We left Cape May and headed out to the channel that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. Will traveling the Atlantic til we get to Atlantic City, about 38 miles.
Along the way we passed lots of condos on the Jersey Shore north of Cape May and through the city of Wildwood. Wildwood has an amusement park right on the beach. We could see the Ferris Wheel and roller coaster from our boat.
We passed three inlets on the way. The first was Hereford Inlet that separates Seven Mile Beach from the Cape May area. This island was filled with beach homes and the two towns of Stone Harbor and Avalon As we pass Corson Inlet, the beach home shoreline continues and now we can see the high rises of Atlantic City on the horizon. On the next island is Ocean City, New Jersey, quite a bit smaller than its namesake in Maryland. The coast line continues til Great Egg Harbor, a small inlet that separates Ocean City from the Greater Atlantic City area.
As we got closer to Atlantic City four Looper boats lined up to follow us in. Wow! They must trust us ?! From the shore Atlantic City has tall high rises and the Steel Pier with its Ferris Wheel.
The Abescon Lighthouse, built in 1857, guards the entrance to the channel at Atlantic City. This lighthouse is the oldest of its kind and is the tallest Lighthouse in New Jersey.
Atlantic City was quite popular in the 1920’s and early 1930’s as a beach resort. In the 1950’s the town fell into neglect, but was resurrected in the 1970’s when the first gambling casinos were built. Today the town must compete with other gambling destinations. Through all of these ups and downs, the boardwalk and beaches, salt water fishing from the jetties, Steel Pier, Miss American Pageant, the Monopoly inspired street names, and salt water taffy remain.
We anchored in Rum Harbor with four other Loopers and invited them over for Docktails. Everyone brings their own drinks and shares a appetizer. Such great people and such great fun..
We slept in. Was great to relax and get caught up with record keeping, emails and filing. Bill was in the engine room checking and adjusting. After a quick lunch, we launched the dinghy to explore Atlantic City. We landed in Gardners Basin dinghy dock and walked past the older homes( moved here so they could be preserved), restaurants, tour boats and the Aquarium (which has been closed for awhile). We met two people who grew up in Atlantic City and we talked with them about what we should definitely see. They were quite helpful and gave us directions to find the city jitney service. The ups and downs of Atlantic City was evident as we walked to the jitney stop. There were very few new buildings- the only exception was the Hard Rock Casino. Tall condo buildings stood next to properties where buildings were razed and now stand vacant.
We rode the jitney to the Tropicana Casino on the south end of the island. We entered the casino and were immediately surrounded by electronic slot machines. Never knew there were so many kinds!
We roamed around the hotel shops and restaurants - of course buying a cookie!! Returning to the casino we saw the electronic roulette wheel and watched for awhile. Leaving the casino, we went down the elevator to the beach level and walked out to the beach and then headed north on the boardwalk. The boardwalk was built in 1870 was the first of its kind in the US. It runs 5.5 miles along the Inlet and the beaches. All along were shops, restaurants and of course the casinos.
We walked to Caesars Casino and went in to check it out. This casino is more old school. They still had an actual roulette wheel, poker tables and craps tables with real dealers. They also had lots of the electronic slot machines. I liked the old teller windows used to redeem your winnings.
Heading back to the boardwalk we encountered many streets represented on the Monopoly board. And yes there are still shops that make and sell the salt water taffy!
We walked past the Atlantic City Convention Center where the Miss America pageant is held. Bill decided to get himself crowned Miss America. Then we walked down near the Steel Pier and the amusement park.
As we headed back to the jitney, we found a beautiful old building which used to house the Knights of Columbus Hall and the gorgeous St James Catholic Church. Also passed by the Abescom lighthouse grounds. We chatted with those waiting at the jitney stop and learned more about the current status of Atlantic City.
Returning to the boat, we relaxed and had dinner and headed for bed. Here are some shots for Atlantic City at night.
