Showing posts with label Atlantic City Alliance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlantic City Alliance. Show all posts

Monday, June 30, 2014

Whether you chose to #DOAC by day or enjoy #DOACNightlife, you can't go wrong at #AtlanticCity this summer!

#DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife
#DOACNightlife Bus

I have spent a lot of time the last two weeks visiting one of my favorite places, Atlantic City. Both by night, on an Atlantic City bound Party Bus enjoying the City's Nightlife, and then again by day, exploring great eats, the boardwalk, beach, casinos, pools and more!

And of course when I find something I love I just have to share it!

My visits out there were actually so extensive I am going to split this into multiple posts, and the pictures that didn't make this post you will be able to find on our Pinterest Page on our 'Travel' Pinterest Board. I was trying to make separate boards for each place I visit, but I think it's easier to drop them all in Travel and then just label where each picture was taken!

DJ Nigel Richards, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife
DJ Nigel Richards keeps tunes & fun flowing on the AC Party Bus!



































I boarded the Party Bus above a bit skeptical about how fun Atlantic City Nightlife would be on a Monday night, and I can tell you they don't call it a 'party bus' for nothing my friends, we actually had not one, but three DJ's on board (I would say four technically, but no one knew they had #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ on board and I kept that one to myself!), and the 45-foot 'Nightclub-on-Wheels' provided us a curated experience,our own bartender, and a guide to keep the group organized and show us around the city.

Steve, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife
Steve kept the Beverages coming! :)



































Below: The bus can carry up to 30 passengers and we definitely had a full house and a great atmosphere!

Steve, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife

































Below: Our first stop was the Hard Rock at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City to have some drinks and a bite to eat!

Hard Rock at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Steve, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife

































The picture above was actually taken during my day trip the following week (just thought you'd like to see it from the outside)

Below: Here are some more photos taken at The Hard Rock in Atlantic City:



Hard Rock at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Steve, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife















Above: Couldn't resist getting a shot of this fun neon sign which reads: No Drugs or Nuclear Weapons Allowed Inside

Below: I always like to remind folks, to 'look up', here is the view up above our heads, it reads "Love All Serve All"

Hard Rock at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Steve, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife












Below: Check out the cool guitar above the bar:

Hard Rock at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Steve, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife















Below: Keith Richards Memorabilia at The Hard Rock Atlantic City

Hard Rock at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Steve, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife

































Below: Loved the look of the cool stained glass:

Hard Rock Taj Mahal, #DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife















We also got to visit the popular night spot Mur Mur at Borgata! But before our group had to depart we had to leave our mark:

#DOACNightlife Bus, Party Bus, Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, DO AC Nightlife
















I got to return for what was supposed to be an overnight trip, there was a few of us up there and we were assigned to different Casinos, we got Trump Plaza, and I extended my trip and added on a night at Tropicana Hotel and Casino!

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Trump Plaza
On the way to Trump Plaza on the Boardwalk, Atlantic City

















Below: View from our room's window:


Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Trump Plaza


































Below: After getting settled, it was off on a private jitney as a cocktail reception at the Pool awaited us at Golden Nugget Atlantic City:

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Golden Nugget Casino















Above: Trying to re-create the magic of my shot from 2012, not bad right? This is the view when you look up while sitting poolside, pretty sweet right?

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Golden Nugget Casino Chandelier

































Above: Look up! Check out the chandeliers in the lobby while on my way up the escalator!

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Golden Nugget Casino, H2O Bar















Above: The H2O Bar, Poolside at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Golden Nugget Casino















Above: DO AC welcomes bloggers

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Golden Nugget Casino, crowdtap














Above: Crowdtap welcomes bloggers

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Golden Nugget Casino















Above: The Ascending Butterfly Editorial Team enjoying the View at the Cocktail Reception at Golden Nugget Atlantic City!

Atlantic City, Visit AC, Atlantic City Alliance, DO AC, Golden Nugget Casino















Above: I snapped this shot while I was seated, look at the cool reflection in the clouds of this shot (see the people's reflection on the upper right? And a Way to Go to Golden Nugget, that's how clear the glass I was sitting behind actually was!)

My Take:

I had an amazing time on both the DO AC Nightlife Party Bus and my CrowdTap Atlantic City Experience Sampling, so much so that I extended my stay and stayed at Trump Plaza courtesy of CrowdTap, then at Tropicana the next day on my own, there was so much to see and do both by day and by night! I have been visiting Atlantic City pretty much monthly since I turned 21 as there is always something to see and do and it's literally super easy to get there by bus from the City, it has always been one of my favorite 'staycation' destinations and one I always enjoy especially during Summer. If it's been awhile since you've been there, you should definitely check it out, and visit the Do Atlantic City website to check out events and happenings so you can  plan your trip!

There is so much more I got to see and do that I will have to recap this adventure in multiple posts, so consider this an overview, and know there is more to come!

