As the largest city in New Jersey, and with one of the busiest airports in the U.S., Newark serves as a major gateway to the Greater New York metropolitan area, with Manhattan approximately eight miles to the west. A bustling center for culture, commerce, education and more, the city boasts many Newark event venues as well as group-friendly activities to include in any itinerary.
Travelers from all over the world arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport, and the NJ Transit AirTrain service conveniently transports them straight to Newark Penn Station within minutes. (LaGuardia Airport is approximately 17 miles away and John F. Kennedy International 36 miles.)
Finding a place to stay shouldn't be too difficult: Several hotels in Newark accommodate business travelers, as well as students and their families visiting local schools, such as Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Situated downtown, the Hilton Newark Penn Station and the Robert Treat Hotel are near all the major area attractions, including the Prudential Center and the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall. Those who prefer to be closer to their flights can check into the Howard Johnson Newark Airport or the Marriott Hotel Newark International Airport.
Event sites and spaces in Newark are plentiful. Housed in a Beaux Arts building, the Newark Museum features the elegant Engelhard Court, complete with marble floors, 17-foot-tall ficus trees and access to the exhibition galleries, as well as the more intimate Ballantine House, ideal for smaller affairs. On the 22nd floor of One Newmark Center, The Newark Club boasts panoramic penthouse views along with gourmet meals, while the New Jersey Performing Arts Center has eight private and semi-private spaces, which can accommodate groups of 25 to 2,500.
Given its strong international community, with residents hailing from Brazil, Spain, Greece and other places, it's no surprise that dining institutions in Newark also serve a range of global flavors. In the Ironbound section, Adega Grill whips up Portuguese and Spanish cuisine and a wine list with over 180 selections, while Fernandes Steakhouse tempts the taste buds with all-you-can-eat rodizio.
Scheduling time to explore the attractions and activities of Newark may include a round at the Weequahic Golf Course, galleries such as Aljira, City Without Walls or Rupert Ravens Contemporary Art, marveling at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart – the fifth-largest cathedral in North America – or taking in a classical music concert, cabaret or dance performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
