Things to do in Atlantic County

By Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com andLinda O’Brien | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

In , a trip down the shore and a hike along the Appalachian Trail can happen on the same day. Pizza is better here than anywhere else in the country, music venues are legendary, downtowns are made for strolling and historic sites and museums are in no short supply. Forget the What Exit jokes … we love the Garden State.

So, for those residents — out-of-staters, too — who are ready to make plans after more than a year of being cooped up, we have some ideas for those who would rather grab their car keys or a mass transit ticket than book a flight.

Consider this an insider’s guide to the state, broken down by counties. It’s not an all-encompassing list, and it’s not meant to be. It’s a jumping-off point and then go do some exploring and let your curiosity — and some help from locals — be your guide.

The latest part of our series takes a look at Atlantic County.

For nature lovers

The Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve (318 Zion Road (Nature Reserve) is a 220-acre sanctuary that includes an environmental learning center (18 Schoolhouse Road), a lake area and wooded forest. The diverse terrain offers opportunity to enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, fishing (catch and release), and bird watching. Motorized vehicles and motorized boats are strictly prohibited.

Only in Atlantic County …

Lucy the (9200 Atlantic Ave., Margate | 609.823.6473) was built in 1881 by real estate developer James Lafferty to attract potential buyers to his land holdings. Eventually, a popular hotel business was built around Lucy. People came from around the world to stay at hotels near the unique structure and climb the stairs to her howdah. Lucy survived floods, hurricanes and fire, but eventually fell into disrepair. In 1970, a group of citizens, Save Lucy Committee, raised money to restore the structure and in 1976, Lucy was designated a National Historic Landmark as the oldest roadside attraction in America.

Atlantic City Boardwalk

The Atlantic City Boardwalk needs no introduction, but here are a few quick facts, according to atlanticcitynj.com: “The first permanent boardwalk was built in 1870 as a way to keep sand off of hotel carpets. Today, the boardwalk is more than four miles in length and 60 feet across at its widest points. The present structure is seated on concrete and steel pilings and constructed of thousands of two-by-fours. The boards are replaced approximately every 12 years due to the immense foot traffic.”

Casinos and entertainment

In Atlantic City, there is nonstop gaming as well as entertainment ranging from concerts to live sporting events. The nine casinos that operate in the city are Bally’s, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Hard Rock Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City.

Idyllic downtowns

The Historic Towne of Smithville (Moss Mill Road, Smithville), which started as a stagecoach stop in the 18th century, today boasts shops, restaurants and a bed and breakfast. Visitors can walk through the idyllic town that features cobblestone walkways and foot bridges. Here, there are casual places to grab a drink or bite to eat. There’s a train to climb aboard, paddle boats to rent, carousel to ride and antique arcade games to play. The town plays host to special events such as a children’s festival, Oktoberfest, and Irish festival and car shows.

Markets, eateries, breweries, wineries … downtown Hammonton has got ‘em all! There are dozens of shops here. As for festivals and events ... There are plenty held here. Here’s a sampling of what’s happening this summer: “Buona Festa” will be held on July 15 from 5 to 8 p.m., the eighth annual Peach Party will be held on Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the “Blues Brews & BBQ” will be held on Aug. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A historic site … and bright light

Standing 171 feet tall and with 228 steps, the (Pacific and Rhode Island avenues, Atlantic City), built in 1857, is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest in the country. Visitors are welcome. In fact, there is an overnight option for those who would like to learn about maritime history and the lives of lighthouse keepers in the 1800s. The program includes a nighttime climb to the top of the tower.

For sand and surf

Sail, kayak, swim or sit in the sand at Brigantine Beach (Ocean Avenue | 609.264.7350, ext. 6), which offers miles of coastline mere minutes from Atlantic City.

