Lucy the Elephant, a couple miles south of Atlantic City in Margate, New Jersey, is one of those quirky attractions that I’ve heard a lot about, but haven’t managed to see yet.

Lucy is a six story, 90 ton elephant made of wood and tin sheeting, and was erected in 1881 to attract tourism and development to the south Atlantic City area.  While architecturally unique at its time, she was only the first of several zoomorphic (elephant-shaped) buildings.  Zoomorphic architecture is apparently extinct, and Lucy is the only one to still exist. 

Lucy has been a restaurant, office building, and a tavern, before being moved, refurbished and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976.  Yep, that’s right – this elephant is a historical landmark!

You can find Lucy at 9200 Atlantic Avenue, in Margate, New Jersey.  I’m hoping to get back to Atlantic City in the next few months, and visiting Lucy is on my to-do list.  Why?  Cause she’s just too quirky to pass up!

NOTE:  Interestingly, Lucy has tusks – found only in male Asian elephants – so feel free to draw whatever transgender elephant conclusions you wish.

Photo credit:  Flickr (head shot); (full elephant)

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Following nearly 95 of planning, building, planning some more, and changing plans, the cathedral was finished in 1954.  The Cathedral was elevated to the status of a Basilica by Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1995.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located at 89 Ridge Street, in Newark, New Jersey.  In addition to the Mass schedule, the cathedral is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 1-3 pm.  Concerts and other musical performances are offered throughout the year.

Sacred Heart is the fifth largest cathedral in the United States, and holds the largest pipe organ ever built.  To fully appreciate the power and magnificence of a pipe organ, you really must hear it in person.  But until you can, here’s a wonderful taste of what’s to come.

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe