The Town of Hempstead is not only a great place to live or conduct your business; but it is also a terrific place to visit. That is why our Office of Tourism is available to provide information and assistance to residents and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who "drop in" on us each year.

There are so many things to do and see here in America's largest township. There are no fewer than 31 museums within our borders, including the recently restored Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence, a Georgian mansion which was once the home of the Hewlett and Martin families. Did you know that in Freeport you can cruise the waterways on a small Mississippi style paddleboat, the Nautical Queen, or try your luck on a casino cruise? There are numerous boat launching ramps and fueling stations, hundreds of restaurants, and even water accessible lodging for visitors who approach from our coastal waterways.

One of the most popular offerings of the tourism office is a guide for fishermen which describes the varieties of fish that are available in our south shore waters, the seasons they are found, size restrictions and the best bait to use.

Tourism in Hempstead Town is an important aspect of our economic livelihood. With our township providing access to eastern Long Island locations, visitors must pass through the Town of Hempstead, even if they are traveling to some other destination. We hope that on their way through they might want to relax at one of our beautiful beaches or see a show at the historic Jones Beach Theatre. Visitors might want to shop at the fine retail stores located in Roosevelt Field in Garden City, the Source Mall in Westbury or the Green Acres Shopping Center in Valley Stream.

From Floral Park, Valley Stream and Elmont on the west end, to Bethpage and Seaford to the east, and all our communities in between, the Town of Hempstead has a lot to offer.

We have many recreational and cultural opportunities in our town, and the Office of Tourism is here to promote them. As a resident, you might want to stay right here in your own backyard instead of taking an expensive vacation. I urge you to call the Office of Tourism at 489-5000, extension 3601 and find out what's happening here in Hempstead Town.