The sun is setting later, temperatures are rising above 65 degrees, and the distant sound of seagulls making their way to the beach can be heard on the horizon. That means that the ever-present presence of the seaside resort town of Atlantic City will once again become a regular weekend destination for plenty of Philadelphians.
Here are just a few reasons why you should head to Atlantic City this spring and summer.
Live performances at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Besides being a mecca for music lovers both aesthetically and literally, the brand has global appeal with venues in 76 countries spanning 262 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops and Cafes (including in the City of Brotherly Love.) The venue down in Atlantic City specifically however will host some enticing live entertainment coming up in The Etess Arena, the seaside resort’s prime venue. Upcoming talent includes Limp Bizkit (Friday, May 6), Sting ( Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14) and Dave Chappelle (Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29) as headliners, with more performers heading to Hard Rock’s Sound Waves venue next month as well. Later in the spring/summer season, Philadelphians can head to Atlantic City to check out Lionel Richie, Kevin Hart, Sam Hunt, Alicia Keys, Wanda Sykes, Ben Platt, Greta Van Fleet and many, many more. A full schedule of performers heading to Hard Rock can be found online.
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s
In the summer of 2021, The Pool at Harrah’s took on a revamped feel and look to change the vibe and the atmosphere of the whole establishment. The new dinner and drink offering is now described as an “unparalleled experience, seamlessly blending dining, nightlife, and entertainment” with the addition of Vibe Dining. There are reservations available for dinner, and secondary reservations can be made for the club part afterwards. For dinner, the updated menu features a long list of cocktails, some of which have their own entertaining spin (think lights and fancy cups), while the food is meant to be shared. Portion-wise, most menu-items are brought out for two people (more can be added for a price,) and each dish also has its own flair to go along with the theme. For entertainment, the pool dons mermaids hanging by the shallow ends, while dancers, percussionists and saxophonists make their way around the club to each cabana. On the stage, acrobats, fire eaters and more dance and twirl around as the night goes on. Guests that reserve a table for Vibe Dining and are planning to stay for the Nightlife portion for example have to make a second reservation under the “VIP Section” on the website in order to stay at the same VIP Table. On the other hand, guests that dined during Vibe Dining or order VIP Bottle Service do not have to purchase a general admission ticket for the Nightlife. Guests can visit the bar area for the remainder of the night as well.
777 Harrah’s Blvd, Atlantic City, caesars.com
Atlantic City’s Le Dîner En Blanc
Le Diner en Blanc’s new home has recently been announced as Atlantic City—aka, home of the world’s first Boardwalk, Miss America Pageant and of course, salt-water taffy. What makes Atlantic City the perfect destination for the pop-up picnic? As a release states, over the years, Le Diner en Blanc has become one of the most sought-after culinary events around the world. Thousands of guests are brought together from diverse backgrounds with a common interest in elegant dining at an unexpected public space. Atlantic City, just 60 miles from Philadelphia, has seen a metamorphosis in its culinary scene- attracting world-renowned chefs and nationally recognized restaurants. The event is being brought to Atlantic City by the organizers of Le Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer. To participate in this first edition, guests must be invited via the hosts’ network or participating partners or get on the waiting list via the official website, according to the release. Although registration is now closed, its worth it to keep an eye out for the white-clad sea of happy diners and make sure to mark your calendars for next year, when it returns in 2023 at a new location in AC.
Ocean Casino Resort’s Exhale Spa + Bathhouse
At Exhale Spa + Bathhouse, guests can immersive themselves into an environment that is so serene, so calm and yet so full of experiences. According to the release, the 40,000 square foot spa provides therapeutic, results-oriented body and skincare services designed to promote ultimate inner and outer wellbeing. It’s not all about the beautification, the venue truly promotes wellbeing and healing from the inside out. Choose from an enticing variety of massages, facials, lash and brow services, access to heated pools, a Himalayan salt room, saunas and more while treating yourself to Ocean’s spa experience.
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, theoceanac.com
