It’s happening at Atlantic City Hotels and Casinos

Nothing this year made me so full of anticipation as the rumors of the legendary Stevie Wonder planning a long awaited (12 years to be precise) tour of the US, and nobody heard me squeal so profusely when I discovered those rumors were in actual fact - FACT!

For the millions of you who shared my delight, his tour which began in August has been a revelation. It was no wonder then that tickets were being sold at an alarming rate and I was somewhat (extremely) disappointed when I missed out. The good news is, ladies and gentleman, its not too late to be the bearer of a ‘golden ticket’. Sir Stevie Wonder has extended his tour and for those who missed out the first time round, tickets are now available to see our beloved icon in locations such as the Borgata Center in Atlantic City. As of October the 25th, Stevie will be giving us some live events throughout the east.

My ticket for the Borgata Center is in a safe place until the 27th of October arrives - the big day. After weeks of frustration, all my wishes came true with the announcement of the added dates. I am in no doubt that these tickets will soon be sold out too, so if your thinking about it, don’t! better not waste the time, just act on it. Come and join me boogieing on down to the likes of “Superstition”, “Higher Ground” and some of his later works; “So What the Fuss” and “Shelter in the Rain”.

So what made Stevie decide to tour after 12 years? Delighted as I was, I thought it was a little out of the blue. It has been reported that his inspiration came from the recent death of his mother, Lula Mae Hardaway. She is also the muse of his upcoming album “The Gospel Inspired by Lula”, to be released in January next year, coinciding with her birthday.

Stevie’s last studio album was titled “A Time to Love”. Emerging in 2005 and reaching number 5 in the Billboard 200, it was and still is a perfect blend of anthems and laid-back R&B/Soul. In a time when a lot of R&B is about drugs, money, or infidelity, Wonder’s lyrics offer us the innocence and simplicity of early Motown. A refreshing change I might add. After playing the album on repeat, for what seems like an eternity, I am more than a little excited to hear and see them live on stage.

I can’t comprehend for what might have been if I never bought my ticket for the Borgata. To me and to many others who have walked the globe since Stevie’s existence, the acceptance that this guy is a genius is just the beginning. I still find myself full of admiration for a man who is fully blind, but brimming with life and musical ambition. Everything that he’s recorded bares the tone of his jubilant positivity. He has taught us so much on issues of racial, social and spiritual context.

Stevie Wonder shares a love of music like I do and when I listen to him I feel on top of the world. No exaggeration. I can’t wait to see him later this month…Can you?

Catch him live at the Borgata Center, Atlantic City, 26th-27th October.

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When you are headed to Atlantic City, you will find that you are in a great place for some fun in the sun, and when you are ready to start a party or to join one, you cannot beat the beach bars. The beach bars in Atlantic City are known for their lively environments and the great times that they offer to tourists and locals like, and when you are interested in having a great time, there are definitely a few that you need to check out.

For instance, when you don’t want to do anything fancy, why not consider the Atlantic City Hilton Beach Bar? This bar has a terrifically kitschy feel, and it is definitely stripped down. It might make you think of a bare shack on the beach, but there are some great things to check out. You can get some great wings, sausage and tacos here and you’ll find that if you are interested in a slightly older crowd, this is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you are in the mood for a place where you definitely won’t feel cramped, consider the beach bar at Trump Plaza. This place regularly has live bands in to perform and the crowd is pretty diverse and fun. You can get some great sandwiches and tacos, and when you are in the mood for something different, there’s the raw bar. You can take advantage of the luxury service that you can get from your own private cabana, and you can enjoy the luxury of being in one of the Sexiest Beach Bars, as decided by the Travel Channel.

If you are in the mood to be really close to the beach, you can’t get much closer than the Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s. This bar is known for its live band and for its proximity to the water and you will find that though the food here is your basic bar food, it is plentiful and pretty tasty. Look for the Old Bay fries and the shrimp, and make sure that you stay long enough for the cocktails. There are many different theme nights that you can take advantage of when you are looking at the Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s, so keep a look out for things like Latin Mondays and ’80s Wednesdays. There’s even a fun in the sun fashion show on Friday, so bring your best!

