Lucy the Elephant

What can I say about about Lucy? She deserves a post of her own. She is 131 years old and six stories high overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Margate, New Jersey. She has survived hurricanes, ocean floods and fire. She was built as a novelty amusement to attract visitors to Atlantic City but endures today as a beloved reminder of days gone by and an object of affection to lovers of fantasy. In 1976 Lucy was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Government as the oldest surviving example of a unique form of "zoomorphic" architecture.

More Sights on Route 40 to Atlantic City

On the road to Atlantic City on Route 40 you drive past many interesting sites. One of the firsts you will come to is the Cowtown Rodeo. In the Spring through the Fall on Saturdays you can enjoy roping and wrangling and the talents of many a rodeo rider. There are also a few stores that specialize in all things cowboy.

The Shrine to St. Padre Pio is also along the route. Many locals and travelers leave petitions to the saint to intercede on their behalf.

 An old Studebaker showroom had become an antique store and is finally abandoned and left to decay.

Story Book Land

I don't know much about this place, but it appears that the owner has created a vintage Texaco station from pieces he has collected.

This old farm outbuilding along the road houses old farm machinery but has an almost religious appearance.

Route 40 to Atlantic City

We took a drive to Atlantic City and took Route 40, the old road to Atlantic City. We passed the Clayton Self Storage building. It is a long flat brick building that is decorated with a tromp l'oeil painting by Samuel Donovan and Victor Grasso. It is amazing that these two artists were able to create this imaginary world with a little paint and a lot of creativity. None of the doorways or arches are real. This is really just a brick wall, everything is painted.