Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City, NJ

Ocean Resort Casino

I last visited Atlantic City about thirty years ago. And to tell you the truth, not much has changed. The boardwalk is pretty much the same as I remember. Steel Pier is like an amusement park on a dock with a ferris wheel and other rides that’s great for children…weather permitting of course. The boardwalk has some arcades, entries to other hotels and casinos, and a few grimy restaurants.

There is also an outlet mall (which is relatively new) if you want to go shopping. And of course, the Atlantic City staple is White House Subs, which has been opened since 1946 and frequented by many celebrities! You must stop here for an amazing sandwich at one point of your stay. Other than this, there’s really very little to do in Atlantic City unless you go during the summer and can actually go to the beach.

The big draw to AC is that it is less than a three hour drive from NYC (depending on traffic) and that the hotels are grand…which gives your children a sense that they’ve travelled somewhere extravagant. And in the winter, there is no better option than to stay at the brand new Ocean Resort Casino that is a Hyatt Hotel and just recently opened on the boardwalk. I’ve been told by a few that this hotel used to be the old Revel and just needed new management. The hotel amenities are fantastic, as are the rooms and views. The indoor/outdoor pool and jacuzzi outside (videos below) are phenomenal. The casino is decent. The spa is fabulous! It is definitely worth staying here for a couple nights with friends and family during a winter school break! But don’t expect to do much more outside the hotel.

For those who are strictly kosher, there are a couple of restaurants (both dairy and meat) within a 10 minute drive of the hotel. But beware, they do not deliver. And aren’t so great. Just google them! You can always try contacting the local Chabad to see if they can accommodate your family for a meal (and just give them a donation if you decide to dine here one evening).

 

Yotel NYC - Theater District

Hells Kitchen/Theater District, NY

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Yotel on TripAdvisor.com

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Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or you are looking for a budget-friendly place to stay with children (some rooms come with bunk beds!!!  Check the hotel's website linked above), Yotel is your best bet!!!  Every time I searched for hotels on TripAdvisor.com, Yotel was often listed as the most affordable as well as trendy.  And I always wanted to stay here to see why on earth it is priced so moderately.  So our ninth anniversary was the perfect opportunity to stay overnight.  Here are some things to know and to do in the area, besides enjoying the uniqueness and charm of the futuristic hotel itself.

1)  The hotel is located on 42nd and 10th Avenue, just two avenues away from Times Square and the Theater District.  For those who love Broadway, this is a nice way to catch a late show with the kids and stay overnight and not drain your pockets.

2)  Request for a north facing room on a high floor and preferably a corner.  And if you go in the summer months and have money to spare, definitely book a room with an outdoor hot tub (there are only a few and they look super sexy for an anniversary or date night!).  If you have kids and come across a great deal like I did ($110 per night), it may even be worth it to get two adjacent rooms and make sure one has a bunk bed because it is just that cool!  Beware the rooms are very small but are still worth the price!  And the showers are fantastic!  As is the lounge in the lobby!

3)  There are loads of dining options in the area.  But I couldn't find anything super trendy.  So we settled on a place called Sushi Seki Times Square which was ranked high on all the "best sushi in Manhattan" lists.  But neither my husband nor I were impressed.  Perhaps we didn't order the right thing.  But this wasn't worth our time.  

4)  My husband and I were torn between going to a show (way too expensive and neither of us are particularly into plays or musicals) and a spa.  After navigating Groupon for an hour, my husband just decided to google spas close to us.  We found the best option within one block of our hotel.  Located on 42nd right between 10th and 11th Avenues was a spa that met our needs.  Spa Envy had heated beds, offered tea and refreshments and snacks, and was able to give us a last minute appointment for two (in one room).  A lot of "spas" in Manhattan are holes in the wall so be careful before you book.  We had made that mistake in the past.  We preferred a nicer spa experience this time and we were more than pleased with our massages and the place.

5)  For some reason, February of 2018 was unusually warm.  We decided to walk down a couple of Avenues to Pier 81 in Hudson River Park right on the river.  This is right next to the Intrepid Museum (great for kids) and has spectacular sunsets.  And is super romantic.  Consider perhaps renting a bike in the warmer months and riding down the path.

