Atlantic City Air Show -- Family Fun In The Sun

This week our family had the opportunity to see the 2012 Atlantic City Air Show, Thunder Over The Boardwalk. For those of you who have never been to see it, it's a great free show that anyone can watch from the boardwalk or the beaches in Atlantic City.

Thunder Over The Boardwalk is the largest beachfront airshow on the East Coast. You see the planes as low as 50 feet over the water and as high as 15,000 feet. The demonstrations wow the spectators, especially the headliners the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights.

All the armed services get together to show off the best of their best.

Caesar's Entertainment is the official host hotel sponsor this year and the Atlantic City Airport is the host airport.

How big is the airshow? Estimates are just below 900,000 people scattered from along the boardwalk, on the beaches, and even people out in their boats all watching this spectacular show.

Channel Six was just one of the local channels who were there covering the airshow. Their on air talent graciously taking photos and autographing them for fans.

Tips when you head to the airshow?

• Get there early and stake out your spot. Take plenty of water or Gatorade or juice. It is always hot and it is a long day.

• Lather on that sunscreen multiple times during the day. It's a long day and you'll be on the beach during prime burn hours.

• If you have sensitive ears grab some ear plugs.

• Pack some food that will stay fresh in the heat. No mayo on those sandwiches!

• The air show is a fun day but it is a long one and traffic after the show can be bumper to bumper. Try to use jitneys ($2.25 takes you from one end of the boardwalk to the other, beats taking you car out!) You might have to wait to board one after the show but it beats sitting in your car in bumper to bumper traffic.

• Make the most of the air show weekend. Book a hotel well in advance so you can relax and enjoy! No race to get back on the Expressway and head home afterwards.

So have fun! Plan your trip for next year early. This is one of those things that can easily become a family tradition. It's like nothing you've ever seen (or heard!) Atlantic City isn't just for grown ups any more!

Atlantic City Moving To A Family Friendly Vacation Spot

Video from Urban Daddy

What is Duality and why will your kids love it? Duality takes light and music and magic and morphs them all into an incredible light show! Duality, a light show extravaganza in  Atlantic City, New Jersey is an incredible combination of art, magic and computers and electronics.

I know, you thought AC was just a bunch of slot machines and roulette tables and a ho-hum boardwalk. That's not the Atlantic City of today! AC is working on revitalizing the city, taking it to a family destination and not just a gambling destination. The new Dualtiy 3-D Light Show is a great step in the right direction!

Duality opened on the night of July 4th, with a show was specially created for AC by Moment Factory. This light show brings its unique vision to Boardwalk Hall through an extraordinary fusion of light and sound. You won't believe your eyes!

They took the old Art Deco Boardwalk Hall and brought it into the 21st century by adding video-mapping technology, an original music score and stunning lights and animation. The music offers you a combo of electronic, orchestral and indie pop sounds while you watch Boardwalk Hall disolve and then be re-born.

The historic facade of Boardwalk Hall is perfect for this ambitious project and I have to say they really pulled it off! Even if you aren't in AC for you entire vacation, be sure to head over and see this great new show. And don't forget AC also offers some great magic shows for your kids (or the kid in you) and some other family friendly shows.

I admit I was entranced! I could watch it over and over and over again! (I guess it's the kid in me!) The only problem for AC? They could lose all their gamblers to the light show!

How Long Has It Been Since Your Last "Date Night"

 Banner from AC Convention and Visitors Authority

All of us who have been married for 'ages' (or at least it seems that way after a few years) know that one of the great things for your relationship is to have some 'we time' or 'date night.'  No kids. No family. No pets. No worries. NO PHONES, NO COMPUTERS, NO BLOGS! I know, it's like going through withdrawal for some of us, which is why it's so important to get away.

Photo courtesy of The Sheraton

It doesn't have to be fancy, and you don't have to go far.  You just need that time to concentrate on each other--like you used to be able to do in the good ole' days.  

Photo from Atlantic City Tun Tavern

I know, we all complain we don't have the money for it, well here's your answer. Jersey Family Fun, a great local blog site, is offering a an overnight stay at the Sheraton in Atlantic City during restaurant week complete with a dinner for two at the Tun Tavern. (There's a special restaurant week menu to choose from, all the best things to eat!) There's a link to the special menu on Jersey Family Fun's page.  Be sure to read their blog for all the details about restaurant week in Atlantic City.

Also take the time to read through their blog, it's one you'll want to bookmark to go back to over and over again.

Head on over to Jersey Family Fun to find out how to enter! And tell them Nancy Ross Vecchione from Defeating The Squirrels or WDW Wedding Day Weekly sent you! (it won't get you an extra entry but hey, be nice to the bearer of the possibility of gifts! I love seeing my name in print!)