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  • Putting the Easy In "Big Easy". A Guide to 72 Hours in New Orleans

    Every once in a while, we travel to destinations other than Atlantic City. We tend to visit cities that have similar qualities, most notably, a vibrant food and beverage scene. This summer, we took our second New Orleans vacation. Many things had changed in the 7 years since we had been there, but much remained the same. After our adventure, we developed an Escape Plan for the best things to do in New Orleans in 3 days. Our guide strikes a balance between trying new things and revisiting old favorites, enjoying upscale establishments as well as dives, and venturing off the beaten path while still taking in popular tourist attractions. We’ll take you to the best restaurants in New Orleans, recommend must-try dishes and classic New Orleans cocktails, and so much more. This is your 72 hour New Orleans itinerary.  Traveling to New Orleans for Off-season Hotel Deals There is no shortage of deals to be found on New Orleans summer travel. Reason being: it is hot, and it is humid, and oppressively so. Two blocks from the French Quarter in the historic business district, International House Hotel was offering deep discounts on suites during our travel dates. While we prefer a boutique hotel over a chain, they come at a premium, and it’s not always in our budget. Excited at this opportunity, we booked a King Terrace room at the reduced rate, and ended up receiving a penthouse suite upon check-in. They were by far the nicest accommodations we have ever experienced. Our room had one and a half baths, a walk-in closet, a dining table, sectional sofa, two televisions, the terrace we wanted, and, the proverbial cherry on top: a piano.  Staying at The International House Hotel New Orleans Before opening as The International House Hotel on 1988, the 12 story building began as a bank in the early 1900s before being reincarnated as a World Trade Center in the 1940s. The hotel offers bike rentals, complimentary water and coffee, an art gallery, and complimentary copies of the Wall Street Journal. Perhaps our favorite feature was the beautiful lobby bar, Loa. In the voodoo faith, “loa” are divine spirits (get it?) that act as intermediaries between humans and a higher god. We love a subtle play on words almost as much as we loved the thoughtful cocktail menu and friendly service here. Abigail, the bar’s creative director, served us most evenings, as we made Loa our nightly pre-dinner drink spot. She developed the menu to reflect New Orleans as a port city, drawing on Caribbean, Spanish, French, Italian, Cuban, and African influences. We’ve been to a lot of cocktail bars and we’ve never had drinks even remotely similar to what is offered at Loa. Examples given: Mona on the Bayou, a vodka drink mixed with Lebanese tea, rose and orange flower water, citrus, and pine nuts, and Anjin Old Fashioned, a Japanese spin on the classic with mezcal and stirred with sushi rice. Start here with one of the aforementioned cocktails, or go full Escape Plan with a shot of Branca Menta to prep your tummy for the boatloads of rich, creole cuisine that awaits you at dinner.  Dinner with a View from the Best Balcony in New Orleans  On your first night in town, you’ll head to the Lower Garden District for dinner at Gris-Gris. The portions are very generous, and we definitely over-ordered. Two people can share a couple of appetizers and one entree, or a single appetizer and a pair of entrees. The chicken gizzard grillades are quintessentially New Orleans. Slow braised with caramelized peppers and onions in a brown gravy, the gizzards are served over grits. This starter is rich and hearty, and could satisfy most appetites without an additional course. A more moderately sized appetizer, the oyster BLT is one of the most perfect bites we’ve had in any city. Fried oysters and smoked pork belly have a similar crispy yet creamy texture that are complemented beautifully by tomato jam and arugula. While not creole cuisine, the sugarcane seared duck alongside sweet potato and pecan casserole is a must-have. We did not have room for dessert, but we did enjoy a Maetresse of Magazine on the balcony. The sazerac rye, hoodoo chicory, and praline liquor is both strong and sweet, as ideal an ending to a meal as possible, without a traditional dessert. We visited in late June, and had a stunning view of a simultaneous sunset and distant lightning storm. It’s no wonder Gris-Gris was voted best balcony by New Orleans Magazine.  Post-dinner Drinks  Saint Vincent Hotel A quarter mile walk separates you from your next destination, Paradise Lounge at Hotel St Vincent, where you’ll have a nightcap. The building was once an orphanage, and, like many New Orleans hotels, is said to be haunted by the giggling ghosts of children who succumbed to yellow fever within its walls. You’d never guess the property’s storied past from your seat at the bar in the Paradise Lounge. The space is reminiscent of a south Florida lanai: bright, airy, flooded with sunshine. The St Vincent spritz, a grapefruit rosemary aperol spritz, and Strega Smash, a spritz featuring a trio of rums, pineapple, and lime, lend to the tropical atmosphere. If you’re an espresso martini fan, they make a great one that sets itself apart from the classic with crème de cacao and frangelico, along with intelligentsia espresso.  Beignets for Breakfast From coffee liqueur before bed to cafe au lait for breakfast, you’ll start your second day in New Orleans at one of the most iconic eateries in the city, Cafe DuMonde. One order of beignets per person is the perfect portion. Opt for the frozen cafe au lait if you’re traveling during the hotter, more humid months. We recommend the original location in the French Market, so you can stroll along the Mississippi River before checking out the rest of the market. On our last visit to Cafe DuMonde, we happened upon an Atlantic Ciy High School alumnus who commented on TJ’s Tony’s Baltimore Grill t-shirt. We’re always bonding with people over a shared love of Atlantic City, even 1,200 miles away.  Exploring the French Market  Vendors ourselves, we love a good market. The French Market is full of food vendors and artists, and is our favorite place to shop for souvenirs. Be sure to check it out. The souvenir shops in the French Quarter don’t offer anything unique or artisan. It won’t be surprising to learn that our favorite vendor is a father/son operation who screen prints vintage New Orleans concert flyers onto t-shirts.  Courtyard Cocktails  When strolling through the French Quarter,  make a stop at The Court of Two Sisters for some cocktails in the courtyard. Give the charm gates a quick graze as you enter. Legend has it that their charm will pass on to anyone who touches them. Familiar New Orleans staples like the sazerac and brandy milk punch have a spot on the drink menu, alongside the lesser known, but just as refreshing crescent city cooler. Pull up a chair near the fountain, take your time, and soak in the whimsy of wisteria and wishing wells in New Orleans largest outdoor courtyard.  Lunch like a Local For lunch, you’ll take a rideshare uptown to Domilise’s Po-Boys , a little yellow house serving sandwiches since 1918. The half and half po-boy is the way to go: half fried oysters, half fried shrimp, all dressed on a crusty long roll with as much Crystal hot sauce as your little heart desires. The fries are soft in the middle, crispy on the outside, and shaped like tiny augers. You must get a beer. A local one. In a can. A Cane Break by Parish Brewing paired perfectly with our lunch and made us forget how hot and humid it was outside.  More Hidden Gems in New Orleans The best way to beat the oppressive summer heat is at Hansen’s Sno Bliz , a 10 minute walk from Domilise’s. Scooping soft ice sno balls for 85 years, Hansen’s is anything but your typical warm weather treat. Flavors like cream of wedding cake and cream of root beer will have you dreaming up all kinds of combinations. Take yours to-go and make your way to Sisters in Christ Records to sift through the vast selection of vinyl. New Orleans is full of hidden gems like this, just waiting for you to happen upon them. Sisters in Christ Rooftop River Views Later on, you’ll transition from hole-in-the-wall locals’ joints to upscale institutions, beginning at Hot Tin. Take the elevator to the roof of the Pontchartrain Hotel for cocktails and an unrivaled 270 degree view of downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Try a fun take on the iconic Pimm’s Cup or Sazerac, the former substituting sparkling wine instead of soda and the latter featuring duck fat washed rye. This rooftop bar is one of the most romantic spots in New Orleans. There was a private party inside, and the terrace was quite busy, yet it still felt like a well-kept secret.  Decadent Dinner  Your night of decadence continues with dinner at the pinnacle of New Orleans fine dining, Commander’s Palace . It’s been named Most Popular Restaurant in New Orleans by Zagat for 18 years, and you’ll soon understand why. If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated in the coveted Garden Room, making you feel like you’re sitting high atop the surrounding trees. While the Reveillon tasting menu is beautifully executed, you can easily order a la carte or from Chef Meg’s three course offering, and still have a standout experience, without the sticker shock. The ambience and service match the cuisine: thoughtful, classic, and very special. The menu rotates frequently, so our only evergreen endorsement is to absolutely order the notorious bread pudding soufflé to end your meal. Be sure to have your photo taken under the famous neon sign, beside the famed blue and white striped building.  From Dinner to Dive Bar If you want to let your hair down after a fancy night on the town, there’s no better place for a low key post-dinner drink than Verret’s Lounge . We love a good dive bar, and Verret’s is exactly that. It’s cheap, friendly, no frills, and, for an added bonus: it has slot machines. Don’t let them trick you into drinking Malort. Trust us.    Brunch at Brennan’s  Brennan’s is one of very few locations that we repeat on every one of our New Orleans vacations. It is famous for being the birthplace of bananas foster, which you absolutely must order if you like a tableside preparation and a little bit of a production. You can find a wide variety of other New Orleans staple dishes here. If you need an eye opener after hanging out at Verret’s too late, the bloody bull and brandy milk punch will bring you back to life. We suggest trying the turtle soup, once considered a delicacy, the rich brown almost stew-like broth is topped with sherry upon presentation. We find ourselves ordering oysters multiple times a day in New Orleans, and the oyster j’aime is one of our favorite iterations with its creole tomato gravy and cornbread crumble. For your main course, the eggs St. Charles are really unique. It’s a spin on a Benedict with crispy gulf fish instead of an English muffin, served with creamed spinach and blood orange hollandaise. Traditionalists will love the eggs Hussarde. The coffee-cured Canadian bacon and housemade English muffins set it apart from a standard Benedict.  Tour and Explore  This itinerary is mainly a New Orleans food and drink guide, since the city has its own brand of cuisine, but we carved out some time for you to explore some of the city’s unique history. Your first stop will be the Pharmacy Museum, where you’ll take a self-guided tour of 18,000 pharmaceutical and medical objects, books, prescriptions, records, photographs, advertisements, and other historical items. You’ll be amazed how much has changed since the 18th century.  You’ll also tour the Sazerac House and its interactive exhibits, while you learn about the history of New Orleans, especially how it relates to distilling and cocktail culture. You’ll even get to sample three signature New Orleans cocktails.  Seafood Starters Tonight’s dinner is a two-parter. First, you’ll have a mini seafood feast of crab fingers (lightly breaded crab meat, similar to a chicken finger), chargrilled oysters, and shrimp cocktail at Felix’s . Try to get a table facing Bourbon Street, so you can people watch or catch a second line passing by the restaurant window.  Al Fresco in a Bywater Backyard  Afterwards, you’ll take a scenic 15 minute drive into Bywater to get to Bacchanal Fine Wine and Spirits. This corner wine shop is also home to an upstairs bar that feels like your childhood treehouse, but with wine and cocktails. Savor a drink in the whimsical atmosphere upstairs before you create a DIY charcuterie board and discover the perfect wine to pair with it. The staff will arrange your meat and cheese selections with a generous amount of accoutrements and bring it to you in the backyard patio. Listen to live jazz and soak in the eternal summer vibes for as long as you’d like.  Final Night Farewell Drinks Your last night in New Orleans calls for some farewell libations. Nightbloom is a newly opened cocktail bar not far from Bacchanal. We are suckers for good lighting (see: Tony’s Baltimore Grill and Angeloni’s Club Madrid) and the pink and purple neon scheme set the mood for some innovative and intimate drinks. If dive bars are more your thing, the dog-friendly Pep’s Pub has city wide specials, slot machines, and a wall covered in customer’s puppy pictures. Black Penny boasts a craft beer list that is three pages long. It’s laid back and will have you feeling like a local.  Savoring Every Minute up to the Last Before you depart New Orleans in the evening, you can squeeze some memorable activities into your final day. Start with brunch at Tujague’s. If you like a savory brunch, the creamy shrimp crepes and crunchy boudin balls with pepper jelly are a great way to start your meal. The croque madame and chicken biscuit are perfectly prepared and hearty enough to hold you over until you check in for your flight. Wrapping up from 33 Stories High Your final destination, Vue Orleans, offers 360 degree views of the city from its 33rd floor  observation deck. You’ll also experience several interactive exhibits that celebrate the music, food, costumes, and culture of New Orleans. There’s no better way to wrap up your vacation than this living love letter to the city.  Airport Activities  There is still some fun to be had before you’re officially out of New Orleans. The Louis Armstrong airport is one of our favorites. We stumbled upon a shop called Dirty Coast that sells niche, punny New Orleans t-shirts and other apparel. It was so cool to see something similar to our own merch, themed to a different city. We also couldn’t resist the smell of fresh beignets from the Cafe du Monde stand at the airport, and got our fix of fried dough and cafe au lait one last time before heading home to Philadelphia.  3 days and 3 nights in New Orleans is more than enough time to immerse yourself in so much of what makes the city so special. Like Atlantic City, you just need to know where to look and come armed with a solid plan. While there is certainly a place for tourist favorites, our itinerary will take you to some of the best locals spots, as well. We hope you’ll enjoy our New Orleans travel tips and you’ll return again to revisit what you loved and discover even more of what makes it such a special place. If you enjoyed this, consider signing up for our mailing list or buying one of our handmade Atlantic City-themed T-shirts!

