Atlantic City: Las Vegas of the East
Bustling casino hotels welcomed high rollers, a boardwalk was lined with both family-friendly and adult-focused attractions, and a wide sand beach became popular with sun-seekers.
About 30,000 years ago, groups of people crossed over from present-day Siberia to Alaska, then some of them moved on and settled along the Atlantic Ocean seaboard of today’s United States. Their descendants became the Lanape tribe, part of the Algonquin nation whose members lived in what now is New Jersey.
They were followed by Jeremiah Leeds, a Revolutionary War veteran who, evidence suggests, established a farm in 1783 on Absecon Island, a barrier atoll just offshore. Over time, a town developed in the region which took the name Atlantic City. From that humble start what’s known as “Las Vegas of the East” was born.
Over time, Atlantic City faced periods of both economic prosperity and financial challenge, and went through a number of iterations. Today, it has settled into a comfort zone where everyone from serious gamers to game-playing families to adults seeking age-appropriate things to see and do can find much to their liking.
Atlantic City’s icons include the Boardwalk and Steel Pier
One of the town’s most iconic treasures, its boardwalk, was built in 1870. It was intended at the time to help hotel owners keep beach sand from getting into their lobbies. The wooden walkway was removed each year at the end of the peak summer season, before being expanded in length and width and remaining in place year-round.
Several years later the Steel Pier opened and immediately became another popular site. The 1,000-foot-long amusement park offers rides ranging from a gentle journey on a carousel to fast and furious thrill experiences. Add a variety of dining and snacking choices and it’s easy to understand why some people spend hours there.
Those seeking other things to see and do also have a number of alternatives. Some choose to recall Atlantic City’s past, including its colorful chapters.
Strolling, and rolling, through Atlantic City’s past
One way to stroll – or, to be more accurate, roll – through history is aboard one of the chairs on wheels that have been a fixture on the Boardwalk since 1887. Originally introduced to provide transportation to people with a handicap, they became so popular that they began to be used by others.
Some of the wicker contrivances closely resemble those which were in use decades ago, and many of them sport small features that provide individual character. As has always been the case, these baskets on wheels are pushed by an attendant, and the open sides are covered with a plastic drop sheet if it should rain.
Another hint of the past is the Absecon Lighthouse, the third tallest masonry beacon in the country. It went into service in 1857 and was deactivated in 1933. Even so, the light still shines nightly, serving as a reminder of the time when it helped to guide ships.
An overview of the community’s past is available at the Atlantic City Historical Museum. It displays 150 years of local history including relics from previous eras and a documentary that showcases a number of its seaside resorts.
Since the Miss America pageant was first hosted in town, the museum also contains a number of dresses which were worn by contestants. Competitions known as “bathing reviews” made their way to Atlantic City in the early 1900s, and over time evolved into the Miss America pageant which continues to this day.
Another history-related claim to fame is the fact that streets of the still-popular game Monopoly are based upon locations in Atlantic City. Visitors who are familiar with that pastime are delighted to stroll past Park Place, Marvin Gardens and other sites which are replicated on the board.
Enjoying Atlantic City’s and and sea
When they seek more active pursuits, folks have a wide choice. Among options for those who prefer water-based recreation are fishing, dolphin watching cruises and, for the more adventurous, parasailing.
Then there’s the beach itself. It is wide and composed of soft, camel-hued sand. Waves invite body boarders and surf jumpers, while the flat terrain near the water’s edge is perfect for leisurely strolls.
Speaking of leisure and relaxation, several hotels have a spa that offers a choice of pampering treatments. Of course, those who prefer the thrill and challenge of testing Lady Luck are – well – in luck.
Atlantic City continues to attract visitors who are interested in games of chance - aka gambling. Since the first casino opened there in 1978, it has drawn people seeking to test their luck, and skill, at slot machines and table games.
Given the similarity of much of the adult action at the casino resorts, some seek to differentiate themselves in a variety of ways. The Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Resort, which has nearly two acres of gaming space and over 1,100 slot machines, touts its nine dining outlets, rotating bar and other attractions.
Entertainment is yet another draw with something-for-everyone appeal that brings people of all ages to Atlantic City. If The Kooks and Foxy Shazam aren’t your cup of tea –- I have no idea who they are or what they do – perhaps classical concerts or operatic performances will be more to your liking.
Whatever your preferences, you may be able to enjoy them in Atlantic City.
For more information, log onto visitatlanticcity.com.
Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.
