Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Iconic Atlantic City, New Jersey



My husband and I went to Atlantic City, New Jersey this weekend, with friends, to spend a few days of the lingering nice autumn weather at the shore.  New Jersey has 90 miles of beaches, but Atlantic City also has a glittering array of hotels and casinos as an added feature that attracts over 35 million visitors annually. (All photos will enlarge if clicked on once, and then again when they open on a new page)


After checking into our hotel we decided to take a walk along the world famous boardwalk. The Atlantic City Boardwalk was the world's first boardwalk. Originally built in 1870, the four and a half mile long boardwalk was built at that time to keep visitors from tracking sand from the beach into the seaside hotel lobbies and railroad parlor cars.



Today it is a popular place for visitors to stroll, bicycle or to hire a rolling chair to carry you from casino to casino that line the boardwalk's path.


You can see in the photo above how the boardwalk has become the "main street" between the beach and Atlantic City attractions.


The Resorts Casino Hotel that opened in 1978, was the first operating casino in Atlantic City.


Today there are eleven glamorous hotel casinos in Atlantic City.  Bally's is seen here and in the photo below.


Although we are not gamblers, we do enjoy the sight and sounds of the casinos, and the fine dining and top entertainers that perform in shows at the various hotels.


I loved the mural painted on the windows of this section of the Bally Casino.  It has a fake reflection of some seaside attractions from the past!


 A photo collage of some more sights along the boardwalk.


The Steel Pier that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean had glamours history which you can read at this link. An informational excerpt from the site: "The Steel Pier originally opened in 1898 and quickly became known for showcasing the world's top entertainers. From the 1920's through the 50s everyone who was anyone played Steel Pier. W. C. Fields was a member of the minstrel group that appeared during the Pier's inaugural season, but headline appearances quickly followed for him and everyone else. Guy Lombardo, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Mae West, Charlie Chaplin, The Three Stooges, Bob Hope, Amos 'n Andy, Frank Sinatra - everyone played Steel Pier. It's been said that Big Bands weren't really big until they started to play on Steel Pier."


Unfortunately the glory of the Steel Pier eventually faded away until it closed in 1976, where it then suffered years of neglect and ultimately the devastation of a 1982 fire. Donald Trump's Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino rebuilt the Atlantic City icon making it a viable amusement pier once again.  Now managed by the Catanoso brothers it has 24 rides, games and prize wheels, a food court and free admission, making it a destination for families visiting Atlantic City during it's operating season.


Along the boardwalk fence I noticed some interesting placards that were with full facts about the fascinating history of Atlantic City.


Click to enlarge, and then click again to enlarge even more to read more, of the placards I found along the way on the boardwalk. One fun fact was that Charles Darrow, the inventor of the game Monopoly, chose Atlantic City as the setting for his game and used the same street names as found in this seaside resort.


Of course there are some other attractions along the boardwalk, such as stores selling the traditional delicious fudge and saltwater taffy.


I bought a pound of assorted fudge to bring back to my Mom, as she really enjoys it.


We enjoyed our afternoon walking along the boardwalk, absorbing the sunshine and listening to the sound of the ocean and the cry of the seagulls.

As the day ended and the sun set, it gave a magical quality to the scene.

I'm adding this to Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for her blog's "Outdoor Wednesday" event.  I'm also joining Jenny Matlock for Alpahabe Thursday -- the letter this week is "I" and what more iconic and illustrious place is there than Atlantic City? Please visit their blogs today to see their posts and the links to all the other blogs participating in their fun events!

I won Penny's blog, The Comforts of Home,  CSN online Stores give away last week!  If you are curious to see what I won and what was purchased from CSN please click here to go to my review blog. Thanks Penny! I enjoy your blog so very much and it was exciting to win your give away!  You've helped me to give some early Christmas presents to my family!  If you love fluffing your home to make it a warm and inviting place you'll love visiting Penny's The Comfort of Home blog as she shares to most delightful decorating tips and crafts. She also is a supreme mosaic artist and you can see her work on her fabulous Lavender Hill Studio blog. You may find an unique handcrafted mosaic gift for someone special there!




