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Tourism

Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Wonderland Pier In Ocean City: Reports Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Wonderland Pier In Ocean City: Reports
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Wonderland Pier In Ocean City: Reports A developer is planning to bring a new purpose to a shuttered and iconic amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, according to reports. Wonderland Pier owner Eustace Mita said he wants to create a 252-room hotel on the site of the theme park that closed in October, abc6 Action News reported. Mita is also the developer and CEO of ICONA Resorts. The $135 to $155 million proposal would preserve Wonderland's famous Ferris wheel and carousel. "Our thought was we will rehab it, keep it, and actually raise it by 10 feet," Mita told abc6. "That will be a $1.5 million project." A renderi…
Penny Slots Pay Out $390K, $165K Jackpots On Same Day In Atlantic City Penny Slots Pay Out $390K, $165K Jackpots On Same Day In Atlantic City
Penny Slots Pay Out $390K, $165K Jackpots On Same Day In Atlantic City A couple of penny slot players in Atlantic City brought home more than $550,000 in enormous prizes on the same day, casino officials said. The two massive winners hit jackpots on slot machines at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the resort said in a news release on Monday, Nov. 4. The prizes were won on Friday, Nov. 1. The first player won $165,110.10 after placing a $1.36 bet. The jackpot came from a linked progressive Jin Ji Bao Xi Rising Fortunes slot machine. Later in the day, another better won $390,306.34 on a $10 bet. The prize was captu…
Scenic Park, Pier On Hudson River To Celebrate Reopening In Peekskill Scenic Park, Pier On Hudson River To Celebrate Reopening In Peekskill
Scenic Park, Pier On Hudson River To Celebrate Reopening In Peekskill A rebuilt pier along the Hudson River is about to open up tourism and economic opportunities for a city in Northern Westchester, officials announced. A grand reopening ceremony celebrating the rebuilding and renovation of Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point Park in Peekskill will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on John Walsh Boulevard, officials announced on Wednesday, Oct. 9.  The almost 500-foot-long pier will be able to accommodate large vessels, two floating docks for smaller boats, and an accessible kayak launch. Benches and viewing devices have also been ins…
Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened
Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened The New York State Thruway Authority announced the reopening of a newly renovated service area in Hudson Valley. The service area in Rockland County in Sloatsburg is on I-87 northbound between Exit 15A and Exit 16.  According to the State Thruway Authority, it is the 19th location overall to open and the first of four to undergo extensive renovations as part of the $450 million private investment to redevelop and modernize all 27 service areas. Featuring two floors and more than 31,000 square feet, the Sloatsburg Service Area is the largest of the 27 service areas on the NYS Thruway s…
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows It appears tourists just can’t get enough of Long Island. Travelers spent a record-breaking $7.5 billion across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2023, according to data from New York State’s annual Tourism Economics report.  That figure far surpassed 2022’s record-breaking spending of $6.6 billion by 12.7 percent. Tourists spent the most, 36 percent, on food and beverages, followed by lodging at 20 percent, the report found. Retail and service stations added another $1.2 billion, or 16 percent of total spend. Suffolk County saw the biggest increase in tourism dollars in 2023, with 15.6…
Film, TV Productions Filmed In Westchester Score 32 Emmy Nominations Film, TV Productions Filmed In Westchester Score 32 Emmy Nominations
Film, TV Productions Filmed In Westchester Score 32 Emmy Nominations Westchester has once again proved itself to be a winning destination when it comes to filming, as shows produced in the county over the past year have earned over 30 Emmy nominations.  The nominations for the 76th annual Emmy Awards were announced on Wednesday, July 17. Of the list, a whopping 32 were garnered by productions filmed in Westchester, county officials said. Some of these productions include: Amazon Prime's "Fallout," which was filmed at the Verplanck quarry in Cortlandt and secured 16 nominations in acting, production, and writing categories; FX's "Feud: Capote & The…
