CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
THE BEST OF CENTRAL JERSEY HIGHLIGHTS
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■ Take a look into Central Jersey’s past by visiting the many historical sites and tours offered throughout the region ■ Visit the home of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights ■ Take in the arts and entertainment found throughout Central Jersey ■ Experience the diversity and culture captured throughout the Central Jersey region ■ Indulge in ethnic to all-American cuisine ■ Have fun with the kids at the many kidfriendly attractions ■ Discover Central Jersey’s lively nightlife
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Let Us Entertain You: Explore the Arts and Entertainment of Central Jersey
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Wine and Dine Me
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Central Jersey and Its Place in the Revolutionary War Culture Connection: Explore the Diversity of Central Jersey.
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New Brunswick Explore the sites and history Rutgers University has to offer by spending the day on campus. Begin with a stroll through Rutgers Gardens. These gardens, open year round, are one of the only few botanical gardens that is free to the public. Head over to Rutgers University Geology Museum, where you can explore exhibits on geology, natural history and anthropology. Hungry? The infamous Rutgers Grease Trucks on College Avenue can help you with that! With sandwiches like the “Fat Darrell,” containing mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, and French fries, how could you resist sinking your teeth into a nationally acclaimed sandwich? What would a Rutgers experience be without checking out a Rutgers Scarlets game! Cheer on RU with the rest of their fans at one of the athletic teams’ home games! Finish off your day by heading down to Easton Avenue to have a celebratory drink at one of the legendary college bars. Day
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Piscataway Begin your day at the East Jersey Olde Towne Village, where you can explore the collection of original, replica and reconstructed structures of the 18th and 19th century. The village represents the architecture typical of farm and merchant communities once found in Central Jersey. Continue to the Cornelius Low House, built in 1741. Once the home of a wealthy merchant of Dutch ancestry, it is now the Middlesex County Museum. Explore the history of Piscataway by venturing to the Metlar/Bodine House Museum, circa 1728, which serves as Piscataway’s Historical and Cultural Museum. The Metlar/Bodine House is oldest of two remaining buildings from the Colonial river port, Raritan Landing. The museum showcases the development of the Raritan Valley River from prehistoric time to present day. Day
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Edison and Perth Amboy Central Jersey is filled with diversity and culture. Start your day with perusing Oak Tree Road, known to many as “Little India.” Oak Tree Road is filled with shops and eateries that showcase the Indian culture. Stop by Sona Jewelers to see the finest in Indian gold and head over to Delhi Dorbor to indulge on dishes like mutton kadai. End your day by heading over to Perth Amboy. Walk along the beautiful, renovated Historic Waterfront, where the Arthur Kill and the Raritan Bay meet. Enjoy a delicious Portuguese dinner at the Portuguese Manor on Elm Street. Day
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New Brunswick Experience a day of art and entertainment by exploring the arts found throughout New Brunswick. Walk through the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, housing 60,000 pieces; many of the works on display date back to the 19th century. Continue your thirst for art by experiencing a gallery showing at Alfa Art Gallery. Located on Church Street, Alfa Art Gallery showcases the works of emerging and well-established artists. Want to take in a show? Head on over to the State Theatre, which offers concerts and Broadway plays. They definitely have what it takes to entertain you. Not ready to go to bed just yet? The Stress Factory can help you with that! Enjoy a late-night laugh at a show starring one of your favorite comedians. Day
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Supported in part by a grant from New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism
CONTACT: Central Jersey CVB ➤ Lauren Milano www.gocentraljersey.com 109 Church St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Phone: 732-745-8090 Email: lauren@mcrcc.org LeisureGroupTravel.com
GETTYSBURG, HARRISBURG, ORRTANNA & SHIPPENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA AND EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND
GETTYSBURG – MAKING HISTORY FOR THE 150TH Gettysburg and Emmitsburg Make a day of it at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Take in “A New Birth of Freedom” before viewing the newly conserved Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge. Explore the museum to learn the story of the battle, the aftermath and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Day
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HIGHLIGHTS ■ Discover the stories through museums highlighting Gettysburg and the Civil War ■ Learn about the 1863 Gettysburg civilian
Tour the Gettysburg National Military Park to understand the heroic stories of those who fought during the tragic three-day battle in July 1863. Walk the hallowed grounds and take in the moving place that is the battlefield. Hear the story of the only civilian who died during the threeday battle at the Jennie Wade House. The museum remains much as Jennie must have known it nearly 150 years ago where she stood baking bread as she was struck down by a stray bullet.
