Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 116 GaRDEn STaTE GROWinG in PROWESS aS MEETinG DESTinaTiOn BY ALBERT BLACKMAN From the sizzling nightlife and world- class casino gaming of Atlantic City to Cape May's gingerbread Victorian Inns, New Jersey's magnificent destinations can be found in any direction. New Jersey's crown jewel remains its 127 miles of coastline, spanning from Sandy Hook to Cape May. The state's unmatched beaches boast beautiful bar- rier islands and bays dotted with majestic lighthouses, fishing villages and scenic views. As a part of the Tri-State area, the state is a part of one of the most popu- lated areas in the country with a pletho- ra of attractions and wonderful destina- tions nearby. New Jersey is a place of remarkable history, as one visit to the Gateway Region will show. Icons like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can be reached from New Jersey and the state is also a great place to explore colonial homes and historic battleships. The Jersey Shore overflows with activity in the summer months as seaside thrills and beautiful beaches entice travelers from all over. World-class theme parks like Six Flags Great Adventure beckon those looking for a rush of adrenaline. This exciting destination has more to offer than you can imagine. aTLanTiC CiTY Located in the heart of the north- east and within easy driving distance of a third of the population of the United States, Atlantic City is the gaming capital of the Northeast and one of America's premier resort and entertainment destinations. Settled in 1783, Atlantic City today has a year- round population of 40,517. Atlantic City is just 11.92 miles long but boasts many historic firsts, such as being the site of the world's first boardwalk and salt-water taffy's first development. The famed Monopoly board's streets are named after Atlantic City's. Atlantic City is 60 miles from Philadelphia, 125 miles from New York, and 175 miles from Washington, DC. Atlantic City offers 24-hour gaming and headline enter- tainment at its 11 casinos. As the city's slogan, "Always Turned On" suggests, Atlantic City provides high- voltage nightlife in the clubs located both inside and outside the casinos. Alternately, everything from rock concerts to boxing to the circus is Atantic City Convention Center nEW JERSEY AREA GUIDES