities, such as Steel Pier across from the Trump Taj Mahal. It serves as an amusement park. Garden Pier is an arts and cultural center. Other attractions such as the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum make the Atlantic City Boardwalk a popular destination for family friendly entertainment. (http://www.ripleys.com/atlanticcity/)

Just a couple miles outside the city is one of the most famous roadside attractions in the area: Lucy the Elephant. Lucy is a six-story example of novelty architecture, built in 1882 by James Lafferty in an effort to sell real estate. Over the years, the elephant-shaped building served as a restaurant, office, home and tavern, and has now been refurbished as a museum. Tours are available, and guests can climb the spiral staircase within the elephant’s leg and make their way to the howdah on the elephant’s back. From there, a view of the Atlantic City skyline can be seen. (http://www.lucytheelephant.org/)

Dining

Not to be confused with a certain famous building, the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City is a must visit. The sub shop, open since 1946, has been host to many celebrity guests, and their pictures line diner-style booths. During nny visit to White House, especially at peak hours, guests can expect a line, but locals will tell you the wait is worth it. Vacationers can enjoy the subs in one of the booths while recognizing stars in the photos on the wall, or take their order to-go and eat in the park across the street. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g29750-d459195-Reviews-White_House_Sub_Shop-Atlantic_City_New_Jersey.html)

Seafood lovers can enjoy some of the best flavors Atlantic City has to offer at Dock’s Oyster House, located within walking distance of the boardwalk. Reservations are recommended at this popular location. (http://www.docksoysterhouse.com/) Or, for something a little more casual, visitors can enjoy Harry’s Oyster Bar & Seafood. (http://www.harrysoysterbar.com/)