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From boardwalks to board games: Atlantic City’s monopoly on nostalgia

Stepping back in time: Nostalgia tourism in Atlantic City

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Atlantic City
Arya Dubey / Unsplash

Atlantic City is one of my favorite local destinations to travel to. Even in the winter, when things get boring for those of us on the East Coast, there’s always something interesting happening in Atlantic City. As nostalgia tourism continues to make it’s mark as a rising travel trend, Atlantic City serves as the perfect destination, evoking nostalgia for many visitors. Atlantic City is one of those rare places where history isn’t confined to plaques or museums; it’s woven into the city’s character, from its shoreline to the everyday rhythms of life. Here’s a look at how nostalgia tourism can influence your trip to Atlantic City.

Elements of nostalgia throughout Atlantic City

Atlantic City, NJ
Megan Majocha / Unsplash

Fans of the board game Monopoly will find plenty of real-life Easter eggs throughout Atlantic City, as the game took inspiration from the destination. As you roam around the city, you may have noticed that several property names on the game’s iconic board are named after Atlantic City streets, which visitors can explore firsthand within the Orange Loop district, a lively, three-block neighborhood along New York Avenue, St. James Place and Tennessee Avenue.

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A popular eatery, the Irish Pub & Inn (a great place to stop in for a slice of history and a pint) served as inspiration for the red game piece in Monopoly. Visitors and locals alike also love the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, which serves a variety of fun menu items inspired by the game, like MonoPO Rings, The Butcher’s Bankroll, Free Parking Frutti di Mare and Boardwalk Crab Cake Platter.

“Atlantic City’s story is deeply woven into American pop culture, and the Monopoly connection brings that history to life in a fun and tangible way. Visitors can walk the very streets that inspired the game, dine on menu items that nod to its legacy, and stay in spaces that celebrate those iconic details, all while exploring a neighborhood that feels both nostalgic and current,” says Gary Musich, President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City

The iconic boardwalk

atlantic city boardwalk
Chermel Porter / Unsplash

As a kid growing up in South Jersey, I have fond memories of traveling to the Atlantic City boardwalk. Long before I could gamble, my parents would take me to the Playcade Arcade which has “fake” slot machines for kids to play as arcade games. For travelers like me who have memories of wandering wandering along boardwalks as a kid, a visit to the iconic Atlantic City boardwalk is still a great time.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk, which was the first boardwalk in the United States, was originally constructed in 1870 to keep sand out of the city’s opulent hotels and railcars. Today, the five-mile boardwalk is now a gateway to casino resorts entertainment and the unmistakable old-school charm that continues to draw new generations. In the summer especially, I love strolling down the boardwalk just to get my steps in. Others come to the boardwalk for riding rollercoasters, grabbing food, and of course, access to the beach.

Nostalgic attractions and landmarks

Atlantic City NJ
Ashley Levinson / Unsplash

Nostalgic attractions and landmarks also draw tourists to Atlantic City, such as the city’s original Convention Hall, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. From hosting the Beatles to the Miss America Pageant and even the 1964 Democratic National Convention, this venue remains a historic landmark today. Tourists also come to the Atlantic City for attractions like the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse. Plus, if you’re already heading to Atlantic City, take a short 20-minute drive to see Lucy the Elephant in Margate — America’s oldest surviving road-side attraction (standing since 1881).

Resorts & dining

ACNJ
Emily Caldwell / The Manual

For travelers eager to immerse themselves in the golden age of Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel offers a tangible connection to the past. Constructed in 1868, I was shocked to find out that this hotel has hosted many notable names from President Nixon to Frank Sinatra, who famously loved the onsite restaurant, Capriccio, which is still open for reservations. Today, many come to Atlantic City for it’s exceptional dining options, too, like chocolate-inspired Bar 32 and top names like Nobu Atlantic City.

Emily Caldwell
Emily Caldwell
Contributor
Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving… Read Full Bio
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