Bookmark and Share

78 comments:

pam said...

While I'm with you on the gambling I think you defy the odds. It seems like you have won many things since I started following you...crazy girl...crazy! I love all the colors of the boardwalk. Thanks for sharing!

Atticmag said...

I've always wanted to go to AC but just never made it. Less tawdry than Vegas I suppose. Fun tour. Thanks so much and glad you stopped by. We're giving ourselves a little face lift so hope you'll take a peek in the next weeks. Jane F.

Michelle said...

I really like the boardwalk pictures. I have been to the Ocean City Boardwalk, but never Atlantic City. Thanks for the tour.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I've never been there but loved my arm-chair visit. What a colorful place! Thank for the beautiful photos. The last one is almost surreal it's so beautiful.

Congrats on your win! I love what you got ;)

Ginny Hartzler said...

I've been enjoying this post just so much! Much of the architecture looks russian or Israeli to me! and the georgous blue of some of the buildings! I thought those doors were real reflections at first!! How close do you live to here? We don't gamble, either, but I would love to visit just to look,snap, and eat! Tell me about the fugde!!! I'm salavating. All your pictures are just so beautiful. You know, you would be perfect for a job making travel brochures. I never knew about the steel pier, so much interesting info here!

Unknown said...

I agree with Pam seems you are a very lucky girl. Winning many fun things. I would love to see Paul Anka on Nov. 27th at Atlantic City since that is my birthday. LOL won't happen. This was a great photo essay Pat.
QMM

Arlene Delloro said...

A wonderful photolog. I'm sitting here watching Boardwalk Empire as I blog surf; how appropriate!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Pat, Since I was a little girl I have had a love/hate relationship with Atlantic City. As far back as I can remember we would attend bakery conventions and walk the boardwalk. I love the ocean and the beach and the boardwalk itself, however, like you, we are not gamblers. There was one time though, after I had my third child and my husband was traveling frequently for work. I asked him to take me there because I felt that I needed a "kid free" environment. I lasted about 3 hours and wanted to go home to the babies. The adult environment that I thought I was seeking just showed me how wonderful I really had it at home. This was a beautiful post...you really conveyed the feeling of the boardwalk.
♥, Susan

Kim said...

Wow! You were practically in my back yard! My house is literally right off of the A.C. Expressway. I'm actually about 35 miles away. We love AC - and Boardwalk Empire is awesome. Love your pix.
xoxo,
Kim

Kris said...

What beautiful pics...makes me think of one of my all time favorites..BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN!!!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

First - Congratulations for winning the giveaway!
Thanks for sharing the great photos of AC. I am not a gambler either - have been to a few casinos, but have my limits. Won a little, but not enough to make me want to gamble more. :D

Tara said...

Hi Pat

Whew--a busy fall filling out college apps so i ahve been very missing...hope you won a ton at AC!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I have been there!! Usually when I visit your blog, I want to go all of the places you show...this time I was lucky enought to have been there!

I am not a gambler either...but loved the beach and strolling the boardwalk.

You are most welcome on winning the giveaway! I saw the sweet items purchased on your other blog.
Thanks for the mention!
Hugs,
Penny

Kat said...

Congrats on winning the giveaway! And thanks for the pictures of AC - the last time I was there was in '81. It's gotten a lot more developed since then. And thanks so much for the shot of the Steel Pier - DH got a huge kick out of seeing that. He grew up in Philadelphia, and has alot of fond memories of the boardwalk. Kat

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Pat, I loved seeing the 'new' Atlantic City... I have never been there --but I remember photos (and have seen movies) of the OLD Atlantic City... Looks like it is really improved now. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

The Gathering Place said...

I've always found Atlantic City interesting, although I've never been there. Thanks for the photos!

Anonymous said...

Loved the Atlantic City visit...when Don and I were living in NJ (for 9 months in 1983) we got to AC once. He had business meetings so we didn't get to see all the great stuff...we missed a lot...thanks for the pictures!!!

Yvette said...

