Atlantic City- The Crown Jewel of the Jersey Shore

Atlantic City is better than ever!first casino at Resorts International in 1978, Atlantic
This fun filled destination, famous for gambling andCity began its resurgence as a major destination for
ritzy casinos, offers great entertainment, goodfun and entertainment.
restaurants, shopping, relaxing on the beach, andSince then, the City has experienced continued
more.development of hotels, casinos, nite clubs,
While casino gambling remains its major attraction,entertainment, and other fun attractions offering
the city is intent on becoming a destination thatmore than casino gambling.
offers fun and excitement for the entire family.When is the best time to visit?
With over 37 million visitors a year, this New JerseyWhile there is year round activity, with the summer
beachfront resort now rivals other major touristbeing the peak season, the more budget minded
destinations like Las Vegas and Disney world.visitors might consider coming in the winter from
It certainly lives up to its motto Always Turned On!January to April, when almost all hotel casinos offer
Atlantic City has a long and fascinating history.outstanding deals and the facilities are less crowded.
Dr. Jonathon Pitney originally developed the city as aWhat can families who do not gamble do?
seaside health resort for the wealthy residents ofAtlantic City provides lots of entertainment beyond
Philadelphia. Development as a major resort for thethe casinos. Stroll the famous Boardwalk, six miles
not so wealthy took off significantly after 1854 whenlong and 60 feet wide, paralleling the ocean, it is the
Philadelphia investors created a rail line linking Atlanticlargest of New Jerseys boardwalks. It is free! Hop on
City with Camden, just across the river froma historic rolling wicker chair and ride in style. The
Philadelphia.Boardwalk is the place to see and be seen. Forget
It is the real-life model for the board game Monopoly,the calories and indulge in a juicy hot dog with all the
the nation's first Boardwalk, the world's first big Ferristrimmings, chewy saltwater taffy and filmy cotton
wheel, the first color postcards, and the home of thecandy.
first Miss America Beauty Pageant.In the mood for some shopping? Try the Atlantic
During prohibition and the depression, Atlantic CityCity Outlets - The Walk. Its an outlet mecca offering
was a center for bootlegging, smuggling, speakeasiesvery good shopping from children's clothing to home
and illegal gambling. The mafia found Atlantic City todecor and jewelry, to quality clothing including Coach,
be a good place for profitable business operationsBanana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. Enjoy the
and vacationing. The nearby Pine Barrens weremany restaurants and clubs located within this
convenient and well suited for the mafia's activities.complex.
Because of its seclusion and forest cover, and closeTry the Quarter at the Tropicana, where the streets
proximity to Atlantic City (as well as New York andof Havana come alive, with many unique shops and
Philadelphia where many mafia resided), the Pinerestaurants, from a burger with the kids to fine
Barrens proved to be ideal for distilling, bootlegging,dining. ]
and body disposal.This city boasts the best concentration of first class
It was in Atlantic City where the Mafia establishedrestaurants in the state, as well as outstanding Philly
itself as a national organization. Fearing the end ofcheese steak sandwiches, pizza, and family
prohibition and the loss of profitable bootleggingrestaurants.
operations, Mafia leaders from the Midwest and EastEnjoy a day at the beaches or on the water with a
Coast, --- Al Capone Frank Costello, Meyer Lansky,dolphin/whale-watching cruise, parasailing, or a fishing
and Lucky Luciano --- held their first nationalexpedition. This destination also offers great ocean
conference in 1929 at the President Hotel. It wasfishing and depending on the time of the year, you
here that they were able to develop a system ofmight catch Marlin, Shark or Tuna.
arbitration and solidify networks made throughCheck out the Atlantic City Aquarium located in the
bootlegging to become a national organization.Historic Gardner's Basin. It offers a fun and
With airline travel flourishing and the Caribbean andeducational look into more than 100 varieties of fish
Florida becoming a magnet for east coast tourists,and marine animals.
Atlantic City experienced a decline during the fifties,For golf enthusiasts, there are several championship
sixties, and seventies.golf courses nearby, including Blue Heron Pines East
This phenomenon prompted visionary city officials toand West, The Links at Brigantine Beach, Harbor
seek an alternative draw as they campaigned to getPines, Mays Landing Golf and Country Club, Sand
the state to open the city to gambling in the hopesBarrens Golf Club, Shore Gate Golf Club and Twisted
of revitalizing the city and restoring it to its formerDune Golf Club.
glory days.If you'd like to learn more about the city in its glory
With the passage of the Casino Gamblingdays, visit the Atlantic City Historical Museum and
Referendum in 1976, and with the opening of theCultural Center.