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"Casino row" and boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Getting there: Airport: Atlantic City International Trains: Atlantic City Rail Line Buses: New Jersey Transit, Greyhound, Academy Bus Lines By Car: Major interstate highways connect Garden State Parkway South to Exit 38 to the Atlantic City Expressway. 2 1/2 hours from NYC.

It may be the "Las Vegas of the East", but before it was known for its Jersey shore casinos it was famous for being the site of the world's first boardwalk.

Sadly, 2012 saw parts of the famous boardwalk washed out to sea during the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. The good news is that much of the damage was sustained away from the main casino strip, leaving huge swaths of the tourist area relatively unscathed.

More good news? The famed Miss America Pageant -- an Atlantic City institution for decades before it moved to Las Vegas -- has finally returned to Atlantic City!

After a six-year fling in Sin City, the pageant is now firmly back on its home turf, and all is forgiven.

Of course, Altantic City has always been accustomed to battling back after decades of ups and downs.

As America's top beach resort from the mid-19th century to the early 20th, Atlantic City was dealt an almost fatal blow by the Great Depression.

In decline for decades afterwards, Atlantic City saw its salvation in casino gambling and, following the opening success of Resorts Atlantic City in 1978 as the East Coast's first casino, many more opened along the famed boardwalk as Atlantic City once again rose from near ruin to prosperity once again..

Atlantic City must-have: chewy salt water taffy

Today, with more than a dozen gaming and entertainment resorts now operating on or near its famous boardwalk, Atlantic City endures as a top vacation destination.

Besides casinos, don't forget other major boardwalk attractions that have been popular for far longer.

These include a visit to Fralinger's Candy which has been selling the famous salt water taffy for four generations in Atlantic City.

Additional must-see AC attractions include a stop at the Steel Pier Amusement Park, originally opened in 1898, then restored and reopened in 1993. And, for a great traditional photo-op also be sure to say "I love Lucy" with a stop by to say hello to Lucy The Elephant -- a top Atlantic City landmark for over a century.

More about Atlantic City travel & tourism around the Web:

Find out more on this favorite travel topic with news & updates on the latest casino action, information on family-friendly attractions, and Atlantic City history - along with additional fun facts & trivia about the Gaming Capital of the East ...

Atantic City NJ - The official site with guides to beaches, attractions, online hotel booking, top restaurants, maps & driving directions, pictures, travel videos, FAQ, weather info.

Atlantic City Tourism - One-stop browsing for information and related resources from the Greater Atlantic City Region Tourism Council with guides to casinos, hotels & restaurants, major & nearby attractions, family vacations, history & cultural sites, weather info, event calendar.

Atlantic City Weekly - The online version of the print publication with what's on right now including information on top casino headliners, lounge acts, nightlife, restaurant reviews, menus, maps.