Elizabeth’s Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park.

Elizabeth emerges as a winning destination offering world-class shopping, an eclectic dining scene and so much more

Elizabeth is a city in the midst of a transformation.

New luxury apartments, a burgeoning dining scene, pulsating nightlife, riverside parks and world-class shopping all make Elizabeth a must-visit destination this summer.

“We have summer celebrations, a thriving nightlife and dining scene,” said Jennifer Costa, executive director, Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization. “We are seeing new restaurants opening across the city. A revitalization is underway in our walkable midtown section. We have a renaissance going on and we invite people from across the tri-state area to be part of it.”

Easily accessible from the tri-state region, Elizabeth has emerged as a dining destination, with cuisine served from every corner of the world.

Historic midtown Elizabeth.

“We have tons of ethnic eateries that also have live music,” Costa said. “You get ambiance, great food and entertainment. And in the summer, many have lovely outdoor patios for alfresco dining.”

Elizabeth is giving New York City a run for its money for the title of a city that never sleeps. From lively sports bars to spicy Latin nightclubs, night owls will find no shortage of late-night revelry.

barCode, one of the city’s most popular night spots, features tri-state talents, including DJ’s, musicians and live talent shows. Indulge in a late-night bar menu with tasty fare such as sliders, tacos and loaded fries.

The Ritz Theatre, restored to its 1920s grandeur, is one of the oldest operating theaters in New Jersey and will welcome a variety of performers to its historic stage this summer, including Mexican singer/songwriter Marcela Gandara and Incaducable, a hilarious staging of humor, monologues and comedy situations.

Elizabeth’s emerging arts community is visible in the street murals that pepper the city. Visit www.goelizabethnj.com for a self- guided tour of these vibrant works. Or stop by the tourism office, 142 Broad St., to visit the new art gallery’s rotating exhibits and pick up maps and information.

Visitors will find world-class shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

With more than 45 parks, outdoor activities abound. Enjoy a picnic at Mattano Park or hop on a paddle boat at Warinanco Park. At Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park, enjoy the harbor breeze and views of the New York City skyline, while flying a kite or fishing at the pier. Walk or bike along the Elizabeth River Trail, a 1-1/2-mile pathway that extends from South Broad to Bridge streets and is decorated with local artwork.

In addition to numerous shopping districts, Elizabeth is home to the East Coast’s largest indoor outlet mall — The Mills at Jersey Gardens. Here, shoppers will find the nation’s largest retailers — from Ann Taylor to Brooks Brothers, Old Navy to Nike — along with many dining options.

With so much to do, it’s worth spending the night. A great option for travelers this summer is to spend a night before embarking on an out-of-state trip. Many area hotels offer stay-and-fly packages, including complimentary parking and shuttles to Newark Liberty International Airport.

“There has been a synergy brewing for a long time when a lot of seeds have been planted,” Costa said. “Things are really coming to fruition now. It’s going to be a great summer in Elizabeth.”

Learn more at www.goelizabethnj.com.