6)  Just walk around all of midtown holding hands.  There are landmarks at every turn (Times Square, Central Park, 5th Avenue, Saks, Rockefeller Center, etc. etc)!  And of course stop by Bryant Park and have a hot chocolate and a warm waffle with a scoop of ice cream!  It''s just 4 avenues away!  

7)  We were so unsatisfied with dinner that we were adamant on having a fantastic breakfast.  And that is exactly what we found one block away located on 42nd Street between 10th and 11th Avenue.  Rustic Table is an Israeli owned bakery/breakfast restaurant that has a great menu and a great vibe.  We fell in love with the owner Edan who had a great spirit. Just literally order anything here and you'll be more than satisfied!  

Click on the gallery above and videos below and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section!  Follow me on intagram and facebook for live adventures!  And share with your friends if you appreciate.

 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Doubletree by Hilton Center City

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This was by far my favorite road trip of all time.  Who knew Philadelphia, a city just two hours away from NYC by car, had so much to offer?  We chose to visit Philly during New Year's weekend as it is full of holiday themed events.  It is also much cheaper than staying in NYC itself.  Here are some things to know before you go:

1)  First comes choosing a hotel.  Hotels on New Year's Eve are expensive in Philadelphia.  You are probably gonna spend double the night of January 31st at any hotel than you would otherwise.  The good thing is you don't have to stay the extra night.  The fireworks on the Delaware River start at 6pm for the kids (there is another show at midnight) leaving ample time to get home by bedtime.  Philly is at most a three hour drive away from NYC (if there is traffic).  We chose to stay just because there the Mummers Parade is on New Year's day.  

So as always for us, hotels need to have an indoor pool when we are traveling in the winter.  Our budget gave us a few options:   1)  Hilton Home2Suites (Cheapest.  Had a very small pool with no jacuzzi.  Nice decor.  Included breakfast in the price which is only offered till 9am.  Had the biggest rooms including kitchenette.  In a decent location); 2)  Hilton Garden Inn (Second cheapest.  Big indoor pool which included jacuzzi.  Very dated decor.  Had breakfast on the 17th floor in a nice room overlooking the city for an additional price.  Decent sized rooms.  In a good location); 3) Double Tree by Hilton (Second most expensive.  Had a nice and decent sized pool and a jacuzzi according to a third party website.  Turned out the pictures were from eight years ago and were falsely advertised by a form guest who uploaded them.  Did not include breakfast in the price but had on property for $17 per person and was not worth it.  If you have access to the club lounge, you're getting bagels, drinks, pastries and a dish-of-the-day all for free. Nice decor and lobby.  Some rooms include kitchenettes.  Decent size rooms.  In a fantastic location right in the heart of the city and on the street of the parade.  Views from parade available from street side rooms, club lounge and lobby.  And remember, all Doubletrees by Hilton offer complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies at the front desk!)  And 4)  Sheraton Society Hill (Most expensive by far.  Best indoor pool of them all.  Nice decor and lobby.  Breakfast not included in price.  Big rooms.  In a location that was decent but if you are familiar with NYC, not in Philly's "midtown" but rather its "Soho".  A few blocks away from the fireworks show.  If you have a Starwood Hotel membership, best to book Sheraton through www.spg.com.  Or a Hilton membership go through their site.  For all other booking, www.tripadvisor.com will give you the best rates.  And btw, we chose the Doubletree by Hilton on Broad Street.  

2)  Mummers Parade is like "Alaskan Mardi Gras" as put by my friend.  It goes on throughout the day on Broad Street but if you walk through the town, you'll see people handing out necklaces and sipping on disguised alcohol in soda cans.  I ran into two minions who were doing such.  This is definitely a fun experience for the children.  We happened to be there the coldest weekend in Philadelphia's recent history, but if you are bundled up enough, you can totally enjoy this parade outside.  And if it's too brutal for your taste, you have magnificent views from inside the hotel if you are staying at the Doubletree by Hilton.

3)  As mentioned above, there are fireworks on New Year's Eve both at 6pm and midnight.  The problem is the crowd can get very big.  You have a few options to beat this traffic.  1)  Book tickets to the Camden Adventure Aquarium right across the Delaware River with amazing views of the fireworks.  Could watch either inside or outside.  Magnificent either way.  And by far the best option with children 2)  Park in the Dave and Busters parking lot just a quarter of a mile North on the Delaware River.  You won't get the best views but you'll have space to watch.  And parking is only $7 per vehicle.  3)  You can purchase tickets in advance for ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink on the Waterfront as well as for parking on Market and Walnut Street http:www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1583205.  4)  Some rooms in high rise hotels have views of the fireworks.  But you'd be pressing your luck.  My room fortunately did but I had to twist every part of my body to get a good angle.

