Atlantic City

[Snapolit1]

I'd also be happy to arrange an Italian restaurant dinner for some board members off the strip in a place that will totally blow your doors off.

[ksabet]

I am hoping to go...but I am using the convention as an excuse to the wife to play poker.

10% baseball cards
10% eating
80% losing money at poker

Actually thats 100% losing money.

[1880nonsports]

I hope I can get myself away from the casino for at least an hour a day to see the national....... St. Louis was crazy - up 6am - work the show until closing - casino until 7am the next day and back to the show to groundhog day it all over again. Last AC not so bad as my smoking and drinking got in the way. That predilection and the hookers keep me centered now. Those nights with Glenn and Jerry Spillman used to get a bit crazy.

[Head928]

I was just starting to think about the logistics last night so good timing on the thread.

I am interested to know your thoughts on getting to AC from Long Island. We are visiting family that week in LI (so I am not a local). The wife and I want to come down for a day of cards and night of dinner/gambling.

Should I just plan on driving down from LI or are there other convenient ways to get there such as train?

Also a dinner recommendation would be cool. thanks-

[x2drich2000]

Leon, I know it is early still, but any word on if there will be a net54 dinner again on the Friday night?

DJ

[obcbobd]

Recommendations on hotels or areas within walking distance would be appreciated as I will likely fly in.

thanks!

Bob

[Snapolit1]

Nothing walking distance to Sheraton. It's on the middle of nowhere. But a quick cab ride from the borgata, golden nugget, Chelsea, Tropicana. I real.y like the Chelsea. Small classy boutique on Boardwalk. Doesn't have a casino.

[Leon]

There won't be a Net54baseball dinner this year. I am not setting up this year and still am not sure I am going.

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

Leon, I know it is early still, but any word on if there will be a net54 dinner again on the Friday night?

DJ

[sago]

Originally Posted by Head928

I was just starting to think about the logistics last night so good timing on the thread.

I am interested to know your thoughts on getting to AC from Long Island. We are visiting family that week in LI (so I am not a local). The wife and I want to come down for a day of cards and night of dinner/gambling.

Should I just plan on driving down from LI or are there other convenient ways to get there such as train?

Also a dinner recommendation would be cool. thanks-

Long Island Railroad to Penn Station. Amtrak to AC. Probably 1-1.5 hours longer than driving, depending on where on Long Island you will be. With unknown traffic conditions, taking the train could be better.

[Snapolit1]

No Amtrak from NYC to AC. Discontinued about 2 years ago. The Aces train. I loved it. No more. You could take Amtrak to Philly and get a regional connection to AC. Not a bad way to go. But you may be hanging out in Philly a while waiting for next AC train.

[Head928]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

No Amtrak from NYC to AC. Discontinued about 2 years ago. The Aces train. I loved it. No more. You could take Amtrak to Philly and get a regional connection to AC. Not a bad way to go. But you may be hanging out in Philly a while waiting for next AC train.

Driving in the NY area is by far my least favorite thing to do so I am keep the train route in mind...thanks for the info

[sago]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

No Amtrak from NYC to AC. Discontinued about 2 years ago. The Aces train. I loved it. No more. You could take Amtrak to Philly and get a regional connection to AC. Not a bad way to go. But you may be hanging out in Philly a while waiting for next AC train.

I left NYC 9 years ago. Had not heard that. I did go to the Amtrak website, and it still shows you can go from Penn to AC; takes less than 2 hours and is about $65 one way.

[brookdodger55]

Originally Posted by Head928

I was just starting to think about the logistics last night so good timing on the thread.

I am interested to know your thoughts on getting to AC from Long Island. We are visiting family that week in LI (so I am not a local). The wife and I want to come down for a day of cards and night of dinner/gambling.

Should I just plan on driving down from LI or are there other convenient ways to get there such as train?

Also a dinner recommendation would be cool. thanks-

I would recommend the Tropicana, newly remodeled sports bars, shopping and dining mall, Carmine's Italian Family Style. Cuban Resturant, Mexican, Chinese, Starbucks, small gourmet shops, nice music bars all in a separate corridor. Gaming is excellent wide variety, very large poker room with daily poker tournaments.
I would drive down parking is $10 for the day with a free transfers.
Since the national is there they might have a shuttle bus to the show. I happen to be staying there on the Thrusday night. They have a great sports bar $8 bottles of barefoot wines cheap food but very good and $5 40 ounce bottles of beer. Check out the website.

[Snapolit1]

No train convenient from LI. I grew up there know it well. Have to drive unless you want to endure a casino bus.
Chef Vola. Best Italian. Good places in Tropicana. Like the Cuban place. Fun. Also the White House sub shop cannot be missed on any trip to AC. Trust me. Cannot be missed. Also highly recommend the Knife and Fork Inn. If you were a fan of Boardwalk Empire cannot be missed.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

No train convenient from LI. I grew up there know it well. Have to drive unless you want to endure a casino bus.
Chef Vola. Best Italian. Good places in Tropicana. Like the Cuban place. Fun. Also the White House sub shop cannot be missed on any trip to AC. Trust me. Cannot be missed. Also highly recommend the Knife and Fork Inn. If you were a fan of Boardwalk Empire cannot be missed.

How is the walk to White House Subs from boardwalk area?

