A.C.

Jonathan Pitney developed Atlantic City in the 1850s as a seaside resort primarily to cater to Philadelphia market. For decades, city-dwellers escaped the din of urbanity for the refreshing Atlantic breezes. I've never been much for the Shore, but after seven-plus years, I finally broke down to investigate one of the pioneer mega-resort towns. Like those yesteryear, I took the railroad to get there. New Jersey Transits runs a direct train from 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia. It takes about ninety minutes.

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I spent about five hours in A.C. Catering to my stronger interests, I walked a couple miles of the historic boardwalk, checked out the local history museum and climbed the 228 steps of the tallest Lighthouse in NJ. I did walk through a couple casinos, but didn't place any bets. Out of professional interested, I checked out the the ailing Pier Shops at Caesars. I arrived in time to watch the hourly water show. I bought some salt-water taffy, but no fish n' chips. I only saw once place they even sold it. At the last minute, I decided to catch an early train back to Philadelphia rather than have lunch in town. I ran about as hard and long as I've done in a while, I caught the train with perhaps thirty seconds to spare.

Atlantic City Casinos

Zoltar

Absecon Lighthouse

Inlet from Absecon Lighthouse

Monopoly Streets

Atlantic City Boardwalk