• Where is West Orange located?
    • West Orange is a suburban township in the Watchung Mountains in central Essex County, New Jersey.
  • What is unique about South Mountain Reservation?
    • The wooded South Mountain Reservation on the Rahway River is known for turtle-shaped rocks, giving the area the name "Turtle Back Rock Picnic Area."
    • The local zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, houses 1,400 animals from 40 species.
  • What is the significance of Thomas Edison’s Laboratory in West Orange?
    • Thomas Edison's Laboratory and home are now a National Park. It was in that lab that Edison developed more than 1,000 inventions, including the light bulb.
  • What is Eagle Rock Reservation?
    • Eagle Rock Reservation is a forest reserve and recreation park in the Watchung Mountains that includes a monument to those lost during the September 11 attacks.
  • What sports facilities are in West Orange?
    • The Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain is an ice hockey and ice skating arena in West Orange and part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex.
  • What cultural attractions are in West Orange?
    • Luna Stage is a theater in West Orange, New Jersey, founded in 1992.
  • What conservation efforts exist in West Orange?
    • Sea Turtle Recovery is a 4,000-square-foot nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating sea turtles and educating people on their ecological importance and conservation efforts.

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1. Turtle Back Zoo

Turtle Back Zoo

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  • 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

2. Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

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  • What is the Thomas Edison National Historical Park?
  • 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

3. Eagle Rock Reservation

Eagle Rock Reservation

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  • 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

4. South Mountain Reservation

South Mountain Reservation

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  • What is South Mountain Reservation?
  • 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

5. Codey Arena

Codey Arena

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  • 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

6. Luna Stage Co.

Luna Stage Co.

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  • 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

7. Sea Turtle Recovery

Sea Turtle Recovery

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  • 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

8. The Highlawn

The Highlawn

© Highlawn Pavilion

  • 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

Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and great for outdoor exploration. The Wilshire Grand Hotel – Comfortable accommodations close to local attractions. Visit the Thomas Edison National Historical Park – Explore the inventor's laboratory and home.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for parks and cultural events. Cambria Hotel West Orange – Modern amenities and a convenient location. Hike in South Mountain Reservation – Enjoy scenic trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and seasonal activities. Courtyard by Marriott West Orange – A cozy stay with easy access to nearby attractions. Take a scenic drive through Eagle Rock Reservation – Capture stunning views of the NYC skyline.
Winter (December-February) – Cold, festive atmosphere with cozy indoor activities. The Wilshire Grand Hotel – A warm and welcoming stay during the colder months. Visit the Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular – Enjoy a magical winter experience with family-friendly displays.

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