Ripley's Museum in Atlantic City - Courtesy www.atlanticcitynj.com

The ocean. Exciting nightlife. Fine dining. Boardwalk. Fun attractions. Water sports. Even shopping. That’s what comes to mind when you think of Atlantic City. But you would be very surprised to learn that besides all the heady excitement and fun activities you can also experience some laid back amusements like wandering through museums located here. Visiting a museum and enjoying the arts and artifacts is a great way to experience this beautiful destination. All year round the city has some exciting stuff put up to make visitors turn back again and again to come relish all that gets put up on display here. So when you get tired by the usual offerings you could explore the museums here that offer a completely different side to the amusements in store. Its really great fun to see cool stuff for as long as you want!

The Atlantic City Historical Museum is one such place to check out. It preserves and showcases Atlantic City’s long and exciting history as a unique seaside resort town known for such landmarks as the famous Boardwalk and more. It’s quite accessible and the many evocative artifacts, along with a great video about the history of Atlantic City will keep you enthralled. You might do this even as you take a stroll up the boardwalk and take in the museum. The place features numerous exhibits chronicling the city’s history. Besides the historical posters, photographs, souvenirs, and assorted artifacts from the city’s past, you’ll also find a good collection of Miss America pageant memorabilia. You will also be able to learn how the resort community has changed over time - the ways in which boardwalk activities have evolved and well as the ways in which Atlantic City boardwalk attractions have changed over time. The permanent exhibition at the Atlantic City Historical Museum is centered on the theme of “Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation.” This exhibit focuses on memorabilia celebrating Atlantic City boardwalk activities.

Just a brief drive from Atlantic City will bring you to The Noyes Museum of Art that is also well worth a visit. Set amidst a peaceful setting, The Noyes Museum of Art lays claim to being southern New Jersey’s only fine arts museum. It is well known for housing some great American art from the 19 th century to the present, with a particular focus on folk art and crafts. The permanent collection of paintings, sculptures and other art objects at The Noyes numbers well over 1,300 items. Highlights of The Noyes Museum of Art include a collection of more than 350 wooden decoys and a number of paintings by Fred W. Noyes, Jr., the artist/entrepreneur who co-founded The Noyes art museum in 1983. The Noyes Museum of Art also plays host to temporary exhibitions, lectures, art classes, educational programs, an annual craft fair and other special events. Families with children will enjoy hands-on activities at the Creation Station. The Noyes Museum of Art is located between Smithville and Absecon, beside a lake near the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors to The Noyes will appreciate the natural lighting provided by the museum’s skylights, which protect art displays from direct sunlight.

But if you happen to be a real kid at heart on vacation then surely the unique Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum will overcome you. The museum sits directly on the Boardwalk and appears like it’s been torn in half by a giant earth shaped wrecking ball. Among the museums treasures you will find a lock of George Washington’s hair, a 27 room miniature wood carved castle, and a scale model of the Santa Maria that was created with over 27,000 matchsticks. You will be stunned and amazed at all of the treasures at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum here at Atlantic City. Its sure a great diversion from your regular sightseeing pleasures to visit the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum with its over 400 exhibits in 13 themed galleries that can be easily done in a whole afternoon. You can even go online to find out more about the history of Robert Ripley and the Museum.

You will soon discover that Atlantic City that has remained centered on its Boardwalk, casinos and other exciting amusements, also has some out-of- the-way museums that make for a wonderful change and are a great attraction for visitors of all ages. Atlantic City provides a rare mix of beach and carnival atmosphere by the Boardwalk along with conservative sightseeing besides the famed gaming neighborhoods that attracts a steady stream of visitors. The striking array of distinct arty collections here will truly impress you and you end up appreciating the thematic changes in the museums that keep drawing visitors all the time. While you check out the current attractions in the museums it makes perfect sense to log on to atlantic-cityhotels site and get confirmed reservations for a comfortable stay when you plan to be here.