we said...
the places in newark that make us feel like royalty


lodging
» the inn at millrace pond, moderate, (800) 746-6467. located approximately 40 miles northwest of newark proper, this charming colonial inn was an operating gristmill in the 1770s. check in and check out the antique water wheel, wine cellar, conference center, private tennis courts, and nearby national park.

» newark liberty international airport marriott, moderate,
(973) 623-0006. we know what you're thinking - an airport hotel? really? but besides being convenient and offering free round-the-clock shuttle service to and from the terminal, this 590-room retreat boasts better-than-usual room service, a cigar bar with outdoor patio, and a surprisingly quiet setting considering its near-runway locale.

dining
» bula world cuisine, moderate, (973) 579-7338. chef/owner bradley boyle cooks up a storm in the kitchen, creating a constantly changing international menu. but karl latham, who books the swinging friday-night jazz performances, also helps put this delightful dining room on the map.

» stage left,
expensive, (732) 828-4444. it's a bit of a drive to new brunswick, but readers of new jersey monthly routinely rank this one of the best restaurants in the state. it's equally ideal for a romantic rendezvous, client dinner, or just when you're hungry for the likes of pistachio-studded chicken breast with heirloom squash and arugula pesto or asparagus salad with yellow tomato and truffle vinaigrette. it ranks high on our list for one other great feature - cellphones are taboo in the dining room.

shopping
»creative kidstuff,
(973) 623-1844. there's plenty of great shopping throughout the newark airport, but this toy store in terminal a is a new favorite. their selection is impressive, not only because of its size, but because it's not filled with your run-of-the-mill stuffed creatures and coloring books.

attractions
» military park,
(800) 843-6420. newark is america's third oldest city, so naturally there's plenty of history to go around, including at this six-acre town green that served as a training site for newark's armed forces in the 17th century. statuary scattered throughout chronicle past adventures, including a mammoth wars of america monument by mount rushmore artist gutzon borglum.

» newark bears,
(973) 483-6900. forget the bad news bears. when baseball season rolls around, we enjoy taking in a bears minor-league game at cozy bears & eagles riverfront stadium, which many say reminds them of baltimore's beloved camden yards.