As someone who grew up in Florida, I never got to experience Philly’s “down the shore” culture, but after living here for the past seven years, I thought it was time to experience it. My partner Kyle and I spent this past weekend at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City to celebrate his birthday and our relationship.
We drove down, which took about an hour and a half. The drive was smooth, and as we traveled, Kyle shared childhood memories of spending time at the shore. He lovingly corrected me each time I said “at the shore,” emphasizing the local vernacular: “down the shore.”
Kyle is from Langhorne, and like many suburban families, they spent their summer weekends at the beach. Growing up in Florida, the beach was always at my fingertips, so I never thought of a weekend “down the shore” as something special. This trip was an eye-opener.
Upon arrival at the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, we checked into the VIP area of Ocean Casino Resort, adjacent to the impressive 6,000-gallon saltwater aquarium in the hotel lobby. The resort, the tallest building in Atlantic City, towers high above the boardwalk, offering uninterrupted ocean views. As an architect, Kyle was captivated by the design. “The metaphysical wave composition throughout the casino was prevalent in their public art all the way to how they handled acoustics in each space,” he remarked. Although initially designed for another casino, the improved design played off the branding of the “ocean” and what it means to be a resort. We found the vertical circulation through the building confusing at times, but it added a sense of discovery with new restaurants and amenities around every corner.
We strolled the boardwalk, taking pictures and deciding on dinner plans. As we walked hand in hand, we did attract some stares and even a shouted, “Are you guys gays?” It was a stark reminder of the prejudices still present today, but we chose to focus on our time together.
Dinner at Villain & Saint was delightful, with live music enhancing the atmosphere. Afterward, we explored the casino floor, enjoyed drinks, and checked out HQ2, though we didn’t vibe with it and opted to relax by the fire pits in The Park instead.
Saturday promised a packed itinerary, so we started the day with an incredible room service breakfast. Kyle savored French toast and fruit while I enjoyed an all-American breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice. Eager to explore the cabanas, we were thrilled with our private cabana that boasted beautiful ocean views, two pools, a jacuzzi, and food and beverage service. The weather was perfect, and it felt like a true paradise.
After freshening up, we headed to BOTTLED for an interactive wine tasting. It was a fun experience, sampling various wines after being greeted with bubbly at the door. Following the tasting, we attended a comedy show, which was only average, but the evening picked up with dinner at Amada. This Philadelphia favorite didn’t disappoint, offering an array of Spanish-style tapas and accommodating our dietary restrictions. We indulged in dishes like jamon iberico, patatas bravas, lobster tails, ensalada verde, and my favorite, pulpo gallego.
The night took a surprising turn when we were given a VIP reservation at HQ2. Our perception from Friday night was completely changed as we enjoyed VIP and bottle service. The service was fantastic, and we danced the night away with cocktails, feeling the energy of the place.
Sunday was a day of relaxation, starting with brunch at Villain & Saint. The food and mimosas were a perfect start. Our next adventure was at HQ2 Beachclub, with music by SHABOOZEY—Yes, SHABOOZEY! We had one of the six bungalows with a private pool adjacent to the stage. SHABOOZEY performed his number one hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” among others. The service was impeccable, and they even presented Kyle with a birthday sash and signage, making us feel incredibly special.
After another enjoyable day by the pool, we ended the evening with a delicious dinner at Linguini by the Sea. The extensive menu featured many seafood dishes and amazing cocktails, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The lobster salad, burrata board, house-made meatballs, fettuccini al gamberi and tiramisu were standouts.
To close the night, Kyle and I shared a bottle of champagne back in our suite, overlooking the ocean with the bright lights from the pier and the Ferris wheel on the boardwalk. We reflected on the weekend, toasting to a romantic and unforgettable birthday getaway.
Checking out on Monday morning, we couldn’t help but feel eager to return “down the shore” for another beautiful escape. The Ocean Resort in Atlantic City had provided us with a perfect blend of romance, adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for any gay couple looking to celebrate their love.