Despite Lack Of Ocean Front, PhilaPort New Homeport For Cruise Line Despite Lack Of Ocean Front, PhilaPort New Homeport For Cruise Line
Despite Lack Of Ocean Front, PhilaPort New Homeport For Cruise Line Vacationers can set sail to Bermuda from the Port of Philadelphia beginning in 2026. PhilaPort on the Delaware River will serve as the home port for Norwegian Cruise Line's Norweigan Jewel, according to port management.  The Norweigan Jewel will ferry up to 2,330 guests to Bermuda in 26 calls to Philadelphia scheduled from April to October 2026, said PhilaPort in a statement.  The ship will dock in Bermuda overnight during the planned seven-to-nine-day voyages, "giving guests more time to enjoy the island’s stunning turquoise waters and pink-sand beaches," management sa…
NY Man ID'd As Tourist Found Dead In Greece NY Man ID'd As Tourist Found Dead In Greece
NY Man ID'd As Tourist Found Dead In Greece An American tourist recently found dead in Greece has been identified as a Long Island horse trainer. Toby Sheets’ body was found on Sunday, June 16, on a rocky beach on the Greek island of Mathraki, according to CBS News New York. Sheets, 55, was a native of Arkansas and lived in the Nassau County village of Floral Park, where he worked as a horse trainer at Belmont Park. His cause of death is still being investigated.  He went missing after being seen at a cafe on Tuesday, June 11, and was dropped off at his rental home that night, The New York Times reported.  On Thu…
'America's Got Talent' Judges Not Spellbound By Salem Witch, Now They're Hexed 'America's Got Talent' Judges Not Spellbound By Salem Witch, Now They're Hexed
'America's Got Talent' Judges Not Spellbound By Salem Witch, Now They're Hexed A well-known Salem witch failed to ensorcell the judges or the crowd during their "America's Got Talent" audition this week.  Borah the Witch appeared on the "Audition 3" episode of the popular talent show on Tuesday, June 11.  Video of Borah's audition was not released online, but a summary said the comedian did a tap dance while boiling a potion on stage before being buzzed by the judges and booed by the crowd.  Borah hexed those who X'ed them before leaving the stage. The potency of the magical shunning is unclear as the show continued without issue.  Borah, better …
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do Following several sightings of an invasive insect known to cause harm to local forests, agriculture, and tourism, village officials in Westchester are advising residents to manually remove them by any means necessary.  According to an announcement from Irvington village officials on Tuesday, June 4, numerous residents have reported sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect from Asia known to negatively impact plant life in New York.  The insect feeds on many plant species, including grapevines, red and silver maple, walnut, sycamore, rose bushes, oak, birch, fruit tr…
Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know
Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know The US State Department has just issued a worldwide travel advisory for Americans. The statement, issued Friday, May 17, warns of the “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests.” The department said it is advising US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.  "The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events," the statement noted. The department said US citizens should: Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, in…
Love-Themed Poconos Motel Famous For Romantic Getaways Closes After 50 Years Love-Themed Poconos Motel Famous For Romantic Getaways Closes After 50 Years
Love-Themed Poconos Motel Famous For Romantic Getaways Closes After 50 Years The Land of Love is letting go. After nearly 50 years, Pocono Palace Resort — a popular love-themed getaway in the Poconos — has closed its doors. The East Stroudsburg motel, which reportedly opened in 1976, was sold, with the transition of title set for Thursday, May 2, according to a statement on its website: "We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause." The resort's sister locations, Cove Haven Resort and Paradise Stream Resort, will remain open. Pocono Palace is closing its doors. Courtesy of Charlene Pedicone…
Airport In Region Undergoing Upgrades, Modernization Airport In Region Undergoing Upgrades, Modernization
Airport In Region Undergoing Upgrades, Modernization Construction has begun on an international airport in the region to modernize and create state-of-the-art gateways. The Sullivan County International Airport in Swan Lake is receiving a facelift and modernizations to increase tourism and fuel economic growth, said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday, March 22. The project, which was awarded $18.5 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will replace the original 55-year-old terminal with a spacious, new 15,000-square-foot, energy-efficient building that will become both a…
