Holiday Delights: Newark DE + NY State Museum (Albany)
Dec 30th, 2025 | 06:57 PM
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Holiday Delights: Newark DE + NY State Museum (Albany)
Hello Fodor's
The Christmas to New Years period in years past has always been a time for me to do some traveling. I live in Montreal where I teach and my mother lives in the DC burbs. As the years pass and the Christmas break seems short, I have been doing less traveling, helping mom around the house and just cherishing the time spent with her, which frankly is rather easy, as she's just a delight to be around.
My desire to explore is not diminished though, but I try to find ways that will not detract from the precious opportunity that is the Christmas vacation to be with family. So, I resolved to do a day trip. This year I got Amtrak Guest Reward Select Status with a lounge pass and an upgrade pass, and living in Canada makes it more challenging to use some of the benefits before they expire. So, I wracked my brain... I wanted to see somewhere I'd never been to before, but accessible via a day trip on Amtrak from Washington DC. I mulled a few options but eventually landed on Newark, Delaware. Although most northeast corridor trains such as the Acela do not stop in Newark, there are 3 daily in each direction and consequently a day trip seemed feasible. So, the plan was hatched, I took the 8:50 am train out of DC with a 10:15am arrival today December 30th and decided I would book my return only once in Newark, depending on how I was feeling during the day. To return to DC directly from Newark, I had an option of a 1:40 pm return (which is what I ended up doing) and a 7 pm return, but of note for those considering going to Newark by train, one also has the possibility of taking SEPTA (Philadelphia commuter trains) from Newark to Wilmington, where I believe all the major northeast corridor trains stop.
Why Newark? Other than that it allowed me use the lounge pass in DC and upgrade from coach to business, a beloved and fun aunt who died about 10 years ago studied (or knowing her, I'm sure she won't mind me saying, maybe partied more than studied lol) at the University of Delaware (class of '62); I thought it would be interesting to see her old stomping grounds. Plus, I could see on the map that the campus was within walking distance of the train station as was the main drag aptly named Main Street. I also had read some people described the town as a 'nice place', But in truth I did not know that much about Newark other than unlike the New Jersey city (which is pronounced more like "New E(r)k"), the Delaware town is pronounced like the two words "New Ark".
I have taken the Amtrak trains in the NYC to DC stretch in the past and what one sees from the train of Newark Delaware definitely doesn't show off the town's highlights or charm. In fact, leaving the Thomas R. Carper Newark DE train station, I walked for about 10-15 minutes in the direction opposite the direction toward Main Street toward an area of glassy, soulless medical complex buildings that made me initially question my decision to visit Newark at all. But once I realized my mistake, I retraced my steps and after crossing over a bridge over the railroad tracks, I could see I'd arrive in an area of more historic looking homes and within 5-10 minutes could see a more historic looking area of the University of Delaware.
And I will be unequivocal. The University of Delaware's campus is truly exceptional, that reminded me in some ways of the magnificence of the University of Virginia campus. I was expecting the occasional nice old building, but the expansive lawns surrounded by handsome brick buildings with tall white Greek columns and the occasional archways FAR exceeded my expectations. I felt happy for my aunt to have been surrounded by such beauty on a daily basis during her studies. Although no doubt some buildings had been erected or expanded upon after her departure, many of the stately structures I saw would have been around during her time there, including some of my favourites like Memorial Hall and the Old College. And Main Street Newark I thought very cute, with some lovely preserved old buildings and a nice ambience. I stopped at a lunch spot, Greenhouse Gastropub, which was very friendly in a historic building with pleasant atmosphere. Not to mention that a sauce to accompany my fries, a malt aioli, was amazing!
Now, you might believe that my deciding to spend a bit less than 3.5 hours was an indication that I was unimpressed, but honestly my decision to leave on the 1:36 return had more to do with the fact that it was a bit of a cold and windy day (albeit gloriously sunny!). I had a great day in Newark DE and would be delighted to return one day.
*NY State Museum*
Coming down from Montreal to DC before Christmas, a Canadian friend accompanied me as far as Albany, where I spent 2 nights before heading to the DC area. I have been to Albany before so I won't go into too much detail on the city, although I enjoyed showing her some of the beautiful brownstones north of the Capitol (Jay Street is a particular jewel in this regard), Lark Street and Washington Park. She was very interested in going to Trader Joe's in Colonie (about 20 minutes from downtown Albany), a grocery store which does not have a presence in Canada.
However, a large part of our time there was at the NY State Museum, where we spent a morning and then returned after lunch; neither of us had ever been before. I was expecting a good museum, but instead got one of the most stellar museums I've visited. Yes, it was interesting to read about the Mohawks and the Mohicans, to see artefacts associated with the history of Albany as the settlement Fort Orange where archaeologists were even surprised at the wealth of the Dutch settlers (having fine Delft tiles and pottery!), to see the incredible colourful beauty of the minerals found in the upstate NY, to learn about the early 20th century Harlem history and its rise as a beacon for musicians as well as to observe the magnificent 19th century fire engines, to name but a fraction of the stellar exhibits. My friend enjoyed the Barbie exhibit too, although I didn't make it to that area. But the early 20th century carousel which we rode was simply magnificent with beautifully crafted horses, a music box and magnificent paintings in the center. Kids and adults alike will love. The World Trade Center exhibit though had us both fighting back tears...so powerful. I definitely recommend a visit if life brings you to the Albany area.
