Maplewood is "Brooklyn of the West"
Maplewood, often called the "Brooklyn of the West", oozes charm. Though it's just a half-hour from New York City, it's got a decidedly small-town feel. You could hop on a train to visit the big city, but why would you want to, when you've got everything you need right on the doorstep of your Maplewood vacation rental? When you wander along the pretty streets, you'll discover numerous antique shops, independent boutiques and even an old-school bulb-lined cinema. Bringing the kids? There's plenty to keep the little ones busy, including one of the best zoos close to NYC.
A thriving art scene
The town has a thriving art scene, which can be explored through its many galleries, art centers and theaters. Look out for performances at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. You'll also find a packed schedule of shows and concerts at SOPAC, the South Orange Performing Arts Center. If you want to get involved, the 1978 Maplewood Arts Center offers workshops and classes to both beginners and experts. Nothing beats a night at the movies, and the town's lovely old theater is slap bang in the downtown area, near your Maplewood vacation rental.
A great place for the whole family
Just a short drive from your Maplewood vacation rental, you've got the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation, a playground for outdoor recreation. Between spring and fall, residents and travelers head up to the park to walk along the scenic trails. If you're with the kids, you can pack up a picnic and head up to the reservoir in the park to paddle around on swan boats or let them run amok in the Regatta Playground. There are plenty of grills around the park, so light up and have a BBQ with the family near to the kids' playground area.
Long, hot summers and cold, snowy winters
Being so close to New York City, the weather patterns are almost the same. The shoulder months can be a little changeable, but the summers are typically long and hot, while the winters drop below freezing and see plenty of snow. If you want the best deals, visit during the weekdays between April and May or September and the end of October when the town is at its quietest, but the weather is still comfortable. The festive season can be a magical time to visit, with the Christmas lights in full swing and the town dusted in powdery snow.
Exploring the natural landscape of Maplewood
Whether you're an active traveler or just want to take in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Maplewood. These are some of the area's most stunning features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Central Park (16.4 mi / 26.3 km)
- Battery Park (13.5 mi / 21.8 km)
- Bryant Park (15.2 mi / 24.5 km)
- South Mountain Reservation (1.7 mi / 2.7 km)
- Eagle Rock Reservation (5.3 mi / 8.5 km)
- Military Park (5.4 mi / 8.8 km)
Transportation to and around Maplewood
The nearest airport is in Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR), located 5.6 mi (9.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK), which is 26.3 mi (42.4 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, the main station is Irvington Maplewood Station.