1. Cherry Blossoms Mean Newark Made It Again
“Cherryblossomland” takes over
Newark every April with 4,300 blooming trees sprawling throughout Branch Brook Park. But it’s not just a pretty sight.
The famous Cherry Blossom Festival is a huge relief for residents of Newark, as it signals the end of the long, cold, and sometimes brutal winters.
Plus it means it’s almost time for vacation at the Jersey shore! And speaking of The Jersey Shore…
2. Read My Lips: It’s “Down The Shore”
Travel vernacular in Newark is very specific. When headed to the coast, whether you’re headed north or south, you don’t go “to the beach”, you go “down the shore.” Got it? But once you’re at the shore, you pack up your towels and head “to the beach.”
Alternately, when you’re taking a trip to one of the many lakes in north and northwest Jersey, it makes perfect sense that you’re headed “up the lake.”
Well, it makes sense to them, anyway.
3. The NY Jets And Giants Are Really New Jersey Teams
Despite being officially branded as New York teams, everyone in Newark knows that the Jets and Giants really belong to New Jersey. Even Chris Christie agrees.
Both teams play and practice in the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, just 10 miles outside of Newark. So the next time you’re cheering for the Giants, just remember that the NY on those helmets should really read NJ.
4. Tops At 2 A.M. Is A Rite Of Passage
New Jersey is the Diner Capital Of The World, with more 300 to be found throughout the state. Newark is home to perhaps the most famous, Tops Diner, voted the Best Diner In New Jersey. And it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Everyone has found themselves at Tops after midnight at some point, whether it was after a concert or just because they found themselves with a craving for some red velvet pancakes. Mmmmmm.
5. A Hard Roll Is The Perfect Breakfast
Some breakfast enthusiasts will argue the merits of waffles vs. pancakes. That’s all just sugar-coated nonsense in Newark.
Everyone in Newark knows that a real breakfast is on a hard roll. An egg and pork roll is even better. But in a pinch, just slap on a little butter and you’re good to go. Done and done.
6. “Orange” In Newark Doesn't Mean Citrus
The neighborhoods surrounding Newark include Orange, East Orange, West Orange and South Orange, but they’re usually referred to simply as “The Oranges.”
Orange itself used to be a part of Newark, but back then it was called the “Newark Mountains.” Although the four municipalities are in pretty close proximity, they are respectively unique from one another. And don’t you forget it, or mix them up.
7. Being Paranoid About Cars Comes With The Territory
Newark used to be well known as the car theft capital of the world. Although the city’s ranking has dropped a bit in recent years, car thefts are still a big problem for residents.
That’s why you’ll notice residents frequently looking out of their windows to make sure their car is still parked where they left it. Even if they have a car alarm. You can’t be too careful.
8. The Real Feast In Newark Isn’t At Thanksgiving
2014 marks the 115th year that Newark residents gather to ask for blessings from Gerard, the Patron Saint of Motherhood. Everyone comes together at Saint Lucy’s Church, the National Shrine Of Saint Gerard, every year in October to pray, worship and most importantly, eat.
Devout or not, everyone in Newark has been to at least one feast in their lifetime.
9. Down Neck Is Where All the Cool Kids Go
Down Neck is a vibrant community named for the curve of the Passaic River, and more commonly referred to as Ironbound. A melting pot of culture and cuisine, Ironbound carries a strong Portuguese heritage but has seen its diversity grow among the years.
When you’re hungry in Newark or just looking for a night out, Down Neck is where everyone goes.
10. The Mayor Of Newark Doesn’t Get A Desk Job
The mayor of Newark is expected to work harder than anybody else by constituents—even harder than the President. The city’s been waiting for its promised comeback for decades now, and residents don’t take kindly to politicians who sit around wasting their time.
Previous mayor Corey Booker, famous for his hands-on work with the city, put in his share of hours, even helping residents dig snow from their driveways back in January—even though he was a senator by that time.