Wishing you all a happy new year 2026, filled with love and hopefully some terrific travel experiences, Daniel
The Christmas to New Years period in years past has always been a time for me to do some traveling. I live in Montreal where I teach and my mother lives in the DC burbs. As the years pass and the Christmas break seems short, I have been doing less traveling, helping mom around the house and just cherishing the time spent with her, which frankly is rather easy, as she's just a delight to be around.
My desire to explore is not diminished though, but I try to find ways that will not detract from the precious opportunity that is the Christmas vacation to be with family. So, I resolved to do a day trip. This year I got Amtrak Guest Reward Select Status with a lounge pass and an upgrade pass, and living in Canada makes it more challenging to use some of the benefits before they expire. So, I wracked my brain... I wanted to see somewhere I'd never been to before, but accessible via a day trip on Amtrak from Washington DC. I mulled a few options but eventually landed on Newark, Delaware. Although most northeast corridor trains such as the Acela do not stop in Newark, there are 3 daily in each direction and consequently a day trip seemed feasible. So, the plan was hatched, I took the 8:50 am train out of DC with a 10:15am arrival today December 30th and decided I would book my return only once in Newark, depending on how I was feeling during the day. To return to DC directly from Newark, I had an option of a 1:40 pm return (which is what I ended up doing) and a 7 pm return, but of note for those considering going to Newark by train, one also has the possibility of taking SEPTA (Philadelphia commuter trains) from Newark to Wilmington, where I believe all the major northeast corridor trains stop.
Why Newark? Other than that it allowed me use the lounge pass in DC and upgrade from coach to business, a beloved and fun aunt who died about 10 years ago studied (or knowing her, I'm sure she won't mind me saying, maybe partied more than studied lol) at the University of Delaware (class of '62); I thought it would be interesting to see her old stomping grounds. Plus, I could see on the map that the campus was within walking distance of the train station as was the main drag aptly named Main Street. I also had read some people described the town as a 'nice place', But in truth I did not know that much about Newark other than unlike the New Jersey city (which is pronounced more like "New E(r)k"), the Delaware town is pronounced like the two words "New Ark".
I have taken the Amtrak trains in the NYC to DC stretch in the past and what one sees from the train of Newark Delaware definitely doesn't show off the town's highlights or charm. In fact, leaving the Thomas R. Carper Newark DE train station, I walked for about 10-15 minutes in the direction opposite the direction toward Main Street toward an area of glassy, soulless medical complex buildings that made me initially question my decision to visit Newark at all. But once I realized my mistake, I retraced my steps and after crossing over a bridge over the railroad tracks, I could see I'd arrive in an area of more historic looking homes and within 5-10 minutes could see a more historic looking area of the University of Delaware.
And I will be unequivocal. The University of Delaware's campus is truly exceptional, that reminded me in some ways of the magnificence of the University of Virginia campus. I was expecting the occasional nice old building, but the expansive lawns surrounded by handsome brick buildings with tall white Greek columns and the occasional archways FAR exceeded my expectations. I felt happy for my aunt to have been surrounded by such beauty on a daily basis during her studies. Although no doubt some buildings had been erected or expanded upon after her departure, many of the stately structures I saw would have been around during her time there, including some of my favourites like Memorial Hall and the Old College. And Main Street Newark I thought very cute, with some lovely preserved old buildings and a nice ambience. I stopped at a lunch spot, Greenhouse Gastropub, which was very friendly in a historic building with pleasant atmosphere. Not to mention that a sauce to accompany my fries, a malt aioli, was amazing!
Now, you might believe that my deciding to spend a bit less than 3.5 hours was an indication that I was unimpressed, but honestly my decision to leave on the 1:36 return had more to do with the fact that it was a bit of a cold and windy day (albeit gloriously sunny!). I had a great day in Newark DE and would be delighted to return one day.
*NY State Museum*
Coming down from Montreal to DC before Christmas, a Canadian friend accompanied me as far as Albany, where I spent 2 nights before heading to the DC area. I have been to Albany before so I won't go into too much detail on the city, although I enjoyed showing her some of the beautiful brownstones north of the Capitol (Jay Street is a particular jewel in this regard), Lark Street and Washington Park. She was very interested in going to Trader Joe's in Colonie (about 20 minutes from downtown Albany), a grocery store which does not have a presence in Canada.
However, a large part of our time there was at the NY State Museum, where we spent a morning and then returned after lunch; neither of us had ever been before. I was expecting a good museum, but instead got one of the most stellar museums I've visited. Yes, it was interesting to read about the Mohawks and the Mohicans, to see artefacts associated with the history of Albany as the settlement Fort Orange where archaeologists were even surprised at the wealth of the Dutch settlers (having fine Delft tiles and pottery!), to see the incredible colourful beauty of the minerals found in the upstate NY, to learn about the early 20th century Harlem history and its rise as a beacon for musicians as well as to observe the magnificent 19th century fire engines, to name but a fraction of the stellar exhibits. My friend enjoyed the Barbie exhibit too, although I didn't make it to that area. But the early 20th century carousel which we rode was simply magnificent with beautifully crafted horses, a music box and magnificent paintings in the center. Kids and adults alike will love. The World Trade Center exhibit though had us both fighting back tears...so powerful. I definitely recommend a visit if life brings you to the Albany area.
