Mum, and fellow blogger Natalie M. Poirier, shares with us her story, what is so special about Atlantic City, New Jersey and why she loves where she lives.
Natalie’s Story
Welcome to the bottom half of New Jersey, or as we like to call it South Jersey. For the last two decades I have made this half of “The Garden State” a place I like to call home and for good reason!
The beach towns are what got me hooked, literally. I grew up in the mountains of New Hampshire, so moving to a shore town was a dream I’ve always had.
I have made my way all around Atlantic County within the last 20 years from Atlantic City to the countryside of Hammonton, which is known as “The Blueberry Capital” of the world. In recent years, I’ve made my home somewhere in between a beach town and the countryside, in a small bayside town called Port Republic, where the locals are amazing and the city is just a drive away.
If I only had 24 hours to visit Atlantic City, New Jersey, describe what I should do.
I get asked this question so often. “What is there to do if you do not gamble”? I also get asked “what do you do in the winter time when the beach is covered in frost”?
If you only have 24 hours, first things first, we have to get breakfast! Let’s go to where the locals always go for bagels at Hot Bagels & More. There are about 4 or 5 locations through-out Atlantic County and they make their own bagels right there on site! Grab the famous pork roll, egg, and cheese; one of the 20 different bagel varieties to choose from! You are guaranteed to find something delicious. French toast bagel anyone?
After breakfast, it’s a good idea to get some cardio by shopping! Atlantic City’s Tanger Outlets The Walk has over 75 different designer stores with amazing deals! If you run into me, don’t tell my husband!
If retail shopping isn’t really your bag, pun intended, head over to The Historical Shoppes At Smithville. With over 50 specialty shops, (think Etsy but physical stores). There’s something for everyone! If you are here around the holidays, the whole village is decked out in Christmas decor. It’s magical! While you are there shopping you can always stop for lunch at one of the 4 restaurants.
And then there is more food…
Probably why I fell in love with Atlantic County, is because we have amazing food! I could literally go on and on. Atlantic City alone is filled with fine dining restaurants. Within the casinos, you will find some of the best meals you ever had, not cheap but definitely amazing! My husband and I love Council Oak at The Hard Rock Casino, or the historic Knife & Fork Inn is a classic.
We have the best cheesesteaks around. I recommend White House Subs, in Atlantic City or Sugar Hill Subs in Mays Landing. We have so many amazing places to dine at that you could spend your whole time going out to eat!
With all the amazing breakfast, lunch, & dinner walk it off on the longest boardwalk in the world, the world, Atlantic City boardwalk. The views are amazing. Even on a crisp day, seeing the beach and walking along the shore is just such an incredible feeling!
Now, you know why I have been here the last 20 years of my life!
If you could suggest for me to just do ONE thing there, what would it be and why?
You have to go to the Atlantic City boardwalk, even if it is one time. It is literally the largest boardwalk in the world! When I get up there it is such a freeing, carefree feeling. Hearing the waves and the seagulls. But be careful they will attack for food!
The atmosphere can be not so suitable for children at times with the casinos, so start at Tropicana Casino and walk to Ventnor City or start from the Hard Rock Casino and head toward the inlet. Try to avoid the middle, that is where reality of the city hits a bit more.
What is one thing Atlantic City should be known for and why?
It has something for everyone. Atlantic County has such a history. We have one of the only casino cities in the country, Atlantic City, tons of historical landmarks to visit throughout the county, and let’s not forget all the amazing food!
Tell me about your favourite outdoor activity in Atlantic City?
Always the beach and the boardwalk. Once the summer passes us locals love to go to the beaches and boardwalk. You literally have the whole beach to yourself. It is a really intimate thing to experience. To look at the entire beach and not see anyone really gives you time to reflect and just be in the moment.
Tell me about your favourite indoor activity?
On a rainy day or cold day makes a great movie day! Pack your snacky snacks and hit up the Ventnor Square Theatre. It has an old time feel with a modern twist. Built while COVID-19 shut down the entire world, no one got to enjoy this amazing new theatre for some time. Now that it is open, it was so worth the wait. It is such a great local spot. They show the new releases in the old time theatre vibe. Love it!
Imagine I am blind. If I come to visit Atlantic City, New Jersey, how would you describe it to me?
You can hear the seagulls gulling, waves crashing, and smell the funnel cakes in the air. You hear children laughing and adults having the time of their lives, while we walk the greatest boardwalk in the world.
Once we drive out of the city, the countryside becomes a bit quieter. You can hear nature a bit more, the sounds become more still. You can faintly smell the salt air if you are near the bay. It is the best of both worlds.
What makes it stand out compared to nearby places?
There are many beautiful beaches all over the world, but there is just something about the Jersey Shore in the summertime. And even winter. To see the beaches everyday and to be right near the ocean is priceless.
What is the best thing to do with children in Atlantic City?
The best place to take children is Lucy the Elephant. She is literally a giant elephant that used to be a hotel for tourists back in 1881! She still stands there today. It is really such a cool site to see and such an incredible piece of history to show the kiddies!
What is the best thing to do as a solo traveller and why?
It all depends on what the person likes to do. If you like the nightlife and going out where the action is of course you will hit up Atlantic City. If that isn’t really your cup of tea, you must go visit The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City. It is such a miraculous site to see! The third largest lighthouse in the country, one of the oldest, and they let you climb it! You can literally climb all 228 steps to the top, so hopefully you aren’t afraid of heights!
What is the best thing to do as a couple in Atlantic City and why?
Walk the boardwalk together, hold hands and just walk and talk. If it is a nice enough day, take off your shoes and head onto the sand near the water. Talk about life, put your phones away, and just escape into the beauty of the sea. Collect little pieces of the ocean, you will find shells all over. If you are really lucky you will find a piece of seaglass. Locals believe this is good luck and if a couple finds it together it is meant to be. How cute is that?!
Is there anything else I should know about why you love where you live?
Many people take Atlantic City at face value. On the outside it does not look the greatest. It is a bit rough around the edges, but once you start exploring, you will find amazing things to do that will be memories that will last a lifetime
Check out more from Natalie at her fabulous blog, Mama’s Got Baggage
Would you like to share why you love where YOU live? Send an email to happylifesafari.com to be included!
