Atlantic City: Stay Or Not?

To what extent did the Atlantic City region measure up as a “top notch” tourist experience for us on our road trip?

I first caught sight of Atlantic City when gazing at a line of towering high rise hotels as we drove seaward on a bridge rising over the area’s two inland flowing bays.Taking a closer glance at these mega gambling resorts as we reached the beachfront, I noticed as well across the road some unsightly “pockets” nearby of physical neglect. Know then these areas of boarded up buildings, garbage strewn lots and heavily potholed streets seemed more widespread to me than I might have expected.Traffic conditions along the beach highway on this weekend afternoon also seemed strangely light for a dense resort vicinity of this size along with my sensation of a “creepy” absence of people strolling around streets then in this tourist heavy part in town.

Thus I immediately envisioned that if a savvy vacationer staying strictly near the beach at glitzy Harrahs, The Hard Rock, or Bally’s Hotel, would  they even bother to leave those lavish premises to take a good look at such blight around the town? Know however that a more positive assessment of mine about Atlantic City “proper” would happen two days later when we embarked on a short side trip west of the shoreline at Gardner’s Bay. For in this inland waterfront vicinity  I witnessed an enlightening renaissance of new city growth occupied by exotic casino hotels, private golf courses, relaxing dockside restaurants and much calmer water views.

Thankfully our hotel accommodations at the historic Claridge Hotel turned out fine as well. For our room provided us a nice view of the city on the 17th floor and also impressed us as comfortable, clean and moderately priced. I might also add my personal affinity for the ” Art Deco” appearance of this  hotel which featured an ornately decorated lobby, gold gilded hallways and a collection of old city photo displays strewn on walls throughout the building. Yet in spite of The Claridges’ well restored appearance, I could not stop thinking that this aging hotel seemed well past its prime.

As good luck continued a short distance from our hotel, we discovered an unpretentious looking Irish Pub to eat several of our meals during our four day stay. So while the corn beef, paninis sandwiches, and salads tasted superb here, the real highlights of these dining occasions took place as we gawked at an impressive collection of memorabilia and celebrity portrait photos showcasing America’s entertainment and sports past in various rooms throughout the restaurant.

I would note in contrast, however, that our one time walk along a busy portion of Atlantic City’s oceanfront boardwalk seemed a bit disappointing. For these two tourist saturated Floridians seemed unimpressed by those dated amusement park rides, take out eating “joints” and discount souvenir shopping outlets as we strolled along the way. Likewise, the famed Steel Pier, a prominent icon from the city’s glorious past seemed at first glance “‘tourist trap tacky” and simply out of place from the modernistic Hard Rock Resort situated nearby. Fortunately, a  much more appealing boardwalk vantage point for us took place at Absecon Island Point,  a few miles north from our hotel,  From this far end location, we could now more quietly stroll and enjoy more unobstructed seaside views.

So I’ve decided to show you some of my more appealing views obtained on our visit to Atlantic City in the following photo set.Yet given the overall “rundown” appearance of Atlantic City, I’m  feeling dubious, however, as to whether it measures up now as a worthwhile touristic visiting priority for our travel needs. I personally would rather check out seemingly more family friendly coastal cities nearby such as Margate, Mays Landing and Ocean City on a future road trip visit. Or even better, I might suggest we take a quick train to New York City from various other New Jersey locations  for a more complete tourist package.