Best Kept Secrets of Atlantic City, New Jersey

By Aimee Amodio

Big or small, every town has its secrets. Let's take a look at Atlantic City. You know about the casinos, you know about the boardwalk, you may even know about the convention center... but now let's see what you may not know about this Jersey shore city!

Treasures at the Casino
If you love seafood, make a visit to the North Sea Village, inside the Showboat casino. Fresh fish is flown in daily! You'll also enjoy homemade Asian specialties. Open Saturdays, in the Rib and Chophouse, on the casino level.

For after dinner drinks and a break from the noise of the casino, try Caesars Forum Lounge on the third floor at Caesars. Enjoy an ocean view and live piano music -- and an intimate atmosphere for you and someone you love.

And on poor weather days, you can navigate between the casinos without ever setting foot outside!

Outdoor Adventures
You never know what might be going on at Gardner's Basin, at the northern end of Atlantic City. Maybe a live musical performance, maybe a food festival... and if the circus is in town, you'll be able to get an up-close look at the animals! The Basin also features a small aquarium -- eight tanks, more than a hundred different types of fish and marine mammals. And take a quick tour through the sixteen stations of the Ocean Life Education Center. Sightseeing boat tours are also available at the Basin.

Just outside of Atlantic City in Brigantine NJ you can find the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. This non-profit center rescues marine animals found on the New Jersey coastline, like whales, seals, dolphins, and turtles. The rescued animals are rehabilitated and then returned to the ocean. If you've got a soft spot for animals in need... or you're just fascinated by marine life... don't miss the Marine Mammal Stranding Center!

Atlantic City has its own minor league baseball team -- the Atlantic City Surf! If you're in town during the season, catch a game for just eight bucks (six for seniors!).

And for the angler... head south to the secluded Strathmere beach. You won't be the only one fishing in the surf at sunrise!

Indoor Adventures
Ripley's Believe It Or Not has an Odditorium in Atlantic City -- a showcase for the odd and unusual.

In the market for antiques? Browse the Belrose Galleries on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Antiques... jewelry... furniture... and a friendly staff to answer your questions. And be sure to check out Bayside Antiques, on New Hampshire Avenue, near Gardner's Basin. It's only open by appointment, so call ahead... but you'll be treated to the finest antique oriental rugs, jewelry, pottery, and more. Call (609) 347-7143 for your appointment.

Art lovers, make a trip to the Noyes Museum in Oceanville. Southern New Jersey's greatest artists have works on permanent display. Visit on Friday if you can -- admission is free on Fridays!

No trip to the Jersey shore would be complete without seeing Lucy the Elephant! Take a tour of this restored sixty-five foot wooden pachyderm on Atlantic Avenue in Margate.