Things to do / Travel Guide
The Jersey Shore is always full of surprises, so it is actually no surprise that several unique and charming attractions lie just off the beaten path.
Art in Atlantic City
While you expect to be surrounded by glitzy casinos, fluorescent lights, amusement park rides, and souvenir shops in Atlantic City, you probably didn't expect to find a center for the arts. Indeed, tucked away on Garden Pier overlooking Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk is the culturally refined respite that is the Atlantic City Art Center. This free-to-enter unique art space offers three exhibition galleries displaying the work of contemporary local, regional, and national artists, a gallery shop, as well as an events calendar filled with concerts, talks, performances, and literary readings.
Believe It or Not
The strange and unusual are commonplace at Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum in Atlantic City. Films, an interactive funhouse, and bizarre exhibits based on Robert Ripley's travels will amaze and entertain visitors of all ages.
Celebrating Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen fans would fare well spending a day in Asbury Park, Springsteen's former stomping grounds. You can visit Madam Marie's, the famous fortune-teller featured in the song “Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” or hang out for an hour or two at the Stone Pony on Ocean Avenue. Not only is the Stone Pony considered one of the premier rock clubs in New Jersey, it is also the place where the Boss himself used to jam; he still tends to show up there from time to time. Before your Springsteen sojourn is over, take a drive on U.S. Highway 9, made famous in “Born to Run,” or buy a “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” (the title of another of Springsteen's songs) on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.
Enormous Elephant
Lucy the Margate Elephant, in Margate City, is a 90-ton, six-story tall pachyderm constructed in 1881 from 1 million pieces of timber and over four tons of bolts. She stands, elegantly, among the eel grass of lower Absecon Island, and was originally intended to bring land speculators to the region, Lucy has become somewhat of a local legend. Tours inside the elephant are available.
Film Fun
Remember that endearing little red-headed orphan with whom the nation fell in love? “Annie” was filmed on West Long Branch's Monmouth University campus. You can spend a lovely afternoon on the campus (arguably one of the prettiest in New Jersey) and stop into Wilson Hall, which was transformed into Daddy Warbucks' home for the filming.
Space Place
Spend an afternoon staring at the stars. The sky shows, projected onto the impressive 40-foot dome at Robert J. Novins Planetarium in Toms River, lives up to its catchy motto: “Your Place for Space.” One of the largest planetariums in New Jersey, you will travel light years away on a space expedition from the Jersey Shore to far-reaching galaxies and cosmos - all without leaving your seat. The kids are sure to love it!
Wildwood's Whaling Wall
While you are in Wildwood, don't miss the Whaling Wall, at Garfield Avenue and the Wildwood Boardwalk. Painted by the world's foremost environmental artist, Wyland, this spectacular 220' x 30' mural is a marine life masterpiece, with life-size whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea creatures showcased.
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