I haven't been to Atlantic City in many years. But your wonderful photos brought some memories of it back, thanks! One thing I do remember most emphatically was my $30 slot machine limit. (I'm no gambler, but I wanted to try the slots just to say I had.) I broke even. Once I won back the 30, I quit. How's that for razzle-dazzle? Ha!

Claudia said...

The sunset photo really got to me - how lovely! How perfect! My Atlantic City memories are those of the pier - I have never seen the casinos. I love the beaches - and am wondering if I want to see the Casinos.

Joanne Kennedy said...

My new favorite show is Boardwalk Empire so this post was a lot of fun to read and see photos of what AC looks like now. Much different then back in the 20's.

Thanks for the fun trip!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I haven't been to Atlantic City since I was a very young child. It wasn't built up the way it is today. I loved your pictures. It was a fun visit. I don't gamble either but it's fun to see all the hotels and casinos in your pictures.
Congratulations on your win at Penny's blog. I saw what you decided upon and it's so sweet. And I'm sure your grandson will love making music.
Thanks so much for your wonderful pictures and tour.

Light and Voices said...

Days end image is fantastic!
Joyce M

gemini said...

Your'e so lucky, and your pictures are so grand. Stepping up my day. Thanks for the pics.

Ebie said...

Pat, what a perfect weekend to be in AC! The skies so blue and clouds dancing in glee! You got me fooled of the fake reflection, I though it was real.

Your photos always take me along in your trips. Beautiful as always.

agreenearth said...

Enjoyed your images.

Mary said...

I've never been to AC what wonderful photos~ I would enjoy strolling the boardwalk if only to people watch! LOVE your last photo with the sun setting~

Congrats on winning the giveaway, that basket is adorable & functional :-)

Gracie said...

It looks like a very big grown ups playground to me.....thanks for the photos.

Maria M. Boyer said...

Great photos, Pat, as always. My first visit to Atlantic City was in 1978 when my parents and I took a bus charter there to go see Frank Sinatra in concert! Looking back, it was all very surreal. I was 13 at the time. My DH and I visited a few years ago - fun times and good food - but it was very quiet compared to what I remember of the 1970s there. I, too, am a huge fan of Boardwalk Empire, so especially enjoyable to me as well!

La said...

It's been years since I visited Atlantic City. Things have changed since I was there. Thanks for the trip down memory lane...

Jacqueline said...

You sound like you are a smart woman. We don't gamble either, but it is fun to see the buildings. I was there for a Miss America pageant my neighbor was in about 15 years ago and it was really fun. Your photos are all so beautiful and I especially love the sunset one to finish out your post.

Donnie said...

Your photos are really gorgeous. I haven't been there in 50 years. Happy Outdoor Wednesday.

Mister Meatball said...

Ah, AC!

If you haven't already, you might want to read this book: "The Last Good Time: Skinny D'Amato, the Notorious 500 Club, & the Rise and Fall of Atlantic City"

Old Kitty said...

I've never heard of saltwater taffy and I have now!!! LOL!!

What a beautiful place!! The boardwalk buildings reminds me of Brighton Pier and the Pavillion with their domes and turrets!

But these ones here are more colourful!! It's great that the pier is being restored to its full glory -it;s got too much glamorous history for it to be left to decay!!

And well I never knew this about Charles Darrow and Monopoly!! Wow!! Glad that Atlantic City is enjoying a well deserved revival. I remember watching the 1976 film Atlantic City with Burt Lancaster and it was such a windswept, forlorn, depressing grey place!! So it's great to see this city all jolly and colourful and emerging phoenix like!!!

Thanks for these great pics and fab info! Take care
x

Carol said...

Great pics, Pat! I've never been to AC but your pics make me wish I did! My son went last week with friends and came home a winner!

Anonymous said...

Pat,thanks again, I felt as if I was there again,enjoying the boardwalk right along with you.I have been blessed to visit Atlantic City and the rolling chairs are the way to go.
Great pictures my favorite is the setting sun.
-Jo
-LazyonLoblolly

Anonymous said...

PS, congrats on being a winner,LUCKY!...maybe you should have gambled at the casino's,as lucky as you are....you would have hit the jackpot.
-Jo
-LazyonLoblolly

Pondside said...

