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Atlantic City Re-invents Itself
The famous diving horse and flagpole sitters are gone, but the beautiful sand, water and Atlantic City Boardwalk remain, rejuvenated. New casinos, a Bluegreen resort, world-class shopping, ever-expanding dining options, and round-the-clock activity prompted Atlantic City to recently take on the slogan: “Always turned on.” The city is defined by pleasing contrasts that offer something for every kind of visitor, as longtime family businesses mix with ultra modern high rises, and pricey upscale boutiques and exotic restaurants mingle with bargain outlets and all-American cooking. Change has been the only constant entertainment in Atlantic City in recent decades. Now, Atlantic Palace comes on the scene.
The Boardwalk is receiving a face-lift as storefronts along four blocks are renovated to the tune of $100 million, with decorative touches like brick and stucco facades, cupolas and new rooftop signs. A $24 million Shore Protection Project includes sand replenishment every three years for the next 50 years, ensuring that Atlantic City beach goers will enjoy a beach that is always at least 200 feet wide.
See the Sights of Atlantic City
When you’re weary of sun and surf and especially if you have kids with you, you may want to visit some of Atlantic City’s other daytime entertainment attractions. Climb the 228 steps to the top of the historic Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, to enjoy the sights — you'll receive a “Congratulations, You Made It” badge of honor! In Margate, once known as South Atlantic City, more climbing, this time to the “howdah” (carriage seat) on the back of Lucy the Elephant, a 65-foot, elephant-shaped building originally built in 1881.The $4 million, three-story Atlantic City Aquarium — Ocean Life Center features both mid-Atlantic and more exotic fish in 11 tanks. Look for “Nemo” in the tropical tank. You can see moray eels, venomous fish and live jellyfish; watch shows where a diver handfeeds the sharks, rays and more; and “pet” starfish, crabs, sharks and other sea life in the Touch Tank. The Atlantic City area is also host to numerous natural attractions including coastal salt marshes and wildlife refuges.
Foodie Favorites and Just Good Eats in Atlantic City
For world-class snacking, AC’s Boardwalk was birthplace of salt water taffy. The story goes that in 1880, Mr. Bradley, a young candy merchant, had a taffy stand on the Boardwalk. One night the little stand was swamped by an evening storm. Bradley sarcastically told a customer that he was now selling “salt water taffy” and, well, the name stuck. One of the most famous originals is James’ Original Salt Water Taffy, still manufactured in Atlantic City, a family-owned and operated Boardwalk business since the 1920s. The Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe, another Atlantic City icon, has four locations on the Boardwalk. Visitors also go home raving about (and devouring) Steel's Fudge, the oldest continuously family-owned and operated fudge company in the world.
Retail Therapy in Atlantic City
High end and high value share space for those out to shop. Atlantic City is home to the Atlantic City Outlets — The Walk featuring 100 outlet stores, including Adidas, Nike, Banana Republic, H &M, Calvin Klein and more. This year there are nearly 40 new stores at The Walk. But the real buzz is in the new, very upscale shopping. The Quarter at Tropicana Casino and Resort brings the charm and sophistication of Old Havana to Atlantic City and features amix of well-known retailers and unusual shops. Pier Shops at Caesars, which juts out over the Atlantic Ocean, raises the bar on shopping with retailers not seen before in AC, like A/X Armani Exchange, Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, and Tiffany & Co.Nightlife of Atlantic City
With casinos, headliner entertainment, revue shows, nightclubs, lounges and bars, and comedy clubs, Atlantic City nightlife is as easy to come by as sun and sand. Everything from rock concerts to boxing to the circus is available at venues like Historic Boardwalk Hall, which underwent a $90 million renovation to make it Atlantic City’s premier event arena, hosting acts from The Rolling Stones to the stars of American Idol.
No, it’s not your parents’ Atlantic City. In 1978, when the Resorts Casino Hotel opened its doors as the first casino there, Atlantic City entertainment changed forever. The city attracted just over 7 million visitors that year, but the number now is closer to 35 million, including movie, music and sports celebrities. Folks who return to AC with fond memories of their childhood summer vacations will be in for a pleasant surprise. Some of the old landmarks are gone, but new ones have risen in their place as Atlantic City continues to reinvent itself. Visit now and make some great new memories!
The part of the Atlantic City rebirth that Bluegreen owners are most excited about is Bluegreen at Atlantic Palace, right on the historic Boardwalk. Each suite is a comfortable home-away-from-home, complete with a cozy kitchen and whirlpool tub. Studio suites feature an open floor plan with queen or double beds. One-bedroom suites feature a private bedroom and living room, while the two-bedroom suites also include a dining area. The outdoor pool is seasonal, but the toasty indoor hot tub is perfect all year. Look for the Atlantic Palace tower high above the Boardwalk and come experience the renaissance of Monopoly®’s own home town.
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