Atlantic City is more than just its top-notch gambling

So you think you know Atlantic City? Think again. When Atlantic City was originally founded in the late 1800’s, it was envisioned as a health resort, a place where city folks could escape to the sea. These days, AC’s spotlight, of course, is drawn to the casinos, but the foundation of this town has always been built on visionaries — many of whom are now working to carve a path for this seaside destination’s future.

Ralph E. Hunter is one of those people. Ralph, age 83, has spent his life collecting African American artifacts and now shares his collection of over 12,000 pieces at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. At this little gem of an institution, Ralph welcomes visitors like Whoopi Goldberg (who donated a piece to the collection) and gives guests a peek at the rich African American heritage of Atlantic City, a place he calls “the playground of the world.”

Then there’s the developer Pat Fasano. A few years ago, this Jersey native started snapping up real estate along Tennessee Avenue, St. James Place, and New York Avenue with the aim of opening restaurants and bars, shops and nightclubs. He named the area The Orange Loop after Monopoly’s orange streets, and it’s already starting to buzz. “This city grew up as a beach community with salt water taffy and the Boardwalk, but it lost its way for a little while,” says Pat. “It was a boom for a minute with the casinos, but it was more like fool’s gold because it didn’t really last. So now we have to go back organically and reinvent it.”

Artist Kelly Prevard, who was born and bred in Atlantic City, is also doing her part to help transform this city with pieces like her massive mural on the side of the Atlantic Cape Community College. “Art is healing, transformative, and nourishing,” says Kelley. “Especially with the times that we’re in right now, people are yearning for some kind of engagement and healing energy. Art is able to do that in a way that kind of nothing else can.”

So come along with The WeekEnder for an AC getaway as we breathe in the fresh air, taste local bites, check out some art, take a gamble, and let it ride.

-Laura Begley Bloom, New York's Senior WeekEnder Writer

Atlantic City is home to a clutch of casino resorts that provide the ultimate staycation with tons of action under one roof. Since navigating the resort scene can be challenging, we did the homework for you.

Best for: It’s not Vegas, baby, but this is your spot if you’re looking for an elevated AC night out.

Location low-down: In the Marina District with panoramas stretching to the ocean.

Casino scene: 161,000 square feet of gaming — table games, slot machines, race and sports betting, poker, and more.

The food: You’re probably not going to spot Bobby Flay or Iron Chef Michael Symon in the kitchen, but you’ll love their restaurants, Bobby Flay Steak (a modern steakhouse) and Angeline (try Symon’s mom’s special Sunday Sauce).

Pro-tip: Looking to lounge? The indoor pool and gardens are only for ages 18+.

Best for: Serious gamblers — Caesars has the largest sportsbook in town.

Location low-down: Smack on the Boardwalk.

Casino scene: The Wild Wild West — the entertainment hub — is pretty wild indeed, with bars, over 2,000 slot machines, and The Book, a sporting favorite.

The food: Go high-brow at Nero's Italian Steakhouse (an AC institution for 25 years) or head south of the border for some Mother Clucker tacos at AC Snack Shack.

Pro-tip: Instead of WFH, you can WFC (work from Caesars) with a $39-a-night package that includes in-room food delivery during your Zoom calls.

Best for: Foodies with luxe tastes.

Location low-down: In the Marina District with stunning bay views.

Casino scene: Ready to fulfill all your gaming needs, plus live poker at the WSOP Poker Room.

The food: It’s gourmet all the way, from the new Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay Steak to Martorano’s (yes, those are The Real Housewives of NJ at the next table).

Pro-tip: Kids and fur babies are welcome.

Best for: A cheap sleep.

Location low-down: Right on the Boardwalk with killer ocean views.

Casino scene: Around-the-clock gaming.

The food: Fine dining at The Palm followed by cocktails galore at Chelsea Five Gastropub, which features over 50 whiskeys, bourbons, and classic drinks.

Pro-tip: Test your skills at the Escape Room or shop til you drop at The Quarter with over 25 boutiques.

Best for: The newest hotel of the bunch is the spot for music lovers — you might even run into a band that was a one-hit wonder in the 90s.

Location low-down: Boardwalk central; choose from rooms with ocean, bay, or city views.

Casino scene: The music is loud, the drinks are strong, and with over 2,100 slots and 120 table games, the gambling doesn’t disappoint.

The food: Taste authentic East Coast bites, from the homemade pasta at Il Mulino to some of the freshest catches at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood.

Pro-tip: It’s always rocking at the Hard Rock, so if you want a quiet respite, book a treatment at the spa.

Sure there are tons of celebrity-chef restaurants at the big resorts (see our guide above), but you’ll also want to check out where the locals eat. Here’s our quick AC insider’s guide.

Atlantic City’s first independent coffee shop is from a trio of friends who came back home to serve up artisanal brews and pastries.

This upscale pub’s Sunday brunch is as much of a fan favorite as its award-winning burgers.

Go ahead, try to decide between the cookies, pastries, and the hand-crafted bread still made from the original 1919 recipe.

Opened in 1946, the most famous sub shop in South Jersey has been a hit with everyone from Frank Sinatra to George Clooney. (There’s also a location at the Hard Rock.)

Momofuku’s David Chang called this the best taco spot on the East Coast. Don’t miss the al pastor tacos and mole enchiladas, all made with homemade tortillas.

Ever heard of taco pizza? Tony Baloney’s invented it — and that’s no baloney.

A supper club with soul food prepared by New Jersey native Kelsey Jackson, who cooks the Southern dishes he grew up eating.

The oldest restaurant in Atlantic City has been owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897. Serving seafood straight from the docks.

Next-best-thing-to Italy restaurant whose owner has been in AC for nearly 30 years.

Atlantic City’s first and only distillery. Pop in for a hand-crafted cocktail or pick up a bottle of vodka, whiskey, gin, or tequila to go.

A forward-thinking new brewery owned by a couple who is passionate about making mixed-culture beers using local fruits, botanicals, and grains.

More than a hundred craft beers hand-selected by a local food critic and radio personality. Plus, live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Stroll the iconic wooden walkway — the first boardwalk in America — which stretches for four miles.

On the Steel Pier just off the Boardwalk is this 227-foot-high Ferris wheel with gondolas. In winter, it’s open on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Atlantic City is home to over 50 murals, and this local arts organization has a handy online guide to some of the best in the area.

Hidden away in a parking garage, you can see the work of local artists, shop for locally made gifts, and visit the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, which is based here.

In addition to founding the African American Heritage Museum, Ralph E. Hunter is a history buff who worked as a consultant on the show Boardwalk Empire. Here, Ralph gives his picks for how to get a glimpse of vintage AC.

“Behind Bally’s is the Dennis Hotel — they literally built the new hotel around the Dennis, which is still standing.”

“Lucky Johnson, the gangster from Boardwalk Empire, had an apartment here.”

“Check out the old bar at Angelo’s, which has been around since the 1950’s.”

“This lighthouse is really a destination. Climb to the top and chat with the lighthouse keeper. I think he’s a hundred years old and he’s quite the historian.”

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