Are you planning a trip to New Jersey in the near future but are not quite sure where to go or what to do? Maybe you have recently relocated to an Elizabeth zip code but still have not had the time to go out and find out what's waiting for you in terms of entertainment in the city. Well, there is good news no matter which camp you are in. Elizabeth is fraught with opportunity as far as entertainment goes, whether you want to see a show or win a car. Canada based tourists are always amazed that a town with so little recognition has so much to do; let's take a look at some of the highlights.

Shopping

Without a doubt, the favorite activity of the tourist and resident alike in the city of Elizabeth is the shopping. Competing with higher profile New York City is no easy task for any city in New Jersey, and the state has developed several procedures in order to compete.

Those measures are taking full effect in Elizabeth, where the shopping is second to none no matter what you are looking for. It's the home of the largest Ikea furniture store in North America, as well as one of the finest malls in Jersey Gardens. There, you can find trendy appeal or, if edgier styles are your thing, cutting edge stores complete with alternative radio playing in the background.

The city itself is the site of the largest Urban Enterprise Zone in the state, which means one thing to consumers: hardly any sales tax. The taxes you will be charged on your purchases here are half of those found in the rest of the state, and significantly lower than what you will find in next door New York. You have to give the state's team on research and development credit for this, as the measure has seen an influx of shoppers since its establishment.

Tours

Elizabeth is noted for its many attractions, both historic and modern. You may want to take a tour of the Elizabeth/Newark Seaport, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country. Take a look at the latest design keel models for both small and large craft, and see the finer workings of capitalism on display!

If land based tourism is more your thing, head to midtown where there are several dozen preserved historic buildings to be found. A major attraction are the churches of the district. One has been built on a Civil War battleground, another is known for its statuary and cemeteries.

You can also check out buildings like Hersh Tower, a throwback tribute to masters of faux painting instruction. Built at the height of the Great Depression, it used cheaper materials to give a grand effect. It's a lesson from history that certainly has its application today!

You will also find that Elizabeth is home to several annual festivals and fairs, including the Elizabeth Latin Carnival. These events are organized by the multicultural communities of the city, and bring a flash of color and dash of flair to life here.