For over a century and a half, Atlantic City (or AC as we locals call it) has had an amazing and infamous history, with many ups and downs in popularity and prestige. In recent years, casinos and mega-resorts have fallen on some hard times, with competition from newer nearby entertainment complexes including the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut, the Sands in Bethlehem PA, and Resorts in the Catskills luring the NY crowds.

The iconic Boardwalk and Beach destination rose to a glitzy beginning when gambling was legalized there in 1976, but never really spread beyond a few of the Monopoly-named streets, (yes, the popular board-game properties are named after the AC streets) with the exception of the three properties in the Marina District (The Borgata, Harrah’s and The Golden Nugget).

So, all said…and not to make this a history lesson…what’s new and exciting in AC right now, and what are some of the favorites that keep us coming back for the beaches, bars, bands, restaurants and non-stop fun on the Jersey Shore?