Many cities are well known for their restaurants and even for specific types of foods. The obvious examples include New York City, with scores of Five Star restaurants and supper clubs, Los Angeles, with it’s collection of elite establishments often owned by celebrities, Chicago, known for the world’s largest annual food festival, The Taste of Chicago. No doubt, each major metropolitan area features some great stand out chefs as well as restaurants. One such small corner of the world that I happen to be familiar with is the Atlantic City New Jersey area.  
When it comes to food and a dining experience, I put my stamp of approval in terms of total value. That is, the best in my opinion aren’t necessarily the most exclusive or highest priced menus. Restaurants that top my list are ones that exhibit a consistency over time, have wowed me with a few signature dishes that have never lost their luster, offer an ambiance in one form or another and where I feel like I’m getting what I paid for and more. Even if that price tag may be high, as long as I sense the value it works for me. So with no further ado here are my Top Five Restaurants in the Atlantic City NJ area. Might I add, before I go further, the order is not listed from best to worst. Each restaurant is equal to the others. 
1- Angelos’ Fairmount Tavern - Located in what was known as Duck Town in Atlantic City, at 2300 Fairmount Avenue, Angelo’s is a home run, and I literally mean that. The restaurant’s patriarch Angelo Mancuso dedicated a room in the restaurant to historic baseball memorabilia. Angelo’s is ambiance, coziness, quality and good food all rolled into one. One of my favorite dishes is the Veal Parmesan, but one can’t go wrong with any number of great authentic Italian dishes. What’s more is Angelo’s has their own homemade Italian Red wine. A perfect compliment to any dish with a red sauce or gravy. The restaurant also offers facilities to cater any size function. Call for more information at 609-344-2439.
2- The Knife and Fork Inn - This restaurant is world famous and has even appeared in motion pictures. The Knife and Fork Inn is literally a city landmark. Located literally where Atlantic, Pacific and Albany Avenues all converge, this restaurant greets visitors as they come over the Albany Avenue bridge. The restaurant and the property have stood for over 93 years, but there were some down times. Several years ago, the Dougherty family took over ownership of this landmark, and have definitely restored it to it’s glory days. For those of you that may not know, the Dougherty family also owns and runs another great classic in Atlantic City, Dock’s Oyster House. We’ll be talking about them in a bit. Anyway, the Dougherty’s transformed the Knife and Fork to greatness by giving it an upgrade, but also maintaining it’s historic charm. There’s no way around it, the prices and the menu are a little on the “high” side, but as I stated, where there’s value this can be justified. The menu selections of steaks, seafood and chops are just incredible. One dish I just salivate right now thinking of is their Rack of Lamb. Totally incredible. Beyond that, the service is great and the experience is incredible. Call for reservations or other information at 609-344-1133. 
3- Dock’s Oyster House - Well as promised above, here’s my thoughts on Dock’s Oyster House. This restaurant is as much a landmark to the city as is the Knife and Fork Inn and also, owned and operated by the legendary restaurant family in the area, the Dougherty’s. Located on Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City, Dock’s Oyster House is just a great elegant place to eat. From the piano to the excellent food and service, this restaurant is as much Five Star as any fancy establishment in New York City or Los Angeles. Dock’s offers a complete wine list of some of the best labels you could find, and the menu is incredible. Obviously, they are known for their signature seafood dishes, such as Lobster Tail, Pan Sauteed Crab Cakes and one favorite I just loved, the Crab Meat Au Gratin. Yes, the name says it all, and it’s probably not something you should eat if you’re on a diet, but boy is it incredible. For Reservations and other information call 609-345-0092. 
4- Library III Steak House - This place fits right in to my definition where value meets excellence. You may not find the Library III Steak House on many other Top Restaurant lists for the Atlantic City area, but I’m here to tell you, this place is awesome. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, I’ve said it often, the best Steak I ever had came from the Library III. Located outside of Atlantic City in Egg Harbor Township NJ on the Black Horse Pike, the Library III is completely unassuming. It definitely doesn’t have the glitz, glamour or elegance of the other restaurants named here, but one thing it does have is good food. The menu is very simple, but the offering is right on the mark. The Library III is a pure steak house. You get taken to your table and then head to a window to select the piece of steak you want and tell the chef directly how you want it. Then you head to the salad bar. It’s all you can eat. The restaurant is decorated with shelves of books, which obviously is the reason for the name, and the environment is very laid back. Many nights they offer live music, and the staff are just fantastic. For more information call 609-645-7655. 
5- Buddakan Atlantic City - Last on my list is a restaurant that is a chain across several cities, Buddakan. Buddakan is one of those restaurants that really is all about upper class and experience. You can’t expect to visit this place without having lot’s in the wallet or a high limit on your credit card. For the restaurant enthusiast that wants the image factor Buddakan is your place. Located in the dining area of the now famous Pier in Atlantic City, a night out to Buddakan is the perfect place to impress that new girl, or just to take a walk on the side of elegance. Buddakan offers both lunch and dinner menus, and any selection you choose will most likely not disappoint as the kitchen is run by industry veteran and Executive Chef Darryl Raymond. For reservations or to schedule a special event call 609-674-0100. 
I’m sure many other people might have a completely different list in mind when it comes to dining options in the Atlantic City area. I’m very confident that the restaurants mentioned above will please the palate of just about anyone. To all of you good eating !!!

