Atlantic City, New Jersey
This was my first time in Atlantic City and at first, I was honestly concerned there would be nothing about this place that would inspire me to write a single word. Now that I’m sitting at my computer on the final night in this hotel room I find myself looking out the window at the run down apartment buildings, the old casinos, the boardwalk lights, and the darkness of the Atlantic Ocean, wondering how this seedy town with a dark, yet rich history can be so alluring.
The boardwalk inspires nostalgic thoughts of a time when the train was the best form of transportation. When people would take a train to AC to forget about the troubles of a young, growing nation.
The roaring 20s were this city’s boom as evident when visiting classic restaurants like the Knife & Fork, a popular Atlantic City speakeasy during the prohibition era.
Do not let anybody tell you Atlantic City is a “mini-Vegas”—it’s not. In fact, it’s far from it. As the country grew and the times evolved, it was clear Atlantic City would be, to an extent, forgotten. The city has an east coast grit that once understood, will allow you to look out to the ocean and simply enjoy the endless view.
This is not to say I loved everything about the city. Indeed this place outer layer would make any west coast lover like myself quickly turn away. You have to be willing to go beyond this layer to find the mystique of this old resort town.
To cap off my week in Atlantic City, I will hit the ocean in the morning just before driving to the airport. When I reach California, I’ll drive to the beach for a quick dip there. I’ll be able to say I’ve been in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in the same day.