New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk
New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk The most iconic part of Atlantic City is getting tens of millions of dollars in upgrades. But many millions more are needed to fully repair the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The city held a news conference on Tuesday, Mar. 12 to discuss the next steps in the major undertaking to fix up the boardwalk. Atlantic City and Asbury Park got the largest shares of the $100 million from the state's Boardwalk Preservation Fund. Each city will receive $20 million to make vital improvements to their boardwalks. The media event was also an opportunity to show off the work already being done on the board…
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore communities are getting $100 million in state grants to make crucial repairs to their boardwalk, officials said. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure." In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant. …
'Ultimate Ambassador:' Former Jersey Shore City Mayor Dies At 90 'Ultimate Ambassador:' Former Jersey Shore City Mayor Dies At 90
'Ultimate Ambassador:' Former Jersey Shore City Mayor Dies At 90 Former North Wildwood Mayor Aldo Palombo has died, the city in Cape May County announced. An obituary for Palombo said he died with his wife and family by his side on Saturday, Jan. 27. He was the 15th mayor of North Wildwood, serving the city from 1994 to 2005. The city said Palombo rescued North Wildwood during some difficult times. "Mayor Palombo brought his indomitable optimism and incredible energy to the Office of Mayor," the city said in a news release. "During his tenure, Mayor Palombo initiated many of the special events and parades that are now beloved traditions in North Wildwoo…
First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where
First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where New York officials are hard at work making preparations for a historic solar eclipse event that will be the first one visible in the state in nearly a century.  The total eclipse will be visible in the western and northern parts of New York state during the afternoon of Monday, April 8, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul and her office.  On the day of the event, between 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., the moon will pass between the earth and the sun and completely block out sunlight, completely turning day into night for 1 and a half to 3 and a half minutes.  The path of totality where…
Absecon Lighthouse Shines Less Bright After Death Of 96-Year-Old Keeper Bruddy Grover Absecon Lighthouse Shines Less Bright After Death Of 96-Year-Old Keeper Bruddy Grover
Absecon Lighthouse Shines Less Bright After Death Of 96-Year-Old Keeper Bruddy Grover George "Buddy" Grover, the long-time keeper of Absecon Lighthouse, has died at 96 years old, the Atlantic City landmark announced. Absecon Lighthouse posted on its Facebook page about Grover's death on Thursday, Jan. 4. "He was loved beyond measure," the post read. "We are heartbroken." Our dear Buddy passed today. He was loved beyond measure. “Five hundred, twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes…” Times 96, seasons of love. ❤️ We are heartbroken. More to follow. Posted by Absecon Lighthouse on Thursday, January 4, 2024 Many people posted their condolences and memories of Gr…
These Popular Shows Filmed In Westchester: County's Film Industry Generates Over $1B These Popular Shows Filmed In Westchester: County's Film Industry Generates Over $1B
These Popular Shows Filmed In Westchester: County's Film Industry Generates Over $1B The film industry in Westchester County has generated over $1 billion in economic activity, a result of many popular television shows filming scenes in the county.  In addition to generating over $1.1 billion of economic activity in 2021, the county's film industry also supported 3,784 jobs and nearly $356.8 million in wages, a level not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, County Executive George Latimer announced on Friday, Feb. 17.  "The film industry plays a leading role in generating investment in Westchester. Every film, television, and commercial production brings econo…
New Westchester County Budget Cuts Property Tax Levy By $6M New Westchester County Budget Cuts Property Tax Levy By $6M
