Let's go bar hopping

After discovering how very expensive every little thing is in “Harrah’s World” we decided to spend the day on Tuesday “off campus”. Our first stop was a breakfast/lunch restaurant Ladd had researched. It is named “Gilchrist Restaurant” and in located in Gardners Basin. (Although we later learned that they have another location “off shore” and a third to possibly open elsewhere.) “Gilchrist Restaurant” is on the water and definitely fits the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The outside may look like “just another diner”, but this is not the case. The inside was well-kept and FULL. (It was full of mostly locals, yet again a good sign!) We checked out the specials board, and I ordered one of those: a crab/bacon/tomato /cheese omelet.(Another special I debated ordering was Peach Hot Cakes. AFTER I ordered my crab omelet, Ladd told me the Peach Hot Cakes are one of their “famous” signature dishes. Rats! Oh, well, I’ll just have to go back some time!) Ladd ordered an Italian omelet that had mushrooms, sausage, peppers, and cheese. Both of our omelets came with toast and home fries. It was way too much food, but every bite was awesome! We talked with our excellent waitress, Jane, and also with Candy at the cash register. They mentioned that “Gilchrist Restaurant” is (or will soon be?) on Facebook, and we told them we would “sing their praises” on our trip blog. So here’s to Jane, Candy, and the fantastic “Gilchrist Restaurant”!
After our incredible brunch we drove around as Ladd searched out some places he’d been to for work about thirty years ago. We also looked for a bank to get some cash in order to avoid paying SIX DOLLARS ($5.99 to be exact) to use the cash machine at “Harrah’s”….yikes! There are little buses called Jitneys that seat 20-22 people that travel around Atlantic City 24/7. Ladd found out about Senior passes for the Jitneys: 10 tickets for $7.50…a great deal. So we found the place and got those Jitney tickets.
Back at our hotel room we rested a little as Ladd did more computer research for our next “action plan”. We wanted to see the boardwalk and walk part of it, but not all. We both have memories of long ago on the Atlantic City Boardwalk! I won’t bore you with all of our “in-the-old-days” memories, but one of my favorites is when I was a little girl on vacation with my parents and grandparents in Atlantic City. As we were walking on the boardwalk I got the VERY FIRST EDITION Barbie Doll! (Oh, boy, do I wish I still had that! Can you imagine what it would be worth now? But honestly no regrets because my Barbie Dolls and Barbie House, Car, clothes, etc…provided years and years of fun.) One other memory both Ladd and I remember is witnessing the diving horse dive off the Steel Pier at Atlantic City Boardwalk. We could not remember the name of the famous diving horse, so Ladd researched it and told me it was “Red Lips”. So off we went to make new memories on the boardwalk. We took the Jitney and began our “Happy Hour Tour” along the boardwalk. Our first stop was the “Mountain Bar” at “Bally’s Resort and Casino”. “Bally’s” old-west style decorations were very cool. There were indeed “mountains” behind the bar, along with a model train running through the “mountains”.( I WISH we could show you some pictures, but I did not bring a purse with my camera and the batteries in Ladd’s camera died. Rats! Sorry.) We then walked down the boardwalk. This thankfully was warmer and more crowded than Ocean City’s boardwalk! Our next stop was “The Irish Pub”. This was packed, but turned out to be a disappointing stop. First of all, you stuck to the floors when you tried to walk. Then when the bartender asked me what I’d like, I asked him if he could recommend any “special drinks”. In response, he just shrugged his shoulders and said, “Well, what do you like?” Still attempting to get some “help” from the bartender and considering that it WAS an “Irish Pub”, I said, “Perhaps something with Bailey’s Irish Cream?”  His response was another unresponsive shrug of the shoulders. At this point, I gave up and said, “Just give me a glass of wine.” I would NOT be able to recommend this spot based on this particular bartender. I guess we should consider ourselves lucky to be able to leave there and not get stuck permanently to the floors. Walking down the boardwalk our next stop was the “5 O’Clock Somewhere” bar in the “Resorts International” hotel/casino. The bar was pretty…and clean, too. Now think of Jimmy Buffet and “5 O’Clock Somewhere” and I bet you’ll know what I ordered here. Yup: a margarita! And it was one of the best margaritas I’ve had, too. As we talked with the young, professional, efficient, and friendly bartender, named Ruslan, we discovered that he was from Ukraine. Of course, we started talking with him about his views about what is happening in Crimea and its possible impacts on Ukraine. Ruslan is very intelligent, (perhaps not a surprise since his mother is a University Professor), and we enjoyed our very interesting conversation with him! (My apologies to Ruslan because we forget what you told us about your father. I guess I should have taken more notes on my napkin…LOL!) We wish you and your family all the best, Ruslan. Thanks for a super discussion! Our last stop on the “Boardwalk Tour” was “Tony’s Baltimore Grill”. We had a great dinner here of rigatoni with sausage and meatballs. Then back on the Jitney to head back to “Harrah’s”. I decided to try my luck one last time on our last night there. Again I set a $20 limit on myself. At one point I was “ahead” with $23, but I was having fun on the game and stayed until the balance said 0. Good thing I am really not “into” gambling, but I did have fun within my “limits” <g>.
I hope this doesn’t sound corny, because it’s true: This “40th Trip” was absolutely amazing! Ladd and I relaxed, learned, had fun with new and old friends, and enjoyed every single place and minute!!!
 

