Tips for visiting Atlantic City:

• I was warned that Atlantic City can be a rough and a dangerous city with a lot of crime- be careful!
• I was here at the end of June and it was hot, humid and VERY windy!
• The boardwalk felt like a safe place to walk from dawn till dusk. I ran most of its length and really enjoyed it: between the hotels, restaurants, shops and the much quieter northern part, you will stay entertained! If you’re not up for a run or a walk, there’s a small shuttle that drives people up and down. I believe the fee was $4.
• The beach was nice and free (I hear you have to pay to access some beaches around here) and the water was the perfect temperature! The Steel Pier had just opened for the season and it seemed like a lot of people were enjoying the rides.
• I stayed at the brand new Ocean Casino and it was a great place to rest. The rooms were beautiful and spacious, with big windows, and the gym and pools were nice. It also houses a casino, restaurants and shops. I enjoyed a fantastic dinner at Dolce Mare and recommend trying the following dishes: the Dolce meatballs, Seared octopus, Tuna Tartare, Pappardelle alla Bolognese, Lobster Ravioli and the Risotto ai Frutti di Mare.
• If you are in the mood for a shopping spree, head over to the Tanger Outlets.
• If you want to have a glimpse of the city, check out the TV show Boardwalk Empire (takes place during the Prohibition period of the 1920s and 1930s).

Impressions of Atlantic city:

We were only in Atlantic City for 36 hours but I really enjoyed my run on the boardwalk and the beach. It felt like a mini Las Vegas on the beach. I could have spent a few more days around here exploring.

This was also a first for me: staying in a hotel before it officially opened and to be the first person to use the towels and bed in my room!