AC Walking Tour Series

AC Walking tours

The Atlantic City Walking Tour Series allows participants to actively experience the historical landmarks, events, and sub-cultures of Atlantic City and the surrounding “Downbeach” communities which have supported our local area for over 150+ years. Our 2024 calendar will combine tours across various neighborhoods and niche sub-cultures on Absecon Island, Ocean City, and Somers Point. All tours are researched, designed, and led by our resident public historian, Dr. Levi Fox, current assistant professor of History at Immaculata University, and former adjunct of Arts and Humanities at Stockton University. Bring your walking shoes and water bottle, as each tour will cover between 2 to 3 miles of parks, city streets, boardwalks, and beaches. Individual tour descriptions will provide starting, ending, and parking locations; as well as key points of interest along the tour route. Select tours will also feature added interior visits of popular local attractions including the Absecon Lighthouse, Lucy the Elephant, Noyes Arts Garage, Margate Historical Society, and 4th Street Life Saving Station in Ocean City. 

Beginning in Summer 2022, the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation and the Ducktown Community Development Corporation have provided sponsorships to the AC Walking Tours to help reduce the costs of the tours for local residents.  Please show your support of our sponsors by supporting local businesses in the Chelsea and Ducktown Neighborhoods. 


Individual Tour Details and Registration Information: 

Spring 2024 - Saturday's Noon to 2:00pm

May 4 - Lower Chelsea Noon to 2:00pm

Tour Description: Starting in the historic Chelsea neighborhood at the Stockton Atlantic City Campus, this tour will feature the Jewish Heritage of the neighborhood including two synagogues, a former tailor shop, an ex-union headquarters, and more. The tour also explores the history of the various immigrant communities that have come into Atlantic City more recently, including diverse Hispanic and Asian groups. 

Starting, Ending and Parking Information: This tour begins and ends at the Stockton University Campus in Atlantic City at the intersection of Atlantic and Albany Avenues.  Free parking for this tour will be available in the Faculty/Staff/Guest surface lot behind the Stockton Atlantic City John F. Scarpa Academic Building 3711 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Additional validated parking will be provided in the SJI/Stockton Parking Garage across the street on Roosevelt and Atlantic Ave. 

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May 11 - Nucky's Empire (NEW) Noon to 2:00pm

Tour Description:  Nucky's Empire: Led by "Special Guest Guide" Nucky Johnson, Prohibition Era Political Boss and Gangster. Departs from Knife & Fork Restaurant at the corner of Atlantic and Albany Avenues, passes by old Atlantic City Mosaic Mural, former site of Teplitzky's, Monopoly Pocket Park, Boardwalk Hall, historic Ritz-Carlton, arcades, restuarnts, and many more spots while discussing Nucky's Empire before ending at the historic President Hotel site.  

Starting, Ending and Parking Information: TThe starting address for this tour will be the Knife and Fork Restaurant at Atlantic and Albany Avenues. Parking is located in the lot at Stockton Atlantic City John F. Scarpa Academic Building 3711 Atlantic Ave, AC with overflow parking available in the Stockton Parking Garage directly across the street.

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May 18 - Margate’s “The Lucy Loop” Noon to 2:00pm

Tour Description: This tour will be centralized around the City of Margate and historic Lucy the Elephant.  Prominent points of interest include “Old Margate City Hall” and Historical Society Museum, PartiPak Deli/”Club Wawa”, Main Street Businesses, “The Gold Coast” Mansions, Military Monuments, various Beach Block homes, and a deep history of Lucy the Elephant.  

Starting & ending address: Margate Historical Society Museum, 1 S Washington Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402 

Suggested Parking: Limited parking may be available behind the Museum at 1 S. Washington Ave.  But, we strongly suggest utilizing the downtown street parking on Washington Ave, Atlantic and Ventnor Avenues adjacent to our starting point. Please do not park in the Wawa or local condo building parking lots.

