5 casinos to visit that offer more than just gambling close to Long Island – Newsday

Considering a casino visit this month or in the fall? Play your cards right and youll walk away a big winner beyond the busy gaming tables and blinking slot machines on your next trip.

Thats actually a safe bet becausethese 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 encourageguests who aren't vaccinated to wear masks. Some events may require proof of vaccination on a case-by-case basis.

Check out the Beyond van Gogh, excursion through Aug. 28 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Credit: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino/Timothy Norris

BEST BETS: Check out star memorabilia at this luxe resort including a Rolls-Royce driven by Elvis Presley and frocks rocked by Beyonc and Lady Gaga. Crave art? Beyond van Gogh, through Aug. 28, immerses visitorsin 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 Jersey609-449-1000, hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

Take a break from the casino and try ziplining at Foxwoods Resort Casino inConnecticut. Credit: Foxwoods Resort Casino

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 featuringclassic 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

A couple dances to live entertainment at Mohegan Sun inConnecticut. Credit: Credit: Mohegan Sun

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 WolfDens calendar features singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen (Aug. 13) and Hermans Hermits with Peter Noone, whose groovy 60s chart-toppers include Im 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.

INFOOvernight pricing starts from$200 $400, depending on dates; 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, Connecticut, 888-226-7711, mohegansun.com

The exterior of the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. Credit: AP/Wayne Parry

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 its up to you where the day takes you from there. Bikes, rentable at the resort, are a zippy way to check out whats 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 resorts new Contemporary Blu rooms draw inspiration from the colors and patterns of the shoreline for a serene, beach-y escape. Frozen hot chocolate, anyone? Thats a signature treat from the popular New York City restaurant Serendipity3, and the dessert haven has a sweet new outpost at Ocean.

INFOOvernight pricing starts at $149 $299, depending on dates, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey, 609-783-8000, theoceanac.com

Book a massage or facial at Resorts World Catskills during your downtime. Credit: Resorts World Catskills

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!

INFOOvernight pricing starts at $249; 888 Resorts World Dr., Monticello, New York.833-586-9358, rwcatskills

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5 casinos to visit that offer more than just gambling close to Long Island - Newsday