We visit the White House

When we woke up and looked out the window Monday morning we thought we were back in New York because there was snow on our car and on the ground. We were still in Ocean City, but with 3-4 inches of snow and a temperature of 32 degrees! Of course to upstate New Yorkers 3-4 inches is “brush-it-off-and-go” weather, but Ocean City just about shut down with schools closed, most stores closed, and many people signing up to stay another night in the hotel.
We did “brush it off and go” and headed to Lewes, Delaware to get the Lewes/Cape May Ferry. (By the way, the roads were a little wet and a little icy in some spots, but really fine.) We got to the Ferry about an hour before departure as instructed, put our car in line, and then headed in to the Ferry Visitors’ Station to explore. When we went upstairs to take in the view and the ferry docking spot we got talking with a gentleman who works there. He is originally from New Jersey and now lives in Lewes. With the weather as a conversation starting point, we laughed about how in New Jersey and in New York this amount of snow would not close the schools. He said that the schools there would probably be closed both today AND tomorrow…for 3-4 inches of snow…and he was NOT kidding. He said this winter the schools had already been closed 9 or 10 days, and they had started adding an hour to each day to try to make the time up. We then had a lively conversation about Governor Christie, the prices of properties in the N.E., there, and in Myrtle Beach, etc. If Ladd and I had not excused ourselves, I think our new friend would still be chatting. Once the car was “settled” on the ferry Ladd and I went upstairs to sit inside the cabin. I was expecting just wooden benches in a drafty spot. Well, this ferry cabin had nice comfortable seats that looked relatively new. The seats in the center were in rows, but spaced well, facing two large-screen TVs. The seats by the windows were arranged six seats to a table. There was a fairly large “cafeteria” with bagels, shamrock pretzels, cereals, snacks, milks, juices, sandwiches, hot chocolate, cappuccino, coffee, etc. There was also a gift shop, (that I did NOT go in-ha!), and a bar in a separate room. Several people on the ferry headed for the bar for a “liquid lunch”. Ladd and I got coffee and relaxed and enjoyed the ocean views as we crossed to New Jersey. The hour and a half ride to Cape May was fun!
Ladd drove to a sub/sandwich place called “White House Sub Shop”, on Arctic Street in Atlantic City. (Ladd again had discovered this spot during one of his computer research sessions.) Since they were busy even at 3:30 we had to take a number, but it was not a long wait. Ladd ordered a HALF cheesesteak sub with mushrooms and onions. I ordered a HALF meatball sub with cheese. I am NOT exaggerating when I say the HALF subs were BIGGER than 99% of LARGE subs! I could not even finish my HALF sub. (I wish we had taken a picture of them, but we just “dug in” too quickly!) You might think it could not be possible to have yet another GREAT meal, but it’s true! (Ladd deserves the credit for all his restaurant research.) Any time you are around Atlantic City you should definitely go to the “White House Sub Shop” and see for yourself!
Then we checked into “Harrah’s Casino and Resort” in Atlantic City. Our room is large and overlooking the bay. After unpacking we went walking around and walking around and walking around…. The casino/resort is huge and filled with every kind of gambling, shops, restaurants, pool, bars, spa, etc. It is like a city unto itself, albeit an expensive “city” to live in – ha! For first-timers it is very easy to “get lost” here, and we did. Perhaps you are wondering if on St. Patrick’s Day the “luck of the Irish” was with us as we tried some slot machines. Well, the first two slot machines I tried would not work for me, and the machine said to push the button for “staff help”…HONEST! That should have been a sign to me to stop right there, but no quitter am I! Let me just say it is a VERY GOOD THING neither Ladd nor I are really “into” gambling. We each lost $20 and decided that was enough for this night. I don’t think they will be offering us free drinks or a free room as “high rollers”…LOL! I did consider trying just another few dollars but instead decided to “gamble” on a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Yum…I won!
     

