Entertainment

Jersey City, Nj – a City Rich With Attractions, Entertainment and Unbeatable Waterfront Views

Jersey City is city rich with lifestyle variety, attractions, and entertainment. It is also a city with fascinating small ethnic neighborhoods, modern high rise condo towers, and attractions that include museums, a nationally recognized science learning center, and unbeatable, world class harbor views overlooking the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Jersey City is also steep in history. Before the Civil War, the city was an important stop on the Underground Railroad that led to a secret trail of safe houses that helped runaway slaves escape from the southern plantations. Four main railroad routes converged in Jersey City, and thousands of slaves passed through here on their way to freedom.

In recent years, Jersey City has undergone major redevelopment. The city has benefited from being across the Hudson River from New York City and from the relocation of many major corporations; new residents followed to enjoy a less expensive life style than NYC. This development has seen a dramatic increase in new high rise housing, shopping areas, restaurants, and major attractions.

The redevelopment of Jersey City is best exemplified by its waterfront. Construction of tall office towers and apartment complexes have taken hold along the downtown district, while further south, Liberty State Park is also experiencing improvements with the preservation of its natural environment to preserve the wetlands and creation of recreational areas, and the restoration of the historic CRRNJ railroad terminal. There is no better view in the world than Jersey City’s view of the harbor, overseeing the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Jersey City’s Neighborhood’s

The Grove Street area, with easy access from the PATH station, is the center of downtown activity with arts, restaurants, and nightlife.

Van Vorst Park is one of the city’s nicest neighborhoods, with tree lined historic brownstone homes, and a convenient walk to the Grove Street Path station, café’s and restaurants.

Paulus Hook is a charming neighborhood of Brownstone Row Houses with an excellent view of New York City and is convenient to the ferries to and from Manhattan. It also has many restaurants, arts and shopping throughout the mostly residential district.

Jersey City’s financial waterfront, known as Exchange Place, is home to many large financial firms and tall office towers. 30 Hudson Street, at 781 ft and 42 floors, is the tallest building in New Jersey, and the tallest building in the United States which is not within its metro area’s largest city. However, like many financial centers it’s virtually deserted after 6 PM.

Journal Square is anchored by the Loews Jersey movie palace, which is also home to live music and art works. A short walk from Journal Square is Little India, where you can sniff the aroma of spices, and sample some of the excellent Indian restaurants.

Newport is a 600-acre master-planned mixed-use community, made up of residential rental towers, condominiums, office buildings, a marina, schools, restaurants, hotels, The Newport Centre Mall, a waterfront walkway, transportation facilities, and on-site parking for more than 15,000 vehicles. The Newport waterfront complex almost constitutes a separate city from the older neighborhoods.

Jersey City’s Major Attractions

Liberty State Park

Created in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial, Liberty State Park is as large as New York’s Central Park but is far less developed. It is a prime waterfront location that draws 4 million visitors a year to experience the many world class park attractions.

With sweeping views of lower Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and ferries to all of the above, it also has playgrounds, picnic areas, bike paths, jogging paths, estuary, gardens, a marina and a large, beautiful restaurant with an awesome view. The park is host to many festivals, concerts, and other cultural happenings, and offers a great view of the fireworks displays over the water on the Fourth of July.

The park is easy to access via car, bus or light rail.

In the park’s northwest corner is The Liberty Science Center, a family science museum, located on Phillip Drive. The most visited museum in New Jersey, it has 3 floors of interactive exhibits that focus on invention, health, and the environment. Also located in the Liberty Science Center is the Kodak Omni Theater, with the largest sized IMAX dome screen in the world. The Liberty Science Center is undergoing expansion and construction and will re-open in July of 2007.

The Liberty walk promenade graces the eastern edge of Liberty State Park, and is a 1.3 mile stroll taking in the park office, the Statue of Liberty overlook, and the restored CRRNJ railroad terminal.

The Interpretive Center, an environmental and historical educational facility, is located on Freedom Way. The Center, which houses an exhibit area, auditorium, and classroom space, offers programs for both the general public and school groups. Adjacent to the Center lies a sixty-acre natural area that consists mostly of salt marsh, nature trails and observation points to complement this wildlife habitat.