■ Take in a special dining experience in a period tavern ■ See art and history “in the round”
Make a short trip to Emmitsburg, Maryland and dine in the 155-year-old Carriage House Inn. This comfortable country setting with fine cuisine was once a feed and grain warehouse and later a broom factory before becoming a delectable restaurant.
■ Take in the spirits of the night along the historic streets ■ Discover the countryside with a family-style dinner in a farm setting ■ Be entertained with music, theater and more
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A Museum Tour
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Discover the Arts
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History Lives
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Shopping & Theater Day
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DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Harrisburg and Gettysburg Start your Civil War exploration at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. Just 45 minutes north of Gettysburg, the National Civil War Museum portrays the American struggle in the Civil War as a timeline, from the issues straining the nation through the war’s conclusion. Day
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Head back to Jennie’s house to take a journey back through time with Ghostly Images of Gettysburg. A 90-minute guided tour will enlighten you on stories of the spirits that linger from the War.
Once in Gettysburg, stop at the Soldier’s National Museum for a look at artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil War. Encounter a life-sized, narrated Confederate encampment and learn from beautifully crafted miniature dioramas.
Orrtanna and Shippensburg Finish your trip through the American Civil War with a little entertainment. Spend the morning exploring Gettysburg with time on your own. Discover pieces of history, shopping and relaxation. Head to Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant and enjoy a farm-fresh lunch in a beautifully restored historic barn. The short drive to Orrtanna will showcase the beauty of Adams County and the meal will feature local products.
Learn more of the story of the American Civil War – and do a little shopping – at the American Civil War Wax Museum. Walk through 34 dioramas followed by a digitally enhanced battle of Gettysburg re-creation. After the museum, find a keepsake to take home in the on-site gift shop.
Take in a show at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University, where top-name entertainment graces the stage. You can also tour the center to learn about the history and architectural highlights, with visits to the stage, green room, VIP dressing rooms and control booth.
Enjoy one of your meals at the Dobbin House Tavern. Built in 1776, this historic establishment offers a perfect place for a historical figure to join your group for lunch or dinner.
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CONTACT: Gettysburg CVB ➤ Jenny McConnell, Director of Sales www.gettysburggrouptours.com 571 W. Middle St., Gettysburg, PA 17325 Phone: 800-337-5015 Email: jenny@gettysburg.travel June 2012 55
COASTAL MARYLAND
OCEAN CITY & CAKE TO CAKE HIGHLIGHTS ■ 10 miles of sparkling Atlantic Coast beach ■ Famous Assateague Island wild ponies ■ Rural heritage at its best ■ Excitement of the award-winning OC Boardwalk ■ Experience crab cake and Smith Island cake delicacies
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY When you tour the Ocean City region, you will enjoy excellent accommodations and the sea air! Situated beside the roaring Atlantic Ocean, our 10-mile Boardwalk is just the place for long walks, a few reflective moments beside the ocean or a fun dinner with friends at one of the Boardwalk eateries. Or enjoy dining out on the town—Ocean City offers everything from boardwalk fries and cotton candy to the finest in elegant dining with classically trained chefs. Day
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Today, visit the Life Saving Station Museum at the end of the Ocean City Boardwalk that has the absolute best view of Assateague and the Ocean City Inlet waters. Learn about the “lore of the sea” and the forerunner of today’s Coast Guard in the surf men that pulled fishermen to land with ropes and sheer strength. From here, you might glimpse the famous wild ponies of Assateague that entice visitors from around the world. Visit Assateague National Seashore Park and the lovely new visitor center to learn about coastal bays and wildlife in the area. Have lunch in nearby Berlin and enjoy the quaint specialty shops before heading back to Ocean City for a stroll on the boards or relaxation at the hotel. Day
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OTHER ITINERARIES ■
Seaside Adventures
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Relaxation at the Beach
Schedule a stop at one of the local wineries on the way back or choose a round of golf for the afternoon. The Ocean City area offers extensive golfing choices. Tonight might be the perfect evening for a traditional Eastern Shore crab feast or even fine Italian dining. Ocean City offers great choices for both, and everything in between, many with oceanfront or bayside dining. Travel to the historic fishing town of Crisfield, where you can board tours to Smith or Tangier Islands in the Chesapeake Bay. On land, experience a lunch where you can enjoy crab cake, and see how crabs are steamed, picked and prepared as you await the delectable Chesapeake region delicacy. Day
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Smith Island Cakes have been named Maryland’s official dessert. This multi-layer confection has become a famous favorite at meals and you can see how they are made and assembled. Talk with Smith Island native bakers and get a glimpse of how life was when the waters teemed with seafood and production and shucking houses were big business!
