Friends, summer is winding down and everyone is getting into their school routines and the balancing acts that go along.  Labor day marked the official end of summer vacation and it was the last weekend you could squeeze in one more fabulous getaway for the entire family. But, we think you can still squeeze in one more getaway to Atlantic City.

Living in DC, we loved going to Atlantic City for a quick day trip or weekend getaway.  It was always cool to walk the boardwalk, enjoy treats like funnel cakes, twist cones and big greasy slices of pizza and all the stuff you can’t get at home mixed with a little casino visit.

When most people think of Atlantic City, it is always what casino is our bus visiting…LOL. Now, there’s so much more to enjoy.  I think the biggest fun attraction for families with kids is the ‘Steel Pier.’ This part of the Jersey shore is a great family destination. Open from 12p-1a on Saturday and Sunday, the ‘Steel Pier’ is an amusement park on the boardwalk, extended over the Atlantic Ocean.  Already home to 25 rides, a double decker carousel and giant ferris wheel, this season 6 new rides were added.  Including the ‘flying dutchmen,’ ‘Loco Motion Family Coaster,’ and ‘Swing Carousel.’  To ride these fun rides, you’ll need old fashioned tickets.  Visit www.steelpier.com to purchase a ticket bundle for as low as $30!

Mom’s and Dad’s while the kids enjoy the new rides at Steel Pier you can get your shop on at the fabulous Tanger Outlets (one block over from the boardwalk) featuring outlet stores like Aeropostale, Aldo, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Michael Kors and my favorite the Coach Factory store. Visit www.tangeroutlet.com for valuable coupons.

If you hit the jackpot during your getaway, enjoy a pretty woman moment and visit the Pier Shops at Caesars.  This mall is home to dream stores (aka window shopping favorites) Burberry, Gucci and the legendary Louis Vuitton.

You can’t visit AC without a little visit to a casino (that’s what my Mother always called it…LOL).  After the storm, a lot of the casinos have undergone major upgrades and renovations.  Trump Plaza refreshed a number of suites and the Golden Nugget underwent extensive renovations and is quite fabulous. Those aren’t your only options, there’s Caesars, Sheraton, the Tropicana and the Borgata is always running a special on Groupon. Our AC travel tip: for best hotel rates, visit Sunday-Thursday!  Great deals are also available for weekend trips.

When everyone is all played out from the ‘Steel Pier’ rides and had enough shopping, enjoy a fabulous meal at the P.F. Chang’s (the lettuce wraps are awesome), the Palm (the carrot cake is to die for), burger favorite Johnny Rockets or kid favorite, Rainforest Cafe.

Atlantic City is now more than just a casino bus stop, it’s become a true destination for the entire family.  For more ideas on all things Atlantic City, visit www.doatlanticcity.com and/or www.visitnj.org.

Be Happy. Be Fabulous.  Be Well Traveled.

By The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller)