Lots of people travel to Philadelphia to view its historic buildings, see the Liberty Bell and, as the television ads say, have a cheese steak. But for those who live and work in Philly, when the weekend, especially a long weekend, rolls around, Philly is a place from which to escape. For those who want to leave the city behind and spend the weekend simply enjoying themselves, with their love interest, a perfect spot might be the Marriot Seaview Resort and Spa in Absecon, New Jersey. There is so much to do and enjoy here that the Seaview almost feels like several romantic weekend escapes near Philadelphia all rolled up into one.
The Resort You will have to travel about 60 miles to make the trek from Philadelphia to Absecon but it will be time well spent. When you arrive you will feel the change in the air because of the nearness of the ocean which often also puts romance in the air. At the front portico, which is dramatic without being showy, you will be welcomed warmly and immediately you will understand why the Seaview Resort and Spa has endured and is tauted in its advertisements as being ” a haven for comfort and relaxation for almost 100 years”. You are now on the South Jersey Shore and ready to enjoy a romantic weekend escape near Philadelphia.
When mealtime arrives you can spoil yourself with a cocktail in the Lounge and then move on to a full meal at either the Grille Room or the Main Dining Room. If you are in the mood for traditional American favorites on a less than formal scale you’ll choose the Grille Room. But if you want a dining “experience” you’ll opt for the Main Dining Room with a menu that’s enjoyable just to read. You’ll find plenty to tempt you here especially if you enjoy continental cuisine. On Sunday don’t miss the Country Club Champagne Brunch. Each of these dining experiences will be savored the more because you are with your love interest and seated in settings that are at once cordial and elegant.
Spa or Club or Both Part of any romantic weekend escape at Seaview should be a trip to the Red Door Spa. Talk about relaxation and getting away from it all, this is where it can all begin. The Spa has twenty treatment rooms and professional spa workers who are there to cater to your every need and provide a full list of spa services.
Once you are fully relaxed perhaps you and yours will be ready to take on the gentle challenges of the on site golf courses. That’s right there are two of them and they are both of championship caliber. Play 9, play 18 but no matter how long you play enjoy the recognition that when you are done, your hotel room, center of your romantic weekend escape near Philadelphia, is within walking distance of the course.
Nearby Natural Beauty If you use the spa, play some golf , visit the different dining facilities, and have some quality alone time, you may be perfectly content never to leave the grounds of the Seaview Resort and Spa. But if you want a little variety from your setting or these activities you are perfectly situated to explore two very different kinds of adventures.
An idea you might not come to on your own could be the Brigantine National Wild Life Refuge. Located only a few short miles from the Seaview, Brigantine can take your romantic weekend escape into a magnificent marshland setting that will truly amaze you. The Brigantine is located in one of the Atlantic flyways along a much used flight path for migratory birds. According to the season, you can view many varieties of shore and marsh birds as they move along the route. There are herons, egrets, ibis and gulls that you might quickly recognize, the refuge guide, available at the information center, will introduce you to many more.
One of the best things about the Brigantine Refuge is that you can enjoy it all without ever leaving the confines of your car. The refuge is best seen via the 8.5 mile observation loop. It is not paved but it is well kept and you can see, enjoy, stop, get out and in general use the roadway to give you the best viewing positions available. What is amazing is that off in the distance you can also see the Atlantic City Skyline.
Atlantic City Of course once you have seen the skyline of Atlantic City you may want to round out your romantic weekend escape near Philadelphia with a half day ( or more ) venture in to this entertainment and gaming center. You really don’t have to spend a pile of money to enjoy Atlantic City and to feel both romantic and as if you have truly escaped. Without ever going into a casino you and your love can roam the Boardwalk at Atlantic City and truly feel that you are in a fantasy world of your own creation, and in a sense you are.
Along the boardwalk you will find vendors, shops, kiosks, and a beautiful ocean view. If you choose to you can also use the boardwalk to access many of the casinos that border the boardwalk . Again, you don’t have to loose a pile of money to enjoy yourself. Casinos provide gaming opportunities at every possible denomination. Just wandering through may be adventure enough.
Of all the romantic weekend escapes near Philadelphia you can conjure up, make sure to give the Marriott Seaview Resort and Spa your consideration. It has a little bit of something for everyone and treats you like someone they hope to see again soon.
