West Orange, New Jersey

• What is Turtle Back Zoo?
  • Turtle Back Zoo is part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange, New Jersey.
• How large is Turtle Back Zoo?
  • The zoo is spread over 20 acres in the South Mountain Reservation.
• When was Turtle Back Zoo founded?
  • The zoo was founded in 1963 and was originally reserved for animals native to the New York metropolitan area.
• What kinds of animals does Turtle Back Zoo have?
  • Today, the zoo includes species from every continent except Antarctica.
  • It is home to about 1,400 animals belonging to 40 species.
• What special exhibits can visitors explore?
  • A free-flight aviary contains several hundred birds.
  • The American black bear exhibit showcases native wildlife.
  • The Essex Farm includes farm animals and a petting zoo.
  • The Tropical Currents Aquarium consists of six large tanks with fish from all over the world.
  • The African Adventure enclosure features Masai giraffes, Common Eland, White-faced whistling ducks, Ostriches, and Bontebok.
• Is Turtle Back Zoo open year-round?
  • Yes, the zoo is open year-round.
• What associations is Turtle Back Zoo a member of?
  • The zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America.

560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 973-731-5800

• What is the Thomas Edison National Historical Park?
  • Thomas Edison National Historical Park was established to preserve Thomas Edison's laboratory and Glenmont, his residence in West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey.
• Who designed Thomas Edison’s laboratory and residence?
  • Both the lab and the residence were designed by architect Henry Hudson Holly in 1887.
• How long were the Edison laboratories in use?
  • The Edison laboratories were used for over 40 years.
• What does the park consist of?
  • The park consists of two properties in West Orange: the second Edison Laboratories and Edison's home in Llewelyn Park.
• What facilities are included in the laboratory complex?
  • The laboratory complex includes the industrial facility Edison built in 1887 to research and work on his inventions.
  • It has over a dozen buildings where Edison conducted research on electricity, photography, chemistry, metallurgy, motion pictures, and other disciplines.
  • A private library is located next to the main lab.
• What are some notable features of Edison’s home?
  • Edison’s home was designed in Queen Anne style and originally had 23 rooms.
  • It featured gravity-convection central heat, indoor flush toilets, and hot and cold water.
  • The house still has its original furnishings in an Eastlake style interior.
  • Edison later added six more rooms and installed electrical wiring.

211 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052

• What is Eagle Rock Reservation?
  • Eagle Rock Reservation is a 408.33-acre forest reserve and recreational park located in the First Watchung Mountain of New Jersey.
• How did Eagle Rock Reservation get its name?
  • The reservation is named after Eagle Rock, a bare rock high up on the mountain, located at the boundary between the towns of Montclair and West Orange, New Jersey.
• What trails pass through the reservation?
  • The popular Lenape Trail passes through the reservation.
• What kind of wildlife can be found in the reservation?
  • The reservation is intersected by several streams and features lush forests home to plenty of wildlife, including deer and occasionally bears.
• What dining options are available in Eagle Rock Reservation?
  • The reservation includes Highlawn Pavilion, a restaurant and special event site, housed in a building that was once a casino.
• What memorial is located within Eagle Rock Reservation?
  • A section of the reservation that overlooks the Manhattan skyline includes a memorial honoring those killed in the September 11 attacks.
  • The memorial has inscribed the names of all who died at the World Trade Center and on the two planes that crashed into the twin towers.

Eagle Rock Ave &, Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 973-268-3500

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

• What is South Mountain Reservation?
  • South Mountain Reservation is a 2,110-acre nature reserve on the Rahway River in northeastern New Jersey.
• What park system is South Mountain Reservation part of?
  • It is part of the Essex County Park System.
• When and how was the reservation developed?
  • The reservation was carved from the surrounding wilderness at the end of the 19th century.
  • It was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, developed over a few decades, and has changed very little through the years.
• What kind of natural features can visitors expect?
  • Preserved primarily in its wild state, the reservation features a variety of hardwood trees and stately hemlocks.
  • The landscape includes streams, creeks, ponds, and waterfalls.
• What scenic views does South Mountain Reservation offer?
  • Crater View offers stunning views of the New York and Jersey City skylines, Staten Island, and surrounding townships.
• What recreational facilities are within the reservation?
  • The reservation includes the Richard J. Codey Arena and Turtle Back Zoo.
  • The recreation area features Safari Minigolf and the Treetop Adventure Ropes Course.
• Are there any dining options in South Mountain Reservation?
  • Yes! McLoone's Boathouse Restaurant is located next to the Orange Reservoir.

Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 973-268-3500

• What is the Richard J. Codey Arena?
  • The Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain, also known as South Mountain Arena, is an ice hockey and ice skating arena in West Orange, New Jersey.
• Where is the arena located?
  • It is part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex.
• When was South Mountain Arena established?
  • South Mountain Arena was originally opened in 1958.
• When was the second rink added?
  • A second, smaller rink was added in 1983.
• What renovations has the arena undergone?
  • The arena underwent major renovations in 2004 and 2005, at which point it was renamed Codey Arena.
• What facilities does the arena offer?
  • The arena features two NHL-sized skating rinks.
  • The main arena can accommodate 2,500 spectators, while the second rink seats 500.
• Has the arena been used for professional hockey?
  • Yes! In 2007, the New Jersey Devils used the arena for team practice.
  • It is also home to the Jersey Rockhoppers of the Eastern Professional Hockey League.
  • The arena serves as a home for the New Jersey Daredevils, a special needs hockey team.
• Are skating classes available?
  • Yes! The arena offers skating classes for both children and adults.
• What other events take place at the arena?
  • The arena has been used for other sports tournaments, including the Essex County Tournament of high school wrestling.
  • It also hosts graduation ceremonies and other special events.

560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 973-731-3828

• What is Luna Stage Co.?
  • Luna Stage Co. is a theatre in West Orange, New Jersey, founded in 1992 by Jane Mandel.
• When did Luna Stage become a professional theatre?
  • It became a professional theatre in 1995.
• Where was Luna Stage originally located?
  • For the first 18 years, the company worked in Montclair, New Jersey, starting in a small space on Walnut Street and later moving to a larger facility on Bloomfield Avenue.
• What kind of productions does Luna Stage create?
  • Luna Stage develops and produces plays about local and global events and experiences.
  • The theatre aims to bring communities together for artistic events that create understanding and change.
• How many new works has Luna Stage contributed to?
  • The company has contributed to the production of more than 100 new works for the stage.
• Where have Luna Stage’s world premieres been performed?
  • Their world premieres have been produced in New York and all over the United States.
• Does Luna Stage offer educational programs?
  • Yes! They offer classes for children and adults and have developmental programs for early career artists.

555 Valley Rd, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 973-395-5551

• What is Sea Turtle Recovery?
  • Sea Turtle Recovery is a 4,000-square-foot nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sea turtles and public education about their conservation.
• Where is Sea Turtle Recovery located?
  • It is located inside Essex County Turtle Back Zoo.
• What services does Sea Turtle Recovery provide for sea turtles?
  • The organization provides food, medicine, staff, surgeries, and other treatments to injured and sick sea turtles.
  • They care for the turtles until they can be released back into the ocean.
• How does Sea Turtle Recovery contribute to conservation?
  • In addition to rehabilitation, the organization raises awareness about sea turtles and their importance to the ecosystem.
  • They educate the public about threats to sea turtles and how people can help protect them.

560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 609-667-4076

• What is The Highlawn?
  • The Highlawn is an upscale restaurant in West Orange, New Jersey, known for its spectacular views of Manhattan and elevated New American cuisine.
• Where is The Highlawn located?
  • The restaurant is located within Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey.
• What is the history of The Highlawn?
  • The restaurant was opened in December 1986 in the former open-air "casino" surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park.
• What type of ambiance does The Highlawn offer?
  • The restaurant has a charming Old World vibe, with arched windows, coffered ceilings, white tablecloths, and bright light reflecting off cutlery and glassware.
• What is unique about The Highlawn's menu?
  • The menu revolves around their wood-burning Italian brick oven and char-grill.
• Does The Highlawn offer live music?
  • Yes! Guests can enjoy live music in the Piano Room on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Are there outdoor dining options?
  • Yes! On warm days, the outdoor patio offers al fresco dining with magnificent views of the gardens and Manhattan skyline.
• Is The Highlawn a venue for special events?
  • Yes! The Pavilion is a popular destination for lavish weddings and other special events.

1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 973-731-3463