It’s election season and the attack ads are in full force. While Rich Auntie is dedicated to her civic duty—on November 5, my vote for our next president will be counted—taking in all the negativity in 30-second bites is not my vibe. I made it a priority to give my mind and soul a break, so a “mindcation” was in order, a short sabbatical from the political noise. With my overnight bag packed and Christian Dior tote in tow, I headed out of town.
For this mini trip, an air flight was not needed. Instead, I hopped a hybrid and headed to Atlantic City, New Jersey, just a couple of hours away from my home base in New York City, for a packed day, evening and morning in what was once known as the “Nation’s Playground.”
What should be on the agenda for 24 hours in this gambling town? Visit the Boardwalk, eat a delicious meal, see a saucy show, gamble and dance the night away.
Accommodations with a View
I chose the Ocean Casino Resort, the northernmost casino on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, for my short but jam-packed stay. I VIP-checked into my contemporary queen room, bathed in cream and blue tones with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It was perfect for my outfit lineup and a good night’s sleep. With a gorgeous afternoon ahead of me, I popped by the resort’s indoor/outdoor pool and took in The Park, three acres of lush winding landscape on the property. For lunch, Rich Auntie dined at Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi with its large selection of Asian cuisine.
Interactive Dining, Plus a Saucy Show
After slipping into my evening attire, I headed to dinner at Superfrico. Located in Caesars Atlantic City Resort and created by Spiegelworld, this Italian American eatery offers an immersive dinner experience in its historic venue, with each room paying homage to its theatrical roots. Rich Auntie dined in the prop house room, indulging in the chicken parm with gluten-free pasta and one (or two) rum mango coladas. The food was plentiful and enough to share.
Of course, the star attraction on the menu is the entertainment. Beautiful and scantily clad men and women roam the venue to showcase their unique skills, from juggling to burlesque dancing. A sailor playing the ukulele serenaded Rich Auntie. At one point, a merman glided by on a serving cart. Sit in the backstage room for the most immersive experience.
If Superfrico is an appetizer, “The Hook” is the entree, side and dessert. Located in the theater next to the restaurant, it’s billed as an “adults-only homage to Atlantic City’s glorious golden age of live entertainment.” And yes, honey, this is for grown folk! Hosted by the “captain” of a shipwrecked vessel, her guests delighted us with their talents. A woman in an evening gown approached a large stripper pole, dropped her dress to show off a sinewy physique and proceeded to perform gravity-defying poses that’s got Rich Auntie running for the nearest pole dancing class. “The Hook” presents a dazzling array of aerialists, jugglers, strong men and acrobats performing in outfits that leave little to the imagination, weaved together by its raunchy comedic female host. If you want to be part of the audience participation, sit in the front rows.
Returning to the Ocean Casino Resort, Rich Auntie played her mandatory $1 at one of the 1,800-plus state-of-the-art slot machines. And then the real fun began. I spent the evening shimmying at HQ2 Nightclub for a bass-pumping, confetti-filled party night. I ended my adventure at the hotel’s lobby bar for a nightcap.
Rest, Restore and Renew
After a dance-filled night, it’s time to rest and renew. Rich Auntie booked a day pass at Exhale Spa + Bathhouse, which gave me access to its jetted pool, jacuzzi and Himalayan Salt grotto. I waded in the co-ed waters and enjoyed the sauna, steam room and zen lounge, where I sipped herbal teas in a comfy robe and slippers. Then it was brunch at Villain & Saint, one of several casual dining eateries at the casino resort, to dig into breakfast and the establishment’s award-winning Korean fried chicken ‘Sriracha Agave’ flavored wings.
While stretching my legs, Rich Auntie walked along Atlantic City’s iconic Broadwalk and stopped at the light on North Connecticut Avenue to see a wall plaque dedicated to John Henry Lloyd. Also known as “Pop,” he is regarded as the finest shortstop to play in the Negro Baseball League. Continue your afternoon at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey on Fairmont Avenue for the Miss Black America exhibition through September 29, 2024.
At Bar 1927, located on Ocean’s Casino Resort floor, I caught the tail-end of the establishment’s Paris Olympic Games viewing celebration. And with that, it was time to leave this mindcation refreshed and renewed, until the next Rich Auntie adventure!