New Jersey Escapes Where Dining and Entertainment Take Center Stage

When it comes to escapes that leave no crumbs (literally and figuratively) by focusing on cuisine and keeping you entertained, there are no places you check into with the intention of getting some good rest and taking it easy in your room. From the glamour of Atlantic City resorts and their major headlining acts, buzzing bars and mouthwatering restaurants to the countryside hideaways where live, local music, foodie culture and luxe spa experiences come with the territory, a whole new breed of New Jersey stays are just waiting to be discovered.

Think dinners with a vibe, custom cocktails, live entertainment that never fails to impress, late-night afterparties, languid days by the pool, and a hefty dose of “we should do this more often!” energy. Whatever you’re looking for, from cool and calm to a non-stop party, you’ll find it in New Jersey.

Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

Location: 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ

If you feel the need for a little swagger in your getaway, Borgata is one location that knows how to turn up the heat. This is AC at its most polished but, at the same time, its most playful.

Here, a weekend can move effortlessly from cocktails to a surf-and-turf dinner (the seafood is so fresh and delicious!) to a little live music or comedy, or maybe even a big-name tour concert followed by a few hours at the tables, taking your chances with Lady Luck. Visitors can even make use of the Borgata online casino in New Jersey, if heading back to the room is more enticing than suits and sexy dresses.

The dining scene at the Borgata is a big draw in its own right. There’s Angeline by Michael Symon (a James Beard award-winning ode to classic Italian food.

Simple, bold, and fresh flavours and dishes served with precise attention to detail), B Prime Steakhouse (a first-class culinary experience that includes an energetic, dinner party-like atmosphere. B Prime adds a contemporary twist to classic and comfort dishes, featuring a curated collection of the world’s most elite cuts sourced from Japan, New Jersey, Idaho, and Texas and served with seasonal, local produce), and Old Homestead Steak House (a New York City institution, and one of the oldest steakhouses in the country that has opened its second location in NJ. Guests can enjoy trademarked, domestically raised, hand-massaged Wagyu beef), and these are just a few of the options.

Minerals Hotel

Location: 2 Chamonix Dr, Vernon Township

This is the most chilled, relaxed version of the Crystal Springs experience and a mountain escape that brings a lot of fun to the table. Minerals is a refreshing change from the standard spa-slippers experience that this kind of location offers.

Tucked away in the majestic Appalachian Valley, this all-season resort keeps your days busy with all kinds of antics and experiences and keeps the evenings lively and full of culture. There are indoor and outdoor pools to enjoy, a full-service spa for pamper days, golfing, and lots of family-friendly activities that will get your whole gang, whatever size it may be, out into the fresh air. Food is not just a way to sustain yourself at Minerals; it’s an adventure all its own.

Kite’s Restaurant offers contemporary yet still nostalgic American cuisine and boutique cocktails, and in the summer months, the slightly more laid-back Moonshine and The Farmstand open up to invite visitors into a magical outdoor bar with farm-to-table bites and live music over the weekends. There are seasonal pop-ups like Frosty’s Cantina, glowing fire pits where conversation flourishes, winter activities for staying cozy, and an easygoing, relaxed vibe that will have you wanting to stay forever.

Caesar’s Atlantic City

Location: 2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City.

Combine classic boardwalk glamour with an incredibly high standard of entertainment at one of the most well-known casino resorts in the world. Caesars brings you a quintessential Atlantic City experience, with its location in the heart of the famed boardwalk offering gorgeous oceanfront vibes and views all year long. While the winter season is a lot quieter in terms of business, it’s an excellent time to enjoy a little peace and quiet in a location that’s buzzing and busy in the summer months.

Enjoy variety acts at the Circus Maximus theater; visit The Hook for adults-only comedy and variety acts; visit the casino or enjoy some sports betting at The West (formerly Wild Wild West). Cuisine is no slouch either, with the world-famous Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey having a home on the premises and Nobu Atlantic City providing high-end Asian and Asian fusion cuisine.

Grand Cascades at Crystal Springs

Location: 3 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg.

At Crystal Springs, every day is another chance to experience something new. Indulge in excellent food, some of the best local and international wines, and something fun happening after dinner to put a bow on the end of the day, every day.

Nestled into the beautiful hills of Sussex County, this is a polished mountain resort that adds a lot to the classic idea of a golf and spa escape. Take your time as you make your way through the in-house culinary scene.

Begin at Restaurant Latour (fine dining and an elevated, contemporary dining experience), settle in for locally sourced seasonal fare at the Crystal Tavern (with craft beers and cocktails and an excellent wine selection), or take it easy at Gino34 (Italian American classics and comfort food with an incredible view). Staying entertained at Grand Cascades is hardly a chore.

There are live bands (weather permitting) on the Fire and Water terrace, dinner and a show evenings that call back to classic Vegas experiences, culinary festivals, and the famed Crystal Cabaret, which returns every September and features singers, live music, comedians, and a selection of small bites and decadent cocktails.

Craft Your Own Escape

Embrace the art of performance and the art of excellent cuisine when you treat yourself to a high-end, culture-focused escape in New Jersey. Choose your own adventure, from the ocean to the mountains, and wrap yourself in complete comfort and excellent service.