The List: Atlantic City

1 THE BOARDWALK
The brainchild of railroad conductor Alexander Boardman (hence the name) and hotelier Jacob Keim, the world's first boardwalk was constructed in 1870 to keep sand out of nearby railroad cars and hotels. Amble this 4-mile bustling wooden esplanade on foot or hire a rolling chair, which is pushed by an attendant; introduced in the 1880s, this mode of transportation was once a sign of luxury.

2 Thunder Over the Boardwalk
At this spectacular air show on Aug. 19, the Golden Knights parachute down to the beach and the Thunderbirds fly so low you can almost touch them. www.atlanticcitynj.com/acairshow.aspx

3 Fornelletto
Enjoy Southern Italian dishes at the Borgata's newest restaurant, like the veal osso bucco with baby turnips, French round carrots and fennel. You may run into Danny Veltri, the recent winner of "Hell's Kitchen," who earned a spot working under Chef Stephen Kalt. www.theborgata.com

4 Atlantic City Historical Museum
Mr. Peanut greets visitors to this museum (Planters opened one of its first stores on the Boardwalk in the 1930s), which is home to memorabilia from Miss America pageants (which originated here in 1921) and the High-Diving Horse (a popular attraction in the 1920s). www.acmuseum.org

5 Golf at Atlantic City Country Club
In addition to coining the terms "birdie" and "eagle," this 100-plus-year-old, award-winning golf club has hosted six USGA Major Championships. www.harrahs.com

6 Casbah
The club that launched the late-night dance craze in Atlantic City casinos in 2000 continues to pack a crowd on Friday and Saturday nights at Trump Taj Mahal thanks to its talented resident DJs. The action doesn't wind down until 5 or 6am. www.casbahclub.com

7 James' and Fralinger's Salt Water Taffy
As the story goes, a wave of seawater washed over a candy maker's stock on the boardwalk, creating this sticky treat. Truth is, there's no salt water, but the taffy is still a major draw, especially from this legendary store. www.seashoretaffy.com

8 The Irish Pub
A fixture on St. James Place, this quaint bar and eatery is steeped in Irish history, with photos of boxers, politicos, baseball luminaries and entertainers on its walls. Don't miss the steak fries: They're thick and not too crispy. www.theirishpub.com

9 Qua Baths and Spa
Bathed in natural light and accented by dark woods and cascading waterfalls, this spa at Caesars has three soaking baths and a tearoom, where an expert pairs teas with particular treatments. www.caesarsac.com

10 Gardner's Basin
A trip to this corner of Atlantic City will remind you that this is a coastal town. The basin, along the Absecon Inlet, boasts an aquarium, dolphin-watching cruises, craft and antique shops, the Flying Cloud Café and Back Bay Ale House.

AIR SHOW, HISTORICAL MUSEUM, JAMES' AND FRALINGER'S, QUA, GARDNER'S BASIN: COURTESY OF THE ATLANTIC CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU