Atlantic City, NJ

We stayed at the Trump Taj Mahal for a night this week... you can see part of the building on the left side of the picture. When I was growing up in New Jersey, AC was nothing... actually it was that which was avoided! lol Gambling was approved in 1976 with the hope of revitalizing the city that in the 1800's was a huge resort town (easily accessable by train from Philly and elsewhere)Resorts International opened the first legal casino on the east coast in 1978. Today, although off 'the strip' its still a bit scary, its a great place. Like Ocean City Maryland meets Las Vegas. Oh and AC is home to the NJ's first windfarm! Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm So we all had fun... doesnt he look like he is having fun? hehehe well, he asked for it, lol... the beach and the water was clean. Loads of shells and sea glass though.

When I was researching AC as a place to visit with the family, I found lots of comments that it wasnt the place to bring kids. Those people must have been gambling-centric. While kids under 21 arent allowed to hang in the casinos, there is a TON for them to do! This pier above, the Steel Pier, has all rides and games. There is also a shopping pier with upscale shops, shows for all ages and even concerts for all ages! Just walking through the casinos is interesting in and of itself! I will say that the average age at the slots must be 70. No joking... the card game tables were more age diversified. Also the casinos have a 75% smoking ban. It makes it much nicer to walk throught than it had been in years past.

We are looking forward to going back! My kids had a ball! ( that is not one of them in the photo above... I was there with all boys as my daughter was still in away) Below are my boys and friends.

So it was a wonderful place for an overnighter. It felt like a vacation! Its about 1.5 hrs from my home. We checked in around 3, had 3 hours on the beach then to a big buffet dinner, boardwalk, games and a delightful nights sleep (great pillows at the hotel... and 4 per bed! lovely crisp sheets... ). The next day we had breakfast went back to the beach and finally to the pool. We were able to shower and change there before driving home. We ate at a place called Bills Gyro on the boardwalk at Kentucky Rd. Its sort of a dive, but had great food! Oh and had to have been 15000 dollar bills taped all over the walls, tables, chairs etc.

Oh and in case you are wondering, we spent a total of 75cents gambling! lol