Tourism magazine features activities

FREEHOLD - Finding year-round activities in Monmouth County just got easier with "New Jersey's Monmouth County," a 66-page magazine highlighting the county's attractions.

The magazine highlights the county's beaches, shopping centers, theaters, museums, historic sites, lighthouses, parks and a long list of cultural and recreational activities. For the first time, it also supplies information on recreational and charter boat fishing.

The Monmouth County Department of Economic Development and Tourism played a central role in organizing and producing the information and is now distributing "New Jersey's Monmouth County" free to residents and visitors, said Bea Duffy, the department's director.

"Monmouth County has lots of new attractions for everyone to see and experience," Duffy said. "Residents and visitors have always enjoyed our county in the spring and summer, but there's so much to do that we are now listing year-round events and activities so people can enjoy them anytime."

Jeanne DeYoung, the county's tourism representative, said " 'New Jersey's Mon-mouth County' tells where to play volleyball on the beach, walk through a forest in autumn, take a moonlight cruise, stay in a seaside bed-and-breakfast inn or catch a free concert almost any summer night. There's even a fold-out map of main roads and Garden State Parkway exits.

"We are very pleased to offer this magazine because it is a beautifully produced, concise package of the many activities and destination sites Mon-mouth County offers," she said. "It's a wonderful companion for our calendar of events which we update daily at our Web site. At www.visitmonmouth.com

/tourism, you can also find extensive information on nearly every activity you and your family would enjoy. These resources help visitors and residents learn and have fun."

"Our beaches, farms, parks, theaters, shopping, dining and cultural destinations give Monmouth County its distinct flavor," said Freeholder Anna C. Little, the liaison to the county's Department of Economic Development and Tourism. "This handy guide will help residents and visitors alike choose activities they might otherwise overlook. It's a great resource for everyone."

"New Jersey's Monmouth County" can be obtained by calling 1-800-523-2587, by e-mail at jdeyoung@visitmon-mouth.com, or at the department at 31 E. Main St., Freehold.