Yesterday my husband and I, after living in southern New Jersey for most of our lives, did something for the first time…took the train into Atlantic City. In the past, anytime we’ve been to this famous beach town the trip has been taken in a car. Yesterday we had a great time doing something old and familiar in a totally new way. It was good to walk on the crowded boardwalk, have lunch at “Hard Rock Cafe,” and people watch as we ate at an outside table. Before we left for home we walked out on the New Steel Pier.

The last time I was on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey, I was in sixth grade participating in “Safety Day.” Not safety as in staying safe, but as a member of the School Safety Patrol. Remember the yellow bands worn across the chest? I am dating myself I think. That was close to forty-five years ago. I can remember the day perfectly, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap were the performers. I am pretty sure they sang the song “Young Girl.” Uh-oh, I’m dating myself again. 🙂

Although the original Steel Pier burned in 1982, the new pier is full of old-fashioned rides such as the ferris wheel and carousel.

The Carousel is a Double-Decker. The history of it can be found here: Double Decker Carousel

A staircase leads up to the second level. I can remember riding on horses just like these as a child, and also in the large canopied sleigh too.

Carnival games line the entrance and border the pier. New-fangled daredevil rides are present too for those not too faint of heart. There are helicopter tours available on the pier that will carry you along the beachfront or over the city.

The casinos loom large on the other side of the boardwalk…

…but even in the midst of the most modern of settings, Steel Pier still has an old-fashioned charm.