I’ve read through some of the posts on this site and it appears that the theme is a Top 10 of things to do in a city or destination. Well being a native of the Atlantic City area I thought my contribution of some golden nuggets of knowledge towards enjoying your visit while in town would serve my fellow readers best. Now on to my Top 10 Things to Do in Atlantic City. Please bare in mind that the listing does not indicate any particular order or ranking, but all told any of these ten are a perfect option when visiting the Atlantic City area.

1. Atlantic City Beaches - Going for a Walk on the Beach – Night or day, Summer or Winter, this natural beauty is something many people forget about when they think about Atlantic City. The tip here is where and when to go to the beach depending on the time of day and time of year. In the summer it’s a no brainer. I know the phrase no brainer is one of those that journalists hate, but it really is just that. Head to the neighboring city of Margate NJ. Margate is south of Atlantic City along the coast. The beaches there are just far enough from the Atlantic City beaches that the “riff raff” that may cloud the beauty of what the beach has to offer. There is no boardwalk to crowd the area, as can be found in both Atlantic City and it’s abutting neighbor Ventnor. What’s more and this is the beauty of Margate Beaches, you’ll find a plentiful selection of eye candy from all the co-eds that visit the area for the summer. Bronzed young skin bouncing with life and verve.
2. Atlantic City Golf – Many Award Winning Courses to Choose – Sure many areas claim to have golf in there area, and I’m not saying that Atlantic City is another Myrtle Beach, but the area is home to some World Wide Recognized Courses. First, the Galloway National Golf Club.  The course is an 18 hole golf shrine as it winds it’s way against the back bays of the marsh as well as wooded areas. Created by World Renowned Golf Course Architect Tom Fazio, the Galloway National Golf Club is a must visit for the serious golfer visiting the area. The next is the Brigantine Links. A whole different type of play than a normal golf course, the Brigantine Links is designed in the style of Scottish Golf links and is playable almost all year round. To round out a final suggestion on a top course to visit is the Seaview Marriot Golf Resort. The club is part of one of the premiere hotel and spa facilities on the East Coast and the course captures that excellence. Any of these are great choices, but is should be noted that the area is home to well over 20 top golf courses and links to choose from an play.
3. White House Sub Shop – An argument could be made that a sandwich is just a sandwich, but for anyone that has had the opportunity to enjoy any number of selections from the White House Sub Shop on the corner of Artic and Fairmount Avenues in Atlantic City, I’m sure they would disagree. With more than a half century in the same locale and having served some of the most famous people and entertainers in the world such as Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMagio and Oprah Winfrey, and for good reason. The subs are made with a unique style Italian roll that just can’t seem to be replicated anywhere else in the world, in addition to imported high quality meats and cheeses. Some attest that the unique blend of the local water with the dough is what creates the truly unique roll. All in all, this should be a definite stop if you make your way to the city.
4. Atlantic City Entertainment – One would be remiss to not remind all of us that Atlantic City is a headlining destination. Sure the Atlantic City Casinos have had there share of licks in the past few years due to increasing competition from neighboring states, legislation such as bans on smoking and a sagging economy, but the city, it’s casinos and entertainment venues have been bringing in top headlining acts for some time. Acts such as Jerry Seinfeld, Chicago, Fleetwood Mac, Christina Aguilera and many more have donned the stages of show rooms and the Convention Center. At any given time of the year top world class headlining acts like this can be found. If you’re planning a visit to Atlantic City in the near future it would make sense to take a look at the Atlantic City Headliner Shows Schedule for up coming months to see what might tickle your fancy.
5. Somers Point Bay Avenue – All of the action of Atlantic City isn’t necessarily in the city of Atlantic City. Some fun can be found if you venture out of the city limits with only a five minute car ride. Somers Point New Jersey is a semi famous city in the area that has been known for it’s nightlife venues for sometime. The stigma attached to the bars and watering holes of Somers Point have changed over the years, from a Doo Wop scene, to a low class drinker area to a more middle class tavern style of establishments. Notable places to visit if you’re in Somers Point include the Anchorage, which has a storied history in the area, but offers some great food and great vantage of the bay, Charlies Bar, which is known for some of the most outstanding Hot Wings I’ve ever had and Caroline’s by the Bay, which is a great spot located right next to the meadows. I can’t promise that the scene won’t be wild and on occasion full with just of age drinkers, but the more so than not you’ll have a good time.
6. Ocean City Boardwalk – In the hey days of Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Boardwalk was the inspiration for the the city once being called the “World’s Playground” and for good reason. Visitors to the shore city could find almost a carnival like atmosphere where you could find daily shows of the famous diving horse to food to amusement and games for miles. That day has come and gone and nothing could replace it or the era for which it represented. The Ocean City Boardwalk, however, may not be a replacement but sure can offer a great bit of family fun. The Ocean City Boardwalk is host to great pizza in three different locations at Mack and Mangos, where a side of Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer is a fine compliment to a plethora of amusements and rides. Visitors will find ferris wheels, arcades, and water rides and the smell of cotton candy, caramel popcorn from Johnson’s and the ocean itself makes for a one of the most unique and relaxing places to visit.
7. Historic Town of Smithville – If you’re truly looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still be only a stones throw from the action, Smithville New Jersey and specifically the Historic Town of Smithville is a great choice. Tucked away in the Galloway Township area and about 10 minute drive from the city, you’ll find a quaint commercial area full of eateries, ponds, shops and more. I’d say this is a great spot for the romantics out there that want to give a little substance to their visit to the Atlantic City area.
8. Atlantic City Cruises – Just like the beaches of the area, many forget that the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding bay areas offer a great diversion. Atlantic City Cruises. Cruise packages offered include Booze Cruises, Dolphin Watch, Moonlight Dance Parties and just plain old sightseeing. Cruises usually last for about 3 or so hours on average and are perfect for group plans.
9. Atlantic City Jet Skiing – One more idea keeping with the overlooked maritime theme of the area, are jet skiing and wave runner spots. The area is full of independent shops that offer rentals of jet ski’s and wave runners to enjoy the ocean and bay areas. Trust me this is a lot of fun.
10. Atlantic City Skyline Helicopter Tour – This attraction was recently brought to my attention and just seems like a great thing to do. The Atlantic City area with it’s wide beaches, bay and nearby wooded area is incredible to see from up above.

