Philadelphia - August 25, 2006

It’s a Shore Thing

Vacation at the Jersey Shore

In a perfect world, they’d all be three-day weekends. For now, make the most of the one coming up with a trip down the Jersey Shore. Because before you know it, you’ll be shoveling snow off your front stoop — which is the kind of Labor Day that no one likes.

Check In
Stay at the Borgata (1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City; 866-692-6742) and try the celeb-chef answer to surf ’n’ turf: Order your red meat at Bobby Flay Steak and the lobster potpie at Michael Mina’s SeaBlue.

Party Down
Fun in these parts ain’t about subtlety. Embrace your inner Jersey girl with karaoke at Planet Rose (The Quarter at The Tropicana, Atlantic City; 609-344-6565). Then battle the line at Mur.mur (Borgata) and dance the night away.

Lay Low
Drag yourself out of bed and hit Cape May for some R&R. First, to George’s Place (301 Beach Avenue; 609-884-6088) for a recovery breakfast. The minimalist diner has been around since the ’60s. After that, hit the beach. Congress Hall (251 Beach Avenue, Cape May; 609-884-8421) offers lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels (free to guests or for a fee to anyone at all). Once you assume a prone position, don’t move: Servers will bring the bottled water, juice, and fruit smoothies to you.

Stock Up
Lest those summer earnings burn a hole in your pocket, check out Antiques Emporia (405 West Perry Street, West Cape May; 609-898-3332) for records (from Miami Vice to Saturday Night Fever, Beatles to Benatar) and authentic vintage concert tees. If you want something new, try Free Shop (401 Washington Street, Cape May; 609-898-0572) for James Perse Standard shirts and Union Jeans.

You may not be quite ready to say hello to fall. But don’t let summer go without a proper good-bye.