What Parking Problems???

This Sunday morning broke sunny and seemed a little warmer with less wind. (The sun and warmer temperature did not last long however.) We took our time getting ready and headed out to brunch at another place Ladd had researched on line. The place was called “Jimmy’s” and was located in a little strip mall near our hotel. As we parked we noticed people waiting outside “Jimmy’s”. Ladd went in to ask how long the wait would be. He was told about twenty minutes, and being in “retirement mode” we decided to wait. While we were waiting I spotted a neat looking “country store” and told Ladd I was going to use waiting time constructively and explore the store! It was an interesting store and I did find several things I had planned to purchase. I got talking with the woman working there, (perhaps the owner?), and was so upset by her political views and prejudiced statements that in good conscience I just couldn’t bring myself to buy anything there. (Anyone who knows my reputation as a shopper knows this was a powerful statement for me…even if the lady wasn’t aware of it.) I knew it was neither the time nor place to try to reason with this woman, plus I can guarantee she was so “brainwashed” that an intelligent give-and-take conversation would not have been possible, so I simply put down the items I wanted and left. I do not want to offend anyone by restating the things the woman said, but suffice it to say I would not go back there again. As I walked down to the other end of the strip mall to “Jimmy’s” I discovered we were being seated. “Jimmy’s” restaurant was clean, had clever, bright decorations, and the food was EXCELLENT! The wait staff and cooks HAD to go 100mph to keep up with the “full house” and the people waiting outside. They not only did this well, they did it with pleasant personalities! The first bite of my brunch made me relax and forget about the woman in the store. Ladd had a mushroom/cheese omelet, and I had a Western/cheese omelet. Both of our omelets came with hash browns and a biscuit…and bottomless cups of coffee. The portions were too big, but so delicious they made you want to finish them. I hope you don’t think I’m weird telling you about a trip to the Ladies’ Room. (You may well think I’m weird for other reasons, of course.) In the Ladies’ Room was a framed poster with a poem that I read. It spoke about how people we know for a very short time or who are with us for only a short time can make a powerful impact on us and even change our lives. I was thinking of our first son, Drew, as I read that. I am MAD at myself for not thinking of taking a picture of the poem, but at least if I record it here it will help my old brain cells remember. Most times when you see people willing to wait in line to get into a restaurant it is a good/great one, and that was most certainly the case with “Jimmy’s”.
We then drove around Ocean City and went to the National Seashore area. One of the neat things about this location is that one minute we are in Maryland and a couple minutes later we are in Delaware. We drove to Fenwick Island and found the bar/restaurant (“Harpoon Hannah’s”) we had frequented on our first trip here with my parents, Ladd’s mother, and Dean. Then we decided to try to find the house we had rented on that trip…and we did! It looks exactly the same! (Dean, I was thinking of you, and when I looked up at what was your bedroom/bath on the top floor I said, “There’s Dean’s room.”)
After a short “regroup” time back at the hotel, we headed out to the stores, rides, eateries, etc. on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Ladd and I are not sure why everyone whines about how difficult it is to find a parking place there. When we arrived only about twenty cars were in the whole, giant lot. Fifteen of them were probably cars of workers because by now it was cloudy, very windy, and down-right cold! But being from New York Ladd and I figured we would be fine, fine, fine. As we walked the boardwalk it felt a little like a “ghost town”. Only a few stores/eateries were open, no rides were running yet, and the sea gulls outnumbered the people! We did take a picture of the bench my parents and Ladd’s mother had waited on to show them. I also managed to find a “bargain” to buy as therapy for my morning-shopping-trauma! LOL
Since we’ve been eating out so much, we just brought a pizza back to our hotel room for dinner. Tomorrow we had planned to head back home, but when we heard how cold it still was in Albany we decided for one, last “extension” of our trip. We are now going to give Albany two more days to warm up somewhat. Off to Atlantic City tomorrow! If I “hit it big” we’ll buy airline tickets and head back to Florida and stay with Dean! (Since I’m NOT a gambler and since I am not lucky in matters of money, no need to panic, Dean! Ha!) Just to get in the Atlantic-City state of mind, let me close by asking: What are the odds of Albany being warmer in two days? <g>  