  • Oh What Fun! A Guide to Atlantic City Holiday Season Celebrations

    Atlantic City has long been considered a summertime resort. As captivating as our city by the sea is from Memorial Day through Labor Day, we think a case can be made for Atlantic City as a winter holiday destination. In late November, magic begins to fill the air, along with t winkling lights, sparkling snow, grand Christmas trees, and joyful smiles are all around. Atlantic City is at its most enchanting during the Christmas season. Celebrations of all sizes are in full swing seemingly everywhere across town all December long. We have compiled a comprehensive list of holiday happenings in Atlantic City to help you make the best and brightest memories, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of your holiday preparations. Kick Off Your Holiday Shopping in Atlantic City We’ll kick off the festivities with some shopping! It is the season of giving, after all.  The TennAveAC Tinseltown Market returns to Tennessee Avenue on Sunday, 12/15 , from 12-4pm . The holiday pop-up shopping event will feature local shops, artists, and vendors.  The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University will be transformed into a Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village on Saturday, 12/14 , and Sunday, 12/15 , from 12-5pm . In addition to the gingerbread house contest, the market will have vendors, food, crafts, music, and Santa himself.  Give Back This Holiday Season There is more than one way to give. Don’t forget to shop for those in need, as well. The Tinseltown Spirit of Giving Toy Drive at Cardinal will take place on Friday, December 13 , from 9-11pm . Guest bartenders will craft specialty cocktails at happy hour prices. Bring an unwrapped toy, which will be donated to Toys for Tots . You have another opportunity to give back during the 7th Annual Ugly Sweater Jitney Tour on Saturday, December 7, from 6-10pm . Jitneys will run between Little Water Distillery, The Seed: A Living Beer Project, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Bar32 Chocolate, and Cardinal . Bring a donation of pasta, cereal, canned goods, small bagged snacks, coffee, etc. to stock the shelves at Brigantine Food Pantry .  Sip, Shop, and Celebrate Perhaps a little too ambitious for a one night bar crawl, the Tinseltown Cocktail/Mocktail Trail is running through December 31 . Participating bars include Angeloni’s Club Madrid, Bally’s Phil’s Carousel Bar, Bar32, Cardinal, Cuba Libre, Dave and Buster’s, Ducktown Tavern, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Tony’s Baltimore Grill, and Superfrico . Each location will have at least one seasonal specialty cocktail for the event.  Seasonal Family Fun in Atlantic City You can catch two other iconic, long-running events this month. First, at J im Whelan’s Boardwalk Hall , from December 12 through J anuary 31 for the 8th Annual Deck the Hall: Festival of Trees . Dozens of sponsor decorated trees will be on daily display for free public viewing. Next, visit the I rish Pub Christmas Spectacular for floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall, over-the-top Christmas decor, through January 6 .  Somebody has to put gifts under all of those trees! You can visit Santa all over the city this Christmas season. Santa’s Hideaway Adventure at Ocean Casino Resort might be the most elaborate option. A magic elevator transports guests to the North Pole, where Santa is waiting for kids to recite their wish lists. Visit Monday through Friday from 4-9, Saturday from 11-9, and Sunday from 12-8 . Reservations are strongly encouraged (up to 6 people) and include a photo package for $74.99.  Indulge in a brunch buffet with Santa at Ducktown Tavern on Saturday, December 7 , at 11am . Guests will receive a digital photo and kids can make an ornament craft.  Santa returns to the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall for a family friendly breakfast on Saturday, December 15, at 10am . The regular brunch menu will be offered along with Christmas inspired cocktails.  Visit Santa and take a ride on The Wheel when the big guy makes an appearance at the Steel Pier on Saturday, December 7, from 2-4pm .  Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings Besides seeing Santa, our favorite way to kick off the holiday season is with a parade! See the City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade on the Boardwalk, between New Hampshire and Albany, on Saturday, December 7, at 11am .  On Friday, December 6, at 6 pm, visit O'Donnell Park for the Chelsea Neighborhood tree lighting , with festive performances, free face painting, photos with Santa and the Grinch, hot beverages, and giveaways. The next night, on December 7, Ducktown will have their tree lighting in Ducktown Park at 7pm .  Take in different kind of lights at the Absecon Lighthouse Luminary Light Festival on December 7, from 5-7pm . $25 tickets include caroling, astrologist readings, decorating and lighting a personal luminary, speciality cheeses and wine, gift shop specials and a climb to the top of the lighthouse.  Holiday Parties and Festive Fun for Adults Of course, this wouldn’t be an Escape Plan unless you also had an opportunity to get lit. Of all the parties in Atlantic City, there are two you can’t miss. A Very TBG Christmas returns for its 3rd year at Tony’s Baltimore Grill on Tuesday, December 10, at 8pm . As expected, the menu includes festive mini pizzas and snacks, as well as expertly crafted and imaginative cocktails and shots.  For their first holiday season since remodeling and reopening under new ownership, Angeloni’s Club Madrid will host their inaugural Christmas party on Thursday, December 19, at 8pm . Like sister restaurant Tony’s, their parties are immaculately themed and high energy. Keep an eye on their social media and ours for more details, closer to the event. Plan Your Atlantic City Holiday Getaway However you choose to spend the holiday season, Atlantic City has an activity to accommodate your specific tastes. From family friendly to adults-only fun, Santa to shopping, parades to parties, there is an enchanting and exciting event for you to enjoy. Take in the celebratory atmosphere all over Atlantic City this Christmas. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to stay up-to-date on all of the holiday happenings in Atlantic City. Shop with us online and at the TennAveAC Tinseltown Market and Noyes Arts Garage Holiday Market. Happy Holidays!

  • Rolling the Dice on a Perfect 40th Birthday: A guide on how to not crap out in Atlantic City

    Throw all the cliche “40 is the new 30,” “life begins at 40,” “I’m aging like a fine wine,” nonsense right in the trash. Yes, 40 is absolutely a milestone worth celebrating, but it’s doubtful you can or want to ring in this new decade in quite the same way as you did at 21. You deserve a little commotion for making it to middle age, but it’s not cute to wobble through the casino in your bare feet, carrying your shoes, before promptly vomiting vodka club, splash of cran directly into your own handbag. If you’re feeling uneasy about entering your forties and are unsure of what to do to appropriately mark the occasion, we have the perfect itinerary for your 40th birthday celebration in Atlantic City. Spend one night living it up, indulging almost like a twenty-something. Then, recover and refresh for the rest of the weekend. Pack the Pepcid, change your Dr. Scholl’s insoles, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.  Cocktails Dinner After Dinner Breakfast Activities Lunch Casual Dinner Day 1: Arriving in Atlantic City We recommend checking in as early as possible to avoid wasting valuable party time waiting in line. Even if a room isn’t available yet, you can leave your bag with bell services and pick up your key later. It’s time for your   luxury Atlantic City 40th birthday experience to begin.  Pre-Dinner Drinks Around 5pm, toast yourself with a pre-dinner drink at Little Water Distillery and/or The Seed: A Living Beer Project , Atlantic City’s own distillery and brewery. These neighboring venues make for an effortless mini DIY bar crawl. Little Water has a seasonally rotating cocktail menu that highlights the spirits distilled on site. The fall menu focuses on traditional autumn flavors like cranberry, apple, maple, and cinnamon. The only thing more masterfully crafted than the drinks are their punny monikers like She Dragged Me Apple Picking (Whitecap whiskey, apple cider, lemon, maple, aromatic bitters) and Sweater Weather (Prosperity aged rum, apple butter, cinnamon, ginger beer). Next door at The Seed, the tap list changes frequently, but you can always count on at least one saison among their locally sourced, thoughtfully crafted beers. At the time of publication, they’re serving a nitro oatmeal stout, For Warmth, can pour, which is perfect for a chilly coastal autumn evening. It’s not your typical brewery. There isn’t a flat screen or any sports memorabilia in the whole place. It feels more like a spa retreat than a taproom, a brewery for the distinguished, mature appreciator of beer, a brewery for real grown ups, such as yourself.  Dinner at Dock’s Oyster House We have long celebrated special occasions at Dock’s Oyster House, as you are well aware, if you’ve been following us for even a short time. You can revisit our prior blogs about Dock’s here and here , but tonight is all about giving you the best birthday dinner in Atlantic City. We recommend dining at about 7pm. It’s the peak dinner rush, but the bar and dining room will be full of ambient laughter and lively conversation amidst the bright voiced piano. Get started with a glass of Prosecco paired with a chilled seafood tower for two. The quantity, quality, and variety of seafood represented in the tower is a steal at just $41. The fried (plain, marinara, buffalo, or wasabi) and broiled (Rockefeller or champagne leek) oysters are another must-try. In the colder months, we round out the appetizer course with steamed clams in a mildly spicy tomato broth (save your bread for sopping up the extra), and share the bubbling and gooey crab meat au gratin for our entree. Keep your eye out for pumpkin cheese pie on special, or stick with the classic Joe’s cheese pie, otherwise.  Night Out at Angeloni’s Club Madrid After dinner, walk a block down Georgia Avenue to 2400 Arctic, home of Atlantic City’s newest hot spot: Angeloni’s Club Madrid . The attention to detail is mind-blowing: a horseshoe shaped bar ensconced in red neon, “eye in the sky” casino surveillance cameras repurposed as a decorative ceiling fixture, trippy bathrooms with landline telephones and wall tiles that surely cause auditory and visual hallucinations… and that’s just the cocktail lounge. The space could easily be a museum of 1980s and Atlantic City history, but cooler. The service is top tier. The cocktail program is elaborate and flawlessly executed. The bar is always high energy, but between 9 and 10pm, as dinner service slows, the cocktail lounge becomes the place to see and be seen. And that’s why you’re here: for a couple of post dinner cocktails. Here’s your  order: The innovative Girl Dinner, a dirty Alibi gin martini with blue cheese stuffed olives and a side of sour gummy worms, is a showstopper. As a newly minted quadragenarian, we’re sure you’ll not only appreciate a drink that comes with a snack, but also the kind that includes caffeine. Enter The Cavalieri, Club Madrid’s espresso martini sprinkled with maldon for a unique spin on a familiar favorite. While the wild cocktails get all the attention here, don’t sleep on the beer. The Seed brewed IPA cans exclusively for Angeloni’s, called Carry on Tradition, and the “bubbles” menu includes the “champagne of beers,” Miller High Life, served in 40 oz quantities in a vintage ice bucket and poured in a festive coupe. We’ll dedicate a future blog post to the dinner menu, but don’t hesitate to try it for yourself before then.  Casino Fun & Rest Try your luck in the casino before you head to your room. Feel free to get to bed early, sleep late, or both. After imbibing like you’re 15 or so years younger, you’ll need a little refresh. The rest of your trip will be lowkey and effortless, while still feeling special and celebratory.  Day 2: A Relaxed Start: Gilchrist Breakfast Today will be a more laidback and affordable Atlantic City 40th birthday option. Roll out of bed and up to Gilchrist Restaurant for brunch. The Hungry Man #2 combo never fails to bring us back to life with 2 eggs, 2 hotcakes (pro tip: opt for blueberry), choice of meat and home fries or grits. We also find that a good, old fashioned BLT will do the trick. Watch the boats sail through the marina and feel the sun on your face as you fuel up for a day of unique 40th birthday activities in Atlantic City. Hair of the Dog at Back Bay Ale House Across the parking lot, you’ll be transported 1,400 miles away to the carefree vibes of Key West, at Back Bay Ale House . At your age, you’re probably familiar with the concept of “hair of the dog,” and Back Bay has you covered. They are know for their Bason Masons, 16 or 32 oz mason jar cocktails. Enjoy their traditional Bloody Mary or get it spicy with St George’s green chili vodka. If savory drinks aren’t your thing, they have mimosa and aperol spritzes, in addition to more than 2 dozen other crafted concoctions. Afternoon Activities: Fun for All Tastes Your agenda for the day will depend on your interests. There is no shortage of fun to be had at any of these multitude of Atlantic City birthday party venues. From a round at North Beach Mini Golf (or their bike and surrey rentals) to a movie at the IMAX theater at Tropicana to an afternoon at one of the city’s many spas to live music or a DJ set at Anchor Rock Club, there is something for every taste and budget. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest events and happenings in Atlantic City. There is a seemingly neverending schedule of festivals, including the AC Beer and Music Festival (March 29, 2025), North 2 Shore (June), Downbeach Seafood Festival (September), Witchcraft (October), and the AC Tattoo Expo (November), to name a few. Atlantic City is an underrated Christmas town, with the Irish Pub decked out from floor to ceiling in vintage decor, annual ugly sweater bar crawl, art markets, gingerbread village, holiday cocktail trails, and so much more. You’re sure to find the Atlantic City birthday activities that are just your style. Lunch at Pho Sydney When you’re feeling hungry again, it’s time to go to Pho Sydney for beef pho, particularly #14 pho tai nam, gan. This is the richest, most velvety broth in this city, and probably all the other cities, too. Complete your meal with a #1 goi cuon (rice paper filled with pork, shrimp, and vermicelli) served cold with peanut sauce for dipping and a Thai iced tea with milk. Foods with high water content, sodium, and carbs are the perfect antidote for a hangover. You can thank us later.  Cigar Lounge at Tennessee Avenue Tobacco Company Continue your relaxing evening with a stop at Tennessee Avenue Tobacco Company . The cigar lounge features countless options for all palates and experience levels, from the novice smoker to full blown aficionado. Enjoy coffee or espresso with your cigar and sink into the plush leather arm chairs. Watch a game on one of the flat screens or strike up a conversation with a new friend. The tobacconists at Tennessee Avenue are as knowledgeable as they are personable and will guide you through the best possible personalized experience. Some people compare cigar smoking to mediation, as it commands you to be present in the moment and savor the experience. We’d say take a deep breath and relax, but you’re not supposed to inhale.  Late-Night Snack at Tony’s Baltimore Grill Most of our nights in Atlantic City end the same way: with a late night stop at the legendary Tony’s Baltimore Gril l . An Atlantic City institution since 1927, Tony’s is about as nostalgic as it gets. Wood paneling, red naughahide booths, neon signs, dim lighting, and tabletop jukeboxes set the scene for a step back in time. You’ll find all the usual suspects: Coors, Miller, Bud, Michelob, Heineken, and some surprising items on the drink menu like the Atlantic City Wide (a shot of Fernet and a draft beer from The Seed). The food here is as solid as the ambiance. When you eat here as often as we do, you get ordering down to a science: fried shrimp platter with fries and slaw, meatball and onion pizza, and a roast beef sandwich. Your 40th birthday party in Atlantic City is a marathon, not a sprint. There are plenty of activities that don’t involve alcohol, while still feeling fun and festive. As you adjust to your new decade, you’ll find you enjoy and appreciate some scheduled rest and relaxation after you let loose.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more Atlantic City tips and tricks, info on upcoming events, and a lot of fun. Feel free to send us an email or a DM if you need help planning your Atlantic City getaway. Don’t forget to visit on online merch shop or catch us vending our hand screen printed Atlantic City tshirts, hoodies, beanies, tote bags, and more! Our holiday vending schedule is below: Saturday, November 30 Tenn Ave Tinseltown Market 12pm-4pm outside Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall AND Small Biz Saturday Noetrope Night Market  6pm-10pm at Anchor Rock Club Saturday, December 14 Noyes Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village 12pm-5pm at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University Sunday, December 15 Tenn Ave Tinseltown Market 12pm-4pm outside Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Thank you for your support! We couldn’t do what we do without our wonderful community!