Check out all there is to do in Williamsburg, VA!

For the purpose of this post I will feature things to do in Williamsburg, VA in addition to the many historic sites to visit.

The first group of fun activities are not related to History, but offer some of the best fun for the entire family.

1. Busch Gardens - Maybe one of the top amusement parks on the east coast.  Features incredible rides and roller coasters along with several fantastic concessions. My number #1

2. Eight Championship Golf Courses - many people haven’t thought about the great golf courses in Williamsburg, each year a Senior PGA tour event along with an LPGA tour are held here.  Check out Kingsmill, Williamsburg National, Stonehouse, Kiskiack, Ford’s Colony Country Club, The Golden Horseshoe and the The Golf Club and play 18 or maybe 36 holes on your next trip.

3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not - Always a fun 1/2 day can be spent here, especially during a rainy day.

4. Water Country USA - Seasonal summer water park featuring slides, wave pools and fountains, fun for the entire family.

5. Pirates Cove Adventure Golf - Always a kids favorite, great location in the center of all the action.

6. Go Karts Plus - Celebrating Family fun for kids of all ages for the last 20 years.  Excellent go kart track and several other fun amusements including the Disc O, Bumper Cars, Bumper Boats, Arcade, All levels of racing and a miniature golf course.

7. Williamsburg Outlet Mall - Great value shopping for the entire family.  Features over 75 Outlet stores from your favorite retail stores.

8. Williamsburg Winery - Tour taste and enjoy is the motto! Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Gabriel Archer Tavern.

9. Yankee Candle Company - Believe it or not kids and teens love this place. Make candles, watch demonstrations and interact with the the actual workers, fun for the everyone.

10. Haunted Dinner Theatre - there are several different haunted tours available, each creates it’s own excitement for everyone in your party. Check out Tavern Ghost Walk, Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Candelight Tour, you won’t be disappointed!

11. Riverwalk Landing - This really an enjoyable day.  Visit 100’s of really cool shops, take a walk on the beach, enjoy and great lunch and much more.  Plenty of free parking for vehicles of all sizes.

 Here’s the list of Historic Williamsburg Attractions you must see on your next trip.

1. Jamestown Settlement - Experience the story of America’s beginnings at Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center.  Really neat relics and items used at the beginning of our country.

2. Yorktown Battlefield - Flashback to 1781 and see the battlefield as it was then, really fun day for the entire family.

3. Colonial Williamsburg - Explore the homes, stores and community as it was back in time, a don’t miss historic day.

Enjoy your next Vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia and look for really cheap vacation package deals!

The Time is Now To Visit Las Vegas, Here’s Why!

