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

One of the most popular offerings of the office is a guide for fishermen which describes the kinds and types of fish that swim in our south shore waters as well as the time of year they are most available, and what kind of bait anglers should use to lure these critters in.

There are so many things to do and see here in America's largest township. There are 27 museums within our borders, including the recently restored Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence, the Georgian mansion, which was once the home of the Hewlett and Martin families. Did you know that there is a small Mississippi-style paddleboat, the Nautical Queen, in Freeport, dozens of boat launching ramps and fueling stations, hundreds of restaurants, and even water accessible lodging for visitors who approach from the sea?

Tourism in Hempstead Town is important to our economy. 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 beautiful Jones Beach in Wantagh and see a show at the historic Jones Beach Theatre. Or they might want to shop at Roosevelt Field in Garden City, the Source Mall in Westbury, or the Green Acres Shopping Center in Valley Stream.

From Valley Stream, Floral Park 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. If you are just passing through, I hope you will call us so that we may provide you with some excellent choices on what you may want to see or do.

Either way, the Office of Tourism will be glad to assist you. I urge you to call them at 489-5000, ext. 3601 and find out what's happening here in Hempstead Town.