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Entertainment & Attractions

Atlantic City and its neighboring communities offer much more than just casino gaming. Attractions and events of all kinds are scattered throughout the region, providing plenty of family fun and prime nightlife entertainment. Long-time residents and visitors alike revel in these unique opportunities, which range from retail excursions, wineries and galleries to amusement parks, performing arts arenas and attractions distinct to only the Atlantic City region.

WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK It’s amazing to think that the now world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk was originally constructed in 1870 as a mere solution to prevent sand from infesting the luxurious oceanfront hotels. In the ensuing years, the Boardwalk became Atlantic City’s signature and its centerpiece… the place to be while in Atlantic City. This expansive promenade is lined with the best entertainment and attractions around. Arcades, museums, casinos, amusement piers, performing arts, galleries, nightclubs, beach bars, shops, restaurants, exciting events and, of course, beach activities can all be found along Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk.

THE BAY ATLANTIC SYMPHONY A musical gem in the region for 25 years, the Bay Atlantic Symphony (BAS) offers a subscription series featuring five concerts performed at both Stockton College in Atlantic City and Cumberland County College in Vineland. Additionally, the BAS graces the stage at the Cape May Music Festival, where it has been recognized as orchestra-in-residence since 2003. www.bayatlanticsymphony.org

BOARDWALK HALL Dedicated on May 31, 1929, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall (originally known as the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall) is the area’s prime entertainment venue, hosting an assortment of events including a range of musical performances, popular ice shows, circuses, basketball tournaments and much more. The Hall has also been home to professional hockey and indoor football. The Hall underwent a major $90 million renovation project in 2001, turning it into a modern facility equipped with the most advanced amenities around. www.boardwalkhall.com

COMEDY STOP CAFE AND CABARET Atlantic City stands as the original site of the premier Comedy Stop establishment. With its growing success, the comedy club took advantage of open space in The Quarter, located within the Tropicana. The new Comedy Stop venue opened in 2004 and has since been graced by more than 1,000 top entertainers. www.comedystop.com

DANTE HALL THEATRE OF THE ARTS Initially built as an addition to St. Michael’s as a community center in 1926, Dante Hall Theatre of the Arts has become a premier fine and performing arts venue in Atlantic City. While the exterior of the facility has maintained its unique 1920s architecture, its interior has been transformed into a modern performance arena, featuring state-of-the-art amenities within its 243-seat auditorium. The renovation lasted one and a half years, and, in 2003, the facility was dedicated as the Dante Hall Theatre of the Arts. Since its reopening, nearly 80 performances, including theater, music and dance, have been hosted here. www.dantehall.org

MUSEUMS, MEMORIALS & MORE ATLANTIC CITY AQUARIUM/OCEAN LIFE CENTER With more than 17 aquarium tanks totaling 30,000-plus gallons of sea water, 10 marine and maritime exhibits and so much more, the 14,500-square-foot Atlantic City Aquarium is an attraction not to be missed. Popular features include the 23,000-gallon Fish of the New Jersey Coast Aquarium; the 16-station Ocean Life Education Center and the Aquarium’s newest exhibit, the Shark and Stingray Touch Tank. www.oceanlifecenter.com

ATLANTIC CITY ART CENTER Spanning 2,500 feet, this winsome gallery, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, presents three exhibition galleries that change monthly and bimonthly. The galleries feature a variety of works, including paintings, sculptures and photography, from prominent regional and national artists. In addition, the Art Center offers a number of activities throughout the year, ranging from concerts and artist demonstrations to literary readings and gallery discussions. www.acartcenter.org

ATLANTIC CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Take a glimpse back in time at Atlantic City’s culturally rich heritage through historical photographs and artifacts. Shown throughout the day is the “Boardwalk Ballyhoo: The Magic of Atlantic City,” an entertaining documentary highlighting the city’s history, its biggest events and the resort destination we know today. www.acmuseum.org

ATLANTIC HERITAGE CENTER Formerly known as the Atlantic City Historical Society, the Atlantic Heritage Center (AHC) is an independent, nonprofit membership organization that has been an integral part of the area for nearly 100 years. AHC’s museum features more than 20,000 historical items in its collection, while its extensive library is filled with thousands of authentic documents, more than 6,000 volumes and a wealth of historical photographs all related to Atlantic City history. www.atlanticheritagecenternj.org

CIVIL RIGHTS GARDEN Located at one of Atlantic City’s historical gems, the Carnegie Library, this public sculpture garden pays homage to the originators of the great Civil Rights Movement. This tribute can be seen through various inscriptions related to the Movement’s roots, major events and those involved who made it a success. www.njcrda.com/civilrightsgarden.html

LUCY THE ELEPHANT Standing 65 feet high—that’s six stories!—and weighing in at 90 tons, Lucy, the enormous wooden pachyderm, is definitely a site to see while in the area. Built in 1881, Lucy has endured quite a lot during her nearly 130-year history in Margate. Listed as a National Historic Landmark (1976), Lucy the Elephant hails as the United States’ oldest existing example of zoomorphic architecture today. www.lucytheelephant.org