4)  Ice skating at the Rothman Institute Ice Rink (with a heated indoor cabin) at Dilworth Park was incredible during the holiday season.  1)  Adjacent and historic City Hall serves as a beautiful backdrop with Deck the Hall Light Show projected on the building every hour on the hour (or half hour on weekends) through January 1st.  2)  Price of skates and skating is very affordable.  Get a group of ten and you'll save $2 per person.  3)  Walk around the popup maze-meets-garden adorned with twinkling mini-lights at magical Dilworth Park!  4)  Check out the christmas tree on the north side of City Hall as well as the Masonic Temple.  5)  Stop by the Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building (Macy's) on the east side of City Hall for a magical Christmas Light Show.  Occurs every two hours.  We were lucky to walk in coincidentally as a show started.  

5)  Make sure to stop by (or at least drive by) Franklin Square Park for their Holiday Festival featuring Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show.  Two alternating shows take place every 30 minutes each night beginning at 4:30pm and continuing until 8pm on Sundays through Thursdays (this park is located right off the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.  On Fridays and Saturdays, shows goes until 9pm.  Each evening, one lucky participant from the crowd gets to ignite the festivities.   

6)  Visit the Camden Adventure Aquarium (not as good as the one I visited in Toronto a few years earlier, but still amazing!!)  Generous group rates are offered for a group of 20 or more people if purchased in advance.  I'm talking half the price.  This aquarium is on the Jersey side of the Delaware River and offers amazing views of the fireworks.  Best to go here on New Years Eve as they also offer a DJ dance party and extended hours through 6pm.  If you are going any other time of the year, it is still worth it!  You can kill two birds with one stone on a trip to nearby Sesame Place.  

7)  Visit the Museum of Art (if not to go inside, at least park outside the building and run to the top of the museum steps for a triumphant Rocky pose.)  This is iconic Philly.  Definitely drive by and then drive north on Kelly Drive by Boathouse Row.  Best to do this during dawn.  Also, Philadelphia is a city of many museums.  They are all worth seeing from the outside.  There are many of them located near the Museum of Art.  For pre-school aged children, there is also neighboring Please Touch Museum (People rave about.  If there is not enough time to hit this up on this trip, do it when you visit Sesame Place which is just a 20 minute drive from Philly).  If you have older children, Franklin Institute of Science is also nearby.  

8)  I didn't have enough time to see Philadelphia's Magic Gardens from the inside (there is an admission fee) but the drive by was good enough.  PMG is a nonprofit visionary art environment and community arts center located in Isaiah Zagar's largest public artwork.  Read more fascinating details on the side.  Also, South Street is very hip but is better to visit during the warmer seasons.  Too bad we didn't get to explore enough of this area.  

9)  There are plenty of vegan restaurants in Center City Philadelphia for those who observe a strict diet.  Kosher is also abundant in their suburbs (within 20 minute drive of Center City).  Just google to see where they are.  I hate to shit on any establishment, but it's probably best you never step food inside Esti's Besties Vegetarian unless you like rude and border-line senile waiters and tasteless pizza.  Try Shalom Pizza on the west side of the city because although I never tried it, anything is better than the service we received at this asshole-ridden-shithole.  My apologies in advance to anyone related to anyone who works here.  

10)  My biggest regrets were not stopping by (although we drove by) both the historic Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall (across the street from eachother) and Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the US.  This is the most important of all sites in Philadelphia and is a beautifully preserved colonial street featuring original Georgian brick architecture spanning centuries of history.  This is a pedestrian path only and probably the closest thing to Notting Hill west of the Prime Meridian.  Another regret was not stopping by the Italian Market (it was way too cold).  But this may be a fun place to visit during the warmer months.  And also Readers Terminal Market (we actually went but they were closed by 9pm.  Comparable to NYC's Chelsea Market.  

