1. There’s More To Do In Newark Than Wait For Your Next Flight
And yes, everyone from Newark is tired of hearing about how you’ve been there before when you’ve only ever been to Newark Liberty International Airport.
2. The Jersey Devils Aren’t Just A Hockey Team
They are hockey team, but they take their name from the legendary and terrifying creature said to haunt the Pine Barrens of Southern Jersey. The creature is said to be bipedal, with the wings of a bat and the head of a goat. The hockey team is said to be awesome.
3. Don’t Even Try To Pump Your Own Gas
It’s illegal! But don’t worry—a station attendant will assist you, and you can stay cozy in the car.
4. Bruce Springsteen Should Be Nominated For Sainthood
This sentiment isn’t specific to Newark; most folks from New Jersey will agree. But you definitely don’t want to get caught badmouthing The Boss while you’re in The Brick City.
5. It’s Pronounced “Noork”
Of course, not officially. But if you want to fit in it’s best to blend all those middle letters together.
6. You Won’t Find Better Portuguese Food Anywhere Else
Barring a trip to Portugal, Newark is the best place to find your food fix. If you need a culture fix to go with the food, The Portugal Day Festival is the highlight of summer.
7. The Best Grub Is On Ferry Street
With amazing Spanish, Portuguese, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese restaurants, you can take a culinary tour of the world on Ferry Street.
8. You Should Invest In An E-Z Pass
Every road is a toll road. If you want to get in or out of Newark, and you don’t want to carry small change all the time, an E-Z Pass is the way to go.
9. Cory Booker Is A Real Life Superhero
Cory Booker, former mayor of Newark and current state Senator, is so much more than a politician. He’s saved a neighbor from a burning building, invited Hurricane Sandy victims over to his house when they lost power, and rescued a freezing dog. In short: he’s awesome.
10. There’s Some Seriously Awesome Scenery
Branch Brook Park has the largest collection of cherry trees in the U.S. If you’re lucky enough to come to Newark in the spring, you’ll see them as they bloom.
11. Newark History Goes Way Back
Settled by Puritans in 1666, Newark is the third oldest city in the country. The Newark History Society’s Archives Project is worth a look—especially for naysayers who falsely claim the city doesn’t have tradition or culture.
12. The Public Transportation Is Awesome
Between the train, the light rail, and the bus, it’s easy to find your way around Newark. Added bonus: there are significantly less weird smells on Newark public transit than on New York’s subway.
13. Newark Is The Birthplace Of Literary Greatness
Philip Roth, Allen Ginsberg, and Amiri Baraka all hail from Newark. With local literary events like the Dodge Poetry Festival and Brick City Speaks, there’s no doubt the tradition will continue.
14. Newark Isn’t Even On Jersey’s Shore
No, it’s not like the show. It’s not even close to the show. It’s not even in the right location. Can we all just agree to move on from this now?
15. Newark Will Always Love Whitney Houston
Houston was born in Newark, and she never forgot her roots. Her death hit the city hard, but they’ll always have her life and legacy to celebrate.
16. If You Need To Find A Police Officer, Try A 24 Hour Diner
Don’t worry about that cop car parked outside when you go to grab your 3 AM burger. Odds are, nothing is going on. Newark’s boys in blue just tend to frequent the city’s 24/7 diners.
17. If People From Newark Wanted To Live In New York They’d Move There
But let’s be honest—it’s overwhelmingly populated, and that rent is just too high. That’s not to say they don’t like visiting. They just prefer to be neighbors rather than roommates.
18. You Can Tap Into Your Artistic Side At The Newark Museum
Newark has an awesome art museum. It’s not the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of Newark (see: airport), but maybe it should be.
19. Military Park Is So Much More Than A Park
A farmers market? Check. A reading room? Check. Open mics, musical performances, and outdoor movie screenings? Check, check, and check. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day.
20. Newark’s Cathedral Is A Little Slice Of Heaven
Standing in the heart of Newark, The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of the nation’s largest—and arguably, most beautiful—churches. The architecture is reason enough to get out of bed on a Sunday morning.
21. The Best Place To Grab A Pie Is At The Monk Room
Pie, of course, refers to pizza. If you’re not in the mood for a whole pie, The Monk Room makes an amazing personal pizza.
22. Ironbound Isn’t Just The Childhood Neighborhood Of Tony Soprano
It’s a thriving close-knit neighborhood with tons of Portuguese art and culture. Plus, the beginning of The Karate Kid was filmed there.
23. In Newark, Art Is Everywhere
From murals on the subways to statues in the parks, art is all around you when you visit Newark.
24. A Jughandle Is Not What It Sounds Like
It’s a type of road, shaped like the handle of a jug, which allows traffic to turn left on the right side of the road. Or, as people from outside New Jersey describe it, “a confusing traffic thing.”
25. You Do Not Want To Swim In The Bay
Yes, the Newark Bay looks pretty. But really, don’t go in there. You could light that water on fire, and a boat might hit you.
26. In Newark, Community Comes First
Newark is made up of close-knit communities from its many neighborhoods. If your neighbor falls ill, you bring them dinner. If your cat gets stuck in a tree, Cory Booker comes to get her out. It’s just the Newark way.
27. Outlet Malls Are Awesome—And You Can Totally Fix That Crooked Hem
Jersey Gardens, located in nearby Elizabeth, is outlet mall heaven. If Cole Haan coats with a missing button died, this is where they would go. And if you’ve got a sewing kit and a little ingenuity, no one ever has to know you paid half price.
28. For A Wild Night Out But With Pancakes, Hell’s Kitchen Lounge Is The Place To Go
Want to see a burlesque show, drink a few cocktails, and also eat pancakes? In Newark, anything is possible. Or at least that’s possible.
29. Everyone In Newark Bought Ice-T’s Rhyme Pays Behind Their Mom’s Back
And everyone from Newark owns at least a few seasons of “Law & Order: SVU” on DVD. Hey, you’ve to support local talent—and he really isn’t a bad actor.
Feature image source: Flickr user PlannedObsolescence
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Newark? Tell us in the comments below!
