Peterstown
Nestled between Elizabeth and Linden, Peterstown embodies the rich Italian heritage of New Jersey. Founded in the 1890s as an enclave for Italian immigrants, Peterstown still retains much of its old world charm. Visitors flock to the lively Peterstown Business Improvement District to sample delectable Italian fare, browse family-owned shops, and stroll along picturesque city streets. Don’t miss checking out Spirito’s Restaurant and Bar. For over 100 years, Spirito’s has been serving up homestyle Italian classics passed down through generations. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like veal parmigiana, linguini with red or white clam sauce, and decadent cannoli on the housemade pastry shelf. After indulging in Italian comfort food, walk off the calories with a leisurely stroll down Elizabeth Avenue’s business district. Pop into Italian bakeries and delis like Torrone Bakery and Spirito’s Italian Deli to pick up imported cheeses, fresh bread, and delectable Italian sweets. Admire the historic architecture along the way, like St. Anthony’s Church built in 1912.
Midtown
Midtown is Elizabeth’s vibrant downtown center teeming with restaurants, shops, arts and culture. Broadway forms the lively main artery lined with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and more. The Midtown Shopping Center is home to major retailers like Marshalls, while small businesses like Carol & Company and Delizia Restaurant Boutique add local flair. Art lovers will adore Midtown’s creative community. Make a stop at ArtSpace Gallery to browse works by local artists showcasing diverse styles and mediums. Continue your arts tour at Arts Guild New Jersey and Union County Performing Arts Center, both located right on Broadway. When it’s showtime, Count Basie Center for the Arts hosts national music, comedy, and theater acts just a 5 minute walk from Midtown. The city comes alive at night with Midtown’s own version of Restaurant Row. Savor a romantic dinner for two at one of the many restaurants with sidewalk seating.
Elizabethport
Soak up Elizabeth’s maritime history down in Elizabethport. Once home to sprawling shipyards and oyster fishing grounds, Elizabethport still retains vestiges of its industrial past through salvaged architecture and historic sites. Learn about Elizabeth’s boatbuilding legacy at the American Historical Theatre and immerse yourself in life as a shipyard worker. Stroll along South Front Street to take in beautiful views of the Arthur Kill. The waterfront walkway provides a window into the past, with remnants of docks built by 18th and 19th century sailors. Keep your eye out for the Little Red Lighthouse, a beloved local landmark dating back to 1880. On a clear day you can even spot the Statue of Liberty in the distance. After your waterside walk, stop by a local eatery like Cousins Restaurant or Squeeze Lemon Pub. Munch on steamers, clams, and oysters harvested from local waters while you gaze out over the glittering Arthur Kill from your waterside table.
Elmora
Foodies flock to Elmora to sample authentic foods from around the globe. A stroll along Elmora Avenue is akin to taking an international culinary tour with Brazilian steakhouses, Peruvian ceviche, Colombian arepas, Argentinian empanadas, and more. From mom and pop eateries to street food stalls, it’s the ideal place to spice up your palate. For the city’s best Brazilian churrascaria, book a table at Samba Steakhouse. Their rodizio-style dining lets you sample endless skewered meats like bacon wrapped chicken, sirloin steak, and juicy sausages. Or opt for a casual Colombian bite at La Fonda Antioquena Restaurant. Their specialty arepas make the ideal vessel for heartwarming hot chocolates on a chilly day. Finish off your international feast with homemade gelato and pão de queijo at Padaria Brasil. This family-owned Brazilian bakery crafts their authentic baked goods from treasured recipes passed down from generations. It’s the perfect place to pick up a sweet treat or baked good to savor as you explore more of Elizabeth’s global flavors.
Kean University
Situated in the northwestern corner of the city, a visit to Kean University offers a peek into Elizabeth’s academic side. The historic campus makes a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Many of the original buildings from the school’s founding in 1855 still stand today, like College Hall and Liberty Hall Museum. Peek inside the Liberty Hall Museum to immerse yourself in centuries of American history. The historic manor home turned museum showcases artifacts spanning 9 generations and an extensive decorative arts collection. Costumed interpreters and guided tours bring the rich stories of Liberty Hall’s inhabitants to life. Stop for a peaceful picnic lunch under the shady trees on the scenic campus green. Pack a bite from a local deli or cafe in Midtown or Peterstown to enjoy outdoors. When you need a brain break, pop into Kean’s Karl and Helen Burger Gallery to take in rotating exhibits of contemporary art.
Warninanco Park
Surrounded by the industrial sprawl of Elizabeth lies a 200 acre oasis known as Warninanco Park. The lush park makes the ideal spot for an easy hike, leisurely stroll, or family picnic. Mornings are a serene time to spot local wildlife, including deer families grazing near Olmsted Creek. The park’s winding trails take you through cool wooded groves, alongside babbling brooks, and past wide open meadows. The landscape transforms into vibrant hues each fall when the park’s towering oaks, maples, and birches turn fiery shades of red and orange. Pack a nutritious trail mix or sandwich from a Peterstown deli for a rustic picnic lunch along the water. Let the kids roam free and expend some energy at Warninanco Park’s two playgrounds and expansive athletic fields. With scenic natural landscapes just a stone’s throw from downtown, the park truly offers an easily accessible urban wilderness escape.
Elizabeth Marina
Located along the Elizabeth River, the Elizabeth Marina serves as the city’s gateway to the open waters. Watch vessels cruising along the Arthur Kill River toward New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Grab a bench on the esplanade to sit back and admire the maritime scenery. The best time to visit the marina is during peak boating season between spring and fall. Hundreds of boats dock along the marina’s slips and piers or stop to refuel at the marina gas station. From sailboats and motorboats to lavish yachts and commercial fishing charters, you’ll see all kinds of vessels navigating the local waters. Bring your freshly caught seafood to the Crab Shack next to the marina for a cookout lunch on their waterfront deck. It’s also a lovely spot to enjoy the sunset over the Elizabeth River as twinkling lights from the Verrazano Bridge, Staten Island and Bayonne reflect off the rippling waters.
Boxwood Hall
History buffs will delight in this free hidden historic treasure located right in Elizabeth’s backyard. Built in 1750, Boxwood Hall provides an exceptionally well preserved window into 18th century life through its intact period furnishings and famed ornamental boxwood garden. Wander through antique filled rooms that appear frozen in time. Careful restoration work preserved original 18th century paneling, floorboards, windows and mantles. The home’s showstopper boxwood garden contains over 100 bushes pruned into ornamental shapes dating back to the Colonial era. Costumed interpreters offer guided tours every Sunday March through December to share stories of Boxwood Hall’s various storied inhabitants. After your living history lesson, step outside to admire the heirloom rose garden and stroll the bucolic grounds. The peaceful country estate makes the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll or relaxed picnic lunch on the great lawn.
Book a Bus With Us
From the energy of downtown Midtown to the natural serenity of Warninanco Park, Elizabeth offers variety galore when it comes to exploring its charming neighborhoods. Avoid the stress of navigating congested city streets and parking woes. Let us whisk your group around town in comfort and style in one of our spacious buses. Our knowledgeable team pride themselves on providing smooth, timely transportation across Elizabeth’s vibrant districts. Just give us a call today at (551) 277-2791 to start planning your neighborhood adventure. We look forward to showing you the best of Elizabeth!