My BFF Pat came to visit this past weekend and I think I can say that we had a great weekend. Eating, drinking, strolling, bike-riding, psychoanalyzing, shopping, and a lot more. We packed a lot into about 58 hours.
Normally girls' weekends entail going away somewhere and staying in a hotel, but for several reasons, including feeling a bit frugal (it's unusual for me but it does happen LOL), we decided to spend this weekend in AC. I found a room for Sunday night at this great new boutique hotel called The Chelsea. AC needs more hotels like this-not a casino, and styled with a mid-20th century modern meets 21st century vibe-like the Rat Pack in South Beach, but with a distinct nod to AC's storied and checkered past.
But more about the hotel later. I mentioned something about frugality-I got a room for Sunday night on the cheap on my favorite travel website Travelzoo.com-check it out for some great deals, both in advance and last-minute, and subscribe to their weekly email-good stuff. So the frugal part is that Pat and I stayed at our house on Friday and Saturday night, then absconded to more palatial digs at the hotel for Sunday. Mark couldn't quite understand why we'd spend money to stay half a mile away, but you get it, right?
So, as you remember, the last time we peeked in on it, my library/guest room was a total mess (version 1 of this blog had the picture, but I'll spare you). Well here's one view of it now (there are some additional cases but you get the idea)
not done yet but MUCH better with Mark's new cases. Plenty of room for our new Aerobed-they make one that sits two feet off the floor so you don't have to climb out, and it's actually pretty comfortable!
Pat arrived after work on Friday night, and after hanging out for a bit, we headed over to Brigantine to meet an old friend of hers for a drink. I won't say any more, because it's Pat's story to tell (or not) but the conversation served as fodder for psychoanalysis for the rest of the weekend.
After sleeping in until about 10 AM on Saturday morning, we left for a leisurely stroll and window-shop through the Pier at Caesars, the mall on the pier formerly known as Ocean One, but NOTHING like Ocean One.
The walk from the parking garage takes you through the lobby and casino, and includes an interesting view of the statues presiding over Atlantic Ave
as well as the neo-Roman hotel lobby
The view looking south from the second floor walkway over the Boardwalk
Some views of the Pier, both inside and out
We had lunch at The Continental, a Stephen Starr restaurant. He's the Philly restaurant juggernaut who is slowly but surely taking over at the shore.The food is just as good, but check out the view from our table!
Beach chairs and sand looking out at the view
So after lunch we strolled down to Ann Taylor, where they reduced the whole store by 25% just for us. We shopped and had some fun taking pictures in the dressing room (no, not those kind of pictures LOL)
After all that shopping, we were thirsty so walked back to the Starbucks. I think Pat was a bit surprised at the view; as she turned away from the counter, this is what she saw
Her reaction made me realize how often I take this splendor for granted-shame on me! More views from the Starbucks
We spent Saturday night uneventfully, relaxing at home with Mark in front of the Phillies game with some take-out Chinese. Early to bed-Friday night was a late night and we knew Sunday would be a busy day, starting with a bike ride on the Boardwalk. The next blog will start with that-stay tuned for Part 2-however I'll be at the ballpark for the Phils game tomorrow night so check back in a couple days.
Good night!
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