On the way home after your Christmas/New Years road trip and if you take the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, it's best to dfive by Dyker Heights for the best of the best in residential christmas lights.  This is totally on your way home!  And worth the extra 15 minutes.  

Also, if you travel in the warmer months, you may have another itinerary altogether.  Definitely add Philadelphia Zoo to your list!  The oldest zoo in the country!  

Definitely view the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

 

Jersey City

Jersey City, NJ

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Westin Jersey City Newport

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Here are some highlights of my trip and general things to know about a road trip or vacation to Jersey City:

1)  Basically, the idea was to get as close to Manhattan as possible, with an indoor pool for the kids and a reasonably priced hotel (literally a fraction of the cost of what you'd find in the city).  Two hotels in Jersey City fit the bill:  Westin of Newport and Hyatt Regency.  Westin was the cheaper of the two.  And closer to the NJ Path station which gets you into downtown Manhattan in less than 15 minutes.  And the indoor pool looked bigger.  So this was a no brainer for us.  But if you ever find a cheaper deal for the Hyatt, it definitely looks sexier as it is literally on the Hudson River surrounding by water and has panoramic views of Manhattan's downtown skyline.

2)  To tell you the truth, I also picked Jersey City because one of me and my husband's favorite couple friends lives here and we rarely get to see them.  So I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone and visit them and get a good trip out of it because otherwise, who from Long Island would ever pay two tolls to cross both the East River and the Hudson???  They proved to be wonderful tour guides who showed us a good time and took us to Prato Bakery (pictured in the gallery) which was super adorable and delicious.  They also showed us Newark Avenue, a pedestrian walk way with lots of boutique stores and restaurants.  We felt the true Jersey City vibe once we went out with them.  It kind of felt like Miami meets Long Island City (not as congested) meets a nicer more charming version of Williamsburg.  

3)  For those who are Kosher, Jersey City is a plus at is about a 20 minute drive away from Teaneck, NJ and a few minutes away from Manhattan.  Remember to do thorough research if you want to order or go to a restaurant on a Saturday night.  Many Kosher restaurants do not open on Saturday nights, even though we went over thanksgiving weekend when sundown is much earlier than it is other seasons.  Best to call in advance and see which is open and which is ready to deliver (probably via Uber).  I learned this the hard way as I dragged nine families via NJ Path to the Oculus promising them that downtown Kosher Bravo Pizza (a few blocks south of Oculus on Trinity Street) was open (as they had actually told me), only to find that they were indeed FUCKIN CLOSED!  For those who aren't Kosher, Jersey City is literally packed with great restaurants as is downtown Manhattan.  So, no losing for you!

4)  Definitely walk the Newport Boardwalk during the day if the weather is warm enough.  Remember to bundle up as Jersey City is on the water and may be a bit colder than where you are from.   The boardwalk is just a block away from the hotel.

5)  There is a mall with Macy's, The Cheesecake Factory, Cosi, Kohls and more right next door to the hotel.  My husband went inside and said it was quite nice.  No high end shopping here but enough to kill a few hours with the kids.  There is also a Starbucks on the water one block away from the hotel.  

6)  You would be an idiot to come all this way and not visit Libery State Park (with the closest views of Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty).  They also have a playground for kids.  Make sure to bundle up here!!!

7)  You would be a bigger idiot to come all this way (sorry to all families I traveled with who didn't follow my suggestion) and not go to the Liberty Science Center, a world class children's museum.  Better than any I have experience on the Island or Manhattan.  Definitely something to see.  Admission is rather high, but who really cares?  You'll never make the voyage otherwise!  Videos below and pictures in the gallery will explain it all.

8)  I'm a big view person.  I throw vicious tantrums when the front desk doesn't hook me up with a good room.  Normal people are not like this.  But if you are anything like me, make sure to request a room on a high floor with a city view, and flirt a little bit with whoever is behind the front desk.  

9)  The NJ Path is literally a block away from the hotel.  You pay $2.50 each way per adult to get into downtown Manhattan that is three stops away (including one easy transfer).  The train will get you into the Oculus, which itself is a site to see.  Be sure to travel west of the Oculus to see the 9/11 memorial (really mesmerizing at night), the beautiful Freedom Tower, and Brookfield Place for high end shopping (even though Oculus itself is a great mall!)  Stores in Brookfield Place include Gucci, Bottega Vonneta, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vitton and more.  Also, there is an ice skating rink outside that is a must with the children in the winter.  Beautiful views of the Hudson (try to get here during sundown) and Christmas decorations as well!  And pretty affordable for ice skating in the city.  My biggest regret was not skating when we came here. 

