Скачать или смотреть Vernon Valley-Great Gorge, New Jersey. Remembering When. {AI Color Enhanced Photographs And Story}

In the 1970s, the Vernon Valley-Great Gorge area of New Jersey was defined by the Great Gorge Playboy Club, a luxurious resort that opened in 1972, and the associated Vernon Valley–Great Gorge (VVGG) ski resort, which was expanding and eventually added the infamous Action Park in 1978. While the Playboy Club brought glamour, with celebrity guests and membership keys for locals, it eventually failed without a casino license. Meanwhile, the ski resort was evolving from its original components into a larger ski area, and then transformed into a unique amusement destination.
The Playboy Club
A Glamorous Destination
: Opened in 1972, the $20 million resort was a luxurious destination for the wealthy and a symbol of affluence.
Entertainment Hub
: It attracted top-tier entertainers like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., and was a popular place for members, who received a traditional "key," to relax and socialize.
Lack of a Casino License
: A major factor in its eventual downfall was the inability to secure a casino license, a requirement for the gambling equipment that was installed.
The Ski and Amusement Parks
Expansion of Ski Operations
: In 1968, the Vernon Valley ski resort opened to the north of the Great Gorge South property.
New Resort and Ski Operations
: Great Gorge North opened in 1971, and in 1974, the ski area was purchased by Great American Recreation (GAR) and renamed Vernon Valley-Great Gorge (VVGG).
Action Park's Origin
: In 1978, the resort added Action Park to keep visitors coming in the off-season, featuring a Wave Pool and Alpine Slides.
The Broader Area
A Mix of Old and New
: The Vernon Valley-Great Gorge area in the 1970s was a dynamic place, contrasting the exclusive luxury of the Playboy Club with the unique, sometimes dangerous, thrill rides of Action Park.
A Regional Destination
: It served as a high-end getaway and a unique entertainment complex within driving distance of New York City.