  • Come On, Get Happy! A Guide to Happy Hour in Atlantic City

    The concept of Happy Hour has evolved since its origin as a morale booster aboard US Navy ships in the 1920s to a way for speakeasies to attract customers to professional networking opportunities, marketing tools, and themed events. We have curated a comprehensive list of happy hours in Atlantic City to guide you from dives to rooftop lounges to fine dining destinations. You won’t find any chains on this list, only authentic Atlantic City establishments. Whether you’re a local looking for your new neighborhood bar or a visitor who can’t resist a good deal, you’re about to uncover, in no particular order, the best kept secrets of Atlantic City’s vibrant bar scene.  Our current list Tony 's Baltimore Grill Card inal Dock's Oyster House Ducktown Tavern Knife and Fork Inn Mexico Restaurant and Bar Angeloni's Club Madrid Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Back Bay Ale House Wonder Bar Vagabond The Yard BAR32 Tony’s Baltimore Grill tonysbaltimoregrillac.com 2800 Atlantic Avenue Daily 4-6 Drink specials including $2 9oz drafts and $4 well drinks Snacks ranging from $1-8 0% ABV options  RECOMMENDATION: $2 AC Fried Shrimp and $5 Two Meatballs and AC Bread The first stop on our list is an Atlantic City institution that has been operating since 1927, with the self-proclaimed “2nd best happy hour in Atlantic City.” Tony’s Baltimore Grill serves more than just pizza and Italian comfort food, it also serves up a large dose of nostalgia the moment you walk through the door. Dock’s Oyster House docksoysterhouse.com 2405 Atlantic Avenue  Daily 4-6 at the bar Discounted snacks and appetizers, some exclusive to happy hour.  RECOMMENDATION: Oysters..Duh A few blocks down Atlantic Avenue, the line for happy hour at Dock’s Oyster House meanders down the street by 3:30pm each day. If you aren’t 30 minutes early to grab a coveted seat in the bar area, you may be too late.  Knife & Fork Inn knifeandforkinn.com 3600 Atlantic Avenue Daily 4-6 at the bar  ½ priced appetizers RECOMMENDATION: Lobster Spring Roll Dock’s sister restaurant, Knife & Fork Inn, has been a place to see and be seen since the Prohibition era, when liquor was still openly served at the bar. Political boss Nucky Johnson was a regular there, but even he was unable to protect the bar from its eventual federal raid.  Angeloni's Club Madrid https://www.instagram.com/angelonisclubmadrid/ 2400 Arctic Ave Thursday 4-6 Meatballs and Mini Martinis Friday-Monday 4-6 Aperitivo Hour RECOMMENDATION: Madrid Dip during Aperitivo Hour or come on Thursdays for Meatballs & Martinis Not a newcomer per se, but something old made new again, Angeloni’s Club Madrid is now reopened under new ownership. During aperitivo hour Friday-Monday from 4-6, each drink comes with a free snack. On Thursdays, they’re bringing back Tommy Guido’s Meatballs and Mini Martinis from 4-6 in the bar and lounge. Every meatball order comes with a free mini martini.  Back Bay Ale House backbayalehouse.com 800 N New Hampshire Avenue  Monday-Friday 3-5, All day Sunday  Drink specials including $9 mason of the month pints and $15 super masons $10 appetizers RECOMMENDATION: Bob Marley Basin Mason, Bloody Mary Back Bay Ale House feels like a little piece of Key West at the Jersey Shore. Pull up a seat facing the bay, watch the boats sail by, sip on a mason jar cocktail, and forget your worries.   Vagabond vagabondac.com 672 N Trenton Avenue Daily 3-6 $7-8 starters $6 wine and Deep Eddy RECOMMENDATION: Tequila Shrimp Bangers The tequila shrimp bangers at Vagabond AC not only make an appearance on the happy hour menu, but they’ve also been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.   Bar32 bar32chocolate.com 121 S Tennessee Avenue Wednesday-Saturday $5 specials on small plates, beer, wine, chocolate RECOMMENDATION: Rotating Menu Chocolate, cocktails, chocolate cocktails… what more could you want? Beer, wine, and small plates? Fine, Bar32 has those, too. All of the chocolate is made from bean-to-bar in-house, with plenty of options to take home.  The Yard (Open Seasonally) Boardwalk, 1900 Pacific Avenue https://casinos.ballys.com/atlantic-city/the-yard.htm 5 O’Clock Fridays 5-6:30pm $5 beer and food bite specials  $3-$4-$5 Pre-game Happy Hour Fri & Sat 7-9 $3 beer specials, $4 shot specials, $5 cocktail specials  $10 Shot & a Beer Combo Selections Friday 9pm-1am, Saturday 9pm-2am RECOMMENDATION: $3 beer specials, $4 shot specials, $5 cocktail specials  Roll up to the boardwalk straight off the beach for happy hour at the indoor/outdoor beer garden at The Yard. They’re running some kind of special seemingly all day, which makes it a great place to start the party or stay indefinitely.  Cardinal  cardinal-ac.com 201 S New York Avenue Wed-Sun 4-6 and 9-10 Drink specials, large and small plates, and $1 raw bar RECOMMENDATION: Duck Wings Cardinal is another indoor/outdoor option close to the boardwalk. In the warmer months, they host movie nights and other pop-up events in the garden. Keep an eye on their socials for all the happenings. Ducktown Tavern ducktowntavern.com 2400 Atlantic Avenue Monday-Friday 3-7 ½ off appetizers, $1 off drinks RECOMMENDATION: Anything with Alibi Gin You can’t go wrong with happy hour at a neighborhood corner bar. Locals and tourists flock to Ducktown Tavern for friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a popular outdoor patio. Mexico Restaurant and Bar mexicorestaurantbar.com 3810 Ventnor Avenue Sunday-Friday 3-7 $5-6 drink specials, $3.50 Mexican beer, $4-5 appetizers  RECOMMENDATION: Obviously a margarita Mas cervezas, por favor. Considered by many to be the best Mexican restaurant in the city, Mexico Restaurant runs happy hour deals 6 nights a week.  Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall tennesseeavenuebeerhall.com 133 S Tennessee Avenue  Monday-Friday 3-6, All day Wednesday $5 food specials, beer, and wine RECOMMENDATION: Chips and dip. It sounds basic, but it's far from boring. 40+ beers on tap, an outdoor beer garden with a firepit, Adirondack chairs, yard games, and live music. They don’t need to reel you in with a great deal at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, but they do it anyway.  Vue Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the Claridge https://www.claridge.com/dining-lounges/the-vue-rooftop-lounge/ 123 S Indiana Avenue Thursday-Sunday 4-7 $4 domestic drafts, $5 wine, $7-8 cocktail specials, $6-8 bites RECOMMENDATION: Even Pepsi tastes better from this rooftop bar. The name speaks for itself: Vue offers unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and 360 degree views of the city from the 23rd floor of the Claridge.  Wonder Bar wonderbaracnj.com 3701 Sunset Avenue Sunday-Thursday and Saturday 4-6, Teacher’s Friday 3-6 $1 off beer, seltzer, wine, Ketel One and ½ off appetizers  RECOMMENDATION: Go during the warmer months so you can sit on the deck and watch the boats sail by. From a rooftop bar with views of the ocean to outdoor decks overlooking the water, our final happy hour stop is at Wonder Bar.  There are big deals to be found at the small businesses in Atlantic City. Cheers to drinking like a local with our guide to the city’s happy hour specials. Have you heard of a happy hour we missed? Drop us a line on our contact page or social media and let us know.  Support our small business by shopping our line of hand screen printed Atlantic City apparel. Keep an eye on our social media for our in-person vending events. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

  • Over The Hill and Through the Desert.- A Birthday Escape Plan for 3 days In Las Vegas

