In partnership with Caesars Atlantic City.
If you’re anything like me, you’re having a *little* panic attack at the fact that it’s already September. Not just because I’m not quite ready to lean all the way into fall (even though every single store is already pushing Halloween decorations on me). The real reason is because I absolutely didn’t get out of town enough this summer—an issue I am *desperately* trying to rectify before the end of September. (Because I make the rules and say that fall doesn’t officially start until October.)
One trip I took recently was to Atlantic City, and as a born-and-bred Jersey girl, I’m surprised I hadn’t gone down there earlier. It’s just about as close as the Hamptons and, IMO, a lot more fun. I’m actually going to go out on a limb and say that, for people who live in the tri-state area, going south on the Garden State Parkway to AC is a better weekend trip than going out east to the Hamptons.
Don’t believe me? Here are three reasons why you need to visit AC ASAP:
Atlantic City has luxury hotels right on the beach
Whether or not you’ve seen Boardwalk Empire, you probably know that AC is known for its beaches and boardwalks. Well, the main hotels and casinos in town dot the boardwalk, which means you can walk from your cushy room to the beach in about 10 minutes flat, including a pause in the casino to try a round at the slot machines.
I stayed at Caesars Atlantic City, which is right smack in the middle of the boardwalk, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. The hotel recently renovated a bunch of their rooms, and they are super luxurious. Plus, most have ocean views. And the amenities are amazing. The rooftop pool has incredible ocean views, for one. And I’m not lying when I say I had the best massage of my *life* at Caesars’ on-site spa, Qua Spa & Baths. If you’re looking for the best of the best, this is where you want to stay. Bonus: the region’s first Nobu Hotel, a luxury hotel experience with Caesars, is on the way, so keep an eye out if you’re not planning on traveling immediately.
The food is ~unbelievable~
Listen, I grew up on the boardwalk, so I will always head there for funnel cake, salt water taffy, and corn dogs—all of which AC serves up with relish. But unlike other locations along the Jersey Shore, AC boasts some serious fine dining.
I haven’t shut up about my meal at Nobu, which just opened at Caesars. There, you can munch on an assembly line of fresh seafood, including king crab with amazu ponzu, which blew my brain off. If you’re not a fan of the raw stuff, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen is also at Caesars and has a super diverse, and delicious, menu. Definitely order the beef wellington—a classic dish that was on literally every single table the night I was there.
Things get really fun after dark
Love to gamble? There are casinos galore in AC. Want to take a spin on a huge ferris wheel? You’ll love the attractions at Steel Pier. But if you have one night only in Atlantic City, I have to tell you to go to The Hook. It’s the city’s latest variety show, and man does it deliver. Comedy, magic, and acrobatics—along with some high-energy musical numbers—make for a show that is unlike any other. And if you want to make a night of things, book a table backstage at Superfrico. It’s a reimagining of dinner theater, with The Hook performers popping in between their stage time to put on a show while you dine on some amazing Italian food. It’s not to be missed.