CONTACT: Ocean City MD Dept. of Tourism/CVB ➤ Norma Dobrowolski www.ococean.com 4001 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City MD 21842 Phone: 800-626-2326 Email: ndobrowolski@ococean.com 56 June 2012
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COLTON’S PONT, LEONARDTOWN, ST. MARY’S CITY, ST. GEORGE ISLAND/PINEY POINT AND HOLLYWOOD, MARYLAND
WHERE THE POTOMAC MEETS THE CHESAPEAKE…AND MARYLAND BEGINS Overnight at one of our great group-friendly hotels and enjoy the special touches that let you know you are welcome! Enjoy a complimentary breakfast before beginning a second inspiring day!
HIGHLIGHTS ■ Cruise out to the island where Maryland begins ■ Explore Maryland’s first colonial capital
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■ Step aboard a tall ship ■ Visit Maryland’s 18th century plantation jewel ■ Savor fresh seafood at waterside restaurants ■ Walk through history in scenic colonial and maritime settings
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY St. Mary’s County is where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake and Maryland begins! Early explorers found this Chesapeake Bay peninsula full of surprises and full of charm. Your group will, too! Start your visit where 140 hardy colonists came ashore in 1634. Visit St. Clement’s Island Museum and discover Maryland’s beginnings. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum, which tells the story of Maryland’s first landing. Then take the water taxi out to the actual Potomac River Island. This quiet island of beach grass and water birds is crowned with an enormous cross that commemorates the place where the colonists first landed. There is also a lighthouse to tour! Day
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Be Inspired!
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Maritime Menu
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Begin at the Beginning
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Holiday Fun Tour
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Spend the morning at Historic St. Mary’s City. Experience 17th century life Maryland style. Meet its planters, printers and sailors—and its Indians! The “city” offers inspiring outdoor living history. Along its trails you’ll find a garden plantation, an Indian Hamlet, a town center and the Maryland Dove, a working replica of the tall ship that brought the first colonists to Maryland. Allow enough time to browse the site’s fabulous gift shop! Day
Leave the 17th century and enter the 18th at Sotterley Plantation, which offers grand sweeps of the Patuxent River and of history. Sit down to a welcoming lunch just for your group on the riverside portico, then tour the rambling manor house where each nook and cranny holds a story. The gardens are lovely and the grounds are dotted with outbuildings worth an inquiring peek. Ready for more seafood? St. Mary’s can fill that order at one of the numerous seafood restaurants along the Patuxent-side of the peninsula such as Clarke’s Landing or Seabreeze Restaurant.
Leonardtown lies along breezy Breton Bay. The quaint town square has numerous cozy restaurants for lunching and shops with regional art and unique finds for exploring. In warm weather, sidewalk dining is the way to go! After lunch it’s on to Piney Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac River. Piney Point Museum has historic vessels that once plied the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay. The setting is sandy and serene. A narrow bridge from the mainland gets you to your second island: St. George Island! Seafood is savory in St. Mary’s so we know your group will enjoy dining at the Island Bar and Crab House.
