New Jersey holds its own as a luxury destination
By Smart Meetings
Located between two world-recognized metropolitan cities—Manhattan and Philadelphia—is the small state of New Jersey. Although small in size, the state offers ample affordable luxury for meeting professionals. With beautiful gardens, beachfront destinations and high-end hotels and casinos, the Garden State can prove to be much more than meets the eye for your next meeting or event.
Local Expert Tip
“New Jersey is an excellent option for all meetings, conventions and tradeshows when evaluating locations in the Northeast. Conveniently located near all of the northeast’s major cities and a third of the U.S. population, New Jersey offers a variety of facilities that can accommodate events of all sizes.”
– Gary Musich, Vice President of Sales, Visit Atlantic City
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love New Jersey
The waterfront offers spectacular views, outdoor activities like biking or exercise and areas for urban picnicking while gazing at the New York/New Jersey skyline. Newport Green is the city’s first urban beach and features public art, four acres of greenery, a playground and a new carousel.
It isn’t called the Garden State for no reason! The gardens and arboretums in New Jersey are beautiful and great places for groups to tour and visit in their down time. The Rutgers Gardens in North Brunswick or the Essex County Rose Garden in Upper Montclair are highlights.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk makes it easy for groups to stay, work and definitely play at an iconic destination made even more internationally famous by recent reality television shows. With dining, shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities all within walking distance, the Boardwalk has it all.
Adventure Aquarium is only a short distance from Philadelphia on the coast of Camden and has the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast. Open 365 days a year, groups can experience private events and free daily shows. It is also the only aquarium in the world with a hippopotamus exhibit!
The dining in New Jersey does have its amazing Italian spots, as one would expect, but it is also a hub of culinary fusion. With Japanese, Indian, Cuban and Portuguese influences throughout the state, some amazing eateries can be found with something for everyone.
Crystal Springs Resort has the best of both worlds—only 1 hour from New York City is an escape to the mountains, where luxury is the focus, and the venue is flexible for groups of any size.
250-room Grand Cascades Lodge; 175-room Minerals Hotel; Reflections Spa and Biosphere.
This article appears in the May and May/June 2024 issues. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
