Elizabeth adds its own flavor to Big Apple itineraries
Ocean City celebrates new tribute to Harriet Tubman
COMPASS MID-ATLANTIC U . S .
Portugal Day Parade in Elizabeth , New Jersey
Elizabeth adds its own flavor to Big Apple itineraries
The city of Elizabeth , New Jersey , has obvious appeal to tour operators taking groups to New York City .
“ Elizabeth is just 30 minutes outside of New York City ,” says Jennifer Costa , director of the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization . She also points out that nearly half of Newark Liberty International Airport is within Elizabeth ’ s city limits . “ Groups can still experience the Big Apple without taking a big chunk out of their vacation budget ,” adds Costa .
In addition to the banner attractions of nearby New York , Costa says that Elizabeth offers its own compelling museums , shopping and events .
“ Our museums have authentic historical artifacts that allow groups to walk through history in modern times . You can see where Alexander Hamilton lived and went to school , as well as discover lots of other Revolutionary War history .”
Elizabeth is also an attractive destination for shoppers . At The Mills at Jersey Gardens , a Simon property , visitors will find more than 200 stores and high-end outlets . To heighten the bargain hunt : Clothes and shoes are exempt from New Jersey ’ s sales tax . “ Travelers from all over the world shop in this mall . It ’ s no wonder why Elizabeth was ranked fifth-best city for shopping in America by SmartAsset ,” she says .
Summer in Elizabeth is a time for multicultural festivals that celebrate the diverse heritages of its residents , including the annual parade and celebration on Portugal Day in early June .
“ The tourism office is diligently working on bringing in new , special events to our city ,” says Costa , noting that the city will welcome a showcase of more than 300 exotic cars in October . “ This is one of the many unique events that the tourism initiative is bringing .”
For more information about attractions and lodging in Elizabeth , contact Costa at jcosta @ goelizabethnj . com or visit goelizabethnj . com .
Ocean City celebrates new tribute to Harriet Tubman
Visitors to Ocean City , Maryland , will find a new historical attraction to complement the area ’ s lauded beaches .
“ The new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center , located near Cambridge , Maryland , and on the way to Ocean City , is truly going to be a national treasure ,” says Norma Dobrowolski of the Ocean City CVB . The center opened in March and serves as a gateway for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway . Tubman was born in Dorchester County , Maryland , and the facility ’ s exhibits and research library help visitors understand the life of the famous abolitionist and her efforts to help slaves escape to freedom .
“ The facility is marvelous for family reunions , history buffs and general-interest touring ,” says Dobrowolski . “ It is next to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge , known as one of the busiest eagle nesting areas in the Mid-Atlantic .”
And visitors taking a stroll or playing carnival games on Ocean City ’ s famous three-mile boardwalk also are close to nature .
“ Everyone goes out to nearby Assateague Island National Seashore — accessible by coach — to get a glimpse of the roaming wild ponies on this barrier island ,” says Dobrowolski .
“[ Summer ] travel is easier Sunday through Thursday if you are coming through metropolitan areas such as Washington
or Baltimore ,” she adds . “ September weekdays and October are actually great times to visit . The weather is typically warm , and there is plenty of room to explore .”
For more information , contact Dobrowolski at ndobrowolski @ ococean . com or visit ococean . com .
JOE ANDRUCYK - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ELIZABETH DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATION
42 June 2017