Hop on a ferry near the CRRNJ railroad terminal and visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Statue of Liberty

Located on Liberty Island, a 12 acre island, it is 2000 feet from Liberty State Park. While there have been many claims as to which state the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island) is in, it is in closer proximity to New Jersey and the State of New Jersey in fact does retain the riparian rights to all the submerged land surrounding the statue. However it continues to be within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of New York. Picnicking may be enjoyed at the southern end of the park located near the Administration Building. Picnic tables are provided with magnificent views of the harbor and skyline.

Ellis Island

Since it opened in 1892, Ellis Island has been the nation’s premier federal immigration station until 1954 when it closed down. The immigration center processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. After being greeted by the Statue of Liberty and processed at Ellis Island, the arriving immigrants purchased tickets and boarded trains at the nearby railroad terminal that took them to their new destinations throughout the United States

The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990. Today, over 40 percent of America’s population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are free, but you need to buy a ferry ticket to make it to the both places. The ferry and tickets for the ride can be had on the waterfront in Liberty National Park.

Liberty National Golf Course

Liberty National Golf Course is the world’s most expensive golf course. Opened in 2006, it stretches along New York Harbor with dramatic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and the New York skyline. It features five lakes, a waterfall, four streams, underground air ducts to optimize turf moisture, and several acres of wetlands for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Jersey City Museum

Located in the historic Jersey City’s Van Horst district, it contains a collection of more than 20,000 objects of regionally significant art and historical objects, and important 20th century acquisitions. The Collection includes over 300 paintings and works on paper by local illustrator and landscape painter August Will (1834-1910), as well as drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, maps, textiles, decorative arts and industrial objects.

Entertainment

Best Hotel Rates in the Entertainment Capital of the World – Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most visited cities in the United States. There are several reasons why people want to go to Nevada and experience the magnificence of Sin City. It is a place full of life, glamour, and eccentricity!

Popularized in movies and TV shows as the place you can get married to via an Elvis impersonator, along with people in casinos who are dressed to kill, the mobsters’ haven, there is really more to this city than meets the eye. This city was named by the Spaniards as “Las Vegas”, which would pertain to the meadows that was once part of Mexico and was a railroad town back in the year 1905. It was also part of Lincoln County. This is until the Railroads of Senator William Clark was auctioned in 1909 and established the region as the new Clark County. Finally, on the year 1911, Las Vegas became an incorporated city and became the seat of Clark County.
At current, it holds many titles for different people. It is famously known as the wedding capital, entertainment capital, casino capital of the world, and thus, Las Vegas is also known as Sin City because most of the vices are found here.

Hence, the rich landscape of Las Vegas makes it a place where tourists not only go for gambling, shopping, and entertainment. There are also several parks in the area. Where in, you can actually do some outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and even skiing!

Taking a break in Las Vegas will keep your heart pumping and adrenalin rushing. This is with all the sights and sounds that you can experience in this city. To enjoy your stay without burning a hole through your pocket, here is a list of fine Las Vegas hotels that will cater to your every need. From here you can already plan a trip that will suit your liking and standards. If you have the luxury of time and have plans for a long vacation, it is advised that you make your trips from a Sunday afternoon check in towards a Thursday morning check out so as to truly avail of wonderful deals with these hotels and other establishments. Thus, it is common that the prices would skyrocket during the weekend in Las Vegas.

1. The Palms Palace Hotel Condo and Spa
Location: 4381 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103

This private haven is recommended for those who are looking for a wholesome, stress free and relaxing vacation without too much noise and action as compared to an average gaming hotel in Las Vegas. It is an affiliate of the renowned Palms Las Vegas. The Sky Tube also connects this sanctuary with its glitzy counterpart, the Palms Casino Resort. It was recently built, during the first quarter of 2008, and designed by Jon Jerde. This 49-storey Palm Palace offers 599 luxurious suites with breath taking views of the city and mountains of Nevada. Each room is furnished with a 42″ Plasma TV, lavish linens, and pillows. Aside from this, flat screened LCD TVs are provided; their bathrooms have a rainfall showerhead and a Jacuzzi. Guests are also pampered with their 24-hour room service, concierge, and business center. For relaxation, they have an in-room Spa service.