Take a moment to think about everything that you have heard about Atlantic City. The bar scene is among the most amazing in the world and when you are ready to have a good time, this is definitely the beach that you want to hit. Check out more local attractions and figure out which water holes are going to entertain you!

Image Courtesy : http://njmonthly.com/articles/jerseyshore/come-as-you-are-bars.html

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With the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, just about everything you do is somehow better, but even more so if it’s free. If, like many people, you’re worried you won’t be able to vacation somewhere as exciting as Atlantic City (AC) this year, relax and start packing your suitcase because here are five completely free and totally fun things to do in one of the greatest spots in all of the U.S.

1. Learn about Atlantic City’s History: Located on Garden Pier on Boardwalk at New Jersey Avenue, the Atlantic City Historical Museum showcases the widely diverse history of AC offering both free admission and parking to visitors. Before heading to the beach you can learn about Atlantic City’s culture through the permanent exhibit titled “Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation” which features vintage postcards and photographs, artifacts from the area, and also memorabilia from the famed Miss America pageants held in the city.

2. See a Free Outdoor Concert: Throughout the summer months concerts are held at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk courtesy of the AC Free Public Library. Also free are summer concerts at Bally’s Casino in the Dennis Courtyard as well as multiple entertainers located all along the Boardwalk.

3. Experience Korean War History in Atlantic City: See the New Jersey Korean War Memorial on Brighton Park which is free to the public and offers a definite feeling of the area’s deep rooted history. The war memorial is open daily and gives visitors a chance to experience the important legacy left by our veterans.

4. More Free Culture and History in Atlantic City: Visit the tranquil Civil Rights Garden, located on Pacific Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, and see its gorgeous flowers, the meandering pathways, and the awe inspiring eleven granite columns with inscriptions detailing the events that occurred during that time.

5. Enjoy the Wonders of the Beach and the Atlantic Ocean: There are no pricey beach badges or any type of fees needed to enjoy the beauty of Atlantic City’s beaches and any number of fun activities taking place there all year round.

Besides the usual swimming, sunbathing, and volleyball games, surfing is also permitted at three different beaches, either New Hampshire Avenue’s Crystal Beach, the Delaware Avenue Beach, or the Downtown Beach at Raleigh Avenue. None of the surfing beaches are staffed with lifeguards, and if you want to kayak or windsurf over at Jackson Avenue Beach, also without a lifeguard, be sure to bring your own equipment as there are no rentals.

As if all of that isn’t enough, fishing is permitted along the jetties near the Oriental and Main Avenue Boardwalks and you won’t even need to buy a license for salt-water fishing here. Just remember that no fishing is allowed near bathing beaches during the hours of 10am to 6pm when the lifeguards are on duty.

With all of the free things to do in Atlantic City you’re sure to need more than just one day to see and do everything the area has to offer. But luckily, since none of these fun activities require any money, maybe you’ll be able to stay an extra few days and really experience the city in all its glory.

Image Courtesy : http://dogandponyshowwebsite.com/a-fun-trip-with-me-to-atlantic-city-nj-come-join

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Jackson Browne still puts on one heck of a show! He is coming to The Borgata Casino Hotel and Spa in Atlantic City on July 25th at 9pm. The Borgata is showing the concert Sold Out, but you can still find tickets on the Internet. I found some on razorgator.com that ranged from $121 for some upper level to $455 for 8 rows from the stage. You can also go to the link on cheapatlanticcity.com and find other tickets for sell at different websites.

Jackson Browne’s one of the great American rock singer-songwriters and musicians. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 by Bruce Springsteen. They have some similar music, although Jackson Browne is well known for his “Running on Empty” tour. He alternates between rock, folk, and country.

His newest studio album was “Time The Conqueror”, released in September, 2008, which is the tour at The Borgata. The concert reviewers have given it 5 stars out of 5. He’s got the full band for this show and tour, including backup singers, even though the last tours were acoustic renditions of his best works.