What is your favorite Vacation Spot Butterflies?

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Crowdtap and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Newest Atlantic City Gaming Resort! See the Revel in {Pictures} #HowIDoAC

During Fourth of July weekend, I enjoyed Fireworks and the new show Duality on the Boardwalk, and while I stayed at the Golden Nugget (You can check out my posts from the original trip HERE and HERE), I also took some time to check out Atlantic City's newest Gaming Resort during it's opening weekend to the public, the Revel.

Atlantic City's Revel is the first ALL SMOKE FREE casino in Atlantic City, and I can tell you that when you walk in, you can 'smell' the difference! The aisles are spacious and wide, they have tons of new machines, and great food options too, here are a few pictures from my recent trip:

**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey**


**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey**

**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey**

**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey, Left: Mama Butterfly, Right: Ascending Butterfly**


We tried a little bit of everything and while everything we tried gets a thumbs up, our personal favorite was the 'Vuelva La Vida' - it was absolutely, positively, hands-down the most yummo part of our meal! The service is attentive and the sodas come with free refills!

I haven't had the pleasure of staying overnight yet, so I can't provide a review of the rooms, but I can say I greatly enjoyed my visit and would definitely visit there again during my next trip to Atlantic City! The Revel however could take lessons from the Golden Nugget in how to make a perfect Bloody Mary Cocktail! (Golden Nugget is definitely the winner there!)

**These shots were taken with an iPod Touch**

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!


˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙


FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to share my impressions of the Revel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although if they ever want me to review the property and stay over, I'd certainly be open to it! :)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

My Trip in Pictures: #HowIDoAC Fourth of July Edition - See what you missed!




This should have been a Wordless Wednesday, but between a nightmare commute home that included 4 trains and just over 2 hours of travel time on the MTA (no air conditioning and an hour long wait on the platform for what should have been my second train) AND a server glitch, this post will end up going live on Thursday I'm sure!

Last week I did something I haven't done in AGES, take time OFF. I went on a Press Junket to Atlantic City and had so much FUN that I extended my trip a few extra days! I know they say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but what happens in Atlantic City *MUST* be shared!

I shared a few teasers about the new 3D Laser Light and Sound Show, Duality (if you missed those posts, you can check them out HERE, HERE and HERE), and now after having actually experienced the show, I can tell you, you really have to check it out!

The trip started off with a VIP check in at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, (if you haven't been to Atlantic City in awhile, don't go looking for Trump Marina, it's now the Golden Nugget!), after check in there was some time spent pool side with bloggers, family and friends!

Here are some photos of the hotel:

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of Golden Nugget when you are heading towards the property!

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission


Above: View of the pool at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission


Above: Golden Nugget Atlantic City Spa

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission


Above: View of the Wine and Wifi Lounge (Complimentary Water and Soda, and great prices on wine by the glass) - Whether you are visiting the Golden Nugget for business or pleasure, the Wine and Wifi Lounge is a great place to check your emails and get some work done! Service was amazingly attentive and never obtrusive!

Here are some shots of me at the Golden Nugget:



Above: Ascending Butterfly enjoying dinner at Michael Patrick's Brasserie at The Golden Nugget Atlantic City



Above: This is my view of the Golden Nugget sign from the vantage point of my pool chair!

After a quick change it was time to preview the behind the scenes of Duality, Moment Factory's Amazing 3D Laser Light and Sound show that is Atlantic City's newest attraction! The behind the scenes demo was followed by a VIP reception, here are some photos:



Above: Elizabeth Cartmell, Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Atlantic City Alliance



Above: Elizabeth Cartmell and Motion Factory discussing Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Can you believe that this is the 'brains' behind such an amazing show?

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Left: Mama Butterfly Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Sherry of @ SuperExhausted Blog - a major thank you to Sherry for this and many other photos she shared that are used in this post. You can find Sherry at Super Exhausted Blog which I linked to above and you should also check out her business site http://www.babypop.com/

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Left: Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly hamming it up during the VIP Press Reception for Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: YUMMO, who can resist cupcakes?

After the reception, it was time for Fourth of July Fireworks on the Boardwalk. As a New Yorker Fourth of July Fireworks have always been magical for me, but I have to admit, watching the fireworks on the boardwalk, right near the Ocean was both exciting and totally peaceful, it was just what the doctor ordered!

Here are some shots:



Above: I got a few dud shots before I captured this one!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Sharing a shot that Sherry captured as well!



Above: Left: Miss Atlantic City, Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly. I sat next to Miss Atlantic City during the fireworks and her boyfriend was sweet enough to take a picture, here is a picture of me sitting with Miss Atlantic City! How cool is that?

The fireworks were followed by an amazing concert by Kevin Rudolf which included his song "Let it Rock" and songs from his new album.



Above: Kevin Rudolf concert during Fourth of July Fireworks Show on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.