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May 25 - Historic Somers Point Noon to 2:00pm

Tour Description: Starting at Somers Mansion, this tour will highlight the Somers Point Historical Society, historic Bay Front District including Smitty’s Clam Bar, Anchorage Tavern, Gregory's Restaurant & Bar, Charlie’s Bar, various historical homes, Delaware Avenue, and the Somers Point Museum.  

Starting address and parking location: Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244

Suggested GPS address for parking lot: Please use 3 MacArthur Blvd., Somers Point, NJ 08244

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Summer 2024 - Friday's 10:00am to Noon

July 5 - Upper Chelsea   10:00am to Noon

Tour Description: Learn about the section of Chelsea Neighborhood from the monument in O’Donnell Park (Albany Ave) north, to the border of Ducktown Neighborhood (Texas Ave). This diverse, residential neighborhood of Atlantic City features historic architecture, parks, public art, small businesses, multiple faith communities, and some of AC’s most infamous locally-owned restaurants.  This tour is the complement to the “Lower Chelsea Tour” featured previously in the series.

Starting address and parking location:: Stockton Atlantic City Academic Building 3711 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Free parking is available directly behind the building. 

Alternative parking location: Stockton Residential Parking Garage Atlantic Ave and Lincoln Place, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

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July 12 - Ducktown Revitalization  10:00am to Noon

Tour Description: The historic neighborhood of “Ducktown”, once known as AC’s “Little Italy”, is now known for its budding art scene, great restaurants, and “The Walk” shopping mall. Our tour will focus on local markets, churches, current cultural flair, and revitalization efforts taking place between Missouri and Texas Ave. Notable sites include: The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Dante Hall, White House Sub Shop, Dock Oyster House and the Historic 500 Club site. 

Starting & Ending Address: The Noyes Arts Garage at Stockton University 2200 Fairmount Ave, AC

Suggested Parking: “The Wave” Parking Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave, AC ($4 cash parking fee)

Alternative Free Parking: “The Walk” Surface Parking Lot, 2301 Fairmount Ave, AC

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July 19 - North Inlet & Bungalow Park (NEW)   10:00am to Noon

Tour Description: Gardner's Basin started as a project to create a historic district, while Bungalow Park is one of Atlantic City's distinctive neighbourhoods. This tour leaves from the Diving Bell at historic Gardener's Basin then passes by the Cove, Uptown School Complex, Uptown Park, Graff Lane, Adriatic Ave, Caspian Ave, Snug Harbor, MA Ave, Warehouse Homes, Fisherman's Park, Rhode Island Ave Ships, before concluding at original Gilchrist.

Starting address and parking location: Diving Bell at Gardener's Basin; There are two municipal lots located on North Rhode Island Avenue. Suggested address for GPS: 800 New Hampshire Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401

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July 26 - South Inlet “To the Lighthouse”   10:00am to Noon

Tour Description: Learn more about the historic South Inlet of Atlantic City, considered by many to be "AC's best kept secret." Starting at Absecon Lighthouse, this tour will feature Pauline's Prairie Park, Altman Playground, historic homes, Kelsey & Kim’s, Oscar McClinton Park, various Ocean Casino and Resort, multiple Condo Towers, and North Beach Mini Golf before concluding at the Lighthouse. 

Starting address and parking location: The Absecon Lighthouse is located at 31 S. Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ.  Parking is available onsite, but please enter from the Vermont Ave side. Street parking is also available adjacent to this address.

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Fall 2024 - Saturday's Noon to 2:00pm

Oct 5 - Downtown Ocean City   Noon to 2:00pm

Tour Description: Starting in the heart of Ocean City’s Business District, walkers will see the Historic Ocean City Tabernacle, Marrying House, Scotch Hall, Corson House, a deep dive into the Fourth Street Life Saving Station, Sally Lake House, Piqua, the S. Wesley Lake House, and more. 

