It was a new adventure for me. I wanted to do something different this past Christmas, 2011. I consulted with my adult children and proposed going to Atlantic City instead of celebrating the holidays at home. Traveling to Atlantic City over Christmas was out of the norm so I wasn’t sure how they would take the idea but when I spoke with them they agreed and arrangements were made.
I did have to make some preparations. One was getting a cell phone (I had never owned one) and buying a Garmin gps system. Last time I drove a long distance reading the maps when traveling alone became a REAL challenge!! The Garmin was a real bonus and the cell phone from Walmart was for security in case I had a problem on the road.
I drove up to Atlantic City taking the route that uses the Cape May Lewes Ferry. Another new adventure as I had never been the primary driver when boarding a ferry! I was talking with a friend and she recommended I check the ferry’s schedule on the internet. I’m sure glad I took her advice because I had no clue that you might need a reservation to board. So, I did just that. I arrived a bit earlier than intended so I was able to board because there was still room. I made a Youtube of the Ferry ride which I thought was great going to Atlantic City.
Coming back was totally different. I didn’t think we were going to be able to board because the water was so rough. I wish I would have been able to hold the camera coming back but it was all I could do to hang on to the hand railings to walk around! Getting a pretzel and coffee was a challenge in that rough water. When we finally landed my car was covered in salt. Washing the car was certainly in order the next day!
Arriving in Atlantic City was pleasant but I had typed the wrong address into the Garmin and missed my hotel by two blocks, lol. The kids arrived a few hours after I arrived, since I was ahead of schedule. I haven’t got a clue where my car had been parked with the valet service of the Tropicana.
You really don’t have to leave the hotels in Atlantic City to enjoy yourself but we did go out on the board walk and walk and walk and walk. We checked out the decor of many of the other casinos and hotels. I did wonder about the crazy push carriages. I even asked the kids why don’t they use golf carts? When I noticed the photos on the walls in my room I realized that the wicker push carts were some sort of historical nuance that is a totally carried on tradition in Atlantic City today.
We walked to a converted pier that was transformed into a shopping mall. One of the kids noticed that they had a water and light show going on daily. We couldn’t stay because we had a reservation but we did go back the next day. More walking but this time in the rainy mist. The water display was well worth the walk and I was able to record a good portion of it from the seats we had, hence the railing.
When we left it was raining much harder, I ,suddenly, realized what the covered wicker push carts had value!!! We rode back to the Tropicana in style and stayed dry too.
The trip was a little different but I think we all had a great time even though I lost at gambling, at least the kids came out ahead. Really great food too!
I wish I were there. It sounds like a wonderful vacation with your kids but tell me was the pretzel really worth the struggle? I would venture to say “Yes it was”. Very interesting blog and sounds like great fun.
CC… it was a blast and the giant pretzel was great but I can tell you never try and eat one with jelly when the ship is moving left to right, up and down. Not good, lol
What a delightful adventure!! I love it when the opportunity allows to do something out of the norm for the holidays.
Great story and video! Thank you for sharing a part of your life
Good grief, how did I miss this great post. Do it all while you’re healthy and can move and breath:) Atlantic City is a definitely different experience from Las Vegas. Glad you enjoyed the trip!!!
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chateycathey said,
January 29, 2012 @ 5:31 pm
I wish I were there. It sounds like a wonderful vacation with your kids but tell me was the pretzel really worth the struggle? I would venture to say “Yes it was”. Very interesting blog and sounds like great fun.
grouchow said,
January 29, 2012 @ 6:13 pm
CC… it was a blast and the giant pretzel was great but I can tell you never try and eat one with jelly when the ship is moving left to right, up and down. Not good, lol
blightproductions said,
January 29, 2012 @ 6:05 pm
Nice post, but it would of been better with some of out photos! lol. Like that photobooth one!
grouchow said,
January 29, 2012 @ 6:14 pm
Oh my, I should have thought of that! Isn’t that like a mug shot though? xxx
Dusty Corners said,
January 30, 2012 @ 1:42 pm
What a delightful adventure!! I love it when the opportunity allows to do something out of the norm for the holidays.
Great story and video! Thank you for sharing a part of your life
grouchow said,
January 30, 2012 @ 2:58 pm
Thanks Dusty, it was a hoot!
kornkountrytreasures said,
January 30, 2012 @ 2:43 pm
I am so glad that you enjoyed your trip, Ace!! It sounds as though you had a super time with the kids!!
grouchow said,
January 30, 2012 @ 2:59 pm
KK…… We had a wonderful time. Very different, thank goodness it didn’t snow. lol
supergranny said,
February 13, 2012 @ 12:19 am
Good grief, how did I miss this great post. Do it all while you’re healthy and can move and breath:) Atlantic City is a definitely different experience from Las Vegas. Glad you enjoyed the trip!!!
grouchow said,
February 13, 2012 @ 12:34 am
@Supergranny………. thanks for the reply. And, yes, for my first time there it was quite the adventure. Especially driving by myself!