Practically in Philadelphia's hip pocket, Atlantic City, New Jersey is an easy, 58-mile drive southeast for couples in search of a romantic weekend getaway.
On any weekend it's fun to take a romantic stroll along the four-mile-long Atlantic City Boardwalk that separates the beach and ocean from the towering casinos and honky-tonk stores.
And after years of offering visitors little more to shop for than sequined sweatshirts that proclaim "Grandma's a Winner!," Atlantic City recently unveiled The Pier at Caesars, which houses Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Tiffany & Co, and other status-y retailers.
Although the Miss America Pageant has abandoned Atlantic City, headline entertainers have not. Each weekend brings an impressive lineup in casino showrooms. In recent months everyone from Bob Dylan to Howie Mandel has performed.
Atlantic City is also a place to eat well. The Quarter at the Tropicana Hotel, great fun to visit, has an outpost of the famous Palm steakhouse. On the marina side of Atlantic City, the upmarket Borgata Hotel Casino — my top choice as a place for a romantic couple to escape to — has a number of restaurants directed by some of the country's most respected chefs.
A short drive, an ocean to kiss beside, great restaurants, new shops — and I almost forgot to mention, some dozen casinos where you even could get lucky: That's Atlantic City, New Jersey. What more could you ask for in a romantic weekend getaway?
