Category: Philadelphia, PA/Atlantic City, NJ

Other than Independence Hall where our country was founded, Philadelphia is home to many “firsts”: USMC, library, medical school, national capital, stock exchange, zoo and hospital! What a wonderful place to experience our heritage! Plus, just 30 minutes away is Atlantic City – a resort city on New Jersey’s Atlantic coast that’s known for its many casinos, wide beaches and iconic Boardwalk. Established in the 1800s as a health resort, today it is filled with casinos offering gambling, spa treatments, and performances by famous comedy and music acts.

Philadelphia, PA/Atlantic City: Getting Ready & Getting There

Books – Start here: “Discovering Vintage Philadelphia” by Tanya Birch

Getting There – Drive or train if east coast; fly if central or west coast:

- Drive: Although parking is not inexpensive, it’s convenient to have a car (either your own or a rental), especially if you want to go to Atlantic City.
- Train: Amtrak rocks the east coast!
- Fly: American Airlines has one of its hubs at this airport, but most airlines fly here. Southwest is always one of my favorites, but you will probably need to change planes at least once.

Philadelphia, PA/Atlantic City: Getting Around & Accommodations

Getting Around: To and from the airport, I prefer Lyft or Uber. No need to rent a car and pay for expensive parking. However, if you want to include Atlantic City, you would need to rent a car.

Accommodations – Everyone has their favorite place to stay, but when staying in cities with a lot of history, I like staying at historic hotels.

Philadelphia

- Le Meridien Philadelphia
- Morris House Hotel
- Penn’s View Hotel
- Sofitel (not historic, but a fabulous stay)

MAP

Atlantic City

- Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
- Caesars Atlantic City
- Chelsea Inn
- Courtyard by Marriott (not historic, but a fabulous stay)
- The Claridge Hotel
- Jonathan Pitney House
- MGM Tower at Borgata
- Nobu Hotel Atlantic City
- Ocean Casino Resort
- Resorts Casino Hotel
- Tropicana Atlantic City

Philadelphia, PA/Atlantic City: Eating & Drinking

Restaurants/Bars – There are SO many wonderful restaurants in Philadelphia, but here’s some of my favorites old school and historic:

- Alma de Cuba – Havana in Philadelphia!
- Amada – Spanish Tapas!
- City Tap House – Craft food and drink!
- Moshulu – Restaurant on a Tall Ship!
- Ocean Prime – Seafood to delight the senses!
- Pinefish – Oyster Bar & Grill
- Royal Boucherie – Award winning chef experience!
- Tavern on Camac (PIANO BAR!)
- Victor Cafe – Classic Italian

MAP

Atlantic City

- Capriccio – Upscale but classic Italian
- Carmine’s – Homestyle Southern Italian
- Chef Vola’s – BOYB Homestyle Italian Fare
- Margaritaville – Tropical seafood, burgers & drinks
- Old Homestead Steakhouse – Offshoot of 1960’s NYC Icon
- The Palm – High-end steakhouse and seafood fare

Philadelphia, PA/Atlantic City: Things to Do

The rich history in Philadelphia includes intriguing museums and deeply important walking tours. Atlantic City also offers a lot, but just on a limited basis.

Philadelphia

Museums (Indoor/Outdoor):