Our coastal community got some well-deserved national attention recently when TODAY show favorites Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer brought their popular 'Buddy Up' segment to Atlantic City for the 3rd Hour of TODAY. The duo spent a sun-soaked day exploring everything that makes the Jersey Shore destination special — from historic landmarks to classic boardwalk entertainment.
The adventure began with a visit to one of the region's most beloved and quirky attractions: Lucy the Elephant in neighboring Margate. The six-story pachyderm, originally built in 1881 as a real estate marketing gimmick, has evolved into the country's oldest roadside attraction. Richard Helfant, who has served as executive director and CEO for more than two decades, welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors each year to climb inside Lucy's belly and take in spectacular views of the beach and surrounding area.
From there, Roker and Dreyer pedaled their way to Atlantic City's famous boardwalk alongside WOND radio personality Mike Lopez — known around town simply as 'AC Mike.' The former corrections officer has become a passionate ambassador for our city, sharing its rich heritage with visitors. The boardwalk tour traced the area's evolution from its 1870 origins through its development as a premier entertainment destination, including stops at Steel Pier, one of the oldest entertainment venues on the coast.
AC Mike's tour highlighted a fun piece of trivia that locals love to share: several Atlantic City streets inspired the properties in Monopoly, one of the world's most popular board games. It's a connection that continues to draw curious visitors who want to walk the real-life versions of Boardwalk and Park Place. You can hear AC Mike's show weekdays at Noon on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
No Atlantic City visit would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and the TODAY personalities stopped at Dock's Oyster House, a fourth-generation family-owned restaurant that has been serving the community since 1897. Chef Stephan Johnson keeps the menu fresh with offerings like soft shell crabs, pan-seared scallops, and an impressive selection of oysters that keep both locals and tourists coming back.
The day concluded at Steel Pier, the 1,000-foot-long amusement park that extends over the ocean. Roker and Dreyer embraced their competitive sides, trying their hands at classic boardwalk games ranging from basketball booths to water gun races, all with the promise of oversized stuffed animal prizes. They capped off their Atlantic City adventure with a ride on the ferris wheel, taking in panoramic views of our city from high above the boardwalk.
The segment showcased what we already know: Atlantic City offers an unbeatable combination of history, entertainment, and seaside charm that keeps visitors coming back generation after generation. Whether you're a first-time guest or a longtime resident, there's always something new to discover along our iconic boardwalk.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