    Las Vegas is the ideal location to celebrate your 40th birthday, especially when you have a little help from your friends at The Escape Plans. We’ve been to Vegas 5 times, and, while some things never change, more things are constantly evolving. We’re happy to share our knowledge of the city with you, fresh from our vacation last summer. Vegas has a reputation for being a high octane destination, with visitors going “all-in” for the duration. While we’re sure you’re a young, vibrant 40, we want to remind you that your getaway is a marathon, not a sprint. You already had your 21st birthday, so this escape is heavy on the booze, but will also incorporate a few alcohol-optional activities, should you need a short breather from the bars. There’s something about the time change, compounded with the altitude and the desert climate that reminds us to drink more water and eat the occasional vegetable, while we’re there. We also want to encourage you to have someone in your group mention that you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, as often as possible. You can get a room upgrade, free drinks, free food, and plenty of other perks for the simple reason that Las Vegas is the land of hospitality, and they want you to have a great time. That being said, let’s formulate your escape plan! When you land at the airport, there are shuttle companies who will charge you $8-10 per person to get to Mandalay Bay. There is usually a bit of a wait, since they won’t leave until the shuttle is full. We recommend taking Uber or Lyft from the airport, since the wait is much shorter and the cost can be much less, depending on demand. You’ll follow the rideshare signs and go down to Level 1 of the terminal building. Depending on which terminal you’re in, the pickup area will be outside on the ground level or in a parking garage. Don’t be intimidated by a potential crowd, the wait is fast, and your driver will help you find them. Have you ever visited Atlantic City? Click below! After checking in at the hotel, you have to hit up In-N-Out Burger . It’s a must-do for people from the East Coast. After a long flight, you’ll be tired and hungry, and a double-double is going to hit different. Everyone has heard of ordering their burger and fries “animal style,” but you should also know that the fries aren’t that crispy unless you order them well-done, and the Neopolitan shake is quite possibly the best menu hack of all time. From there, you should head to the AMPM convenience store (the Vegas WaWa) near your hotel to pick up some essentials. A tip we like is to bring an empty rolling suitcase to transport your haul. The average high temperature in May is 90 degrees, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and drinking, and it’s really easy to get dehydrated. Buy yourself some cases of water to keep in your room, it’ll save you a ton of money. If you want to head straight to the pool when you wake up, it’s a good idea to have protein bars or something quick to eat for breakfast. The desert sun is harsh, so be sure to use sunscreen and SPF lip balm (trust us on this one). It goes without saying that the desert is dry, but what you might not know is that the dry air can cause cold/allergy-like symptoms and nosebleeds. You might want to get a small portable humidifier for your room, or a more practical remedy is saline nose spray. We also like to bring back some snacks and Waterboy packets to help with hangovers (or visit our Amazon store to stock up in advance). After you get settled, it’s about time to start the party. For pre-dinner drinks, we’ve heard great things about Golden Tiki and Mas Por Favor . We weren’t able to visit either of these spots, but they’re at the top of our to-do list for our next trip, after we received recommendations from friends and saw them on all the YouTube travel channels. Both are one-of-a-kind, over-the-top Vegas type experiences with strong drinks and fun ambience. You have three options for dinner, on your first night in town. You told us Asian cuisine is one of your favorites, and all three restaurants specialize in Asian-fusion. We’ve had dinner at each of these spots during our last 2 trips to Vegas, and can wholeheartedly recommend them all. They all have an energetic vibe, upscale food with a laidback ambience, and great drink selections. Our favorite choice for a group is Best Friend . They have a really reasonably priced tasting menu, so you can try a bit of everything. Saying “a bit” is a little misleading as the portions are enormous. The cocktails here are innovative and complement the food. Andrea has been daydreaming about the slippery shrimp since August. You told us you’re interested in recommendations that are off the beaten path, and Sparrow and Wolf checks that box. Located off the Strip in Chinatown, the focus here is more on small plates, but there is also a tasting menu. Being from Jersey City, you’re close to Momofuku ’s NYC location. While the food here is outstanding, this isn’t something you can only experience in Vegas. The food is incredible, so be sure to check it out closer to home, if you don’t eat there on this trip. We love the energy and so many of the offerings at Cosmopolitan, the casino where it’s located. You’ll visit Cosmo for post-dinner drinks, regardless of which restaurant you decide to reserve tonight. On your first night in town, you have to see the Strip lit up at night. There are a lot of attractions that you can see as you walk between casinos. The Bellagio Fountains are located nearby Best Friend and Momofuku, and are a must-see. The shows run every 15 minutes at night, so you can catch it without much planning. People watching is an attraction in and of itself, but be mindful of people running scams, both walking the Strip and later on Fremont Street. After you take in the sights of the Strip, you’ll have a unique-to-Vegas experience at the series of speakeasies within Cosmopolitan. The Ski Lodge looks like a bar at a winter resort, complete with falling snow through a window behind the bar. Next door is Ghost Donkey, specializing in margaritas and Mexican-inspired cocktails. They also have an extensive mezcal and tequila menu. “Finding” these hidden bars isn’t difficult, they are both located within the larger Superfrico restaurant. You can gamble at Cosmo or head back to Mandalay Bay to play and take a break from drinking (or at least paying for your drinks). Don’t forget to have the front desk attendant check your play on your MGM card at the end of your stay, sometimes they will comp a portion of your room charge, if you spend enough in the casino. For this reason, it’s important to charge any food, drinks, etc. at other MGM resorts to your room. They can’t waive it, if you didn’t charge it. Scared money don’t make money ;) Since you like to sleep in, we’re including only one breakfast recommendation. Our favorite breakfast in Vegas is at Sadelle’s in Bellagio. You’ll need to make a reservation, as it’s very popular and the standby line is long and will waste precious time. If a sit-down breakfast isn’t your thing, they serve breakfast at Mandalay Bay Beach. You’ll definitely want to spend some down time there. It’s one of the nicest, if not the nicest, pools on the Strip. In addition to the lagoon pool, there is also a wave pool, lazy river, and 3 bars. You can easily lose track of time relaxing at this 11 acre pool complex. If you want to take a break from drinking, or if you want to double down and tour a distillery, the Mob Museum downtown is a great option before lunch. Every time we’ve been to Vegas, we’ve seen a line wrapped around Tacos el Gordo and wondered why. We finally made it there on our last trip, and it’s going to be a mainstay on our personal itinerary now. If you want to eat like a local, this place is legit. They serve authentic Tijuana style tacos with handmade corn tortillas and scratch salsa and guac. The meats range from your standard pork and carne asada to more adventurous options like tripe and cabeza. It’s definitely off the beaten path geographically and gastronomically. Nearby, you’ll have drinks at the legendary Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge . It has an old-school Vegas vibe with its neon lighting and booth seating. They’re known for their Scorpion cocktails in 64 oz fishbowl glasses. Another option for pre-dinner drinks is the High Roller observation wheel. You can buy tickets for a “happy half hour” open bar while you ride the ferris wheel and enjoy 360 degree views of the city from 550 feet above the Strip. It’s a tourist attraction, but worth doing, especially at sunset or after dark. You requested a steakhouse dinner for your birthday celebration. We have three options for you to choose from. We are admittedly not “steakhouse people,” but Bazaar Meat at Sahara converted us and is now the first reservation we make each time we’re planning a Vegas vacation. It takes the traditional steakhouse concept and reimagines it into something innovative and playful. The tasting menu is truly amazing. If you mention that it’s your birthday when you reserve your table, the staff will go above and beyond to ensure that you have an unforgettable meal. We received additional courses and cocktails, courtesy of our server, as an anniversary gift. Hopefully, you have the same good luck. We haven’t visited the Golden Steer , but it’s consistently showing up on “best of” lists and earning excellent reviews. They opened in 1958, and some of their staff have been there for over 35 years. Add to that their popularity among celebrity patrons, and it’s easy to understand why they’re a Las Vegas institution. You mentioned that you were interested in Barry’s Downtown Prime , and we were excited to research it. It’s a new steakhouse in Old Vegas, inspired by its predecessors from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. They pride themselves on old school hospitality and the highest quality steaks and cocktails. While we haven’t dined at Barry’s before, we’re tempted to give it a try on a future trip. After an upscale meal, you can switch gears to something more casual at BrewDog. Fit for a beer connoisseur like yourself, they boast unparalleled views of the Strip from their rooftop bar, as well as 96 taps of craft beer, including some exclusive pours from their on-site microbrewery. After trying your luck at the tables late into the night, you’ll spend the next morning sleeping in or hanging out at the pool. You’ll grab lunch on Brewery Row at one of the many breweries on Main Street. We stopped at Able Baker and Nevada Brew Works for flights last year, and really enjoyed the wide variety of creative offerings at both locations. Beer District Brewing, CraftHaus Brewery, Hop Nuts Brewing Downtown, and HUDL Brewing Company are the other breweries in the area. No trip to Vegas is complete without visiting the “old strip,” better known as Fremont Street. There are some tourist attractions, like ziplining over the street, or viewing the Viva Vision Light show on the giant overhead screen spanning the length of Fremont. The people watching is good here, as is the cheap gambling in the historic casinos. Not everything is old here; the recently opened Circa casino brings a modern addition to downtown Vegas. Circa is a must-do for either Circa Stadium, a swim-up sportsbook with a 40 foot HD screen, or Legacy Club, the rooftop cocktail lounge offering panoramic city views, 60 floors above Fremont. After exploring Old Las Vegas, you’ll head to your choice of two restaurants in the neighboring Arts District. We’ve been to Esther’s Kitchen , and it was one of the highlights of our most recent trip. They specialize in sourdough bread and accompanying spreads, small sourdough pizzas, and pasta. They serve seasonal cocktails, local beers, and have a lengthy list of spirits for sipping. Another great option nearby is Peyote . They feature modern, Latin-inspired cuisine and cocktails. Their patio seating is a big draw for patrons, which would be perfect for your vacation, when the nights tend to be cooler. Wherever you decide to eat dinner, you’ll be drinking at two of our favorite Vegas bars, afterwards. Atomic Liquors is a downtown dive and the oldest freestanding bar in the city. Despite their dive status, they have a nice cocktail menu and a great selection of beers. Velveteen Rabbit is an intimate craft cocktail and beer bar, focusing on seasonality, creativity, and house-made ingredients. If time allows, take a quick ride to the Neon Museum to see the retired neon signs from the Strip. At night, they offer a light show and a guided tour of the sign boneyard. We don’t suggest touring during the day. There’s no shade from the strong sun, and the signs aren’t as impressive when they aren’t lit. Finally, to soak up some of that booze, end the night, and your trip, with one last stop downtown to Evel Pie for the best pizza in Vegas, which happens to also be home to a large collection of Evel Knievel memorabilia. We hope you have a very happy 40th birthday in Las Vegas, and that we’ve made planning your trip a fun and effortless experience. Thank you for trusting us to guide you through such an important event. We can’t wait to hear everything you loved about your vacation! Click this to go to your step by step itinerary