Starting address and parking location: Municipal Parking Lot on the corner of 7th and Central Ave 

Suggested GPS Address for Parking Lot: Please use 700 Central Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226

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Oct 12 - Northside Heritage Tour    Noon to 2:00pm 

Tour Description: Atlantic City’s “Northside” has historically been a predominant African American neighborhood founded prior to the Great Migration. This “city within a city” was originally a result of racial segregation and featured important businesses, professionals, hotels, night clubs and schools owned and operated by African Americans. This tour will visit historical landmarks such as Kentucky Avenue, New York Avenue, St. James AME, and the Civil Rights Garden.

Starting address and parking location: St. James AME Church 101 N. New York Ave, Atlantic City

Ending Address: Jim Whalen Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, AC

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Oct 19 - Louisa Mack LGBTQ+ (University Weekend)   Noon to 2:00pm

Tour Description: Now known as the “Orange Loop”, in reference to the orange properties on a Monopoly board (Tennessee Ave, St. James Place, and New York Ave), this neighborhood was once considered the underground “Gay-borhood” of Atlantic City. Various nightclubs and bars hosted by Louisa Mack made this area a popular spot for the LGBTQ+ community as early as the 1920’s. Notable sites will include the AC Civil Rights Garden, Cardinal Restaurant, and former locations of the Brass Rail, Louisa Mack’s Entertainer’s Club on Snake Alley, the Lark Inn and the Professional Arts Building.  This tour will be held as part of Stockton's University Weekend festivities. 

Starting address and parking location: Cardinal Restaurant (formerly Bourre), 201 S. New York Ave, Atlantic City, NJ

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Oct 26 - History of Gaming    Noon to 2:00pm

Tour Description: This tour will feature many prominent casino and entertainment establishments in Atlantic City from past to present, primarily in the Midtown Section of the city. Participants will learn about notable people, places, and events which left a mark on the city's landscape. Join us and learn more about the famous, infamous, notable and notorious "History of Gaming" in Atlantic City. Locations will include Bally's, Caesars, Claridge/James' Candy Factory, Resorts, Hard Rock, and Pacific Ave. 

Starting address and parking location: Cardinal Restaurant (formerly Bourre), 201 S. New York Ave, Atlantic City, NJ.

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Starting Points: Various Locations, see individual tour details
Tour Price: $15 per tour/person
You can see all courses on our registration page at: stockton.gosignmeup.com


TESTIMONIALS 

northside tour 2023
The "Northside Heritage" Tour starts from the St. James AME Church (pictured in back) on N. New York Ave, and reviews the rich history and impact the African American community has made to Atlantic City. 

Informative and well-thought tour. Thank you Levi and team.
Past Participant
Levi makes the tours interesting and makes wonderful connections along the way.
Past Participant
There’s a lot of people who don’t know the history of the city outside of the casinos. Knowing that history makes you really appreciate what it can be. It’s working class city by the sea, something for everyone.
Past Participant

lgbtq

The "Louisa Mack LGBTQ+ Tour" beginning outside Cardinal (formerly Bourré) - Atlantic City, talks about the legacy of the previous "Gay-borhood" and redevelopment into the now "Orange Loop".

Featured Articles 

 

About the Instructor - Levi Fox

Levi Fox graduated in 2018 with his PhD in History from Temple University, where he was Allan Davis Public History Fellow. Levi has devoted much of his professional career to doing South Jersey public history work, starting as a tour guide at Lucy The Margate Elephant, and including a two-year stint developing a tour program, and historic exhibit, at the James Candy Factory in Atlantic City. In 2016 Levi founded Jersey Shore Tours, and he gained media attention for his “Trump’s Gambling Heritage Tour.” Levi is currently an assistant professor of Civic Engagement at Immaculata University in Pennsylvania, and has previously taught Writing at Stockton, History at LaSalle University, Intellectual Heritage at Temple University, and for the History and Anthropology Department at Monmouth University.