NEW JERSEY KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL Nestled within Brighton Park, the New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created in order to both give respect to those who dedicated their lives to the war and to ensure that generations to come remember those veterans and the freedom they protected. www.state.nj.us/military/korea/main.html

LIGHTHOUSES ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE This popular attraction, which stands as New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and the third tallest lighthouse in the U.S., has been a landmark in the area since its creation in 1857. After ascending its 228 steps, visitors take in beautiful, clear views of the city skyline and the back bay area. A museum and gift shop are located on the ground floor of the Lighthouse, offering a look into its distinct history in Atlantic City. www.abseconlighthouse.org

CAP MAY POINT LIGHTHOUSE This beautiful lighthouse, with 218 steps—199 making up the tower’s cast iron spiral staircase—to mount before reaching the top, dates back to 1859. The 157-foot-plus Cape May Point Lighthouse welcomes more than 100 thousand visitors annually to indulge in the gorgeous panoramic views. www.capemaymac.org

HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE Constructed in 1874, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is located in North Wildwood and features a museum teeming with unique artifacts and antiques, as well as a working light. www.herefordlighthouse.org

SPORTS & OTHER AMUSEMENTS ATLANTIC CITY SURF Baseball enthusiasts can take in America’s pastime every May through October at Bernie Robbins Stadium. Come enjoy a ball game while Atlantic City’s professional baseball team, the Surf, takes on its league rivals. www.acsurf.com

FLYERS SKATE ZONE Fulfilling the need for additional ice facilities in the area, Flyers Skate Zone is a haven for ice sports enthusiasts. Learn-to-Skate programs, youth and adult leagues and tournaments, figure skating programs, hockey camps and clinics, weekend public skating sessions and party options round out the opportunities found at Flyers Skate Zone. www.flyersskatezone.com

MOREY’S PIERS Representing the largest amusement piers worldwide, Morey’s Piers is the ideal spot for great family fun. Located in nearby Wildwood, Morey’s Piers is comprised of three amusement piers—Surfside Pier, Mariner’s Landing Pier and Adventure Pier—featuring more than 100 rides and attractions, as well as two beachfront water parks—Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters. www.moreyspiers.com

STEEL PIER Initially built in 1898, Steel Pier has experienced a remarkable history. After years of disrepair and the great devastation from a fire in 1982, Steel Pier has once again become the premier family entertainment destination in Atlantic City— thanks to Trump’s Taj Mahal’s massive undertaking to restore the Atlantic City treasure. Today, Steel Pier is home to more than 20 amusing rides, a variety of games and great food—all available to guests for free. www.steelpier.com

POPULAR EVENTS ATLANTIC CITY AIRSHOW Presented by the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, in collaboration with the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, the City of Atlantic City, David Schultz Airshows, the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing, SJTA and THE Atlantic City International Airport, the Atlantic City Airshow has expanded into the second largest airshow in the eastern U.S. Also referred to as the “Thunder Over the Boardwalk,” the airshow draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors to view a number of skilled pilots performing awe-inspiring demonstrations and fly-bys that are viewable from nearly anywhere in the Atlantic City region. Free to the public, the --Atlantic City Airshow is something to look forward to at the end of summer. www.atlanticcityairshow.com

ATLANTIC CITY ARTS ALIVE! This annual summer event, which has received recognition as “one of the ten best first time festivals in America” by Sunshine Artist magazine (2003), invites residents and visitors to celebrate everything art in the Atlantic City area. Atlantic City Arts Alive!, a juried fine arts and crafts festival, brings in a host of distinguished regional and national artists representing an array of art forms. Visitors can browse through hand-made jewelry, distinctive photography, paintings and sculpture—among many other art items. The event is held at Kennedy Plaza, located along the Boardwalk. www.atlanticcitynj.com/ac_arts_alive.asp

ATLANTIC CITY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL Revel in the best of gourmet food and wine one weekend a year at the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival, held within the Atlantic City Convention Center. Taste a variety of delicious gourmet dishes prepared by local chefs; sample exquisite wines and microbrews; view cooking demonstrations by such celebrity chefs as Guy Fieri, Rocco DiSpirito, Paula Deen and Paul Prudhomme and peruse through quality kitchenware, specialty gifts and much more at this exciting special event. www.atlanticcitynj.com/ac_food_wine_festival.asp

CHICKEN BONE BEACH CONCERT SERIES During the warm summer months, be sure to check out this Thursday night concert series at Kennedy Plaza. Through August, guests have the opportunity to enjoy two free jazz acts, one headliner and one up-and-coming jazz artist, reflecting the great entertainment of the Kentucky Avenue Chicken Bone Beach era. www.chickenbonebeach.org

Atlantic City Convention & Vistors Authority