Atlantic City, New Jersey

Go here: This waterfront city features a slew of attractions, the most popular of which are indoors. We're talking about casinos, casinos, casinos. But there's been a concerted effort over the past few years to expand Atlantic City's attractions beyond the gaming resorts. The Borgata Hotel, a luxury casino resort and entertainment venue, opened five years ago, launching what was heralded as the city'srenaissance. Since then, more upscale and fashionable hotels, like the Chelsea and the Water Club, have joined in. Some of the vintage attractions, like taking a rolling chair down the Atlantic City Boardwalk, remain popular, and the boardwalk is still where you'll find arcades, museums, shopping and, of course, saltwater taffy. And if you're looking for a free and fun day outdoors, there's always the beach. But today, Atlantic City is testing the waters of high-flying style and a return to elegance.

March 3, 2009