Beaches, Bars, Socials, Events and More!
Chicago to Atlantic City Non Stop with United Airlines
In a quest to get its historically gay vibe back, Atlantic City’s first openly gay mayor will designate an official gay beach Monday afternoon.
The beach, at Park Place, is the site of the original gay beach, back before casinos when gays crowded New York Avenue bars, created rituals around the Miss America pageant, and lived and summered in and around Snake Alley, a winding series of side streets that connect New York Avenue and Kentucky Avenue in the city’s north section.
In addition to the official designation of the LGBT friendly beach, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian will also announce three LGBT events coming to the resort, which has been marketing to gays and lesbian tourists in recent years.
Jeff Guaracino, a marketing specialist with the Atlantic City Alliance, a casino-funded marketing agency, said the hope is that people in the LGBT community will “not only visit Atlantic City but also open businesses here and also buy primary and secondary homes in Atlantic City.”
Chicagoans can now enjoy improved access to Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk, coastal beach and world-class entertainment attractions. Thanks to new nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Atlantic City International Airport launched recently, Chicagoans will be ready to hit the shore, the shops and the spas just over two hours after takeoff.
ExpressJet will operate the flights as United Express using 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. Daily nonstops will depart Chicago at 8:10 a.m. Central, arriving at 11:17 a.m. Eastern. Return flights will depart Atlantic City daily at 11:52 a.m. Eastern and arrive in Chicago at 1:10 p.m. Central.
The new, year-round nonstop service on United complements existing seasonal nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to Atlantic City International offered by Spirit Airlines. Spirit’s nonstop service begins May 1. The enhanced air service bolsters Midwest and West Coast access to New Jersey and Atlantic City beaches.
Atlantic City’s diverse range of attractions makes it an ideal year-round entertainment destination. From some of the most dynamic nightclubs in the nation to one-of-a-kind festivals, A-list performers and luxury casinos, the seaside resort enables visitors to live its motto: Do Anything. Do Everything. DO AC.
“We’re thrilled that United Airlines is making it easier than ever for Chicago-area residents to experience all that Atlantic City has to offer,” said Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) President Liza Cartmell. “Every year, we host more than 27 million people looking for an exciting getaway tailored to their interests, and we look forward to introducing Atlantic City to an increasing number of Chicagoans through this convenient new air service. Similarly, we are pleased that Atlantic City International Airport will serve as a gateway for residents of southern New Jersey to easily reach Chicago and its wonderful attractions.”
Business travelers and Chicagoans seeking to visit friends and family in south and central New Jersey will benefit from United’s new service to Atlantic City International by avoiding more congested airports in Philadelphia and Newark. The new air service will also reduce ground transportation time, enabling travelers to reach their destinations more efficiently.
Among the many reasons to visit Atlantic City in upcoming months are the DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup (June 19-July 6), Lady Gaga performing live at historic Boardwalk Hall (June 28), one of the nation’s best Fourth of July fireworks shows, the DO AC Pro Beach Volleyball Invitational (Sept. 5-7) and the DO AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade (Sept. 27-28). Atlantic City is also home to the Miss America pageant and dozens of other special events throughout the year.
Having served as the inspiration for everything from the wildly popular board game Monopoly to the acclaimed HBO television series “Boardwalk Empire,” Atlantic City has been a fixture of American culture for decades. Today the destination is consistently recognized by top travel media as among the nation’s best places to dine, shop, sunbathe, gamble and celebrate.