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CONTACT: St. Mary’s County, Maryland Tourism ➤ Rebecca Lira www.visitstmarysmd.com P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Phone: 301-373-4200, ext. 1404 Email: rebecca.lira@stmarysmd.com June 2012 57
GLENS FALLS, LAKE GEORGE AND WARRENSBURG, NEW YORK
TASTE OF OUR TOWNS HIGHLIGHTS
The day continues north of Glens Falls with a relaxing afternoon spent exploring all the Village of Lake George has to offer. The Village is bustling with unique culinary experiences. A must-stop is the Adirondack Winery for a wine-making demonstration and souvenir wine glass. Drop in to the Adirondack Pub & Brewery for a sample of their unique, barrel-aged beers or just relax and enjoy the scenery with a cool drink on a lakeside deck. For the more adventuresome “foodies” in the group, arrange an authentic BBQ dinner and rodeo at Painted Pony Championship Rodeo.
■ All Aboard! A scenic lunch, dinner or cocktail train along the Hudson River ■ Relax on a brunch, lunch or dinner sightseeing cruise on majestic Lake George
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■ Learn the art of maple sugaring at one of our maple sugar houses ■ Visit an authentic meat and cheese smokehouse ■ Take a tour of Nettle Meadow goat cheese farm ■ Shop our quaint local farmers’ markets
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Tantalize your taste buds with this exciting itinerary featuring the local flair of our area’s unique restaurants, breweries, micro-wineries and other exciting culinary experiences. This tour includes a variety of stops in diverse communities to explore and celebrate the food culture and lifestyle in the Lake George Area. Glens Falls, NY Start the morning off early in the City of Glens Falls, home of award- winning Rock Hill Bake House, an authentic bakery and cafe featuring handmade, hearth-baked European breads, scones, sandwiches, tea and coffee. You won’t find a local grocery that does not stock these creative breads, so be sure to bring some home…we know you’ll be hooked! Take a stroll through the year-round local farmers market to select locally grown and farmfresh vegetables, fruits, jams, honey, cheeses, eggs, meats and herbs or stop in to the Chocolate Mill Pastry Shop & Cafe to try delectable samples of handmade confections and artisan cookies and pastries. Next stop is Davidson Bros. Brewery to sample locally made beers and learn the brewing process directly from the owner of this popular restaurant and brewery. Be sure to pick up a refillable “growler” of your favorite sampler to bring home Day
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OTHER ITINERARIES ■
Last of the Mohicans
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A Day Just Like Rachael Ray
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Rails, Treasures & Trails
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Ranches, Rodeos & Rafting
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Lake George, Warrensburg and North Creek, NY This “epicurious” adventure continues with a morning cruise aboard Lake George Shoreline Cruises or Lake George Steamboat Company. Enjoy a narrated sightseeing tour of majestic Lake George as a champagne brunch is served on board. The afternoon can be spent discovering some of the area’s best-kept secrets. Stop in at a family-owned and -operated meat and cheese smokehouse called Oscar’s and pick up one of their specialty items like “More Than Mustard” or visit Nettle Meadow goat cheese farm and sample organic, artisan cheeses like fromage blanc and creamy chevre. Day
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All Aboard! the Saratoga North Creek Railway for a scenic train excursion to round out the day. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner as you cruise along the scenic Hudson River. Enjoy beautiful mountain views from the train with optional dome car seating. Thurman, NY Rise and shine for pancake breakfast at Toad Hill Maple Farm. Although production season is late February or March, maple sugaring is a year-round business for this farm. Learn how this delectable treat is produced in this state-of-the art facility and pick up some of its high-quality syrup to enjoy at home. Day
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CONTACT: Lake George Area in NY’s Adirondacks ➤ Tanya Brand, Group Tour Promoter www.visitlakegGeorge.com 1340 State Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845 Phone: 800-365-1050, ext. M164 or 518-761-6575 Email: brandt@warrencountyny.gov LeisureGroupTravel.com