My intention was to use the site OnTheWay to plan some fun pit-stops for my girls between Chesapeake and A.C. The site claims to help travelers find "interesting stuff along the way." So, the morning of our trip, I entered our start and stop points, and chose the route we planned to take.
McDonalds.
Wendys.
Olive Garden.
A strip mall.
Needless to say I was underwhelmed. I clicked through steps 2 and 3 to find Wal-Mart and Target had made the list as well. Woohooo.
So my fun girls trip pin project was a flop. But I don't want to leave y'all empty-handed. So here's a little recap of what "interesting stuff" we DID do once we made it to A.C.
A.C. MUST EAT: Scarduzio's at The Showboat
Why you must go there: One word: DUMPLINGS. Also, they're one of the few upscale restaurants that doesn't require reservations (though they are recommended).
What you must order: Homemade Cavatelli Pasta and the Maine Lobster Bisque
OH. MY. GOD. The Homemade Cavatelli Pasta was in a spicy tomato cream sauce and was seriously heaven in my mouth. The pasta literally melted in my mouth... they were almost more like little delicate dumplings (and if you know me, you know I love a dumpling.)
The Maine Lobster Bisque was equally impressive and it was like no other lobster bisque I've ever had. For once, the sherry didn't overwhelm the taste of the lobster... it was a perfect balance. In addition to the perfect bisque, this Scarduzio's specialty also puts lobster dumplings in the soup. It was simply amazing.
What you'll pay: This meal cost me about 30 bucks, though I also had a glass of Reisling, bringing my bill a bit higher. Though both of the things I ordered were listed as appetizers, the portion sizes were HUGE (in fact, my friend and I actually split the pasta because we were so full). Entree prices range a bit higher: About $30-50 for a steak/seafood entree. Still, as far as upscale Atlantic City goes, this place was pretty reasonably priced... and worth it!
A.C.'s BEST SOUVENIR SHOP: IT'SUGAR on the Boardwalk (near Caesars)
Why you must go there: Super-sized candy and hilarious gifts for all ages. This was by far the most unique candy shop I've ever been to, and let's face it, no one actually wants a "DTF" t-shirt from the Jersey Shore Store.
What you must buy: This is a tough recommendation, because this place had everything you could imagine. I personally loved the super-sized candy. I don't just mean a king size Carmello bar.... I mean Nerds the size of cereal boxes and cantaloupe-sized blow pops...
What you'll pay: Obviously it depends on what you buy. The nerds were about 20 bucks, the blow pops, just 10. The look on the face of the person who receives the 2x3 foot Rice Krispies Treat in lieu of a boob shot glass, priceless.
A.C. BEST NIGHTLIFE SPOT: The Quarter at Tropicana
Why you must go: This place has everything, for everyone. From retail shops, to fresh markets, to fancy restaurants, to sports bars, to trendy clubs... you just can't go wrong; its a one-stop shop.
What you must do: Definitely check out the Damn Good Sports Bar on the second floor. The drinks were reasonable and the crowd was fun. Boogie Nights was a great place for a girls' night out. They play 70's, 80's, and 90's music, have a dead-on Michael Jackson impersonator, and (when we were there) late night visits from Vegas' very own Thunder from Down Under. The hot spot for the younger crowd is definitely Providence, which, in my opinion, played the best mix of music of any of the night clubs we went to: a balance between techno, hip hop, and top 40 (most other places play nothing but techno.... snore!) Here's a look at some of our adventures in The Quarter:
What you'll pay: Depends on the venue, there's something for every budget!
A.C.'s BEST SPLURGE: Red Square at the Tropicana
Speaking of The Quarter, Tropicana is also the home to the best splurge of Atlantic City: Red Square.
Why you must go: Slightly larger and newer than the regional Red Square in Vegas, A.C.'s version offers amazing food, induing the best blue cheese stuffed olive I've ever had, private luxe booths, more than 200 vodkas, and FUR COATS!
What you must buy: Splurge and get the bottle service. A small bottle yielded about 5 drinks each for me and my friend, Stephanie, with any and all mixers you could imagine. There was even enough for our last shot in the Vodka Vault - an exclusive room reserved only for those ordering bottle service. Set at 15 degrees, the Red Square will hook you up with fur coats and hats before you enter the vault and take your last shot. Well worth the splurge!!!
What you'll pay: Bottle service ranges from $100-200 per bottle, then add in $40-$70 for food depending on your picks... which is why this is definitely filed under the splurge category!
A.C. HONORABLE MENTIONS
Dive Bar: Worship in The ShowboatWorship is A.C.'s only Surf Bar... its quaint, inexpensive (try the Wipe Out!), and has beer pong tables! My husband would've loved this place.
Casino: Revel
We aren't big gamblers, but just walking through Atlantic City's newest casino, Revel, which opened Memorial Day 2012, is impressive to say the least. You'll be dazzled by the modern architecture and design, and for the guys, you'll appreciate that the casino cocktail waitresses are primarily under 40 and under 200 pounds, unlike most other AC casinos...
Night Club Runner-Up: The Pool at Harrahs
Providence beats out the pool simply because the drinks are better, lines are shorter, and The Pool plays almost nothing but techno. However, the huge dome that covers The Pool at Harrahs lights up at night and is definitely a great spot for fun.
Pizza: Pizza Di Roma
Need a night in? Nursing a hangover? Pizza Di Roma, suggested to us by the concierge at our hotel when we requested "huge, floppy pizza," didn't disappoint. And an extra large for just $13????? Word.
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