  • First Time, Long-Time, Good Time-A weekend of Atlantic City Firsts

    We’re long-time and frequent visitors of Atlantic City, and while we’ve experienced a ton of what the city has to offer, we’ve still yet to see it all. The city tends to experience spurts of growth, rebranding, and change. How many iterations have there been between what was once the Pier at Caesars and is now ACX1 Studios? How many restaurants have come and gone in the Quarter at Tropicana? It seems like there’s always something new to see and do in Atlantic City. There are also many hidden gems dispersed throughout the 48 blocks of town, easily overlooked in their locations off the boardwalk. On our most recent trip to Atlantic City, we were “first-timers” once more, and we fell in love with the city all over again. Both new to us and new to Atlantic City in June 2023, The Hook is a 75 minute, Las Vegas caliber variety show, adjacent to the “psychedelic Italian” restaurant Superfrico at Caesar’s. The historic Warner Theater, on the world famous Atlantic City boardwalk, was renovated to become the home of this production, combining circus, cabaret, comedy, and interactive performance. The theater serves vintage Atlantic City charm, harkening the days of supper clubs and speakeasies. Since previews began this past summer, we’ve been advised time and time again that we should run, not walk, to buy tickets for The Hook. Each and every attendee we spoke to claimed it was amazing, and unlike any other live performance they’d ever seen. There is no shortage of entertainment venues in Atlantic City, but this sort of resident production, with this level of artistic ability, in its own dedicated venue, is completely unprecedented. We were fortunate enough to receive upgraded seats, directly next to the stage. Be forewarned, your proximity to the stage is directly correlated to the amount of your own participation in the show. These seats are not for the faint of heart. Not only are you on display, front and center, to all 420 audience members, but the show consists of raunchy, often physical, comedy, and you get completely immersed in it. While we ultimately had a blast feeling like we were part of the show, we were grateful that we stopped for pre-show drinks at the Horse Dive Bar, in between the theater and box office, to peruse the extensive collection of Atlantic City memorabilia and also procure some much-needed liquid courage. There are also cocktail servers circulating throughout the show, and a full bar at the back of the theater, in case you need more than one round of drinks to loosen up. Without giving too much away, I’ll say that The Hook far exceeded our very high expectations. Our jaws were dropped the entire time, as we observed the unbelievable skill, agility, precision, and seemingly effortless talent of the performers. Tears streamed down our cheeks and our sides ached from laughing at the over-the-top adult humor (and maybe a little nervousness at the racy things we volunteered to do and say from our seats). The cast has incredible chemistry and functions like a well-oiled machine. It’s hard to believe The Hook has only been open a few short months. The finely tuned production creates the illusion that it’s a long-running show with a cast who has known and worked alongside each other for years. It’s a true testament to the absolutely unparalleled talent that takes the stage 5 nights a week. The Hook is a definite must-see. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, go directly to Warner Theater and take in the brilliance gracing our boardwalk. Our only complaint is that we’ll never get to experience the show again from the eyes of a first-timer. The following night, we enjoyed our inaugural meal at a longstanding, yet elusive Atlantic City restaurant. It wasn’t long ago that the restaurant’s phone number was a well-guarded secret, whispered down the lane to a veritable “who’s who” of patrons, as evidenced by the awe-inspiring collection of celebrity photographs lining the walls. Of course, we’re referring to the fabled basement bistro, Chef Vola’s, masters of limiting supply and creating demand. These days, the phone number is public, but it remains easier to get a call back from a supermodel. It still helps to “know a guy,” and we were only able to secure a reservation (after many failed attempts) with help from a friend. The first thing that comes to mind when recalling the experience is: special. The thrill of the chase built such anticipation, and Chef Vola’s lived up to the immense hype. The basement dining room, while crowded, felt private and exclusive. The service was impeccable. Our extremely gracious and knowledgeable server made us feel right at home, walking us through the entirety of the lengthy menu, and endorsing what she affectionately referred to as the “first-timer’s special.” We took her recommendation and ordered what can only be described as a heroic amount of food: creamy buffalo mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto with roasted red peppers; a flawlessly-executed pasta trio of blush, bolognese, and white clam sauces; the unanimously recommended star of the show: bone-in veal parmigiana; macadamia crusted Chilean sea bass with tequila lime sauce; legendary banana cream pie; and decadent apple pie cheesecake. Every bite was better than the last. We had an unforgettable experience that was truly worth the wait. To end our weekend of firsts, we attended Witchcraft, a Halloween beer and spirits festival on a campground reminiscent of Camp Crystal Lake from Friday the 13th, produced by the great folks of Good Time Tricycle. We’re no strangers to their other events, most notably the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival, and we have had Witchcraft on our to-do list for years. As expected, the ghoulish vibes were immaculate. A vast array of festive activities were available, alongside over 60 breweries and distilleries, crafted beverages, and food trucks. There were crackling bonfires throughout the grounds, intriguing tarot and psychic readings, insanely talented fire performers, a haunted inflatable castle maze, spooky drag performances, and creepy decor adorning every vendor booth. Attendees could enter a costume contest with categories like best movie character, most frightening, killer looks, best couple costume, and best group costume, for a chance to win $100 cash. In addition to the costume contest, there was also a pumpkin pie eating contest with a $100 cash prize. Past patrons of the AC Beer Fest would recognize the very popular silent disco. Comedians conducted an improv comedy seance over seasonal mocktails at the Sip and Seance. They summoned the likes of Elvis, Dr. Frankenstein, “Kevin Spacey’s career,” and also accepted suggestions from the audience. Rhythm & Spirits held cocktail demonstrations throughout the evening, and Chainsaw Jenna carved intricate chainsaw art masterpieces before the crowd. We’re admittedly not “Halloween people” or horror fans, and even we, the skeptics, were fully immersed in the frightening festivities. We can’t wait to make this festival an annual fall tradition. A few weeks after this trip, we were honored to attend C.R.O.P.S. 3rd annual Farm to Fork fundraiser for the first time at Cardinal Restaurant. C.R.O.P.S. (Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces) is a non-profit that manages two community gardens and three SNAP/WIC/SFMNP authorized farmers markets, organizes food education workshops, community events, sells local produce out of their storefront, and much more. C.R.O.P.S. is committed to providing sustainable solutions to eradicate food insecurity in Atlantic City. Usually, when we talk about all the things to do in Atlantic City, we’re focused on the variety of amazing restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, shopping, and other indulgences. The average tourist isn’t usually thinking about the things to do in Atlantic City to improve the quality of life for its residents. Thinking about food in Atlantic City would usually involve envisioning decadent multi-course meals in fine dining establishments. It’s quite the opposite for many families living in the city, who are dealing with food insecurity. With no grocery stores in Atlantic City, consumers face the difficult choice to travel outside the city limits to buy fresh food, or to buy convenience items from the many corner stores. No one should have to choose between convenience and nourishment. Over $80k was raised in support of C.R.O.P.S initiatives at the fundraiser, where Cardinal’s chef, Michael Brennan, and several other industry professionals created one-of-a-kind dishes, including seasonal cocktails and mocktails, featuring Atlantic City-grown produce. We know what C.R.O.P.S. is doing to help the local residents, but what can you do to help support C.R.O.P.S. efforts? The organization encourages in-kind donations (instead of donating funds to buy needed goods/services, the goods/services themselves are donated). They also collect gently used coats, gloves, books, garden tools, vases, bookshelves, and ceramic pots. If you’d like to make a donation of this type, please email info@cropsnj.org . We’re looking forward to experiencing even more firsts in Atlantic City this holiday season. It’s our longstanding tradition to visit Atlantic City the weekend before Christmas to take in all of the breathtaking light displays, pop-up bars, limited run entertainment, and general merriment. This year, we’ll be checking out the ARTeriors at the James installation at The James Taffy Building. The AC Arts Foundation has transformed the former taffy factory into a whimsical pop-up Candyland that celebrates the rich history of The James, as well as Atlantic City, from 1880 to the present. You can witness this phenomenal installation yourself on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-5pm from now through December 10. The AC Arts Foundation also partnered with Create 48 to bring artists from different cultural and artistic backgrounds to the city to create 5 vibrant, stunning new murals around town. We plan to have a DIY mural crawl to view the new works of art enhancing the city’s natural beauty. You can enjoy over 70 murals, including these newest additions, many of which were also created through the 48 Blocks AC program, using the mural map at atlanticcityartsfoundation.org. It goes to show that you can visit Atlantic City countless times and still experience new things. Whether that is as simple as a new menu item at your favorite restaurant or a new activity entirely, you can absolutely travel to Atlantic City over and over and still see it through the eyes of a first-timer. As we like to say, you just need to know where to look. Subscribe to our mailing list, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and visit our online shop, if you love Atlantic City like we do. We’re always hard at work to provide inspiration for how to recapture the exhilarating feeling of your very first trip.

  • All Ages Atlantic City Escape Plan: 30 Hours of Things to do in Atlantic City with Kids

    I’ve been visiting Atlantic City long enough to see it go through many transformations. I came of legal age shortly after Borgata opened, when The Quarter and The Pool After Dark were the hot spots, long before The Pier at Caesar’s became a vacant shell of its bustling former self. Fast forward about a decade and a half, and Atlantic City seems to be having itself another renaissance. This time, it’s evolving into a well-rounded family summer vacation destination for all ages. While still catering primarily to adults, there are family-friendly activities popping up all over town. Carnival and arcade games, rides, mini golf, kid-friendly dining options, and an expansive beachfront waterpark all line the boardwalk, these days. We decided to bring our 4-year-old daughter to find the best activities for families in Atlantic City. You’ll find the results in this 30 Hour All Ages Atlantic City Escape Plan. Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City We chose Ocean Casino Resort as our home base, over other Atlantic City family friendly hotels, for a number of reasons. The entire property is pristine, and the hotel doesn’t feel like it’s attached to a casino. Many of the rooms were recently renovated, and those that haven’t been are still in great shape. Our daughter loved having a view of the beach and the Big Wheel from our room. Of course, the beach is the focal point of a summer vacation to Atlantic City. Like the hotel, Ocean’s beach is clean, quiet, and well-maintained. The indoor/outdoor Eclipse Pool is a great place to cool off after a morning at the beach or to escape inclement weather. Also, Ocean is conveniently located right on the boardwalk. Without intending to, we composed this entire itinerary within a 0.8 mile walk from the resort. It’s worth mentioning that it is situated directly next to the brand new Island Waterpark at Showboat. Keep an eye out for our parents-only visit to Island, later this summer. Our daughter still has some growing to do before she can join us on the slides. Best Breakfast Options In Atlantic City Before checking in at Ocean, you’ll have a couple of quick stops to make on your Atlantic City family getaway, the first of which is Hayday Coffee . There is a free parking lot adjacent to the building, which is the next best thing to a drive-thru. We tried the lavender honey cold brew on this trip, and like all of their seasonal specials, it was delicious. They have a few items that will appeal to children, like lemonade and pastries from Kizbee’s Kitchen. We especially like bringing our daughter here because the baristas always go out of their way to make her feel special. After picking up coffee, you’ll collect your mobile breakfast order from Hot Bagels and More. We recommend placing your order when you arrive at Hayday. Hot Bagels can be very busy, and you don’t want to waste precious beach time standing in line. They have their own parking lot, which makes mobile pick up a breeze. The grown-ups in our party come here for the breakfast sandwiches and the preschooler adores their strawberry bagel with cream cheese. They pack everything really nicely, and a handheld breakfast is ideal for eating on the beach after a brief detour to check in around the corner at Ocean. After you check in and change, you’ll head to your choice of the beach and/or pool for a couple hours of fun in the sun. We’re beach people, so we only use the pool briefly in the summer season. The lounge chairs at the pool tend to get claimed quickly, and it’s best to visit as close to opening hours as possible. Ocean has a lunch truck at the porte cochere, right outside the boardwalk entrance, just steps away from the beach. The Eclipse Pool sometimes sells food, and the lunch truck is still pretty accessible from there. Regardless of your preference, you’ll want to check out our Amazon page to stock up on all of our favorite lifesaving summer products. Afternoon Activities in Atlantic City with Kids After you’ve had a little lunch and changed out of your beach attire, you’ll be on your way to your next couple of family fun activities at North Beach Mini Golf (120 Euclid Avenue, about ½ mile north of Ocean via the boardwalk). First, you’ll rent a surrey to tour the boardwalk. You’ll have a bike lock so you can stop and shop along the way. The rentals are $40/hour for a vehicle that seats up to 2 adults and 3 small children. The 2 row surrey seats up to 4 adults and 3 small children and is $65/hour. The website includes discounts for combining mini golf and a surrey rental. This was one of our favorite new experiences, when we visited. We had never been so far north on the boardwalk before, and the views were incredible. When your rental window is over, you’ll play a round of miniature golf at the Atlantic City themed course. Golf is $12/adult and $10/child. Snacks, soft drinks, and ice cream are available for purchase, and you can also BYOB. A trip to North Beach Mini Golf will be a summer tradition for our family now. Dinner in Atlantic City with Kids Pedaling a surrey and playing 18 holes of mini golf will help you work up an appetite. You’ll have dinner at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall . The menu has options for even the pickiest little eaters, and there are yard games in the outdoor beer hall. It’s a little more than ¾ of a mile from Ocean to Tennessee Avenue, so we recommend taking the boardwalk tram. Sometimes on a busy summer afternoon, there might be a bit of a wait for an available seat. The tram is ideal if you aren’t on a tight schedule and don’t mind waiting a bit in exchange for inexpensive transportation. At Tennessee Avenue, your family will have many, many food and beverage options. From 40 beers on taps, to cans and bottles, to wine, cocktails, and mocktails, there is something new and exciting for every taste. We recommend the peach thyme lemonade cocktail for adults and the blueberry smash mocktail for kids. While they don’t have a kid’s menu, there are plenty of safe appetizers and entrees to choose from. We recommend the mac and cheese, American Beauty (standard cheeseburger with LTP), or Don’t Pass Go Dog (plain Hebrew National on a buttery split-top roll) for younger diners. Adults will enjoy the lobster roll and Kentucky Ave chicken sandwich. The whole family can and should upgrade to tater tots for $3 each. The portions are enormous, well worth the upcharge, and the tots are far superior to the (still delicious) chips. Depending on the day and time you visit, you might hit their 2 for $12 lunch special or their amazing happy hour. Activities in Atlantic City Steel Pier is a ½ mile walk from dinner, or you can take the tram again if you purchased an all-day pass. There are a wide variety of rides and carnival games to choose from. Single tickets are $2, a book of 50 tickets is $65, and a book of 80 tickets is $85. Tickets never expire, which made discovering a sheet of leftover tickets from last summer almost as exciting as a handpay at the casino. The carousel and other kiddie rides (teacups, bumper cars, etc) are 4 tickets each. Rides for bigger kids and adults, like the swinging carousel and Flying Dutchman, are 5-6 tickets. Thrill rides are 7-8 tickets. If you visit on a Tuesday, all rides are 2 tickets, one of the best family summer vacation deals around. There is special pricing for the slingshot ($32.50/person), helicopter rides ($75 for shoreline tour, $150 for city tour), and the Wheel ($9.99/rider). Every year, we make a point to ride the carousel and the Wheel, which is the enclosed Ferris Wheel with views of the entire beach and boardwalk. See pricing/ticketing info here. Of course, you can’t leave Steel Pier without indulging in ice cream, funnel cake, or cotton candy. There are multiple eateries throughout serving standard boardwalk fare. If you purchase a book of tickets, you’ll also receive coupons for discounted food and beverage items. By this time, most of the family is probably ready to call it a night. Take one last look at the neon signs and the lights of the Steel Pier from your window before getting some much needed rest. Day 2 Breakfast and Absecon Lighthouse & more things to do in Atlantic City with Kids We recommend packing a light, portable breakfast like protein bars or Pop-tarts to fuel you up for another trip to the pool. We opted for the pool over the beach on day 2 so that we could freshen up and change before the 11am checkout. If you visit on the weekend, we recommend going to Rhythm & Spirits or Cardinal for brunch. Since ours was a weekday stay, we opted to go to Gilchrist , where we all enjoyed blueberry hotcakes. Of course, one cannot dine on hotcakes alone. We suggest pairing a short stack with one of the Hungry Man combos or the creamed chipped beef. It doesn’t feel like summer until we’ve had breakfast overlooking the bay, watching the boats sail by. You’ll need every ounce of energy from that hearty brunch to walk up the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse. We’re fans of history, and unparalleled views, so we were glad to finally mark this attraction off our Atlantic City to-do list. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, the grounds are impeccably maintained, and each visitor gets an “I saw the light” card at the top of their ascent. Our guide paid special attention to our daughter, making sure she was in the exact right position to peer up and marvel at the light. If you’ve escaped with us before, you know we absolutely must pick up takeout from Tony Boloney’s before we get out of town. On this trip, we tried some new-to-us items that are great for grown-ups: the Miss Siam, a chicken pad thai sub, and the crustacean fries, garlic butter and crab loaded cheese fries. Kids will love the classic NJ cheese pizza and shoobie sub (fried chicken, cool ranch dressing, BLT, mozzarella, and potato chips). Some may say that Atlantic City isn’t for kids, but it really is an all-ages resort, if you just know where to go. We wish you and your family a memorable escape to the Jersey Shore. We know, just like us, you’ll be back again next year for an Atlantic City family vacation. Don't forget to follow us on Social Media!! Still need help planning your trip? Let us help you! Schedule today! Atlantic City, Vegas, and Philadelphia!