I haven't been to Atlantic City since the early 70's. At that time it was really down on its heels - a sadly beautiful wreck of a place. It shortly after got new life and it the big time again! Are you watching Boardwalk Empire?

Tracy said...

What fun, Pat--LOVE the photos! That last one is especially magical. Gosh, I've not been to Atlantic City in 12 years! I'm with you in the gambling, just don't go for all that, but there is a lot of fun to be had and do in Atlantic City. Congrats on the win--you've been winning some great treats lately. :o) Happy Days, my friend ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh, so much glitz!

I went once with my mother... the hotel gave me $10 free tokens to play with and it lasted all weekend. Had I known about it, I'd have used it for fudge.

podso said...

Such a good tour of AC! Thanks for the pics!

Sue said...

What wonderful pictures. I've never been to Atlantic City, so I loved getting a view through you! That last photo is outstanding!

Thanks for visiting me:)

GailO said...

Fantastic shots Pat! The sunset flare shot is wonderful! .and I just love that painted window too...if you hadn't told me I never would have known and would have been scratching my head about where those old buildings are:)

Hope you won at Atlantic City as well as at The Comforts of Home!

Beverly said...

Pat, I had so much fun touring Atlantic City with you. I have cousins that go several times a year.

Congratulations on your win. I love what your daughter-in-law chose. Our Penny is very special.

Together We Save said...

Thanks for sharing these amazing pictures!!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Pat, this was so much fun to see! I loved it. I have never been to Atlantic City, but after seeing this, I want to go! Thanks for always posting such neat things for us.

I had wanted to do Outdoor Wed., but I got my post up so late today that I didn't link. Alas, my life has been nuts!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

A beautiful trip! Your photos are great!

We used to spend time at the Jersey Shore YEARS ago and it did NOT look like that then!!!!

I would like to order up some of that fudge!

Judy said...

I love going along on your vacations...I always learn a lot! I can't say I have ever been interested in visiting Atlantic City, New Jersey...but you have piqued my interest. Piers, beaches and boardwalks...what's not to like? Thanks for the tour.

Proud Italian Cook said...

You won again Pat? I need to hang with you, good karma all around you!
I love the ocean and all your pic's especially the golden sunset one. The basket for the baby is adorable, congrats to you!

Anonymous said...

wonderful photos. you must have had some fun. i like the collage. ;-)

paz

Judie said...

What fun!! Thanks for taking us along. I have never been to Atlantic City, but I have been to Vegas--much closer to where we live. No ocean, though. I would love that!!

Anonymous said...

What a great trip to the iconic city! I really enjoyed this I post.

Teresa

Marlee said...

Those are fabulous pictures! I have always wanted to visit the iconic boardwalk. Maybe one day I will be lucky enough to.

Anonymous said...

It looks like a fun place to visit. Parts of it reminded me of Blackpool on the NW coast here. It too has casinos and a fun fair by the sea.

dianasfaria.com said...

Gosh I haven't been there in years! You had a perfect weekend for taking pictures too Pat.
Thanks for the tour.
: )

Lola said...

Wonderful tour - brought back many great memories for me!

XOXO Lola:)

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

The sky images are breath taking.
way to go.

Unknown said...

I went with my grandmother years ago. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

Kathleen said...

Thanks for the tour! I don't think I could sit in that thing and have someone push me!
I have been there, but before the casino era. I wonder it will survive this downturn. I used to see the people lined up waiting for the bus that took them there. Don't see that anymore.
Sounds like you had a good weekend, and walking by the beach is always nice on a sunny day!

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

We went there for vacations when I was a little girl...

Great memories!

Deborah Kay at The Paint Splash said...

Looks like fun! We love to travel.I am having a giveaway and hope you will stop by. Blessings, Debbie

Jeanne said...

Hi Pat, I did enjoy the wonderful photos of Atlantic. I have never been there and it looks so interesting. I love the bit of history you shared. The Steel Pier story is awesome. My niece just moved to NJ and they are loving it so far. She is expecting her first baby and this move was a very hard move but her hubby has a new job there so moving was a given. I think I mentioned this vaguely in a previous comment. I wonder if she and her hubs have been to Atlantic city yet. Smile. I want to go!!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Pat.
Hugs, Jeanne

My name is Riet said...

