FREEHOLD – What do the Beatles, Tony Bennett and George Bernard Shaw have in common? Or space exploration, wine tasting, the U.S Marine Corp and 120 new, upscale stores?

           

They’re all opening in Monmouth County in November. Although, when it comes to the Beatles and Shaw, along with famed playwright William Inge, it is their work that will be performed on county stages, as will the New York Theatre Ballet, Holiday Express and the Three Irish Tenors.

           

“Monmouth County is alive with activities this month,” said Jeanne DeYoung, Monmouth County’s tourism representative. “There’s something for everyone, from bird watching at Sandy Hook to the Sugar and Spice Open House at Cream Ridge Winery to the fun and funky First Saturday in Asbury Park. I’m thrilled with the number and variety of events that will kick off the holiday season.”

           

Her office, which is part of the Monmouth County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, promotes tourism for county residents and visitors, and maintains a continuously updated list of events at www.visitmonmouth.com. Many events are free or available at modest cost.

Events are indoors and out; there are plays, concerts, antiques shows and dance. The Monmouth Museum in Lincroft is hosting a Celestial Holiday Exhibition. Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre debuts its $8 million makeover by offering, among others, Bennett, Beatlemania, Kevin Smith, “Christmas from Dublin” starring the Three Irish Tenors, “Beauty and the Beast,” and Ronan Tynan’s “The Gift of Christmas Song.”

 

Then there’s shopping, said Bea Duffy, the department’s director. “Our retailers are ready to serve up holiday delights and this year offers something new – the much-anticipated opening of the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets just off Route 66 in Tinton Falls,” she said.

           

“Outdoor activities abound,” Duffy continued. “The Marine Corps’ 223^rd anniversary is at the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial at the PNC Bank Arts Center, as is a Veterans Day Ceremony. Bird watching is a popular event at Sandy Hook. Red Bank is home to the Holiday Express Concert and Town and Tree Lighting, the Santa Express and the Sixth Annual Window Walk. Allentown will have its ‘Allentown All Aglow’ holiday light festival.”

           

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism has a wide array of literature on things to do and places to see in Monmouth County. Visitors are welcome to browse at its offices at 31 E. Main St., Freehold, or call DeYoung at 1-800-523-2587 for a complete package.

 

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