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Boardwalks Across America- For Americans, boardwalks across America are really good summer dreams as in American history, boardwalks are the summertime place to go. Down on the boardwalk, out on the pier, along the riverbank; whatever you call it, it means sun, fun and plenty of summertime memories. Whether you seek the thrills and chills of white-knuckled wooden roller coasters rides and tilt-a-whirls, the delectable tastes of saltwater taffy at sunset and boardwalk fries or simply experiencing kids with dogs racing along weathered walkways.
James Lilliefors, author of “America’s Boardwalks, From Coney Island to California,” says boardwalks have always been “bright, alluring, loud, lucrative and very American.” Still, as Park World magazine reported in 2007, “In the 1920s there were more than 1,500 authentic seaside amusement parks in the United States, today there are less than two dozen.”
Lets take a look at some of America's great boardwalks.
Boardwalks Across America: Atlantic City, N.J.
The Atlantic City boardwalk is the first of its kind in the U.S., and for the majority of the 20th century has served as a stage for the latest inventions and oddities. What started as a way to get sand off visitors’ feet and keep it out of the beachfront hotel lobbies has grown into the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the godfather of American boardwalks. America’s first boardwalk was actually a temporary structure constructed in 1870 to keep the sand off Atlantic City’s beachfront hotel carpets. But this boardwalk stretches four miles and has shops, hotels, casinos, food stands and arcades on its street side; a quick turn provides views of the beach and the powerful majesty of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors also can enjoy a ride in a two-person rolling wicker chair, a means of transportation introduced in 1887.Each year brings the Thunder Over the Boardwalk air show; on Aug. 17, this year’s show features the Air Force Thunderbirds and Army Golden Knights.
Boardwalks Across America: Ocean City, Md.
Boardwalks Across America: Coney Island, N.Y.
Boardwalks Across America: Virginia Beach, Va.
Boardwalks Across America: Seneca Lake Pier
Boardwalks Across America: Navy Pier, Chicago
Boardwalks Across America: Mississippi Riverwalk
Boardwalks Across America: Kemah, Texas
Boardwalks Across America: Seaside Promenade
Boardwalks Across America: Santa Cruz, Calif.
Boardwalks Across America: Venice Beach, Calif.
Boardwalks Across American: Long Beach, Wash.
Boardwalks Across America: Waikiki Beach Walk
James Lilliefors, author of “America’s Boardwalks, From Coney Island to California,” says boardwalks have always been “bright, alluring, loud, lucrative and very American.” Still, as Park World magazine reported in 2007, “In the 1920s there were more than 1,500 authentic seaside amusement parks in the United States, today there are less than two dozen.”
Lets take a look at some of America's great boardwalks.
Boardwalks Across America: Atlantic City, N.J.
Boardwalks Across America: Ocean City, Md.
Boardwalks Across America: Coney Island, N.Y.
Boardwalks Across America: Virginia Beach, Va.
Boardwalks Across America: Seneca Lake Pier
Boardwalks Across America: Navy Pier, Chicago
Boardwalks Across America: Mississippi Riverwalk
Boardwalks Across America: Kemah, Texas
Boardwalks Across America: Seaside Promenade
Boardwalks Across America: Santa Cruz, Calif.
Boardwalks Across America: Venice Beach, Calif.
Boardwalks Across American: Long Beach, Wash.
Boardwalks Across America: Waikiki Beach Walk
