No, summer is not over! If there is still a pool open to swim in, summer is still alive and thriving in our book. And it’s always still hot as balls still in September in the city anyway.
The much-dreaded pool closing time aka Labor Day does not apply at the Valley Beach Poolside Club at Valley Forge Casino. Simply pay the $10 cover at the door (or get 50 percent off your beach tag purchase for the rest of the 2015 season for all you die-hards. Mention code: BEACHBALL. Must be 21) and you will enter a place with actual sand, sun and not really surf… but guys with guns and girls in bikinis. The Valley Beach season runs Thursdays through Sundays May 22 through Sept. 30 and an additional cover charge may apply on select special engagement nights.
Be lulled to relaxation while you work on your tan as acoustic music plays by day and the area’s hottest DJs turn things up at night. (Follow Valley Beach on Facebook for the full entertainment lineup).
Now, onto the most important things: the pool, food and booze. It touts a 1,000 sq. ft. pool, which unlike some other city pools (ahem) is not hipster soup with coconut tanning spray film. There’s all types and ages here which makes for a refreshing change. This water is cool, clear, clean, refreshing and not a burning of chlorine was had. How do they accomplish such a task? There are barely any children and they change the water frequently. Reason one to go, check!
Valley Beach also stocks a full bar and restaurant, which we must have taste tested most of throughout our stay in one of the two luxury cabanas (with ice water secret hidden table). There is also a dining deck, outdoor games (like corn hole) and the most down-to-earth, awesome waitresses we’ve met in a while. Although it seems like a no-brainer to get the frozen slushy-style cocktails, we were led down the right delicious path to where a cocktail can taste like a fresh squeezed Orange Julius. Read on…
Follow the signs in the long hallway from the Radisson until you hit the stairs, go down a flight and viola, you are here.A view of the bar to the left when you first walk in and check in, getting your wristband for the day.Led straight to our cabana in the back, each arrival had their own escort. Classy!A view of the beach and bathing beauties from the VIP cabana.Crystal clear water beckons to cool off that summer sun burn.No diving allowed here however cannon balls are acceptable.The deeper end, all the way in the back, was our favorite spot for water shenanigans.A sun-kissed “V” for Vendetta… oops, Valley Forge of course lines the bottom of the pool.Up the steps we go, back toward the entrance (and lots of Bud Light specials).The tables are good for those not getting wet.These guys were pretty stellar and made nice, soothing background music to hum or sing along to and was missed when gone.Some people just want to have a drink outside of the casino in the sunshine and enjoy the eye candy.Looking out over the railing by the bar.Pretty lovely views from wherever you are sitting.Of course, we started with a strawberry daiquiri which was icy and tangy.Then something less sugary and more minty – a strawberry mint mojito which was mediocre.Asian Sesame Chicken Tenders with wasabi mustard (great idea) was super tasty.Fresh Fruit Salad with fresh berries, strawberries, red apple, toasted granola, mixed greens and honey yogurt dressing made us feel healthier, even after spoon eating all the delicious yogurt.The BLT Wrap with avocado spread was all wrap. As with anything in life, it needs more bacon. The onion rings had the perfect amount of grease.The Jerk Chicken Quesadilla with sour cream and salsa fresca would be a perfect lunch snack alone, filling and cheesy, we loved it.Coconut Shrimp with curry dipping sauce and ranch kettle chips were a hit. We wanted to dip them in (more) coconut and the chips didn’t stand a chance.Jerk Shrimp Salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, mango, pineapple and shaved coconut was all shrimp and pineapple – as any good summer salad should be. Excellent!We were so excited for this Crab Cake Sandwich with Bibb lettuce, poblano sauce and brioche roll but sadly, it was bland.Did we mention how much we loved these Jerk Chicken Quesadillas?A Bloody Mary was on the menu for those suffering from the night before blues.Of course, someone else had to try a slushy drink – and still not loving them. Very pretty and picturesque however!We finally found our favorites! Lovely server Madison (not pictured, but we nicknamed her Giselle for her long model legs), suggested trying anything off the Tropical Speciality Drinks section and front and center was the Casino Crush with Stoli Ohranj Vodka, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, Triple Sec with Sprite.This lovely lady Amanda was at the end of her shift and was the best server ever!