Custom Tours & Private Groups

Stockton's Office of Continuing Studies and Adult Education organized customized programming, training, and walking tours for private groups upon request. With over 18 "Walking" and "Shuttle" Tours developed in the greater Atlantic City and "Downbeach" communities, we have a variety of topics, neighborhoods, and modalities to meet your needs. Groups are limited to 35 walking participants or 22 shuttle riders. Price quotes are customized to the group based on the length of the tour, needs for transportation, and availability of our tour guides. Groups with minors (youth under the age of 18) must provide chaperones under Stockton's POM Policy and these individuals are included in your overall roster of participants. If you are interested in a custom tour for your private group, school, or corporate program, please email diana.strelczyk@stockton.edu


FAQ's

  • Are there refunds for the Walking Tours?
    • NO! Refunds are not provided for Walking Tour registrations. We thank you for support of our programs.  Please see our "send a friend" program below. 
  • If I am unable to attend, can I send a friend in my place?
    • YES! If you cannot attend a tour but would like to send a friend in your place, please call the office at 609-652-4227 to inform us of your replacement. These tours are designed for fun, fitness, and a little education.  We would hate to see a space not occupied simply becuase of an overbooked schedule. Send a friend and they can tell you all the fun they had!
  • Are tours held rain or shine?
    • YES! Tours are held rain or shine. With exception to a major hurricane, severe lightening, or similar extreme weather events, we will not postpone the tours for minor inclement weather or a "chance of rain". We encourage carrying a jacket or umbrella for days with light sprinkles in the forecasts.  
  • Do I have to pre-register, or can I show-up day-of?
    • PLEASE DO! Pre-registration is requested as most tours sell out.  Day-of registration will not be accepted on sold-out tours. But if limited spaces are still available for a tour, these seats will be sold first come, first served at "check-in" 15 minutes before the tour begins. Payment is accepted in exact cash, check or money order. No digital payments will be accepted on day-of registration. Thank you for your support! 
  • Is it safe to attend the tours and walk around Atlantic City?
    • YES! Our tours are designed to highlight the beauty, history, and humanity of Atlantic City. Each neighborhood features a rich history and present day vibe. Our goal it to showcase all the interesting people, places and events AC has held, currently features, and hopes to achieve. We ask all participants to approach these tours like any other event in a heavy-tourist area, including: travel light, do not bring large bags or unnecessary valuables, lock your car after you park, look both ways when you cross the street, and follow the tour guide's instructions. These suggestions are not specific to Atlantic City; rather common guidelines for travelers and being aware of your surroundings while moving as a group of sightseers.   
  • A select tour is currently sold out. Will you offer that tour again in the future?
    • MAYBE.We curate a new Spring, Summer and Fall schedule each year. We track our attendance and feedback records closely, and select the most popular tours at the best times of year. We regularly bring select tours back on rotation due to their popularity. Our 'Lower Chelsea,' 'Ducktown Revitalization,' and 'Louisa Mack LGBTQ+ Tour' have not left the schedule in recent years. We will also add new tours as others fade in popularity.  If you would like to hire us for a select tour and a private groups, please email diana.strelczyk@stockton.edu for more info. 
  • Are you ever going to feature MY NEIGHBORHOOD in an Atlantic City Walking Tour? 
    • MAYBE. We are asked frequently about how we generate our topics, which neighborhoods we visit, and how the schedule is made. Our tours are researched and developed by our instructor, Dr. Levi Fox, and feature over 18+ different curriculum. Each neighborhood/sub-culture curriculum takes time to organize and we only release 1-2 new tour(s) a year. Since the inception of the program in 2018, we have listened to feedback from our surveys and have added several tours (in addition to what we already had) featuring the African American community, Jewish American community, Hispanic American community, Muslim and Southeast Asian Communities, the history of casino gaming in AC, the "downbeach & bedroom" communities, shuttle tours featuring the Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF) Murals, and much more. If you do not see a tour that represents your location, affinity, or interests, please let us know. We are always looking to add new tours to the list. 

 

Co-Sponsors

Ducktown CDC

Chelsea EDC

LucyTheElephant

Have questions? E-mail us at continuingstudies@stockton.edu or call (609) 652-4227

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