Loads of Choices...

December 2006

The number of stores in this region where you can shop this holiday season continues to increase. Whether you patronize The Walk, The Quarter at Tropicana or The Pier at Caesars in Atlantic City, The Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township, The Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing, or boutique centers like Central Square in Linwood, there are almost limitless options for you.

While it may not be practical to buy shoes for someone else, you can give them an IOU for a pair from a great new store on the first floor at The Pier. The Walking Company sells both men’s and women’s shoes from all over the world that are designed and constructed to withstand lots of time on your feet. The shoes may be a bit pricier than average, but oh so comfy and worth it.

My husband Norman bought a pair of men’s walking shoes, and has worn them instead of sneakers whenever casual footwear was in order. I got a great pair of stylish dressier leather shoes with a cushioned interior.

Also at the Pier, located on the high fashion Couture Level Two, is the newly opened Eleganza boutique. Owners Gino Iovino - he also owns Girasole Ristorante in Atlantic City - and Kim Lucasti are the only Atlantic City merchants located near the stores of such famed international retail neighbors as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

The 2,000 square foot front of the shop sells fine Italian made fashions, for both men and women, from such famed designers as Versace, La Perla, Roberto Cavalli, Pal Zileri, and Caesar Paciotti. Eleganza also offers fine Italian accessories, handcrafted leather shoes and intricately designed belts and handbags.

In the back, a 500 square-foot showroom displays home furnishings, linens, bedding products, plus crystal and china, created by designers Versace and Rosenthal.

Down the Boardwalk, The Tropicana is selling Quarter Gift Cards, redeemable at all shopping and dining venues on site. They are available at tropicana.net.

With the recent openings of the new Magic Masters and Discovery Channel stores, there are now 32 retail shops at the Quarter. Magic Masters features regular magic shows. When customers purchase their magic tricks, they are taught the secrets behind a hidden panel. The Discovery Channel store, this region’s first, has a unique product selection of innovative electronics, inspirational toys, exciting DVD’s and more.

Another new shopping option, WHIM, has recently opened at Borgata. Its contemporary décor includes glass walls, plasma screens and modern art. WHIM also sells the latest in brand name electronics, gadgets, fashion accessories, jewelry, and spirits, as well as Borgata signature items like the Borgata bedding collection and unique, rare vintages of wine and single malt scotch from Borgata’s 24,000-bottle cellar.

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

If you are love holiday music, the Ocean City Pops has two special evenings planned. They will perform at a Christmas Concert featuring the Philadelphia Boys Choir at Ocean City High School on Monday, December 11th, beginning at 7:30. Call 525-9300 to order tickets, or get them at the door.

As for New Year’s Eve, if you shrink from the idea of a crowded casino nightclub or showroom, the Ocean City Pops has scheduled an evening for the whole family. It begins with a children’s concert at 8:30, followed by two hourlong performances by singers Stephen Costello and Ailyn Perez.

These concert events are part of the citywide Ocean City First Night 2007 program that begins at 4 p.m. Dozens of musical, comical and magic groups, including that oldies favorite, The Drifters, will perform at multiple sites across Ocean City. Going from venue to venue, continuous shuttles will provide free transportation. When the clock strikes midnight, watch the fireworks display from several vantage points.

An all-purpose button for free travel between locations and entry into the events may be purchased for $14 in advance by going to firstnightocnj. com A$1.00 fee is tacked on for each of the Pops’ tickets. The Drifters will charge an additional $3.00.

So, whatever holiday you celebrate this season, have a safe, fun, happy time. Happy New Year to you all.