With the economy at an all time low and many people like myself with less extra money in our pockets, Las Vegas has experienced a big drop off in visitors.  For every negative there must be a positive. 

Over the next 6 - 12 months, Las Vegas will be “On Sale” featuring vacation deals you have never seen before.  With the recent drop in Oil Prices, Airlines have once again been discounting flights to gain travelers, many of the hubs flying direct to Las Vegas are offering Airfares that are ” On Sale”.

In addition to Las Vegas Casinos and Resorts and Airlines offering incredible values, Attractions, Shows, Tours, Golf Courses, Nightclubs, Restaurants, Shops and just about everything there is to do in Vegas has made price concessions offering deals visitors have never seen before. IE: 2 for 1 show tickets, discounted golf tee times at premier courses, dining availability and coupons for the best restaurants in town, instant access with shorter lines to the best nightclubs in town, the city can be yours for the taking.

What should I do?

1. Research your Las Vegas Resort Vacation Deals and select your discounted package.

2. Check airfare from your city of origin and lock in your flight.

3. Research your favorite shows and buy great tickets on sale.

Let’s get on a plane and head to Las Vegas while the town is ours for the taking!

Believe it or not, I originally intended to deliver a top 10 list of fun things to do I Branson, upon further review, I increased my list to include the Top 20 Branson attractions.  The reality is that there are actually 50 or more attractions to visit in and around Branson, MO.  

Have fun and enjoy my top 20!

1. Live Shows – Branson is famous for it’s live music and fabulous shows.  Choose from over 40 unique live shows including: Legends In Concert, Tony Orlando, Twelve Irish Tenors, Spirit of the Dance, Bill Haley’s Original Comets, Magnificent 7, Yakov, Presley’s Country Jubilee, Pierce Arrow, Hamner Barber, Motown Downtown, Bob Nelson, Danny Curtis, Joe Diffie, Liverpool Legends, Dixie Stampede and many more.
2. Silver Dollar City – Theme park that is annually ranked the #1 attraction in Branson.  Features activities for the entire family including roller coasters, live shows, unique shops, craftsmen demonstrations, great restaurants and concessions and much more, you do not want to miss this one.
3. Hollywood Wax Museum – One of the most recognized wax museums I the USA.  You won’t believe the incredible detail of your favorite Hollywood stars.
4. Stone Hill Winery – Visitors will sample fabulous wines and watch the entire bottling process from the 160 year old winery.
5. Waltzing Waters – located on the main strip in Downtown Branson, experience the fun and memorizing dancing waters.
6. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! – Always a fun family oriented attraction.
7. Ride the Ducks – The ducks are really cool as they are both a boat and bus as they can travel on land or water.  Tours average about 80 minutes start to finish.
8. Branson Scenic Railway – This is truly a great time.  Ride in a glass top train through the Ozark Mountains and back to the strip in a 105 minute tour guaranteed to please.
9. Butterfly Place – View over 2,000 different species of butterfly’s in a 9,000 square feet glassed in butterfly garden.  Simply amazing.
10. Branson Titanic – The worlds largest “Titanic Museum”, a permanent 2 story attraction featuring incredible artifacts of the Titanic.  Enjoy a 90 minute self guided tour that you will never forget!
11. Table Rock Park – 356 acre state park with fantastic views and natural beauty.
12. Track Family Fun Parks – Several locations in Branson to enjoy scaled down versions of real race tracks and compete against the family in a go kart race.  Feature many other activities including arcades, miniature golf and concessions.
13. White Water Branson – A family friendly Water Park fun for kids and adults of all ages.  Open seasonally, includes slides, fountains, wave pools and much more.
14. Singing Sensations Studio – located on the famous strip, this is a karaoke-style recording studio.  Record your own song in front of 100’s of screaming fans.
15. Golf Course in Branson – Choose from several championship golf courses including John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club and Payne Stewart’s Golf Club.
16. IMAX Entertainment Complex – Very large entertainment complex including Imax Theatre, fun for kids of all ages!
17. Ozark Mountain Skycoaster – If you are a thrill seeker, this one is for you.  Highly acclaimed rollercoaster guaranteed to give you a thrill of a lifetime!
18. Miniature Golf Courses – Enjoy one of the many family friendly miniature golf courses including Pirates Cove, Family Fun Factory, Gator Golf, Lost Treasure Golf and many more.
19. America’s Presidency Museum – A total learning experience for adults and children alike.  Learn about all of your favorite United States Presidents.
20. Branson Landing Cruises – Choose from a variety of unique cruises across Branson Lake on several different types of boats.  Head down to Branson Landing and look for the sign for cruises and check cruise schedules and availability.

As I mentioned previously, there are many more Fun Things to in Branson and I’ll be sure to cover the rest in an upcoming post. Have fun and enjoy your next visit to Branson, Mo.