If you’re a Jackson Browne fan, you can expect to hear a lot of the favorites-old and new. Reviewers say, “As a whole package, there are not many bands-artists with such good bands-who can come close. Sound levels were always right, there were never any obvious mistakes and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. A fair balance is struck between the new songs and all of the classics”. If you have never been to a Jackson Browne concert, but have always been a fan, you are in for quite a treat.

The Borgata is a fun place that offers “Up all night” packages for The Borgata Comedy Club that includes dinner buffet, drinks and tickets to that venue and they have other packages that include spa and suite or room and breakfast, that are great values. With 5 styles of rooms, like the “Classic” rooms that have a marble bath and shower for 2, the “Studio” that has a plasma television and the “Piatto Suites” with wet bar entertainment area, it’s a great selection for a special occasion.

The Borgata has over 2,000 rooms and 134,000 square feet of gambling space, you can find the room that suits your personal tastes and gamble the night away in a great venue that offers five bars and clubs. With the spa, salon, ground level shopping, pump up fitness room, pool and internet surfing, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you busy.

Located near the Trump Marina and Harrah’s, The Borgata is near the action and only 2 minutes away from the Atlantic City, (AC) Expressway. Of course, you never have to leave the 40-story tower to find some of the finest food Atlantic City has to offer. The Borgata has some world-renowned fine dining restaurants with different gourmet cuisines and there are several great casual dining choices, too.

Jackson Browne’s “Time The Conqueror” promises to be a great show and The Borgata is a great venue. Don’t miss your chance to get in on this great weekend of fun!

Image Cortesy : http://blog.masslive.com/hiddentrack/2008/04/jackson_browne_plays_the_calvi.html

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What do art, Mr. Peanut, Miss America and sand art all have in common? They are all part of the exhibit at the Atlantic City Historical Museum, of course! Come and visit the Atlantic City Historical Museum for a look at some fascinating memorabilia.

One of the entertaining exhibits at the Atlantic City Historical Museum is a permanent exhibition that is known as, “Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation.” This exhibit begins with a full-size version of Mr. Peanut at the door. This exhibit is like walking through a mini version of the Boardwalk and the beach. It boasts a large display of original sand art. Approximately 100 years ago Heinz pickle pins were given out to visitors and the custom of doing this continues to remain strong. Walking through this section of the museum will delight you as you gaze upon interesting artifacts, souvenirs, costumes, photos and more. There is also a section with Miss America memorabilia to enjoy. While strolling and browsing through this area; a video plays throughout which focuses on the Miss America Pageant, Thomas Edison, and the history that surrounds the museum.

In the Al Gold Photography Gallery the new exhibit, Shore Deco: Atlantic City Design between the Wars is shown. This exhibit dates from the years 1919 to 1939. Mr. Gold was known as Atlantic City’s first Chief Photographer, which he remained until he passed away in 1964.

The Atlantic City Art Center contains three galleries filled with the astounding work of sculptors, photographers, and painters.

A trip to the Atlantic City Historical Museum gift shop features calendars from 1995 to the present, 2009. These “Good Old Days” calendars are reasonably priced and features elements of the days gone by. Other “must have” souvenirs are an original brick from the high school compete with a certificate of authenticity. Purchase one of these bricks to help support the museum and a reputable organization. A video of the exact duplicate of the one playing in the exhibition, “Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation” is for sale here. This video is available in VHS or DVD and entitled, “Boardwalk Ballyhoo: The Magic of Atlantic City”. A book is also available that discusses the “Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation” exhibit. Filled with old photos and delightful history, “Atlantic City: 125 Years of Ocean Madness” is also a big seller.

Memberships for the Atlantic City Historical Museum are available at a rate of anywhere from $10 to the exclusive $1000, which is a corporate membership. Open at 10 a.m. everyday, this museum is a nice little day trip that is well worth your time. It is conveniently located in Atlantic City, NJ and showcases the preservation of the history of the area surroundings.

Come and experience this amazing museum filled with all types of interesting facts and features. You will like what you see!

Image Courtesy : http://www.acmuseum.org/intro.htm

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