A Sea of Green

Saturday morning in Virginia Beach we awoke to the cheers for walkers, runners, skaters participating in the “Shamrock Marathon” on the boardwalk outside our hotel window. Let the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin! We got ready, packed, and checked out of our hotel. It was another sunny day in Virginia Beach, and warmer, too, so we joined the crowds on the boardwalk to take in some of the “Shamrock Marathon” before departing. Green garb in normal, funky, and fun styles was everywhere. Even the dogs got into the act with green outfits! The band was playing loudly in the food tent and the libations appeared to be flowing already. We got to watch the little ones in their adorable green outfits coming through their “finish line” with Mom and/or Dad. They were proudly showing off their “Shamrock Marathon” medals! (It reminded us of when we used to take Dean to participate in the Freihofer Run for Women when he was little.) We said our sad good-byes to Virginia and got “on the road again” for the next leg of our awesome trip.
We crossed the incredible Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel! Beautiful! We arrived in Ocean City, Maryland: the last part of our amazing, fantastic, perfect trip! The weather here was also sunny and 68 degrees. We met with quite a bit of traffic as we drove through Ocean City because their St. Patrick’s Day parade was just finishing up! (If we keep running into St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, we may have to change our name to O’Valentini-ha!) This is a special place because of when we were here the first time. Ladd, Dean, Ladd’s mother, my parents, and I rented a house for a week on Fenwick Island. We had a super vacation exploring DelMarVa! As Ladd and I drove around today we saw the place we had played miniature golf, the road that led to the Fenwick Island house, etc. Reliving old memories and making new ones at the same time! We drove down to the end of Ocean City Boardwalk where the rides, games, treats, restaurants, shops are located. I actually laughed when I could pick out the exact bench that was the meeting spot where my parents and Ladd’s mother sat when they were tired to wait until Ladd, Dean and I returned! (Of course, there were lots fewer people there tonight than when we were there in the month of August.) I do wish they could all be here again for this visit! Since we had not eaten all day, we decided to forego the visit to the rides, games, etc. until tomorrow. We found a little place for cheesesteaks called “Supremo Cheesesteaks” and got some subs to bring back to the hotel. Ladd had a Supremo Cheesesteak with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese. I had a Turkey Cheesesteak with onions, peppers, and cheese. We enjoyed these with drinks as we relaxed in our hotel room. Yum!
Early to bed and early to rise; tomorrow we’ll try on Ocean City for size!