5 casinos to visit that offer more than just gambling close to Long Island
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Considering a casino visit this month or in the fall? Play your cards right and you’ll walk away a big winner beyond the busy gaming tables and blinking slot machines on your next trip.
That’s actually a safe bet because these destinations offer a veritable all-you-can-buffet of options when it comes to entertainment (Blondie or Rod Stewart? Wanda Sykes or Amy Schumer?), activities (bikes, zip line, shopping) and luxurious R&R (restaurants, spas, plush accommodations).
“Nongaming amenities serve as an important differentiator in a region that presents an abundance of gaming options,” according to Kelly Burke, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. Amenities make the property “a one-stop destination that serves as a beacon of luxury lifestyle escape.”
Here are five tristate casinos where you can let the good times roll.
While proof of vaccination may not be required, casinos encourage guests who aren't vaccinated to wear masks. Some events may require proof of vaccination on a case-by-case basis.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City (about 175 miles from LI)
BEST BETS: Check out star memorabilia at this luxe resort including a Rolls-Royce driven by Elvis Presley and frocks rocked by Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Crave art? “Beyond van Gogh,” through Aug. 28, immerses visitors in those famous sunflowers and starry, starry nights immortalized by the legendary Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. “Let It Be,” Aug. 19-28, celebrates the legendary Beatles and their earworms such as “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” at the 1,300-seat venue Sound Waves. A diverse show lineup puts Rod Stewart (Aug. 19), Ben Platt (Oct. 1) and Wanda Sykes (Oct. 8) center stage. Roll With It Sushi School (Sept. 28) and a Halloween-focused pastry class runs (Oct. 15)..
INFO Overnight pricing starts about $179 — $249, depending on dates; 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 609-449-1000, hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut (about 107 miles from LI
BEST BETS: Open-air “Bash on the Grass” performances by popular local performers play every Friday in August at this sprawling complex. Sundays, meanwhile, are made for splashy pool parties with themes ranging from Mardi Gras (Aug. 14) to an All-White Affair on Sept. 4. Adventurous types who have a need for speed (as in, 60 mph) can strap themselves into the highflier zip line that launches from 33 stories up and gives a rush as well as a view of Long Island Sound. Back on solid ground, try the Topgolf simulator or the Tree House Arcade featuring classic video games and pinball, go karts and bowling. Blondie + The Damned (Aug. 12), Elvis Costello + The Imposters (Aug. 13) and Amy Schumer (Aug. 19) are among upcoming boldface-names on stage.
INFO Overnight pricing varies depending on dates; 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket, Connecticut, 800-369-9663, foxwoods.com
Mohegan Sun, Connecticut (about 101 miles from LI)
BEST BETS: On 185 acres along the Thames River, the property boasts a golf course and dozens of shops, depending on whether visitors are in the mood to tee up or shop till they drop that day. Concerts in the 10,000-seat arena include Lorde (Aug. 25), Daryl Hall & John Oates (Oct. 9) and Keith Urban (Oct. 21). Craving a more intimate setting, the 325-seat Wolf Den’s calendar features singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen (Aug. 13) and Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone, whose groovy ’60s chart-toppers include “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am” (Aug. 20). The 36th annual New England Christmas show Nov. 4-6, the largest arts and crafts festival in New England, will get you in the holiday mood a little early, in a big way. Pace yourself.
INFO Overnight pricing starts from $200 — $400, depending on dates; 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, Connecticut, 888-226-7711, mohegansun.com
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City (about 175 miles from LI)
BEST BETS: Open your eyes to a sunrise over the sparkly Atlantic Ocean before a dip in the pool? Yes, please. This getaway destination cheekily describes the wake-up call “vitamin sea.” Then it’s up to you where the day takes you from there. Bikes, rentable at the resort, are a zippy way to check out what’s happening on the Boardwalk. The eclectic entertainment lineup includes comedian Russell Peters (Aug. 20), Staind (Sept. 10) and the Atlantic City Jazz Festival (Sept. 17). Resting easy is what escapes are all about. The resort’s new “Contemporary Blu” rooms draw inspiration from the colors and patterns of the shoreline for a serene, beach-y escape. Frozen hot chocolate, anyone? That’s a signature treat from the popular New York City restaurant Serendipity3, and the dessert haven has a sweet new outpost at Ocean.
INFO Overnight pricing starts at $149 — $299, depending on dates, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey, 609-783-8000, theoceanac.com
Resorts World Catskills (about 133 miles from LI)
BEST BETS: The hills, as in beautiful Catskills Mountains, are alive with the sound of music. Entertainment on Friday and Saturdays this summer and autumn features a mix of local bands — everything from country and classic rock to reggae and dance-party favorites. The array of dress-up or come-as-you-are-casual dining options include Cellaio, an Italian steakhouse overseen by celebrity chef Scott Conant, and Lotus, where Chinese delicacies are on the menu. Both of these eateries are participating in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Nov. 7-20 while introducing new fall menus at the same time. Up for some self-care and pampering? Book a massage or facial at the spa. Ahh. Jackpot!
INFO Overnight pricing starts at $249; 888 Resorts World Dr., Monticello, New York. 833-586-9358, rwcatskills