Arts and culture

The Noyes Art Garage of Stockton University (2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City | 609.626.3805) is a contemporary arts center that works to “promote education, provide resources for emerging artists and enrich the community.” The Arts Garage houses artist studios, galleries, shops, a café, a flexible workshop/classroom, and hosts special events throughout the year. At the Arts Garage, visitors are invited to watch artists at work in the studio/shop spaces, ask questions about their creative process, and purchase original artwork.The center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Eats and drinks

Oxtail Pho and Banh Mi (319 E Jimmie Leeds Road, #206, Galloway | 609.380.4122) serves Vietnamese and Asian fusion food. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Since 1959, Bagliani’s Market (417 12th St., Hammonton | 609.561.0693) has been a fixture. The grocery store, specializing in “one-on-one service” sells custom meats, cheese, Italian specialties, deli items and produce. PS: The market will resume shipping items on July 12. The family-run Blueberry Bill Farms (914 11th St., Hammonton | 609.839.4306) has been in business in Hammonton - the “Blueberry Capital of the World” - for 50 years. For pick-your-own or pre-picked berries, frozen berries or blueberry plants, stop at the farm located off Exit 28 of the Atlantic City Expressway.

Jim Quarella, founder and president of Bellview Winery (150 Atlantic St., Landisville | 856.697.7172), which opened in 2000, “takes pride in crafting fine estate wines exclusively from the grapes that are cultivated here in our 50 acres of vineyards.” And, at this winery, there are “over 20 estate-grown varietals and over two dozen wines” so there’s “a bottle for everyone from the connoisseur to the casual wine drinker.”

Boat or drive to Motts Creek Inn (200 East Motts Creek Rd., Galloway | 609-652-1555), a local hangout with waterfront views of blue sky and a lot of green marsh which makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but “beware of the locals,” which is proudly displayed on the T-shirts on the sign pointing to the restaurant. Have a drink on the deck with the fisherman, bikers, and people looking just to get away but don’t be surprised if a few “local” greenheads check in on you.

Fairs and Festivals

The only way to say this is …. The Atlantic City Air Show is a bucket list event. This year, the show will be held on Aug. 18. The event is tentatively set to begin at 11 a.m. The Greater Atlantic City Chamber has announced that this year’s event, “A Salute to Those Who Serve,” will feature the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the headline act. The United States Army Parachute Team, commonly known as the Golden Knights, will be returning to the Atlantic City Airshow.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival (1 Mount Carmel Lane, Hammonton) is billed as “The longest running Italian festival in the US!” This year, the fair will run from July 15 to 20.

For animal lovers

The Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary (6908 Railroad Blvd., Mays Landing) is a nonprofit that is committed to the wellbeing of abused and abandoned animals. According to a statement on the nonprofit’s website, “it is especially difficult to find homes for unwanted farm animals. There are very few places in the country that are able to take in and take care for these animals. Funny Farm Rescue an Animal Sanctuary has created a home for unwanted farm animals, domesticated animals and animals with special needs to live out their natural lives.” The nonprofit provides “food, shelter, medical care, compassion and love for the rest of their natural lives in a permanent, safe and healthy environment.” For those who would like to visit, hours are Sundays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other activities to check out ...

 Lindy Hops Ice Cream, Galloway  Atlantic County Breweries and Distilleries Trail  Atlantic County Winery Trail  Somers Point Beach Concerts – 715 Bay Ave., Somers Point  Somers Point Good Old Days festival – taking place in September  Check out this list of dog-friendly beaches  Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge (800 Great Creek Road, Galloway), a National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 47,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which are actively managed for migratory birds. A trip to the refuge is suitable for those interested in watching wildlife, fishing, hunting, photography and nature walks. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. The visitor information center is currently closed due to the pandemic. Points of interest located near the Visitor Information Center include Wildlife Drive; an eight-mile self-guided tour of saltwater marsh, freshwater habitat, and upland forest; Akers Trail, which is a short walk through upland forest. It is handicap accessible; Leed’s EcoTrail and Boardwalk, which winds through forest and ends at the salt marsh; Songbird Trail, which takes visitors through upland forest; Jen’s Trail, a scenic hike circles around fresh water ponds.