  • The Best of Both: TheEscapePlans First Timers guide to 2 very different nights in Atlantic City

    First timers guide to Atlantic City This Escape Plan for two nights in Atlantic City tells a tale as old as time: Beauty and the Beast. This itinerary will fit any and all occasions, however, we drew inspiration from my most recent birthday. I turned 38, when we were conducting our research for this escape, and spent some time thinking about the implications of such an awkward age. Not old yet, but no longer young. Well past 21 and not quite 40. How does one go about celebrating such a non-event? I came up with a weekend of contrasts that echoes my feelings about my most recent trip around the sun. Decadent dining rooms and dive bars. Cocktails and karaoke. Lounges and luncheonettes. You’ll visit old haunts you might have frequented in your early twenties, as well as timeless Atlantic City restaurants that will never go out of style. Like AC itself, this trip isn’t just one thing; it has many sides, and you’ll experience them all, in just two days. Ocean Casino Resort Beginning with your stay at Ocean Casino Resort, you’ll already be experiencing the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations, sip swanky cocktails, and also play and snack at an interactive gaming complex, while you’re here. The first night of your escape will be indulgent and extravagant. Starting in your hotel, with happy hour at American Cut, you’ll enjoy bar bites, drinks, and stunning views of North Beach at sunset. The crab cake egg rolls have a crispy exterior, a nice contrast to the soft crab filling. One order is enough to share between two people and provides a nice base for a strong, but smooth cocktail. Vodka and gin cocktails “your way” are the drink specials during Cut Hour, but you’ll have no regrets about ordering full price specialty cocktails. Woodford Reserve provides a rich, velvety base to the Smoke on the Water, and its cedar smoke will transport you to an earlier era, when the steakhouse lounge would be scented with the sweet, vanilla and leathery smoke of cigars and conversation. Slightly sweet, with crisp rose’, the delicate peach and orange blossom Valerie is a fun and flirty option that will get you in a celebratory mood. Dock's Oyster House Next, you’ll savor sparkling wine and succulent seafood in a sophisticated setting at Dock’s Oyster House. Walking into the dining room feels like taking a breath of salty, sea air: spacious, with high ceilings, subtle nautical accents, and vintage photographs adorning the walls, Dock’s is modern but pays homage to its long and storied history. The menu is as timeless as the interior, with some dishes dating back to the restaurant’s opening in 1897, including the crab meat au gratin. A variety of bubbling, gooey cheeses envelop the largest chunks of jumbo lump meat we’ve ever seen (aside from the crab cocktail on the chilled tower here), and the accompanying toast points are a great vessel to ensure you don’t leave behind a trace of your meal. The kitchen runs amazing specials, the absolute best being the pan fried soft shell crabs, when they’re in season. Don’t hesitate to place your order, if they’re being offered. They only serve them in the warmer months, and they sell out very quickly. We’ve visited Dock’s on countless occasions, and you can read about our other recommendations in some of our previous blogs. Bar32-Tennesse Ave You can’t end an evening on the town without dessert, or at least dessert cocktails. Bar32 excels at both. Pull up to the intimate bar and observe the actual chocolate factory in action, or claim a seat in the cozy lounge area, which feels like part art gallery, part hip boutique hotel lobby. It’s hard to choose from the unique confections here, but the chocolate sampler features all of their housemade bean-to-bar chocolate, as well as a taste of their signature brownie. The chocolate martinis are another crowd pleaser, which can only be described as extra creamy grown-up chocolate milk. Espresso martinis are everywhere right now, and Bar32 stays ahead of the curve with the Stromfather 2.0, an amaretto and whiskey variation of the trend. The rocks glass is dipped in their signature melted chocolate, for a decadent conclusion to your day of indulgence. Day two of your escape will be lowkey casual, but high energy. Have a quick breakfast of loaded omelets or waffles and tenders at Maria’s Luncheonette, and grab some to-go lattes from Hayday Coffee, to fuel yourself for an hour or two of excitement (and a little exercise) at Top Golf Swing Suites. In addition to swinging golf clubs, you can also try your hand at soccer, hockey, pitching baseballs, carnival games, and zombie dodgeball. There is a full bar and a kitchen, so you can keep your energy up with a giant soft pretzel and dipping sauces, which goes great with the birthday party shake that’s as photogenic as it is delicious. If you time your visit right, you can check out their happy hour items, including a specialty shot menu. You’ll feel a lot more competitive and confident after a Moscow mule or two, trust us. You have a full night ahead of you, and this would be a good time to take a nap, enjoy the indoor/outdoor pool, park at a slot machine, or whatever you need to recharge. You’re headed out of the casino for the first leg of your adventure this evening, but only about 4 blocks away. There is a lot happening on Baltic Avenue these days, beginning with a trip to Little Water Distillery. They offer tours, tastings, and have a full bar with a lengthy cocktail menu. If you haven’t taken a tour here before, we recommend starting your visit this way, followed by a sampling of their rum, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Tasting these spirits on their own lends to the appreciation of how the cocktails are built and balanced. Little Water is always conjuring up interesting, new drink options, highlighting seasonal flavors and ingredients. There are some solid mainstays on the menu, like the Distinguished Gentleman, a maple old fashioned, and the Hot and Dirty, a jalapeno infused dirty martini. However, we look forward to trying their seasonal concoctions whenever we visit. Most recently, they were featuring two rum-based drinks: The Underachiever, borrowing inspiration from an upside down cake with cinnamon simple syrup and pineapple juice, and Front Porch Punch, which is sweet, citrusy, and a bit spicy from the ginger beer: reminiscent of a summer evening spent in a rocking chair on a wraparound porch. Right next door, The Seed: A Living Beer Project is using locally sourced and unique ingredients to conduct carefully executed experiments. They are currently pouring a saison that was refermented with cabernet franc grapes and syrah must, to cite just one example. They aren’t your typical beers, and this isn’t your typical tasting room. The focus is solely on the beer. The minimalist space feels similar to a yoga studio, spa, or library (if any of those places also contained several, shiny fermentation tanks). It’s a calming, whimsical setting for beer enthusiasts to discover and savor something thoughtfully crafted and very special. You’ll probably be craving a snack at this point in the evening, and Wild Honey BBQ in the Quarter at Tropicana has just the thing to soak up some of the sampling you’ve been doing. The Go Wild platter has a little bit of everything: tenders, tots, wings, rings, and, our personal favorite: hush puppies. If you feel a little nostalgic for the early 2000s and are wondering why this place seems familiar, it’s because you used to sing “She’s so High” along with the cover band after several pints of Guinness when this space was inhabited by Ri-Ra Irish Pub. The Bulleit and Hennessey mason jar drinks here will help numb this realization and also serve as liquid courage for your next activity. While you’re revisiting your youth at the Quarter, you have to visit Planet Rose Karaoke, if not to belt out a brown liquor inspired rendition of Desperado, then to simply observe. When Atlantic City and karaoke bars overlap on the Venn diagram of life, the people watching is superb. Aside from the private room, which we absolutely recommend for a group, this is your classic dive situation. The bar opens at 9pm, but this is a place to go when you’re ready to switch to domestic beer or White Claw and make questionable choices in front of strangers. Songs are $2. The hazy memories you’ll make will be priceless. The best way to end a night out in Atlantic City is at Tony’s Baltimore Grill with a fried shrimp platter, clams casino pizza, and one last beer, or, maybe you’re like me, and you’re switching to soda, at this late juncture. The wood paneling, the red neon and naugahyde, the jukeboxes at each table… it’s like stepping back to a simpler time. Even if it’s not your neighborhood joint, it feels like it is. If you’ve been following us, you know the Sunday morning, post-checkout drill: a quick breakfast, one last coffee from Hayday, and takeout from Tony Boloney’s. A Bad Leroy is exactly the right combination of meaty, cheesy, spicy goodness to bring you back to life. Pair it with the Bastardo fries and a slice of something special from the display case, and get on your way. A hangover isn’t exactly the souvenir we want to bring home from our weekend escape, and a feast from TB’s is the best antidote. Atlantic City is the sum of all of its parts: old/new, classic/trendy, upscale/casual. It’s best experienced when you know how to appreciate it. Casinos have a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, dining, and lodging, but there is also so much to the city right outside the resort doors, if you just know where to look. Subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on social media for Atlantic City Escape Plans and insider tips. Watch the reels and follow us on social media! Now you can click this link and follow along with your interactive itinerary!

  • Sip Happens: A How-to Guide for Navigating the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

