“Now…bring me that horizon.” — Captain Jack Sparrow
Atlantic City, New Jersey has been a popular destination since the Lenni-Lenape, the first to inhabit Absecon Island about 12,000 years ago, migrated there during the summer months using a 5-mile route that continues to be used today. They called the island Absegami or “little water.” In the late 1700s an English Quaker, Thomas Byrd, acquired the entire island as a result of a land grant in a settlement with New Jersey proprietors.
In 1754 Jeremiah Leeds was the first non-indigenous permanent settler. He established a farm, Leeds Plantation. Leeds died in 1838 and his wife Millicent established a tavern. She can be credited for operating the first entertainment venue in what is now Atlantic City. Further travelers were hampered by a lack of accessible transport until 1854 when the train came to town. The city was then formally laid out, with streets parallel to the Atlantic Ocean named after international waterways and east and west streets after states.
Hotels and railroads complained because of the sand that was continually tracked into the lobbies and railcars. The answer was an 1870 wooden, portable, boardwalk that was 8-ft. wide, the first in the United States. Today AC boasts the longest boardwalk in the world. It is almost 6-miles long features the first American entertainment pier constructed over the water.
The early 20th-cetury brought airlines to Atlantic City. On May 10, 1920 Atlantic City designated Bader Field an “airport’” The word was created there because the island was able to be reached by both air and water.
Atlantic City is entering a new phase in hospitality and entertainment with the addition on June 30th of the $100-million Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort. It is designed to be the largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world! The waterpark is more than 120,000-sq. ft., features more than 317,000-gallons of water and is geared perfectly for all ages and family entertainment.
There are 11 thrill-inducing slides from which to choose as well as 3 Tidal Racers and 5 waterslides for children. Surfing tournaments will be held on the 1,000-ft Wild Wave FlowRider and surfing lessons will be offered. A host of activities for younger guests are featured including an interactive Kids Cove.
One-of-a-kind indoor waterpark attractions include a more than 1,000-foot Coconut Zero-Gravity Coaster, a 300-foot-long RipTide Zip Line and a 30-ft. tall Tree House that is available for rental. All of the attractions are visually connected by a 6,500-sq. ft Drift Lazy River.
Adults have their own attractions from which to select, 6 bars and the 10,000-ft. sq. Paradise Adult Island. The island showcases VIP cabanas, Atlantic Ocean swim up bar, Bliss Pool, Peloton bikes and DJ music. Island Waterpark was created as a 365-day destination. The glass roof is retractable and can project images, stars, scenery, to alter the atmosphere and mood. There are constant views of the water and glimmering sunshine.
Non-waterpark options are equally exciting. The Showboat, a non-gaming venue, offers nightlife entertainment and the 200,000-sq. ft. Lucky Snake Arcade, the world’s largest, the Raceway Go Kart Indoor Track, 40-ft. climbing wall and more than 600 games. Island Plaza, an outdoor boardwalk amphitheater, classic boardwalk fare and a seasonal Festival Marketplace is an extension of the property.
Many Showboat Resort guestrooms are currently undergoing renovations to be completed in the fall of this year. There are several types of rooms to select from including 255 Premier Lite Apartments.
Guests can choose from daytime general admission, Twilight Admission and All-Access VIP admission. Children under three receive free admission and the military and Atlantic City’s first responders receive a $10 discount. islandwaterparkac.com
There is no better place to follow the sun.
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