Find Excitement and Leisure Alike in Atlantic City

About 30,000 years ago, groups of people crossed over from present-day Siberia to Alaska before moving on and settling along the Atlantic seaboard of today's United States. Their descendants became the Lenape tribe, part of the Algonquin nation whose members lived in what now is New Jersey.

These people were followed by Jeremiah Leeds, a Revolutionary War veteran who, evidence suggests, established a farm in 1783 on Absecon Island, a barrier atoll just offshore. Over time, a town developed in the region which took the name Atlantic City.

From that humble start, what is known as "Las Vegas of the East" was born. Bustling casino hotels welcomed high rollers, a boardwalk was lined with both family-friendly and adult-focused attractions, and a wide sand beach became popular with sun-seekers.

Over time, Atlantic City faced periods of both economic prosperity and financial challenge and went through a number of iterations. Today, it has settled into a comfort zone where everyone from serious gamers to game-playing families to adults seeking age-appropriate things to see and do can find much to their liking.

One of the town's most iconic treasures, its boardwalk, was built in 1870. It was intended at the time to help hotel owners keep beach sand from getting into their lobbies. The wooden walkway was removed each year at the end of the peak summer season until it was expanded in length and width and remained in place year-round.

Several years later the Steel Pier opened and immediately became another popular site. The 1,000-foot-long amusement park offers rides that range from a gentle journey on a carousel to fast and furious thrill experiences. Add a variety of dining and snacking choices and it's easy to understand why some people spend hours there. Those seeking other things to see and do also have a number of alternatives. Some choose to recall Atlantic City's past, including its colorful chapters.

One way to stroll -- or, to be more accurate, roll -- through history is aboard one of the chairs on wheels that have been a fixture on the boardwalk since 1887. Originally introduced to provide transportation for people with disabilities, they became so popular that they began to be used by others.

Some of the wicker contrivances closely resemble those that were in use decades ago, and many of them sport small features that provide individual character. As has always been the case, these baskets on wheels are pushed by an attendant, and the open sides are covered with a plastic drop sheet in case it should rain.

Another hint of the past is the Absecon Lighthouse, the third-tallest masonry beacon in the country. It went into service in 1857 and was deactivated in 1933. Even so, the light still shines nightly, serving as a reminder of the time when it helped to guide ships.

An overview of the community's past is available at the Atlantic City Historical Museum. It displays 150 years of local history, including relics from previous eras and a documentary that showcases a number of its seaside resorts.

Since the Miss America pageant was first hosted in town, the museum also contains many dresses worn by contestants. Competitions known as "bathing reviews" made their way to Atlantic City in the early 1900s and evolved into the Miss America pageant that continues to this day.

Another history-related claim to fame is the fact that streets of the still-popular game "Monopoly" are based upon locations in Atlantic City. Visitors who are familiar with that pastime are delighted to stroll past Park Place, Marvin Gardens and other sites that are replicated on the board.

When they seek more active pursuits, folks have a wide choice. Among options for those who prefer water-based recreation are fishing, dolphin-watching cruises and -- for the more adventurous -- parasailing.

Then there's the beach itself, wide and composed of soft, camel-hued sand. Waves invite body-boarders and surf-jumpers, while the flat terrain near the water's edge is perfect for leisurely strolls. And speaking of leisure and relaxation, several hotels have spas that offer a choice of pampering treatments.

Of course, those who prefer the thrill and challenge of testing Lady Luck are, well, in luck. Atlantic City continues to attract visitors interested in games of chance -- aka gambling. Since the first casino opened there in 1978, it has drawn people seeking to test their luck and skill at slot machines and table games.

Given the similarity of much of the adult action at the casino resorts, some seek to differentiate themselves in a variety of ways. The Bally's Atlantic City Casino Resort, which has nearly 2 acres of gaming space and more than 1,100 slot machines, touts its nine dining outlets, rotating bar and other attractions. The Resorts Casino Hotel offers 16 dining options, from ice cream parlors to steakhouses. Another feature is nightly entertainment at the Margaritaville complex.

Entertainment is yet another draw with something-for-everyone appeal that brings people of all ages to Atlantic City. If the Kooks and Foxy Shazam aren't your cup of tea, perhaps classical concerts or operatic performances will be more to your liking. Whatever your preferences, you'll likely be able to enjoy them in Atlantic City.

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WHEN YOU GO

For more information: visitatlanticcity.com.

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Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.