New Westchester County Budget Cuts Property Tax Levy By $6M The new 2023 Westchester County budget will bring some relief to checkbooks, as it cuts the county's property tax levy by $6 million, county officials said.  The new budget, unanimously passed by the Board of Legislators and signed by County Executive George Latimer on Monday, Dec. 12, totals $2.365 billion and includes Latimer's fourth property tax cut in a row, according to county officials.  In addition to tax cuts, the budget also funds the county's Department of Corrections, Public Safety, Probation and Emergency Services at the "highest level" in the county's history, county…
Maryland Ranks Among Nation's Top States With The Most Popular Landmarks Maryland Ranks Among Nation's Top States With The Most Popular Landmarks
Maryland Ranks Among Nation's Top States With The Most Popular Landmarks Maryland has ranked one of the top in the nation for states with the the most popular landmarks, according to a recent study.Aqua Expeditions, a recognized global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, polled 2,100 Americans on which local natural landmarks they would most like to visit. Maryland ranked number seven on the list with five top locations in the nation. Of the 250 top landmarks to visit in the nation, Maryland's top are as follows: #14 Washington Monument State Park #36 Swallow Falls State Park #37 Crystal Grottoes Cavern #160 Deep Creek Lake #161 Assateague Island "Now…
Hudson Valley Among Regions In NY That Have Been 'Infested' By Invasive Insect, Schumer Says Hudson Valley Among Regions In NY That Have Been 'Infested' By Invasive Insect, Schumer Says
Hudson Valley Among Regions In NY That Have Been 'Infested' By Invasive Insect, Schumer Says Parts of New York that have been infested this year with an invasive insect that puts crops at risk, US Sen. Chuck Schumer announced. Schumer said in an announcement on Sunday, Aug. 14, that nearly every region in upstate New York has seen the invasive spotted lanternfly, and the insect could cost the state millions of dollars if it is not contained. He said infestations and sightings have been found across different parts of the state, including the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. Schumer urged the United States Depar…
Maryland Selfie-Taker, 23, Survives Fall Into Mount Vesuvius Maryland Selfie-Taker, 23, Survives Fall Into Mount Vesuvius
Maryland Selfie-Taker, 23, Survives Fall Into Mount Vesuvius A 23-year-old tourist from Maryland who fell into Mount Vesuvius in Italy when he dropped his phone taking a selfie was rescued, NBC News reports. Philip Carroll had hiked 4,000 feet up a trail that was closed to tourists with two family members on Saturday, July 9, the outlet said citing Paolo Cappelli, President of the Presidio Permanente Vesuvio. Carroll, of Baltimore, stopped to take a photo at the top of the volcano that destroyed Pompeii in AD 79, and apparently dropped his phone — then fell several meters in while trying to recover it, Cappelli said. The man somehow stoppe…
Man Recalls NJ BF's Final Moments On Notoriously Dangerous Hawaiian Beach 'Lumadie' Man Recalls NJ BF's Final Moments On Notoriously Dangerous Hawaiian Beach 'Lumadie'
Man Recalls NJ BF's Final Moments On Notoriously Dangerous Hawaiian Beach 'Lumadie' "I love my family. I don't want to die." Those were some of the last words spoken by New Jersey’s Matthew Preziose moments before being swept out to sea by the heavy currents on a beach in Hawaii last weekend — never to be seen again. The irony of it all is that his boyfriend, Nick Slawinski, said he’d never seen Preziose, 25, of Middletown, happier than he was that week. The couple chose Lumahai beach in Kauai to visit particularly because of its rave reviews both from tour guides and Google, 26-year-old Slawinski, of Riverside, said. Little did they know, the site is known as a dangerou…
Jersey Shore Tourism Bounced Back In 2021, Study Finds Jersey Shore Tourism Bounced Back In 2021, Study Finds
Jersey Shore Tourism Bounced Back In 2021, Study Finds New Jersey's tourism industry took an L in 2020 -- but in 2021, it bounced back, according to a new study by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism  The study focused specifically on the shore counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean from June 1 to August 31, and found that bed tax revenues increased by nearly 71%, accompanied by growth from beach tag sales, hotel rooms sold and total room revenue, “We are thrilled that travelers once again flocked to our state this summer, and we were able to provide a much-needed getaway,” said New Jersey Secretary of Stat…
Invasive Insect Spotted In Massachusetts Invasive Insect Spotted In Massachusetts
