Vacation to Newark
 

I have heard Newark is a great destination. I hear that the city is very pleasant and a great place for a vaction. I am looking for a city with a thriving arts scene and great shopping and nightlife. I have heard that Newark has some very cool neighborhoods and has a young, hip energetic feel. I have heard that Newark is very clean and one of the most beautiful cities in the US? What else is their to do in Newark? Also is Newark safe? Does it have a low crime rate. I am contemplating a sidetrip to NYC though I hear it is extremely ugly, dangerous and dirty and that their is really not much to do? Other locations I am contemplating include Compton, Detroit and Wichita?

New Jersey ???

OK. Must be NJ, since you contemplate on doing a potentially unworthy NYC daytrip.

It's a great place. Just make sure you add the theft-protection insurance in your car rental. It'll come in handy - thank me later.

I think hoops has been in the catnip or had one too many at the office Xmas party. If I didn't see that they had so many other posts, I would have thought this was a troll for sure!

Too funny! Don't forget to stay at the Cabrini Green B&B in Chicago if you pass through town.

Oh YES it is a lovely city, lots to see and do, oh and remember to update your will before you leave home.

Enjoy???!!!!???!!!!???

First prize is one week in Newark? And second prize is what???? TWO weeks in Newark?

Gad, I almost snorted my coffee out my nose. Ahh Newark, argueably one of the most corrupt cities in the US. We here in NJ might sneak in to the PAC to catch a concert or show, but doesn't it tell you something that there are police officers about every ten feet? And yeah, it has some good neighborhoods and restaurants (I think). So sure, come on over and plan it for the winter when you can have a sense of the true beauty of Newark.

I too thought troll immediately...Sorry hoops, but Newark is not a good place to visit. It may be nicer now since I moved away 9 years ago from NJ, but I don't think any of my family members would willingly go to Newark still.
A long time ago, I went to a party in Newark. The home was beautiful and had crystal chandeliers and everything. The party was a fun party, but leaving the neighborhood and hoping not to get lost, was a scary drive home.
I am sure Newark has it's nicer spots, but the truth is you would be much safer and happier in New York City. NYC has everything, shows, shopping, museums, and every cultural and ethnic thing you can imagine.

Think it's more tongue in cheek than troll.

Here's a few must do's while vactioning in Newark:

- Cross the majestic Pulaski Skyway and leisurely stroll the piazza d’Journal Square in Jersey City;

- Lunch at the quaint port city of Bayonne;

- A leisurely morning drive, preferably on an open convertible, along northbound NJ Turnpike to get a full whiff of those unforgettable aromatics at nearby Elizabeth, NJ;

- Rahway prison!!!

Enjoy!

Hoopstraveler15, it's a little early for April Fools, but very funny.
bill_boy, you brought back a lot of memories for me, growing up in Jersey City in the early '60's. At that time, Journal Square was a very cool place to hang out, and the Stanley and Loews theaters were world class palaces of cinema.
Even back then,even Jersey Cityites avoided Newark!!

zootsi,

Well, I haven't been there in while (except drive through on our way from NY to a good Spanish/Portuguese restaurant in, YES!, Newark), but I'd imagine that one should be equally armed and ready when leisurely strolling Journal Square, just so one can have at least an equal fighting chance.

I think hoops was just being funny everybody.

bill_boy: Is the restaurant Seabra's Rodizio? Or is it another one I don't know about and should absolutely try? We love Seabra's, although we haven't been in awhile.

I may have seen Seabra’s , but we haven’t done it as far as I can recall. There are just simply too many Spanish/Portuguese eateries in the Newark Ironbound area.

Anyway, we’ve always frequented Don Pepe ( www.donpeperestaurant.com ), mostly because of the free parking and, if you order wisely, the dishes are quite good.

It’s been a while, probably years, but we used to go to The Spanish Tavern (http://spanishtavern.com/page/1572i/Home.html ), but we’ve moved on to Don Pepe.

We’ve been to Cassa Vasca about more than a year ago. This one is very home style in ambiance, appearance and cooking. It’s actually a residence in the residential area just within the Ironbound. Anyway, we weren’t that impressed – perhaps it was just an off day or we were just ordered the wrong stuff that day. But the place was very full with locals. Based on a recent chowhound discussion below, it’s the Spanish/Portuguese place to go in Newark nowadays:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/255972

Who said there ain’t nuthin’ good in Noowawk?

LOL!
I've seen Don Pepe but never tried it. Maybe we will one day.
Thanks!

Too funny. Newark is NOT a vacation destination. Just in case there was any doubt.

My husband is going to dinner tonight at Casa Vasca with friends. He was born and lived until age 6 or so in Ironbound 30+ years ago. His parents come from "down neck" too. There are plenty of good Spanish & Portugese restaurants there.

Those of us who live in the suburbs of NJ in this region might go there on occasion but overall, Newark has a long way to go before it celebrates any sort of Renaissance.

There's lots of improvements slated, but it'll take many years before there's much of value there. :(