Girls, Giggles, & Grapes

October 17-18. 2015
Atlantic City, NJ

Girls Weekend!! 

I learned a new term this weekend, “phantom trip”. My mom and I organized a secret trip for my sister and aunt in order to celebrate their recent birthdays and give a break from their busy lives and long work hours. The clues: pack warm clothes, you’re getting on a plane, it’ll be just us ladies.

Four gals got off the plane and were greeted by refreshing air, a soft sun, and colorful leaves. We piled in the rental car and drove in the direction of the Italian Wine Festival. 

We took a quick pit-stop at a flower/produce store to admire the flood of colorful flowers and odd-shaped pumpkins. The drive through the back roads was beautifully lined with slightly autumn leaves and woods. Once we arrived to the festival, everybody layered on clothes, scarves, hats, boots, etc…. and started the wine sampling. Once the giggles started, we sampled all of the foods offered and even ventured to sampling the grapes off the vine (A+ for flavor and freshness!).

We got back in the car heading toward Atlantic City (don’t worry—Mom was a sober designated driver only drunk off of laughs) and found a farm stand on the side of the road selling Apple Cider Donuts! This moment was probably the highlight of our trip—donuts at the “Funny Farm”.

Saturday evening, we were planning on a night of parties…. But fatigue set in after some pub food and a tour of downtown.

Sunday morning had a fresh start with the beautiful air and crispy car ride along the coastal villages to south New Jersey. Mom conquered driving over a large bridge, Laurie set her spirit free on the beach, and Lindsey lit up just breathing in the cold, beachy air. 

A few hours later, we made it to Cape May. Little children in costume hinted us to the awesome downtown strip of shops that were invaded by cute children (and adults) dressed as their favorite characters. We saw a fuzzy cookie monster just learning how to walk, baby Frankenstein, and a laundry machine girl. The stores were giving out candies and the fudge shops gave out samples of their best treats. 

For Floridians searching for fall festivities, this place was a pot of gold! To finish out Cape May, we visited a local winery and sat by the fire. 

Sunday night, we walked the famous boardwalk and met up with an old family friend inside the Trump hotel.