[KingFisk]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

No train convenient from LI. I grew up there know it well. Have to drive unless you want to endure a casino bus.
Chef Vola. Best Italian. Good places in Tropicana. Like the Cuban place. Fun. Also the White House sub shop cannot be missed on any trip to AC. Trust me. Cannot be missed. Also highly recommend the Knife and Fork Inn. If you were a fan of Boardwalk Empire cannot be missed.

+1 on Chef Vola. Went there years ago for a bachelor party...as I recall you had to know a guy who knew a guy who knew a guy to get a table there. Food was unreal...

[buymycards]

Hard to believe the National is scheduled in a city without a decent airport. It will be an 18 hour drive each way for me, or I can drive 3 hours to Milwaukee for a flight, then to PA, then a couple of trains. I don't need this kind of hassle to go to a card show.

I'm thinking seriously about skipping the National this year and waiting for Chicago. Like one of the previous posters said, it is so easy in Chicago. I can save a couple of thousand bucks by skipping the AC national and spend it in Chicago next year.

Rick

[Snapolit1]

Drive is simple from Philly and not awful from Newark. Beats an 18 hour drive.

[moeson]

Do you still need "an in" to get a reservation at Chef Vola? I had the pleasure of dining there twice over a decade ago and the food and overall experience was top notch!

[judsonhamlin]

I will be going for the day on Friday, most likely, I second Knofe & Fork and the down market charm of the Irish Pub

[Huck]

For those who would be setting up at the National, would you prefer Baltimore over AC? Just curious.

[Donscards]

I set up at both Baltimore Nationals. They were outstanding. Great hotels, restaurants, good parking, easy set up and collectors came in droves. Time will tell on Atlantic City. I know most dealers would love to see another Baltimoe National, but it will be a few years due to logistics. But I am looking forward to AC.

[Yoda]

Leon, please say it ain't so - no dinner, no set up, no you? Please reconsider. The National needs your face. John

[Huck]

Originally Posted by Donscards

I set up at both Baltimore Nationals. They were outstanding. Great hotels, restaurants, good parking, easy set up and collectors came in droves. Time will tell on Atlantic City. I know most dealers would love to see another Baltimoe National, but it will be a few years due to logistics. But I am looking forward to AC.

I had heard from many dealers that business was good in Baltimore. I had heard that one issue as to why the national has not returned to Baltimore is that the convention center will not book a date over a year out. I hope the national returns as well because it is closer to home.

[parker1b2]

Originally Posted by moeson

Do you still need "an in" to get a reservation at Chef Vola? I had the pleasure of dining there twice over a decade ago and the food and overall experience was top notch!

Pretty much the same. Or you can try to call now for a reservation in August, but your phone call might not get returned. Very difficult to get in there for dinner.

If you never been, I agree you have to go to the White House Sub Shop.

[parker1b2]

Also, if anyone is going to be there for a few days with children, you should check out Ocean City NJ, about 10 miles south or so of AC . Best family boardwalk in NJ.

[Snapolit1]

Agreed. But not super convenient, as those 10 miles could take a lot longer than you'd figure in the summer.

[1952boyntoncollector]

go see Lucy the elephant in Margate..

[Snapolit1]

I called Chef Vola and easily got a res a few months ago. Summer might be more difficult. Angelo's Fairmont is off the strip and packs a lot of good local flavor. Is not Chef Vola's though. There is also Carmines near the Trop, in the attached mall ("The Quarter"). A chain but good, especially for large groups.

As far as hotels, I'd be careful with anything that looks like a cheap motel. Under $300 a night I'd say the Tropicana, Ballys and The Chelsea (not the annex part, that's gotten a little run down) are all solid choices.

If money is no object and you want the wife to be thrilled all weekend sporing for the Borgata or attached Water Club. Spas, outside pools with drinks, the whole 9 yards. Or the Golden Nugget.

Do not miss the White House sub shop. And do not order a whole sandwich. As long as your arm. Not kidding.

[Snapolit1]

Shereaton is in the middle of nowhere but is closest to the convention center and no casino, which means its quiet at night.

[packs]

To all the first timers: Atlantic City is not meant for you to walk around in. You go there to gamble. When you get to the place you're going, stay inside. I'm not surprised to hear about people being robbed who walk around at night. It's not a walking city, it's not a place you need to explore, it's attractions are clear cut: money. It doesn't matter if you won anything or even if you're not gambling at all, anyone who sees you walking around at night is going assume you've got a pocket full of house money. So be smart and you'll be fine.

[Stonepony]

Originally Posted by packs

To all the first timers: Atlantic City is not meant for you to walk around in. You go there to gamble. When you get to the place you're going, stay inside. I'm not surprised to hear about people being robbed who walk around at night. It's not a walking city, it's not a place you need to explore, it's attractions are clear cut: money. It doesn't matter if you won anything or even if you're not gambling at all, anyone who sees you walking around at night is going assume you've got a pocket full of house money. So be smart and you'll be fine.

yeaahh. Ill be staying home this year.

[Jewish-collector]

Originally Posted by packs

To all the first timers: Atlantic City is not meant for you to walk around in. You go there to gamble. When you get to the place you're going, stay inside. I'm not surprised to hear about people being robbed who walk around at night. It's not a walking city, it's not a place you need to explore, it's attractions are clear cut: money. It doesn't matter if you won anything or even if you're not gambling at all, anyone who sees you walking around at night is going assume you've got a pocket full of house money. So be smart and you'll be fine.

Don't walk around the area unless you're with a trained military swat team.