Furthermore, the hotel features its own Fitness Center and Lounge/bar located at their lobby. Celebrated chef Kerry Simon is the one behind their spectacular restaurant that overlooks the outdoor pool and boasts of three dining rooms that can host up to 75 guests.

Avail of its sale rate and package that will start with only $127.

Hotel Amenities:

• Concierge
• 24 hour front desk and business center
• 24 hour room service
• Spa services
• In room spa services
• Fitness Center
• Outdoor pool
• Wireless internet access
• 1 hotel restaurant (on site)
• Lounge/ bar (on site)
• Parking on site

Room Amenities (Standard Room):

• Telephone
• Complimentary newspaper
• Mini-bar and ice maker
• microwave
• Workspace
• Pull out sofa bed
• Television
• Cable TV, Radio
• Refrigerator
• Coffee maker
• In room safe
• Individual climate control
• Handicapped rooms
• Kitchenette and sink
• Bathrobe, toiletries/ travel kits
• Bathtub with jets
• Iron and ironing board
• Cribs available upon request

2. Meridian Luxury Suites
Location: 250 East Flamingo Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89169
This hotel was renovated just last 2006. It is a four-storey hotel that possesses 600 lavishly designed suites and is strategically located at the center of the strip. With a Mediterranean theme, guests are given a wide array of activities to choose from. Aside from this, it is just a few minutes away from the famed Las Vegas culture and nightlife. Guest rooms are also featured with high-speed internet access, DVD/VCR player, and cable TV.
Their on sale rate and package would start from $97. If you book in advance, you can receive a 25% discount.

Hotel Amenities:
• 24-hour fitness center,
• Recreation facilities -indoor racquetball and squash courts
• two outdoor tennis courts
• Sauna
• Ice machines On Floors
• Pets allowed
• outdoor swimming pool
• business center
• wireless internet in the lobby
• concierge services
• laundry/valet services
• free on-site parking

Room Amenities:
• Telephone
• Cable TV, Television
• VCR/DVD
• Individual climate control
• Complimentary high speed internet
• Coffee maker
• Refrigerator
• Kitchen with sink
• Radio/clock radio
• Iron and ironing board
• Cots/rollaway beds
• Hair dryer
• Cribs upon request

3. Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino
Location: 129 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas NV
This establishment is actually famous for the large gold nugget located at the back portion of its casino. The hotel is also recognized for the first class service it can provide to its guests, making them come back for more. With the numerous activities found in the hotel, guests will certainly have a memorable stay in this casino-hotel. Lavishly styled rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the city. It is even furnished to your heart’s content. With over 1,900 rooms, a casino, a spa and wellness center, and a 600-seat showroom, The Golden Nugget is worth every penny. Wired internet access is available in the guest rooms for only $11/ 24 hours.
For a rate and package that would start at $63 a night, it is definitely worth it!

Hotel Amenities:
• Casino
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• Showroom
• Safety Deposit Box
• Hotel Restaurants
• Spa/Massage & Wellness Centre
• Jacuzzi
• Hot Tub
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Game Room
• Meeting/Banquet Facilities
• Laundry/dry Cleaning
• Business Center
• Concierge Services
• Barber/Hair stylist
• Room Service
• Souvenirs/Gift Shop
• Tour Desk
• Multi Lingual Staff
• Complimentary Guest Parking (on-site)

Room Amenities:
• Air Conditioning
• Wired internet for USD 11.00 per 24 hours.
• All children under 18 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding.
• Extra beds and baby cots are upon request
• Complimentary Newspaper
• Refrigerator
• Telephone
• Cable and Satellite ready TV
• Daily Maid Service
• In-Room Safe
• Telephone (Voicemail)

4. The Luxor Hotel and Casino
Location: 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
The unique architectural design of this hotel gives it a distinguished look, making it very different from the rest. Inspired with an Egyptian theme, the onyx-hued pyramid that rises 350 feet into the sky is topped with a bright beacon of light that can be seen throughout Las Vegas.
With a package and rate that would start at $80 a night, discover the wonders and mysteries of Egypt along with the glitz and glam of Las Vegas in this great pyramid alias The Luxor Hotel and Casino