Wishing you all a happy new year 2026, filled with love and hopefully some terrific travel experiences, Daniel
Last edited by Daniel_Williams; Dec 30th, 2025 at 07:20 PM.
Dec 30th, 2025 | 07:06 PM
#2
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Early 20th century (1910s) carousel at NY State Museum
Memorial Hall, University of Delaware
Love the columned buildings surrounding the lawns at the University of Delaware
Old College (University of Delaware)
A glimpse of Main Street, Newark, Delaware
Dec 31st, 2025 | 02:21 AM
#3
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 12,327
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Nice trip report, as usual.
I too have extensively studied the industrial, social, indigenous, and political history of the Albany area and find the museum to be insightful. Unfortunately NYS museum gets a bad rap as dated, and good only for mandatory school field trips.
The NY governor has committed significant funds to attempt to revitalize both the museum as well as the immediate areas around there in central Albany, but old city revitalization is a tough nut to crack. The heavy dependence on state jobs, and the massive Corning plaza, with the state office towers and the plaza where the museum is located contributes to some of the problems, as does the interstate 787 that completely separates the city from the Hudson River waterfront.
I wish the governor luck in her vision, but it’s a complicated situation that’s been 100+ years in the making.
Here are some other “Daniel” sights to add to your “when passing through” list.
Troy - lots of brownstones, wrought iron, amd Tiffany windows. You need to know where to look….Best done as a walking tour in better weather. The series “Guilded Age” films a lot of their street scenes in Troy.
Waterford - original Erie Canal locks that bypass Cohoes falls. If you happen to pass through Cohoes immediately after a major rainfall the falls are amazing, and are where the Mohawk river feeds into the Hudson.
All over the area - the Erie Canal locks connected by various bike paths. Best seen in summer when boats are passing through on their way to the Great Lakes or Lk Champlain.
There is also a TJs at exit 9 Clifton Park - larger and easier to park at than the one in Colonie.
I too have extensively studied the industrial, social, indigenous, and political history of the Albany area and find the museum to be insightful. Unfortunately NYS museum gets a bad rap as dated, and good only for mandatory school field trips.
The NY governor has committed significant funds to attempt to revitalize both the museum as well as the immediate areas around there in central Albany, but old city revitalization is a tough nut to crack. The heavy dependence on state jobs, and the massive Corning plaza, with the state office towers and the plaza where the museum is located contributes to some of the problems, as does the interstate 787 that completely separates the city from the Hudson River waterfront.
I wish the governor luck in her vision, but it’s a complicated situation that’s been 100+ years in the making.
Here are some other “Daniel” sights to add to your “when passing through” list.
Troy - lots of brownstones, wrought iron, amd Tiffany windows. You need to know where to look….Best done as a walking tour in better weather. The series “Guilded Age” films a lot of their street scenes in Troy.
Waterford - original Erie Canal locks that bypass Cohoes falls. If you happen to pass through Cohoes immediately after a major rainfall the falls are amazing, and are where the Mohawk river feeds into the Hudson.
All over the area - the Erie Canal locks connected by various bike paths. Best seen in summer when boats are passing through on their way to the Great Lakes or Lk Champlain.
There is also a TJs at exit 9 Clifton Park - larger and easier to park at than the one in Colonie.
Dec 31st, 2025 | 05:09 AM
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Thanks J62 for the comments and Albany area suggestions of attractions I might like! Troy has been on my radar for some time and funny you mention parts of Troy being from the Gilded Age movie—while in Albany, my friend kept saying “I think this was from the movie the Gilded Age” especially around Lark Street and Washington Park.
My friend liked the Colonie Trader Joe’s and bought some things at a nearby Five Below. Nice thing for her is it was accessible by the quite regular 905 bus from Albany to Schenectady, since my friend didn’t have her own wheels.
My friend liked the Colonie Trader Joe’s and bought some things at a nearby Five Below. Nice thing for her is it was accessible by the quite regular 905 bus from Albany to Schenectady, since my friend didn’t have her own wheels.
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Jan 3rd, 2026 | 04:49 PM
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Good to see you are still doing your annual trip to see your mom and taking side trips for us to enjoy with you. We visited the NY museum several years ago and I must say it was way better than our Connecticut museum.
Thanks for the TR
Thanks for the TR
Feb 11th, 2026 | 03:13 PM
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My friend and I walked from our hotel to the Empire State Plaza so we didn’t have to worry about parking, but things were busy with a popular Christmas event taking place in the underground concourse area across the street from the museum. Best wishes, Daniel
Last edited by Moderator1; Feb 19th, 2026 at 03:43 PM. Reason: removed response to a deleted post
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