Fairway Villas - Suggestions?

[DJensen]

As the reviews on Fairways Villas are all from 2015, wondering about recent experiences at the resort. We are a family of four with two boys (19 and 17). We all love historical visits along with exploring new areas.

• Golf is nearby - any suggestions? Are there green fees granted by the resort (like in Williamsburg?)?
• Philadelphia - planning on spending some historical time along with Philly Cheese Steaks - I understand there are a few places - any favorites?
• Jersey Shoreline - will plan on visiting Atlantic City along with some of the beaches, any places to be certain to spend some time in the sand? Places to avoid?
• Other historical places? Miniature golf? etc.?

Thank you in advance!

 

[infamazz]

The golf courses on the property are very nice. The Bay course has especially great views of Atlantic City across the bay. Unfortunately, greens fees do not come as part of the stay and they do run on the somewhat expensive side - figure between $80 - $100.

A nice place to visit for beaches would be Ocean City, NJ. It is about 20-30 minutes away, is a dry town, and has a very nice boardwalk.

In terms of historical sites near the resort itself, Historic Smithville is a nice place to walk around, although it won't take up nearly an entire day. Visit the Smithville Inn and get a chicken pot pie.

I would avoid most parts of Atlantic City except for the Borgata, Harrah's, the outlet stores, and the part of the Boardwalk near the Tropicana. And when I say "avoid most parts", I wouldn't even drive through them if you can avoid it.

 

[Pompey Family]

I echo the sentiment to avoid Atlantic City. I've travelled all over the US and with a few exceptions Atlantic City is one place where I've felt uneasy and unsafe. It doesn't actually have any redeeming features and unless you're into gambling I see no reason to go there. Ocean City is a nice place although I'm not sure why it's still dry in this day and age, feels a bit archaic. We also liked Cape May.

Smithville is too fake and stylised for us, just felt like a theme park of reconstructed buildings however in an area pretty bereft of historic places to visit I can understand its appeal. We weren't impressed with the food in the Smithville Inn.

 

[jont]

I second Cape May as a place to visit.

 

[DJensen]

I won't repeat my review here, but did post to the Resort Review section of TUG. Overall fun week in Jersey and Pennsylvania. Split of history and beach time (along with new Hard Rock Casino and Ocean Resort Casino now open)

 

[pedro47]

We visited this resort some years ago. The resort itself is very nice. Cape May is a visit nice day trip. I personally did not like AC after 6PM. I did not feel safe walking the Atlantic City Broad Walk liked walking the strip in Vegas IMHO..

 

[dougef]

I won't repeat my review here, but did post to the Resort Review section of TUG. Overall fun week in Jersey and Pennsylvania. Split of history and beach time (along with new Hard Rock Casino and Ocean Resort Casino now open)

Nice review - thanks.

Looking for restaurant suggestions in that area, primarily for dinner.

 

[dougef]

Looking for restaurant suggestions in that area, primarily for dinner.

Bump - anyone have any restaurant suggestions or comments?

 

[rovitm]

Athenian Garden for dinner and the Cracked Egg for breakfast were very good when we were there.

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

We haven't been in a few years, so things may have changed, but here are a few.
Shea's Cafe for breakfast. When we used to go to MFV yearly, this was a must stop/multiple stop location for us. They different eggs benedicts and the amazing pancakes were soooo good. We haven't been since they opened a new location, which is closer to MFV than the previous, but hopefully it is the same. Used to be very long lines, so plan ahead.
The Crab Trap - This is in Somers Point right off the traffic circle to get to Ocean City (NJ). We used to go down to Ocean City a lot during our stays. This restaurant had good seafood and meat options, and was usually good. Again, wait can get long for dinner.
Oyster Creek Inn - Seafood. Out in the middle of nowhere, but fresh.

 

[budnj]

When do you plan to visit? Much different experience during summer and rest of the year.
We spend quite a bit of time in the area, esp in the summer. AC does have some bad areas, but also some great restaurants and entertainment in the casinos.
For beach, we go to Brigantine, much easier parking than Ocean City, and much closer to Fairway Villas.. (Most beaches in NJ require Tags, in Brigantine they are available from roving badge checkers.)
For walking on a boardwalk, definitely would suggest Ocean City. Miniature golf, rides, pizza (Mancos!), ice cream, people watching etc. Very busy in summer, but enjoyable.
We've stayed at Fairway in March, they always had van tours to different areas, including Philadelphia, Cape May, but we've never tried them.
Feel free to pm if you have any questions!