Hotel Details:
• Casino
• Fitness Center
• Spa/Massage
• Game Room
• Swimming Pool
• Uniformed Security on Site
• Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service
• Business Center
• Car Rental
• Crib/Rollaway Bed
• Administrative Services
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Barber/Hair Stylist
• Currency Exchange
• Gift Shop
• Meeting Facilities
• Electronic Key
• Room Service
• Multi-lingual Staff
• Restaurant in Hotel
• Hot Tub

Room Details:
• Air Conditioning
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• Mini-Bar
• Complimentary Newspaper
• Refrigerator
• Iron
• Telephone
• Telephone (Voicemail)
• Television (Cable/Satellite)
• DVD/VCR
• Daily Maid Service
• Broadband Access
• Whirlpool Bath

5. The Mirage
Location: 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
This is one of the premier hotel resorts in Las Vegas. The Mirage is made up of more than 2,700 deluxe rooms and almost 300 suites located in a lush setting of greenery and spectacular waterfalls. The Mirage offers you the illusion of a tropical sanctuary while frolicking in the exciting and charismatic atmosphere of Las Vegas. In the evening, the “volcano” in front of the casino will give you a spectacular “lights” show! A variety of restaurants, exquisite shops, and world-class entertainment is also provided to tickle your fancy.

Their rate and package starts at $96 a night. Aside from this, anything you can imagine can be found at The Mirage.

Hotel Details:
• Casino
• Fitness Center
• Spa/Massage
• Game Room
• Swimming Pool
• Children’s Pool
• Hot Tub
• Concierge Services
• Administrative Services
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Fax (For guests)
• Uniformed Security on Site
• Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service
• Concierge/ Club Floor
• Business Center
• Car Rental
• Crib/Rollaway Bed
• Barber/Hair Stylist
• Currency Exchange
• Surveillance Cameras On Site
• Smoke Alarm in Rooms
• Computer Use Available
• Gift Shop
• Meeting Facilities
• Parking Area Well Lit
• Sprinkler in Rooms
• Electronic Key
• Common Area High speed Internet Access
• A-V Equipment Rental
• Room Service
• Multi-lingual Staff
• Restaurant in Hotel

Room Details:
• Air Conditioning
• Newspaper (Free)
• Refrigerator
• Iron
• Telephone
• Television (Cable/Satellite)
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• DVD/VCR
• Daily Maid Service
• Broadband Access
• In Room Broadband Internet Access Fee
• Safe (In Room)
• Whirlpool Bath
• Telephone (Voicemail)
• Mini-Bar

With all the upscale accommodations and luxurious amenities of these hotels and others in Vegas, there is still a lot more to see in the city that will make you go back for more. Aside from going to the casino, listed below are some of the famous tourist spots and things to do while in Las Vegas.

1. The Fountains of the Bellagio
Located within the Bellagio
2. Flamingo Garden
3555 Las Vegas Blvd
3. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay
4. Cirque de Soleil Show – reserve tickets to get the best seats for the show
• KÀ, MGM Grand (877) 264-1844
• Mystère, Treasure Island, (800) 392-1999
5. Masquerade Show in the Sky (Rio) – one of the most popular free shows in Vegas
3700 West Flamingo Rd, +1 702 777-7776
6. Sirens of Treasure Island
3300 South Las Vegas Blvd, +1 702 894-7111
7. The Buffet in Wynn Las Vegas
3131 Las Vegas Blvd South +1-702-770-7100
8. The Buffet in Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South (Bellagio), +1-702-693-7111
9. 3121 – Originally Club Rio
3700 W Flamingo Rd (inside Rio Hotel), +1 702 777-7776
10. Ghostbar (Palms),
The Palms, +1 702 942-6832

Entertainment

Prime Time calendar for week of Dec. 16 features arts and entertainment, classes and events for children

Prime Time calendar for week of Dec. 16 features arts and entertainment, classes and events for children
Prime Time calendar for week of Dec. 16, 2009, features items from arts and entertainment; classes and lectures; events for children, and for volunteers.

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Entertainment

Entertainment calendar

Entertainment calendar
ABSTRACT PAINTINGS BY CHOICHUN LEUNG … Through Dec. 19 at Simon Gallery, 48 Bank St., Morristown. Gallery hours are: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., or by appointment.

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