Above: Kevin Rudolf concert, needless to say as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' I enjoyed sitting front row center!

After the concert, we got to see Duality! It's hard even with pictures to describe the experience. It's kind of like a parade where you really feel the performance, the excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd, the lights, the sound, it's an amazing show. It's part of what is helping to make Atlantic City a more family friendly place to be!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Duality, a 3D Laser Light and Sound Show at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: I was actually so busy filming it, I forgot to take still shots, but Sherry to the rescue, her still shots actually capture me filming it! Bottom left with hands up filming is ME!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Below: Check out the You Tube Video of the Atlantic City 4th of July celebration featuring the AC fireworks show, musical performance by Kevin Rudolf, and the debut of Moment Factory's 3-D Light Show "Duality" which airs hourly nightly on Boardwalk Hall.




To say I had an amazing time would be the understatement of the century! And I'd like to thank Ed Salvato (@edsalvato), The Atlantic City Alliance (@VisitAC), The Golden Nugget Atlantic City (@goldennuggetac) and all the fellow bloggers in attendance on this trip for helping to make my Fourth of July close to home 'staycation' vacation one of the most memorable ever!

And I know this is probably the most obscure factoid of my trip, but for those of you who truly appreciate a great Bloody Mary, in my humble opinion, Golden Nugget Atlantic City makes THE BEST Bloody Mary Cocktail I've ever tasted, served in a real glass, not a dixie cup, very nice touch! (I prefer mine with a two celery pieces in it and skewer of Olives! and they were made to order and delish!) And they also have great Gelato!

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙



FTC Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information. I attended a Press Junket and had Press Access to the Duality 3D Sound and Light Show, Kevin Rudolf Concert and Fireworks Show.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Weekly Moment of Gratitude - Fourth of July Edition + 3 Giveaway Winners!!








What I am grateful for:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Fourth of July -  Not only was this America's Independence day, but in a way, mine too! This week I took my FIRST vacation since my medical drama that started last year. It might not seem very significant in the grand scheme of things, but to me it's HUGE! 




Fireworks, Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 4, 2012



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fireworks - I have always loved Fireworks, and this Fourth of July I got to see Fireworks over the Ocean on the Boardwalk in the VIP Seating Area in Atlantic City, New Jersey. To say it was Amazeballs would be a total understatement. The only place I feel at peace is by the sea, and to watch the Fireworks show by the Ocean was a totally un-forgettable experience!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Duality -  The show I've been writing about all week, I finally got to see it and it's awesome! Please don't forget to check out Duality at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, it's an amazing 3D Light and Sound Show the whole family will love.

I promise a full recap of my Press Trip to Atlantic City for Fourth of July for this week's Wordless Wednesday, So if you want to see #HowIDoAC in pictures and video, then be sure to come back and check it out!


What are YOU most grateful for this week Butterfly?

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

Giveaway Winners!


Thanks for your patience butterflies, here are the winners of our last 3 amazing giveaways! New giveaways coming at you SOON!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Road Trip with your Little Ones Britax Accessories Giveaway! Ends 06/26 - Win a Prize Pack Valued at over $150 - http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/06/road-trip-with-your-little-ones-britax.html - WINNER IS: JOY M.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Ascending Butterfly's Wilson's Leather $200 Gift Card Giveaway http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/05/win-200-gift-card-to-wilsons-leather.htmlWINNER IS: CINELLA R.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Blade Buddy Giveaway - http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/06/blade-buddy-review-and-giveaway.htmlWINNER IS: SueBabe0704

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

Gratitude Journal Reco:
For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:
















Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙


FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html - Please note this is not a compensated post!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

1-minute sneak peek video of "Duality," the new Atlantic City 3D Sound and Light show Experience!



The big day is near! Have you firmed up your Fourth of July plans yet? If the thought of yet another backyard Barbecue already has you bored to tears, consider adding some LIGHT to your holiday festivities this year!

On Sunday I wrote about Duality a new 3D Laser Light show that is set to debut in Atlantic City after the Fireworks, if you missed that post, check it out HERE.

The folks behind the show, Moment Factory and The Atlantic City Alliance, has shared a 1-minute sneak peak of the show, and I just had to share it with you!


DUALITY Teaser 2 - Atlantic City Sound and Light Show from Moment Factory on Vimeo.

You can learn more about the Duality Teaser by visiting: http://bit.ly/MRuoai

And please do remember to take a moment to say a prayer for our troops, my great-grandfather was a purple heart recipient (of course I'd much rather have HIM here than the medal!), and I will be lighting a candle just past midnight tonight so it will be July 4th. If you have a soldier in the family, please tell your soldier that I say Thank You!

Wishing all my butterflies, a very SAFE, healthy and happy Fourth of July, Happy Independence Day America!

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙ 

FTC Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information. This post is not sponsored, but I am attending a Press Junket and will have Press Access to the Duality 3D Sound and Light Show.