Invasive Insect Spotted In Massachusetts A new invasive insect that has been a point of consternation for farmers for years has been discovered in Massachusetts. The spotted lanternfly, which hails from southeast Asia before it made its way stateside in 2014 has reportedly been found in Worcester County in recent weeks, causing concern for some in Worcester County. Lanternflies target the sap of certain trees, including grapevines, fruit trees, and other plants, potentially devastating them. The infestation is currently secluded to a single cluster of three trees in the area, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultu…
Seen It? Invasive Insect Has Been Found In Fairfield County Seen It? Invasive Insect Has Been Found In Fairfield County
Seen It? Invasive Insect Has Been Found In Fairfield County A new invasive insect that has been a point of consternation for farmers for years has been discovered in parts of Connecticut. The spotted lanternfly, which hails from southeast Asia before it made its way stateside in 2014 has reportedly been found in Fairfield and New Haven counties.  Lanternflies target the sap of certain trees, including grapevines, fruit trees, and other plants, devastating them. According to officials, if one spots a lanternfly, they should kill it, then send it to the state Department of Environmental Conservation for evaluation. Officials noted that lanternf…
New Hudson Valley Theme Park LEGOLAND Celebrates Opening, Now Taking Bookings New Hudson Valley Theme Park LEGOLAND Celebrates Opening, Now Taking Bookings
New Hudson Valley Theme Park Legoland Celebrates Opening, Now Taking Bookings The first new major theme park in the northeast in decades has been built up brick by brick as the Hudson Valley celebrates the grand opening of LEGOLAND New York in Orange County. On Friday, July 9, after years of development, officials announced the full opening of the LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen, which is the first new major theme park in the region in more than 40 years. The 150-acre project, which has been years in the making, is the first LEGOLAND theme park in the Northeast, the third in the United States, and the ninth in the world. It had been opening in phases througho…
$30 Million Swimming Pool To Open At State Park In Northern Westchester $30 Million Swimming Pool To Open At State Park In Northern Westchester
$30 Million Swimming Pool To Open At State Park In Northern Westchester A state park in the Hudson Valley is getting a $30 million improvement as they open up a brand new swimming pool to replace an outdated facility originally built in the 1960s. Officials in New York announced the opening of a $30 million swimming pool at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights as part of a larger project to improve facilities at the state parks system’s largest pool, which covers just under an acre in surface area. "The swimming pool at Frank D. Roosevelt State Park will provide family fun for residents and visitors,” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “With inves…
COVID-19: Popular Vacation Spot Offering Vaccinations To Visitors In Push To Lure Tourists COVID-19: Popular Vacation Spot Offering Vaccinations To Visitors In Push To Lure Tourists
Covid-19: Popular Vacation Spot Offering Vaccinations To Visitors In Push To Lure Tourists If you are dreaming of the white sands of the Maldives Islands and don't have a COVID-19 vaccine, no problem. The island is offering travelers vaccinations on arrival. In an interview on CNBC on Wednesday, April 14, the country's Tourism Minister Abdulla Mausoom told the network that the offer is part of its "3V" initiative aimed at drawing tourists to the hard-hit island resort located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The strategy, Mausoom said, is to "visit, vaccinate, and vacation." Currently, visitors to the islands must provide a negative polymerase chain reaction test and proof of h…
COVID-19: New Report Projects How Long It Will Take NYC Tourism To Return To Pre-Pandemic Level COVID-19: New Report Projects How Long It Will Take NYC Tourism To Return To Pre-Pandemic Level
Covid-19: New Report Projects How Long It Will Take NYC Tourism To Return To Pre-Pandemic Level It could be years until tourism fully recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report. In a report from NYC & Company released on Monday, Nov. 16, due to a lack of international tourists expected back in the Big Apple for some time due to the pandemic, as well as domestic travel restrictions, the city may not return to its 2019 pre-pandemic level before 2025. According to NYC & Company, which commissioned the study, a return to normalcy and tourism largely hinges on when or if a vaccine is distributed, and how effective it is. NYC & Company’s repor…