Definitely view the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

 

Sesame Place Theme Park

Langhorne, PA

price varies for hotels; price for parking is $20; prices for park available on www.sesameplace.com

Hotels:  Spring Hill Suites 

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

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"Go before they grow" is the Sesame Place slogan!  Here's a list of things to know before you go:

1)  I'd say it's best to go here before your oldest kid is 7 years old.  Or just take your younger kids!  

2) This park is only 14 acres.  To put things in perspective, I know a few people who own residential properties one third that size.  This is NOT a big amusement park. Especially after losing my amusement park virginity to Disney World, this was very small in comparison.  One day will get the job done here!  One long day!  But if your commute is long, staying overnight is a good idea.  Anyway, your $50 per person ticket (offered on the Sesame Place website) can be used for two days any time of the year.  May as well book a hotel close by, or as we did, across the street to avoid parking fees and for general convenience, just to go two days in a row.  This way, you can perhaps go on day trips to either nearby Philadelphia, Adventure Aquarium, Crayola Museum, Please Touch Museum, Giggle Berry Fair, and more.  Or, you can do water rides on one day and dry rides another.  You will be less rushed this way!

3)  This is neither an amazing water park (Splish Splash is better for older kids) nor an amazing amusement park (Adventure Land is better for young and old children alike).  The big draw here is the character meets, the shows, and the parade (night time preferable as weather is cooler).  Which make it all worth it in the end!  And for me, the landscaping.  Half the entry fee is probably spent on maintaining the beautiful grounds.  

4)  Go midweek.  Never go on a weekend.  And go when there is 20 percent chance of rain as we accidentally did.  (If it rains for more than 2 hours, you literally get a rain check.)  There are virtually no lines this way!  Do not go the last two weeks of August as I have been told they are the busiest time of the year.

5)  If you are a girl, be prepared to have chronic wedgies.  Unless you avoid the water slides.  And unless your butt is tiny.  And G-d has been good to you. Then, you are safe.

6)  I was a bit surprised by the general lack of enthusiasm by the staff.  Maybe I'm just comparing this service to that of Disney World, where every employee is on Nice Steroids.  But most of the people working here had braces and were going through puberty.  Which means they'd rather be going to first base than telling children to stand behind the line during a Sesame Place parade.  But they were all nice regardless!  

7)  The food kind of tastes like high-end airplane food.  And there are no good restaurants or supermarkets within a half mile radius.  Pack wisely for the day! This just in:  a number have you have counter claimed that there actually is food around the area!  But I was too blindsided by the Home Depot and BJ's to realize!  Allegedly, there is a Red Robin, TGI Fridays, and Ground Round close by.  And if you drive 10 minutes away, there are great restaurants that aren't chains.  But I'm sticking to my word, there was basically NOTHING!  I want food to go...and there was none of that anywhere close.  

8)  If you want a break from amusement parking, there are a few good strip centers around the area.  Just shop at Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx while your husband slaves away with your children.  

9)  I stayed at the Spring Hill Suites across the street.  This way, I avoided paying a parking fee.  But it was way overpriced.  Basically, I have stayed in boutique hotels as expensive as this.  It is a nice, clean, renovated hotel.  The continental breakfast is yucky. If you find a deal here, go for it.  If not, stay elsewhere and just take a shuttle to the park!  If you are flexible, try offering a price on priceline.com for the best rates on hotels nearby (but you won't get the hotel you want necessarily)

10)  There are groupon deals in May and June (I totally missed that one!).  Keep your eyes out on groupon.  You may get lucky and find a good price! Also, if you book for a group of 15 plus, there is a special rate (contact Sesame Place directly about this?)  But I didn't do enough research before purchasing so I'm really not certain about how to get the best price!  

11)  There are fireworks on 3rd and 4th of July!  Can imagine this being magical!

12)  Download the Sesame Place app before you go to familiarize yourself with the rides.  And remember, the water rides are best for an 85 plus day when you dream of getting wet under a waterfall on the lazy river!

Tips:  Bring bathing suits and towels!  Always check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!