Attractions in Elizabeth
More than 350 years since its founding, Elizabeth, NJ has many notable attractions from historic to contemporary, including a Ferrari dealership right off Elmora Avenue. The city is rich in the arts as well, with many cultural events and performances. Elizabeth is also an excellent destination for shoppers as the home to the largest mall in New Jersey.
Here are some of the best Elizabeth attractions for you to discover.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
The Mills at Jersey Gardens is the state’s largest outlet mall, with more than 200 stores. These stores include high-end fashion outlets such as Coach New York, Michael Kors, and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Other popular outlets include H&M, Bed Bath & Beyond, and the largest Tommy Hilfiger store in the United States. Best of all, in Elizabeth, you can purchase clothes and shoes tax-free.
Take a break from shopping to see a new movie at AMC Theatres or have a bite to eat at Applebee’s, Chili’s, or in the food court.
The Mills is conveniently located only a half-hour from New York City. You can reach the mall by car or by taking public transportation from Port Authority Bus Terminal or even Newark Airport. Have a significant layover in Newark? Take a shuttle to The Mills at Jersey Gardens for a shopping break and take home some tax-free fashion!
Music, Arts, and Culture
One of the most beautiful cultural landmarks in Elizabeth is the Ritz Theater. The 2,772-seat theater features stunning Art Deco architecture. It was constructed in 1926, which makes it one of the oldest theaters in New Jersey. Throughout the years, the Ritz has hosted iconic performers, from R&B musician Ray Charles to comedian George Burns. The theater continues to attract top performers, so be sure to check the events calendar and purchase your tickets well in advance. Even if you are not planning to see a show, stop by this historic theater to marvel at the beauty of the theater’s facade, and take some breathtaking photos in front of the iconic marquee.
Premiere Stages at Kean University sponsors theater performances that celebrate the cultural diversity of New Jersey. Premiere Stages provides professional performances at affordable ticket prices. Most of the performances are new and original plays that depict a wide spectrum of characters and subjects. The theater company supports up-and-coming local playwrights and performers. In the summer, Premiere invites the audience to staged readings of new works to provide feedback and be a part of the process of crafting a main stage play. For a unique theater experience at a reasonable price, be sure to see a show at Premiere Stages.
Historic Sites and Tours
Did the Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical Hamilton begin or deepen your fascination with the life and times of our founding fathers, especially Alexander Hamilton himself?
A popular Elizabeth attraction is the Hamilton Tour, which takes place in early July and celebrates the life of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton emigrated to Elizabethtown, New Jersey from the Caribbean as a teenager and spent much of his young adulthood here. The Young Immigrant Hamilton Tour gives you the chance to retrace the footsteps of the teenage Alexander Hamilton and explore historic sites associated with him. One of the stops is Boxwood Hall, the home of Elias Boudinot who was the President of Congress from 1782 to 1783, where Hamilton often frequented. In addition to the walking tour, Hamilton fans will find many other special events celebrating Hamilton’s life and legacy.
Liberty Hall Museum is a 23-acre site covering 240 years of American history. The museum is housed in a historic mansion and has an extensive collection of artifacts and decorative arts. Visit to see antique displays of furniture, ceramics, and even an early fire engine from 1911. You can also examine rare letters penned by founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. After your tour, visit the gardens, where you can enjoy beautiful horticultural displays and some of the oldest trees in the state.
Elizabeth is rich in history and culture, which makes it an ideal place for visitors. Whether you want to explore historic sites, enjoy a cultural performance, or do some shopping, you will find what you are looking for in Elizabeth.