    With just a month left   until the highly anticipated return of the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival to the Atlantic City Convention Center,   we're excited to offer our top tips for making the most out of your time at this must-attend event for craft beer lovers. Having attended this festival since 2007, we have developed strategies through years of experience, resulting in what we believe is the ultimate guide for navigating the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival.  Planning Ahead: Ticketing, Accommodations, and Transportation Tickets for the AC Beer and Music Fest can be conveniently purchased through   www.ticketmaster.com . For those who prefer paper tickets or wish to avoid service fees, ticketing events will also take place at Yards Brewing on March 20 and Glasstown Brewing on March 27. Vagabond Kitchen and Taphouse will be selling fee-free tickets for $75 until April 1 and then $85 until the festival date. Stay updated on ticketing event times and other details by following @acbeerfest on Instagram. For detailed information about General Admission, VIP admission, Jitney packages (more details below), Designated Driver tickets, and Group Sales, visit   www.acbeerfest.com/tickets . While breweries, beer selections, vendors, food choices, and activities remain consistent across all three sessions, the choice of which session to attend often boils down to the musical entertainment. Session #1 on Friday, April 12, from 8pm-12am, features Hot Mulligan, supported by Free Throw and Just Friends. Session #2 on Saturday, April 13, from 12pm-4pm, presents Saves the Day, with supporting acts Catch 22 and Action Adventure. Headlining Session #3, on Saturday, April 13, from 6pm-10pm, is Goldfinger, supported by Cliffdiver and Keep Flying. HOTELS AND ACCOMODATIONS FOR ATLANTIC CITY BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL If you’re local to Atlantic City, or have a designated driver accompanying you to the fest, this might not apply to you. However, if you are in need of accommodations, there is a wide variety of options available. Event organizers have collaborated with various casino hotels and the Sheraton at the AC Convention Center to offer competitive rates for festival attendees. Exclusive rates for hotels such as Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, Tropicana Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Caesars Atlantic City, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, and The Claridge Hotel can be accessed through   www.acbeerfest.com/hotels . For a distinctive upscale experience resembling a home away from home, consider Cozy CoHost Airbnb . Of course, if none of these fit your specific needs, there are plenty of other hotels, motels, and vacation rentals (e.g. Airbnb and Vrbo) throughout the city. There are multiple transportation choices available for traveling to and from the event. Parking is conveniently located on level 1 of the convention center for a fee of $20. It's important to emphasize that drinking and driving is never acceptable, and we strongly advise against it. For this reason, we discourage you from utilizing the parking garage without a designated driver. The NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Terminal , is adjacent to the Atlantic City Convention Center and just a short distance from the boardwalk. There is daily service from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to the Atlantic City Rail Terminal. Additionally, Atlantic City Line trains offer stops in Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Lindenwold, Atco, Hammonton, Egg Harbor City, and Absecon. Complimentary shuttle bus services connect the Atlantic City Rail Terminal with various casinos in Atlantic City. You can check schedules and purchase tickets on the NJ Transit Mobile App.  Jitney packages include pick-up from a location within a 50-mile radius of the festival, transportation to and from the Atlantic City Convention Center, and return to your initial pick-up point, 13 General Admission tickets, and seating for up to 13 passengers. We recommend utilizing rideshare services to travel to and from the AC Beer and Music Festival. Arriving 30-45 minutes before doors open is advised to secure a prime spot in line and to mitigate any potential delays or surge pricing due to increased demand. Uber fare estimates to Atlantic City Convention Center from various casinos are below: Tropicana Borgata  Harrah’s Ocean  Caesar’s Hard Rock Uber XL $18.74  $21.34 $23.97 $18.74 $18.74 $18.74 UberX $13.99 $15.99 $16.98 $13.91 $12.99  $13.91 Day-of Preparation: Setting Yourself up for Success Hydrate before, during, and after the beer festival. If you think you have drank enough water, drink more. On a normal day, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water. On day when you are indulging in alcohol and salty foods, and clocking extra miles walking around the convention center floor, your body requires even more hydration. Enhance your water with Waterboy packets from our Amazon store for an extra boost. Each guest is allowed to bring one sealed water bottle or an empty refillable one. Do not attempt to partake in the AC Beer Festival on an empty stomach. Put down a nice base with a light meal an hour or two in advance. Our research shows that high water content foods, as well as starches, prepare your stomach for hours of beer sampling. Enjoy a bowl of Vietnamese pho from Noodles of the World at Borgata, or venture outside of the casino to Atlantic Avenue and try Pho Sydney or Com Ga Ninh Kieu. You’ll be satisfied, but not too full to keep you from snacking around the festival. One of our favorite parts of the event is exploring the offerings from some of the best restaurants in Atlantic City that set up shop in the Convention Center for the weekend.  Dress for comfort, especially when selecting your shoes .  While cash is preferred, some vendors may accept cards or electronic payments. However, this depends on vendor discretion and the reliability of internet connectivity. ATMs are available on-site for your convenience. Walking into the Event Jon Henderson, Founder, CEO, and Executive Producer of Good Time Tricycle, opens the festival with some words of welcome, and, then, you're off to select your first sample. We recommend getting a lay of the land before making your way around the festival. There is a lot of ground to cover, and it's not feasible to hit every single brewery. Historically, the breweries are grouped by geographic location. You can pick up a festival map to see which breweries are pouring and where. You can also use your map to stake out snacks and vendors. Bathrooms are situated on both sides of the Convention Center floor. Establish a designated meeting place for your group in case of separation. Our suggestion? The sandcastle. You're welcome. During the Festival: Keeping a Pleasant Pace It's important to keep in mind that this event is a marathon, not a sprint. While attendees are encouraged to enjoy the vast array of beer selections, sampling all 400+ beers available is simply not feasible. It's crucial to pace yourself and participate in the experience responsibly. Although it's tempting to sample numerous 2oz beers rapidly, it’s a good way to ruin your night (and that of those around you). As beer enthusiasts in our late 30s who attend festivals to discover new beers, we advocate for a more measured approach. We have each adopted strategies to enhance our beer festival experience while maintaining moderation. TJ's approach involves transitioning from lighter beers, such as lagers and hefeweizens, to darker varieties like stouts, brown ales, and double IPAs. On the other hand, Andrea prefers to focus on one or two similar beer styles, unless she encounters something particularly intriguing. She often gravitates towards sours and saisons, which are typically less abundant options at the festival, aiding in pacing. Taking breaks between tastings and being selective with samples also helps prevent palate fatigue, a common occurrence when consuming numerous similar beverages. These breaks essentially refresh the palate, allowing for continued enjoyment of new flavors. We also prioritize discovering beers and breweries we've never encountered before over old favorites that are more accessible to us outside of the festival.  Shopping the more than 45 vendors participating in the festival is a fun way to take a break in between samples. The Escape Plans will be vending our handmade screen-printed Atlantic City t-shirts and hoodies. Look for us at the Convention Center during all three sessions. Sign up for our mailing list to get exclusive discounts!  Post-festival Fun: After Party, Iconic Eats, and Recovery Mod e You can catch Emo Night Brooklyn at the official AC Beer and Music Festival afterparty on Friday, April 12, at 11:30pm, Isn't It Always on Saturday, April 13, at 4:00pm, and Stealing Savanah on April 13, at 10:00pm, at the Mountain Bar at The Wild Wild West Casino. Admission is free, 21+ only. Also, on Saturday, April 13, Snchor Rock Club is hosting an afterparty at 10pm featuring beers by The Seed, Cape May Brewing, Bolero Snort, Von C, and Troegs, with sets from brewery bands Sewn Away, Phlounder, and ZacRunMusic. $10 at the door, 21+.Follow us @the.escape.plans on Instagram for updates on pre- and post-festival events, as they are announced.  After 4+ hours of sampling, walking, and building up an appetite, grab some great food at one of our favorite Atlantic City spots. Sessions #1 and #3 let out late, making late night hours essential. Tony’s Baltimore Grill has some of the best food in the city at affordable prices, and their kitchen is open late. If it’s your first time there, get a feel of what has kept this AC institution a favorite among locals and tourists since 1927 with the TBG Experience. For $40.99 a person, enjoy a house wine, draft beer, or soda; salad; their famous spaghetti and meatballs; one of four favorite entrees; and the house dessert. Newer to Atlantic Avenue than Tony’s, Good Dog Bar is serving upscale bar fare until 1am, ideal for after sessions #2 and #3. Everyone has heard of soup du jour, and Good Dog has that, but they also have daily empanada and flatbread preparations. White House Subs makes the most perfect Italian hoagies we’ve ever had, and they have locations on Arctic Avenue (open until 8pm on Saturday, perfect for after session #2) and at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (open until midnight on Saturday for session #2 and #3 festival goers). If you haven’t had enough craft beer, or if you want to sample a variety of wing sauces instead, Wingcraft is a great option for both. They close at 11pm on Saturday, making them a great option for after session #2.   Now, for the dreaded morning after. Caffeinate at Hayday Coffee. Grab a breakfast sandwich from Hot Bagels and More or visit Gilchrist for a Hungry Man Combo #2 with blueberry hotcakes. On your way out of town, order any combination of loaded fries, pizza, and insanely innovative sandwiches from Tony Boloney’s, bring your haul home, reheat, and enjoy. If you have any unanswered questions, feel free to reach out via email or DM us on Instagram or Facebook. Cheers! Don’t forget to check out all of our FREE itineraries for other great ways to experience Atlantic City! Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss a blog post, including an updated guide for this summer’s AC Beer and Music Festival sessions at Bader Field on Saturday, July 13! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest happenings in Atlantic City!

  • Atlantic City Bachelorette: Equal parts classy, classic, unforgettable, with a splash of trouble

    Bachelorette parties don’t have to be cheesy, stereotypical events where a bevy of bridesmaids in matching t-shirts carry the bride-to-be out of a nightclub, Weekend at Bernie’s style. They can be equal parts classy, classic, unforgettable, and fun, with a teensy splash of trouble. Our recommendations for your bachelorette party will ensure your group of girls is hyped up and immersed in the festivities all weekend long. Day one is going to be heavy on the class, starting with setting up party headquarters at Ocean Casino Resort. Easily the most stunning property on the boardwalk, Ocean boasts posh accommodations with incomparable views. Brimming with the coolest bars, restaurants, and activities in the city, everything you need to celebrate all night is housed in this single locale. Starting at TopGolf Swing Suites, grab a drink at the full service bar while you wait for the whole crew to assemble. Make your way to your reserved bay, where you can engage in some friendly competition in a lounge setting, complete with food and beverage service. Whether your signature drink comes in a can or gets poured from a shaker, you’re certain to find your favorite on the expansive beverage menu. Before you hit some shots, we suggest ordering a round of specialty shots (a steal at only $3) to toast the bachelorette. After you tally your scores, you’ll saunter down to Ocean Steak, a high end steakhouse with impeccable service, a mouthwatering menu, and not even a hint of stuffiness. Start off with a round of unique cocktails. The Roxanne (tequila, cognac, cranberry, sour, jalapeno), Hey Jealousy (gin, sour, mint, cucumber, black pepper), and Raspberry Beret (Belvedere, Cointreau, sour, raspberry) get our pick. We recommend beginning with the OG 1924 Hotel Caesar and Steak Knife Wedge salads. The entree portions are sizeable, even when not advertised to be shared between two guests. We recommend the 40 oz porterhouse and tomahawk, as well as the 10 oz rib filet. The sunchoked spinach and baked potato complete your main course. It’s not a party without dessert, and we know you’ll find room for the popcorn ice cream and caramel corn combo in the crackerjack sundae. Next up, you’ll dance the night away with live music and craft cocktails at Nola’s Bar and Lounge. The drinks here are elegant and exciting, adding something special to your celebration. We love the sparkly Samantha and Marie and crisp, refreshing Nola, or you can keep it simple with prosecco by the glass. Nola’s has an energetic, electric vibe, but also has ample seating when you need to take a breather between tracks. We think this is the perfect venue for you to party in style. In the morning, make a quick stop at Hayday Coffee to fuel up on a cappuccino, matcha latte, loaded chai, or one of their signature espresso drinks (the French toast latte is a fan favorite). There are always seasonal specials at this hidden gem off the boardwalk. Take a quick walk to brunch at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall and take advantage of the $45 brunch deal. Any entree comes with unlimited mimosas, frose', aperol spritzes, or bloody Mary's. The Bar 32 waffle and fry board are two of our favorite selections. The staff is super friendly, the food is great and reasonably priced, and there are over 40 beers on tap. We’re suckers for indoor/outdoor seating, and their beer garden is a relaxing oasis. Whether you’re looking for a fresh new outfit to wear out tonight or a souvenir to commemorate the weekend, you’ll find everything you need at the expansive Tanger Outlets. After your shopping spree, pull up a stool at Wingcraft Kitchen and Beer Bar for lunch and flights. With 40 beers on draft, there is guaranteed to be something to pique your fancy. While they are clearly known for their wings (cool ranch dry rub, FTW), they have a plethora of small plates for your group to sample. Our endorsement goes to the bacon and jalapeno corn fritters, giant pub pretzel, fried pickles, and short rib tater tots. Stick around and watch a sporting event, go back to chill at the hotel pool, or take a nap before you get ready for the evening. The itinerary is bursting with fun, and you’ll be glad you took some time to recharge. Dinner is reserved at Dock’s Oyster House, a centuries-old stunner that we absolutely adore and find ourselves visiting again and again for special occasions. The bar itself is a showstopper and has a drink menu to match. Raise your glass to the bride, choosing from the delectable cucumber martini, honey Bee (vodka, apricot, ginger beer, honey, lime), Perfect Pear (reposado, spiced pear, Cointreau, lime), or seasonal sangria. Take your seat in a cushy banquet as your server presents plate after plate of fresh seafood appetizers, including fried calamari, chilled shellfish samplers, raw and fried oysters. Entree choices are extensive here, offering something for every preference. We suggest the Dock’s Seafood Fry, pan roasted bronzino, seared sea scallops, pecan crusted salmon, and potato crusted flounder. After a memorable meal, your next destination is just down the street at Tropicana Casino. Before tonight’s activity, trust us, you’ll need some high octane liquid courage. Wet Willie’s is a frozen daiquiri bar with over a dozen flavors and limitless combinations. Many of their concoctions feature 190 proof grain alcohol, lending to clever monikers like Call a Cab and Shock Treatment. For maximum efficiency, we recommend a 16 oz insulated koozie cup of the Triple Play (swirls of Call a Cab, Attitude Improvement, and Sex on the Beach). Just up the steps, almost obscured from view, is Planet Rose Karaoke. We recommend renting the VIP room for a private experience. You won’t waste time waiting for your turn to sing, you’ll feel more uninhibited, and you’ll even have your own server who will run beverages back to the room from the main bar. At $10 per person per hour, it’s completely worth the upgrade. With the high energy atmosphere and seemingly infinite catalog of song choices, you won’t leave until someone comes to pry the mic out of your hands. So brings us to the dreaded morning after. Surely, you’ve already taken your walk of shame, heels in hand, through at least one casino, before you regained consciousness on top of your bed at Ocean, still in last night’s attire and smudged makeup. In times like these, who wants to leave their room even a minute prior to check out? Do yourselves a favor and order up a variety of juices and smoothies, many pots of coffee, and a few orders each of breakfast burritos and French toast. We have “future you” and your hangover covered, as well. It’s doubtful you’ll want to hop, skip, or jump just yet, but if you did, you’d land in front of Tony Boloney’s to pick up some takeout to enjoy later today. The menu reads like a page out of a mad scientist’s composition book. This is not your typical pizza joint. Standard fare like cheesesteaks are transformed into culinary masterpieces with combinations of ingredients you’ve never seen or tasted before. A couple slices of pizza, a sandwich, and an order of fries is substantial enough to divide between lunch and dinner. We love taking a little bit of Atlantic City home with us after a fun-filled weekend, and we think this is the ideal end to your last big night out before your big day. Please remember to drink and play responsibly.

