Katalong

Atlantic City is a place where people go to have an all-inclusive vacation. There’s beach, casinos, and great hotels all in one place, and hardly a reason to set foot outside of a mile radius, because it’s all right here. However, as some travelers get to discover, there’s some very interesting points right off the beaten path here. Atlantic City on its own is terribly interesting, but like other cities that are designed for vacationers, like Las Vegas, or Cancun, most don’t think to look any further than what’s right here. There’s always more, and some of the suburbs of great resorts can offer incredible adventures.

Just a bit over 20 minutes inland, for example, and you can find Egg Harbor City . This town was founded on the ideals of tolerance for difference. It was once known as the most German city in the U.S., and German immigrants flocked here from other cities, because they were persecuted for their language, traditions, and beliefs. They called the oppressors the Know-Nothings, and lived here to escape from them.

Mark Maxwell collected a volume of photographs about Egg Harbor City, and has done book signings, including one this past spring at the May’s Landing Border’s. That city is another treasure to visit, and offers some quaint versions of small town Americana that can be a refreshing break from the neon lights.

Egg Harbor City was also the home to the woman who called herself Peace Pilgrim . She had a strong vision, where she decided to walk, wandering the world, in the name of peace, and walked over 25,000 miles when she was on her life’s journey. And she could tell you as well as anyone the origin of the name Egg Harbor City. It’s neither a harbor, nor a city, really, but when the Dutch settled here in the spring, in the late 17th century, they were so impressed by the eggs everywhere that they gave it a name that stuck. One visit and this place will stick in your memory, too.