Oh wow, that must have been a wonderfukl weekend. What a beautiful city that is. The hotels and the boardwalk, You make the greatest photo's Pat and I am glas I can come here and walk with you. Thank you for sharing

Carole Burant said...

What a treat to see recent pictures of Atlantic City. I was there with my friend Carol about 9 years ago, we had driven there which took over 16 hours!! We were there for 5 days and would walk on the boardwalk every day. It's where I tasted my first Philly Cheese Steak sandwich as well as my first Funnel Cake. Now I'm drooling! lol We had also gone into all the casinos, not to gamble but to ooh and aah over the opulance!!

Congratulations on winning that giveaway:-) xoxo

Trotter said...

Hi Pat! Beautiful post! No need to get there now... ;)

Blogtrotter Two is facing the legendary question: «What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?»
Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Linda said...

Another great post! This looks like so much fun! I also love the reflection mural on Bally's doors...very clever. Great photos!!

Vee said...

Wonderful sights and sounds of a place I'd not ever given much thought to. The new casino just approved in my corner will be built about three miles away and I am considerably less than thrilled. I think casinos should be reserved for such places as Atlantic City, which can handle them. That final photo is simply gorgeous.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

That sunset is the post's crowning glory, isn't it?

Of all the places I've visited in these United States, would you believe I've never been to Atlantic City?

La Petite Gallery said...

That's a fun trip. Thanks for all the great photo's and history. Great post.. Happy Thanksgiving Yvonne

steviewren said...

Pat, I love that last photo of the sunset. The way you captured the light against the architecture and with the people and birds illuminated make it a real keeper.

As to the giveaway....you have to be one of the luckiest people in the blogosphere. I can't count the number of giveaways you've won. (and I haven't won a single one yet...boohoo) Congrats on the nice things you were able to give your grandson and DIL.

Kristen said...

The chances of my getting to Atlantic city are slim to none, so thank you for taking me on a tour. It looks like an amazing place; so much history and fun.

Sarah said...

Pat, it's always a treat to tag along on your outings. I've never been to Atlantic City, so it's doubly fun to see these photos. Enjoy the sunshine! ~ Sarah

H said...

We have at least 4 versions of Monopoly in our house. My son was crazy about it when he was younger.

Brenda said...

I always seem to have somewhere new I want to visit after reading your post! Thanks for sharing.

Carol said...

Interesting tour. Look like a great place to visit.

Jenny said...

Wow. Congratulations on your win! That baby basket is totally adorable.

While all your pictures were enchanting, I was especially taken with that bottom one...what lovely golden light you captured there.

Thanks for letting us tag along...I hope you'll let me buy you a piece of fudge to thank you!

And thanks for linking to Alphabe-Thursday!

A+

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

What fun to visit Atlantic City again with you! When our parents were young, Atlantic City was the place to go (probably still is for many). I remember going as a child and loving the boardwalk. I posted about a trip here:

http://gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com/2009/08/boardwalk-sketch-for-show-tell-friday.html

As we grew a little older the destination was Wildwood and we have always gone to Ocean City with our kids.

Your photos are great and so exciting to see! Lovely post!

Anonymous said...

thanx for the memories
before my illness in 2007
we could hop a bus and ride 3 hours
we'd pay $25 for the ride but when
you arrived they gave you $20 back from the host casino
we'd walk thru the casino and pop some quarters in
if we started winning we sat for a few minutes
but never added any additional money
making our way out to the front door and the boardwalk
we'd sit on the benches and watch the ocean
feed popcorn to the seagulls
save the caramel corn just for us
eat at a nice restaurant
take in the sights and sounds
7 hours later it was back on the bus headed home
listening to the die-hard gamblers moan about how much they lost...

~victoria~

Gina said...

fabulous post..so want to go there one day...the colours, the fun, the fudge!..and now I have Bruce Springsteen's Atlantic City in my head :) xx