  • Support Small with Standout Style: The Story Behind Our Atlantic City Apparel Shop

    We started The Escape Plans to guide people to the best, often overlooked, points of interest in Atlantic City. Small businesses in Atlantic City are the heart and soul of the town, and we are passionate about highlighting as many of them as we can in our blog and social media posts. A small business ourselves, we have been trying to offset our operating costs in a way that would support our mission to promote our favorite destination. As a result, our online shop was born. We love using clothing as a vehicle to promote Atlantic City because of the visibility. Think of how many people you pass by in a single day. Your fashion choices communicate a message to each of them without saying a word. By teaching ourselves how to screen print our own handmade Atlantic City t-shirts and hoodies, we are in complete control of each and every item that leaves our workshop. We can guarantee a high quality, consistent product; short turnaround times; and low manufacturing costs, resulting in a low cost to our customers. We have thoughtfully selected Bella Canvas unisex 100% airlume combed cotton jersey tees for all of our t-shirts and JustHoods 80% cotton/20% polyester unisex college hooded sweatshirts for all of our hoodies. We’ve personally tested the most popular apparel brands on the market and find these strike the perfect balance of comfort, fit, and value. We use only water-based ink, which is more biodegradable than traditional solvent-based inks, and, as a result, is more environmentally friendly. Our exclusive designs are Atlantic City inspired, capturing the essence of the city’s grit, resilience, beauty, and individuality. Some of our designs even include our own photographs of past and present Atlantic City landmarks. Our hand screen printed logos often include intentional distress, creating one-of-kind art on each piece. Keep reading for more information about each item in our catalog. LOVE Atlantic City Our very first design is our Love Atlantic City logo, featuring red script on a black tee or hoodie, inspired by the style of 80s icons like Traci Lords and Van Halen. We want to deliver a positive message about the city and all it has to offer, and Love Atlantic City has become our tagline. Rise Above Atlantic City Our Rise Above design is the perfect choice to wear to a show at one of the many music venues throughout Atlantic City, with its vintage style and comfortable fit. This shirt is available in a rainbow of colors- there's something for every personality and individual aesthetic. Atlantic Ave Atlantic Avenue is home to many of our favorite small businesses in Atlantic City. We are celebrating our favorite block of all 48 by transforming a photo from the 1960s of the Atlantic Avenue street sign into our unique Atlantic Ave shirt design. 3 Signs of Atlantic City Our 3 Signs of Atlantic City shirt uses direct-to-film transfer to showcase 3 of our own photos of the ever evolving Welcome to Atlantic City sign. Nothing is as exciting as the moment you see that sign and your much-anticipated trip to Atlantic City officially begins! Wasted In AC “There’s nothing to do in Atlantic City besides drinking and gambling.” We hear this A LOT. We’re on a mission to change the minds of these naysayers. And if we can’t beat ‘em? We’ll make fun of them a little with our tongue-in-cheek Wasted in Atlantic City tee. The Anti Ocean City Collection What do we love almost as much as Atlantic City? Making jokes about Ocean City and watching people lose their ever loving minds in the comments. If you have a sense of humor, you’ll enjoy our Anti Ocean City Club and The Consortium designs. If you don’t, we’ll find you a safe space until Mayonnaise Beach opens for the season. Thank You Atlantic City Discover our Atlantic City Thank You tee, a tribute to the heart of our iconic coastal city. It showcases a "thank you" grocery bag design, that honors and captures the Atlantic City spirit. Retro Logo Discover timeless charm with our limited run (only 15 ever printed) Atlantic City retro style t-shirt collection. Each tee boasts a distinctive flair as we craft unique prints using a blend of black, white, gold, and orange inks. Embrace individuality with our one-of-a-kind designs, capturing the essence of Atlantic City's vintage allure. Expressway Our Expressway t-shirt says a lot without you having to utter a word. Pressed in-house using direct-to-film transfer to ensure that, like Atlantic City, your t-shirt doesn't suck. This was one of our first creations, our very own coat of arms. Waste Management Our lightly distressed, golden hued Waste Management tee glimmers like the riches of the Atlantic City underworld. Love Atlantic City-Heart Eyes A new spin on our Love Atlantic City line, our Heart Eyes design features a lightly distressed art deco font, a nod to Atlantic City's 1920s heyday, and heart details reminiscent of your middle school notebook. AC Beach Babe It's hard to believe the halftone print on our AC Beach Babe shirt is accomplished using screen printing and not direct-to-film transfer. This timeless image of a sunbathing beauty embodies a carefree Atlantic City summer. Elevate your wardrobe with one-of-a-kind items from our Atlantic City apparel shop. We pour all of our passion for our favorite city into every handmade piece. Look for our booth at the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival at the Atlantic City Convention Center on Friday, April 12, from 8pm to 12am, and Saturday, April 13, from 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 10pm. Subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive discounts, detailed recommendations in our blog, free itineraries, and more! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for exclusive Atlantic City content.

  • Your Atlantic City Holiday-Escape Plan Tradition, Innovation, Relaxation, Excitation

    From the moment you enter the massive and breathtaking lobby of Ocean Casino Resort, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Upon checking into your beautifully appointed room, you’ll be welcomed by incredible floor to ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean and city skyline. While you might never want to leave your plush accommodations, we promise the night we’ve planned for you will be worth it. A short Uber ride from Ocean, Little Water Distillery offers tours, tastings, and plenty of seating, depending on how you’d like to enjoy your pre-dinner libations. You can sample their rum, whiskey, vodka, and gin on their own or from their rotating, seasonally inspired cocktail menu. Both the atmosphere and the staff are laid back and very welcoming. This is one of our favorite spots to strike up a conversation with the bartender. After a drink (or two), you’ll head over to the stunning Borgata Hotel and Casino, for dinner at Angeline by Michael Symon. Angeline is built on nostalgia, from the charming, yet sophisticated interior to the menu of modernized family recipes. While the wine program is excellent, we recommend starting with a Manhattan Figura and The Lola Cocktail and ordering a glass or a bottle of wine with your entrees, if it fits your taste and budget. We suggest sharing the tasting board of meats (prosciutto, salami, soppressata) and cheeses (parmesan, fontina, ricotta) and the baked clams for your appetizers. There is nothing more comforting or nostalgic than a Sunday sauce, and Michael serves his over cavatelli. You can’t come to Angeline, named after Michael’s mother, and not order his Mom’s Lasagna. Finally, end your classic Italian feast with the Traditional Ricotta Cheesecake, a pound cake soaked in limoncello and cointreau, over a chocolate chip crust. Back at Ocean, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the casino in the 1927 Lounge, is the quintessential holiday pop-up bar, Jingle Bell Bar. The space is decked out from floor to ceiling in festive decor, and the drinks are impeccably on-theme. There is abundant comfy seating for you to sit back and soak up the spirit of the season before you tuck in for a long winter’s nap in your room. The second day of your getaway will take you back to Borgata to further explore this stunning property in all its holiday splendor. You’ll start your morning with a diner style breakfast in a more upscale setting at The Metropolitan. We think the indoor patio seating is perfect for people watching, and there is also a very charming, traditional dining room if you prefer to be removed from the excitement of the casino. We recommend the Classic Benedict and Build Your Own Omelet, with a short stack of buttermilk pancakes to share. After a cozy breakfast, you’ll be a quick elevator ride from a soft, snuggly robe and a bevy of soothing amenities at Spa Toccare. You’ll have access to the spa relaxation lounges, showers, whirlpools, steam rooms, and saunas prior to your appointment. The 50 minute signature massage combines multiple techniques and incorporates stones for a unique service that is sure to leave you relaxed and refreshed. Spa Toccare offers luxurious surroundings and treatments at one of the best price points in the city. Following your rejuvenating spa service, your next destination is downstairs for a comforting lunch in a secluded nook at Noodles of the World. We suggest sharing the cream cheese rangoon, its sweet and sour plum sauce elevates this appetizer past typical takeout fare. In the cold weather months, we dream of our next bowls of Vietnamese pho with thinly sliced rare beef. This meal will warm your belly without weighing you down while you take in the boutique shopping, try your luck at the wide variety of casino games, sip on a flight at The Wine Bar, or carefully select a treat at Borgata Baking Company to take back to your room for a late night treat. After some down time, you’ll experience some of the rich culinary history that Atlantic City has to offer, beginning with happy hour at Dock’s Oyster House. Since 1897, this establishment has been a haven for locals and tourists alike. It is somehow both classic and contemporary in its atmosphere and menu. Take a seat at the bar to enjoy a variety of oysters (we love the Cape May salts and fried oysters marinara) and snack on some popcorn. Sip on a seasonal old fashioned or sangria as you listen to the piano tinkling away in the background. For dinner, our recommendation is Dock’s sister restaurant, The Knife & Fork Inn. Dim lighting and curtained dining rooms make for an intimate setting. Step back in time with your cocktail order. Named for the year of its establishment, the 1912 focuses on Woodford Reserve Barrel Select with Luxardo liqueur, orange bitters, and gum syrup. Another must-taste classic is the Dirty Sue, a Belvedere dirty martini. It’s not often we wholeheartedly recommend a soup, but at Knife & Fork, we absolutely have to recommend two. The corn and crab chowder is a taste of New Jersey summer, suited for a chilly winter evening. The French onion soup is one of the best we’ve tried. For your main course, the 10 ounce barrel cut ribeye is accompanied by broccoli rabe, mushrooms, long hots, and parmesan. The hearty braised short ribs are served with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, shallots, and red wine. End your supper with a slice of banana cream pie before you make your way over to Tennessee Avenue. After a thoroughly relaxing day, it’s time for a bit of excitement. Tennessee Avenue is part of the Orange Loop, Atlantic City’s miniaturized answer to New Orleans’s Bourbon Street, Nashville’s Broadway, and Philadelphia’s South Street. On this street, you’ll find one-of-a-kind bars and restaurants. Tonight, you’ll visit two of our favorites. Bar 32 is a bean to bar chocolate shop and dessert bar. Stop in for the brown butter chocolate chip cookie and a couple of dessert drinks. We can’t get enough of the aptly named Intense Orange Old Fashioned and Death by Chocolate. Right next door, wrap up your evening with craft cocktails and live music over at Rhythm & Spirits. Our suggestions include 2 seasonal drinks and 2 staple items. The Warlock 14 is sweet (cranberry), spicy (jalapeno), and smoky (mezcal) and the Fall Manhattan is a maple twist on the classic. The Stromfather 2.0 combines Little Water Distillery Whitecap Whiskey, DiSarrono, Bar 32 chocolate, boardwalk beans, and vanilla. Particularly on trend, the Espresso Martini is a Stromfather 2.0 with added 48 Blocks Espresso and handshaken cream. It’s hard to say goodbye to a memorable weekend in Atlantic City, and we like to stay in our room a little longer for breakfast. Ocean offers generous portions, great for sharing. We recommend splitting a fresh fruit smoothie, breakfast burrito, and French toast. It’s a tradition of ours to take a little piece of the city home after every trip by ordering takeout from Tony Boloney’s. If Willy Wonka made pizza and sandwiches instead of candy, you’d find them here. Each item is a foodie’s fever dream of never seen before combinations of ingredients. We suggest trying two sandwiches, two orders of fries, and three slices of pizza for the full experience. Our favorites are the Ducktown melt (garlic bread ribeye cheesesteak), Diving Buffalo (fried buffalo chicken sub), elote fries, Monopoly fries (all the cheeses), Ay Dios Mio (chipotle mac and cheese pizza), Pinky (vodka sauce and pepperoni), and Mexican corn husker pizzas. These establishments keep us coming back to Atlantic City, time and time again. This itinerary is a combination of tradition, innovation, relaxation, and excitation that we know you’ll enjoy. We hope that you’ll look back on this getaway and want to make Atlantic City a part of your annual holiday celebrations for years to come. BACK TO ESCAPE PLAN https://www.theescapeplans.com/ac-holiday-weekend-escape Please remember to drink and play responsibly.

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