It’s sometimes difficult to see the funky, interesting, and otherwise beautiful sides to the areas right outside of your home. You just do your daily thing and get sort of stuck in a routine. From your apartment in Center City, however, some fantastic mini getaways are within reach. Sometimes what you need to shake things up a bit is to simply spend some time at the beach.
Spend the Day
Day trips are sometimes the best cure for the blahs. Asbury Park is the perfect way to get away. It’s less than 90 minutes from Philadelphia, which gives you plenty of fun time in the car, setting the perfect scene with help from your favorite playlist. Early birds who can manage to get themselves there before lunchtime should hit up Cardinal Provisions or Talula’s for some unique brunch fare, or grab a cup of joe somewhere like High Voltage Boardwalk Cafe. Take it to go while you stroll the boardwalk, or leisurely sip it while gazing at the Atlantic.
After some proper breakfast nosh, it’s time to relax for a bit and enjoy the sites. Not everyone wants to just sit on the beach all day, so if you’re one of those people, head on over to Cookman Avenue which offers little unique boutiques for your browsing pleasure. Looking for something unique to the area? Book a tour of the Paranormal Museum, where you’ll learn about some spooky little happenings. No matter what your agenda looks like, you must make time to visit Catsbury Park Cafe and Tea House. The place is home to foster kittens that you can not only spend time with, but even adopt!
It wouldn’t be dinnertime in NJ without a little pizza, right? A few blocks east is Porta, which prides itself in being a place even the pickiest pizza critics adore. Enjoy a live band, play a little bocce ball, enjoy a slice of your favorite pie. Or if you’d rather, watch the sunset at the Watermark from their rooftop bar and restaurant. Not there for the food? Check out who might be headlining at places such as The Stone Pony, The Saint, or The Wonder Bar. Asbury Park helped launch tons of huge names, including Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Bon Jovi, after all!
Spend the Weekend
Atlantic City
This ain’t your great-aunt Linda’s tawdry travel destination anymore, folks! In fact, it’s turned itself into quite the hip, youthful casino town. The first day you’re there, you’ll definitely want to get the lay of the land. Set down some roots in one of the many fabulous hotels.
Hop on a rickshaw and see some of the classic tourist spots, such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffett’s Margarita and Resorts Casino and Hotel. Grab some Baja Fish Tacos or some themed cocktails at the Landshark Bar and Grill within Margarita, along with island slots and a tiki bar.
Once you’ve dabbled in a few of the luxuries and tested your luck at the slots, spend the next day exploring the more refined side of Atlantic City. Grab a bite at one of the many lunch spots, such as The Water Club at Borgata. Catch a cab and head toward the Tanger Outlets the Walk on Baltic Avenue for some casual shopping. Brooks Brothers, Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren bags look great hanging off your arm, after all! Finish off day two at the Knife and Fork Inn and enjoy a comfortably decadent dinner. Steaks, chops, seafood, great wines — this place is some stellar punctuation to an equally stellar weekend.
Cape May
This historic destination is something to behold, no doubt. Lamplit streets and Victorian B&Bs are just a couple of the fun quirks Cape May has to offer guests. Check out the Mainstay Inn that features Victorian period furnishings in every room. John F. Craig House has a similar feel and offers free bikes and beach chairs. On the smaller side is Congress Hall which offers 10 rooms, many of which have uninterrupted views of the shore.
The streets themselves are lined with beautifully preserved Victorian homes. Take a tour of Emlen Physick Estate, which houses artifacts from the Victorian era. There are guided trolley tours, which are great for the whole family. Take part in the Cape May Family Treasure Hunt, which takes you and yours all over town. What would be a cape town without a trip to a lighthouse? Climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse for those frame-worthy panoramic views of the Delaware Bay and the one and only Atlantic Ocean.
Breweries, wineries, and distilleries are everywhere, so between that and the plethora of local cuisine, you could quite literally eat and drink your way through your weekend! Don’t leave town without treating yourself to dinner and a show, however. The Cape May Stage and East Lynne Theater Company are known to partner with local restaurants so that visitors can experience a night on the town at a discounted rate.
Spend the Week
Ocean City, MD
Without a doubt there are plenty of attractions to keep you as busy as you want to be for a week in Ocean City, MD. Your apartment in Center City is only about a 2.5-hour drive to this fantastic coastal Maryland locale. If you’re looking for views and an outdoor pool check out the Lighthouse Club Hotel. Some rooms have a balcony and Jacuzzi, which are perfect for relaxing in style each morning and evening. You definitely need to make time at least once a day for a little local seafood. The Original Greene Turtle is well-known for its extensive list of crab dishes, including their handmade crab cakes and crab dip (served with warm pretzel sticks – yum)! It’s super laid-back so as to ease you into the nightlife.
Soon enough it’ll be time for breakfast again. Crab is once again on the menu. If you’re feelin’ it, Ocean City can provide it. Funky Barn 34 offers a delicious crab omelet. However, if something simpler sounds like your style, the Sea Bay Cafe dishes up hearty favorites such as sweet potato waffles for you to enjoy while you listen to the sounds of the waves on the Bay.
A week in Ocean City won’t be complete without plenty of time at the beach. Sit and relax with your toes in the sand, or go for something a bit faster like a jet ski or surf board. Always wanted to learn? Book yourself a lesson!
You may not know that Ocean City has its fair share of ghost stories. Chesapeake Ghost Walks is something to look into if you’re into the spooky stuff. Step into the pasts of places like the Henry Hotel and Dolle’s Candyland for some creepy local lore. Oh, and don’t head back home without sampling an Orange Crush. Orange Vodka and triple sec combine to make this regional favorite.
Bring along the family, or a few friends, or just enjoy the company of the friends you’ll meet along the way. Your apartment in Center City is nestled perfectly amid an exciting assortment of day, weekend, or week-long trips to help you remember what living is all about. Start planning, today!
Learn more about Reinhold Residential’s apartment communities and contact us today!