A few years ago, Atlantic City realized that it had to offer more than the excitement of the casino’s and the surf from the ocean to lure visitors in for a longer stay. The city had a master plan that included dining and shopping for the ordinary and the elite.

For those gamblers and non-gamblers, Atlantic City has become a Mecca for shopping. From the Dollar Stores and Sweatshirt sales that line the boardwalk, to the elite shops at the Pier at Caesars, you can find a wide variety to fill almost anyone’s needs.

If you are looking for your inexpensive souvenirs to take back as a reminder of your wonderful vacation, the boardwalk has shops from the Hilton to the Showboat. Here you can find postcards, dice, sweatshirts or any little Atlantic City stamped item you may want to bring home to grandma or Aunt Kathy.

For those who like to shop for bargains at the outlets, “The Walk”, which is located at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway and Convention Center, is still in the making but offers many outlet shops with great prices. Stores, such as Nautica, Brooks Brothers, Timberland, and Liz Claiborne, just to name a few, line both sides of the street. Parking is normally plentiful with lots located behind the stores and parking available at the Convention Center and nearby Casino’s.

The Quarter, located in the Tropicana Hotel and Casino takes you back to a European village with cobblestone walks and stucco buildings lining the streets. This confined area makes you feel like you are strolling outside with shops and restaurants that will lure you in. Unique shops such as “The Spy Store”, and the “Farmers Almanac” are located with classic shopping from the Discovery Store and Chico’s. Shopping in this relaxed setting makes for a great day.

The newest and most elite shopping experience can be had at the Pier at Caesars. This multi million dollar, three-story pier located over the ocean offers a New York appearance of shops for the rich and famous. Louis Vuitton, Tiffanies, and Michael Kors are just a few of the upscale shops that the Pier has to offer. Other shopping for those who are not as fortunate as some include Brookstone, Anne Taylor, and Tommy Bahama. This new shopping will bring in the high rollers from nearby New York and Philadelphia.

Every Casino also offers their own form of shopping. Specialty shops can be found near the Casino floors or in the restaurant chains such as The Rain Forrest Café, The House of Blues, or The Hard Rock Café. Vacationers enjoy shopping at these specialty shops so they take home a piece of the Atlantic City that can be found no where else.

If you enjoy shopping, Atlantic City has put itself on the map as a place to go. With whatever taste you may have, you will be able to find something to suit your needs. Come for the day, or come and stay.

Do you get stressed out every holiday season when it comes time to shop? You don’t have to. Forget about going to one Mall after another where you drive around forever looking for a parking space and then bump into every other frenzied shopper in the crowd only to realize that you can’t quite find that perfect gift.

Holiday Shopping at the Jersey Shore can be a relaxed and even fun adventure. Once you reach the shore, you won’t find traffic jams with everyone honking and having a coronary car rage. You won’t find crowds that leave you bumped and bruised like you’ve been in a boxing match. What you will find are many specialty shops with unique gifts for everyone.

Once a year my family starts on the southern end of the Jersey Shore and works our way up the coast for several miles and usually to our surprise we get most of our holiday shopping done. Our first stop is Cape May with the Washington Mall. Walking along this outdoor area immediately puts us in the holiday season with the decorations, music, and festive activities. We take our time and split up and go to our favorite shops to find that special gift for our loved ones. We can spend several hours in Cape May because of everything it has to offer. Christmas ornaments, jewelry, children’s unique toys, and clothing are just a few of the many treasures you will find. And if you need a break, many of the restaurants and small cafes remain open during the holidays. You may even want to catch a carriage ride around the town and take in everything Cape May is all about?

Our next stop along the coast is Stone Harbor New Jersey. Located about twelve miles north of Cape May, this quaint town has about 100 specialty shops including upscale clothing, Shore apparel, kites, toys, and almost anything imaginable. You may be surprised to hear Carolers wandering up and down the streets, and the relaxed atmosphere will make you smile.

Ocean City, NJ is also a great shopping town for the holidays. Asbury Ave. is lined with many different boutiques and fine shopping spots. And don’t forget Mia’s Christmas Gallery at 11th and the Boardwalk. Although this shop may be the only one on the boardwalk open during this season, it is worth the few block ride to see all it has to offer.

Our late afternoon, early evening usually ends in Atlantic City at the Walk. Here we can find everything on our list that remains and they specialize in Outlet shops with reduced pricing. We will shop here and then head over to the Pier to finish up and find something wonderful to eat. And with any luck, we may put a few coins in the slots as a finish to a fabulous day.

Shopping at the Jersey Shore can be fun, relaxing, and put you in the spirit of giving. In one full day, you can cruise the coast in a mode unlike any of the Mega Malls. Come to the Jersey Shore this Holiday and see how much fun shopping can be!