Take a day trip to Newark, New Jersey’s largest city, and discover the rich history, diverse culture and creative art scene the area has to offer.
Ball of Fire
While most kids are strictly forbidden from playing with fire, GlassRoots studio and shop encourages them to do the opposite. The organization embraces the inherent danger of glassblowing to attract at-risk youths and teach them life skills in a nurturing environment. The results include delicate ornaments, wine goblets, necklaces and paperweights—not to mention nearly 10,000 confident young people since opening in 2001. The studio also hosts classes for the public in the techniques of flameworking, glassblowing and flat glass.
Local Eats
New Jersey has attracted Brazilian immigrants since the 1950s, with many settling in Newark’s Ironbound district. The area honors its heritage with an annual Brazil festival, schools teaching capoeira (martial arts) and samba music, and steak-friendly spots. Stop by Delícias de Minas for a Brazilian buffet; Brasilia Grill for barbecue; or Casa do Pão de Queijo, named for Brazil’s famous cheese buns.
Living Culture
Super Bowl frenzy has spread to the Newark Museum, where the Vince Lombardi Trophy is showcased in its City of Silver and Gold exhibition (from Jan. 8). New Jersey’s largest museum documents the rise of Newark’s precious metals industry by displaying 100 objects, many of which, like the Lombardi trophy, were made at the local Tiffany and Co. factory. The museum’s permanent collection includes Hiram Powers’ 1847 sculpture “The Greek Slave” (above), a world-renowned collection of Asian art, 75,000 natural science specimens and many 18th- to 20th-century American paintings.
Getting There
By Bus: Take Greyhound from Port Authority.
By Train: Take NJ Transit from Penn Station.
