I live a few hours from AC and have a friend who lives right on the Shore and works in AC.\nThis is one of my favorite bars: http://www.cityatlantic.com/dining/anchorage-tavern.html and the Residence Inn is my favorite place to stay: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-372063-residence_inn_by_marriott-i  now these are both in Somer's Point which is right near AC, so it's a little nicer.\nBut if you're planning on not being able to drive and want to stay right off the boardwalk I would suggest this http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-11285666O.html Holiday Inn.  It's clean and nicer than a lot of Holiday Inn's (I won't normally stay in them - but this one is good).  Definitely go to the tropicana and the shops on the boardwalk etc.  Have fun!