Soaring Gas Prices Don’t Have to Hinder Summer Travel Plans
Camden Waterfront Offers Visitors Easy, Affordable Access to the Region’s Most Family-Friendly Destinations

Camden, NJ, May 27, 2004 – As local residents kick-off the unofficial start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, many would-be travelers planning trips by car to beaches, amusement parks, cities and other great destinations across the region, are faced with a new hurdle on the highways—the rising price of gasoline. However, as travelers reconsider their vacation plans, tourism leaders like Judi London of the South Jersey Tourism Corporation, encourage them to consider the options in their own backyard—places like Camden—home of some of the region’s most exciting, family-friendly attractions!

“Visitors frustrated by soaring gas prices will be happy to discover the many affordable activities available to them at the Camden Waterfront and its easy access to public transportation,” said London, president of the South Jersey Tourism Corporation and executive director of the Camden Waterfront Marketing Bureau.

Visitors of the Camden Waterfront can enjoy savings two ways, without sacrificing their summer fun. First, visitors can enjoy efficient, cost-effective public transportation via the RiverLink Ferry, PATCO Speedline and the new River LINE light rail system.

• The RiverLink Ferry runs between the Camden Waterfront and Penn's Landing and has parking available on both sides of the river. It runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. every twenty minutes, all for the low price of $6 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 & up and children ages 3-12. Children under the age of three ride FREE.

• PATCO Speedline offers fast, comfortable and reliable alternatives to traffic congestion and parking fees around-the-clock and every day of the week with connections to SEPTA, via its four stops in Center City Philadelphia, and NJ Transit, at its nine stops in New Jersey. Tickets can be purchased at each station with prices ranging from $1.30 to $2.45 based upon the distance you travel.

• The River LINE rail service is new from NJ Transit and connects Trenton to Camden. It operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, Sundays and major holidays and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays—all at the affordable price of $1.10 per person for one-way travel.

For travelers still desiring to drive, the Camden Waterfront is conveniently located one mile from Philadelphia between the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges connecting
New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Visitors will find that it is easily accessible to and from
Interstates 95 and 76, the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes, and Routes 295, 70 73, 130 and 38.

Although travelers may have to incur the expense of “fueling up”, the Camden
Waterfront offers a myriad of affordable options for summer daytrips as a second means
for savings. Its attractions are some of the region’s hottest destinations for families, including the New Jersey State Aquarium, the Battleship New Jersey Campbell’s Field, home of the Camden Riversharks baseball team and Camden Children’s Garden—all requiring nominal fees for entrance to hours of fun.

In addition, the Camden Waterfront offers a variety of free festivals and other special events throughout the year including the Jersey Fresh Festival, Sunset Jazz Series and more! The top ten FREE ways to enjoy the Camden Waterfront this summer include:

1) Enjoy a sunset stroll along the Wiggins Park waterfront promenade, a one-mile walk connecting the “Big J” to Campbell’s Field.
2) Get an early start on celebrating Independence at the Juneteenth post-parade concert to commemorate African-American freedom June 19th at Wiggins Park.
3) Celebrate freedom under the stars during the Two Cities/Two States concert and fireworks show at Wiggins Park on July 2nd.
4) Travel back in time with a visit to the home of one of America’s greatest writers, Walt Whitman!
5) Stop and “smell the roses,” with a garden stroll at Rutgers-Camden campus.
6) Pack a picnic basket and dine at Wiggins Park Marina to enjoy the views of the Philadelphia Skyline!
7) Sip on Campbell’s Soup “10 Fridays of Fun,” a series of performances for kids ages 2-12 June 25th through August 27th at Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center!
8) Spice up your life with a little salsa--dancing that is--at the Latino Music Festival at Wiggins Park on July 18th!
9) Pose with the famous Campbell’s Kids at Campbell’s Field!
10) Light up the night with fireworks over Campbell’s field at every Friday night Riversharks home game!

For more information or a complete calendar of events call 856-757-9400 or log onto camdenwaterfront.com. To request images or interviews with Judi London on this topic, contact Angela Brown at 856-663-0330.

For more on Camden New Jersey and things to do.

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