Situated On The Delaware-Maryland Border Is A Vibrant City With Scenic Parks And College Town Vibes

Just east of Delaware's border with Maryland, Newark is a small city where a busy college-town atmosphere blends with abundant green space. Main Street is the center of the action, lined with businesses that cater to both University of Delaware students and a strong year-round community. Just beyond downtown, however, the scenery shifts to wooded trails, open fields, and quiet waterways.

The University of Delaware is central to Newark's personality. More than 24,000 students attend the university and fuel the downtown area with a lively, youthful energy. The historic campus has roots back to 1743 and weaves directly into the city, with the university's central green and South College sitting in the heart of town. Newer development, including residence halls on North Campus, continues to expand the university's footprint. Students bring their own rhythm to Newark, from grabbing ice cream at the university's UDairy Creamery (beside the massive sports complex), to shopping at boutiques along Main Street, to taking advantage of the university's quiet winter session.

Newark's tri-state location on the borders of both Maryland and Pennsylvania is also a major advantage for residents and visitors alike. The city sits about 45 miles from Philadelphia, roughly 60 miles from Baltimore, 100 miles from D.C., and 130 miles from New York City — all within a three-hour drive, depending on traffic. Philadelphia International (PHL) is the nearest major airport, but Newark is also served by Amtrak and Philadelphia's commuter rail, with a station within walking distance of downtown.

Newark's Main Street runs through the heart of the downtown district, with colorful businesses packed into a compact stretch with a desirable Walk Score of 75. University of Delaware students make up a noticeable part of the crowd, particularly during the academic year, but Main Street isn't exclusively a college strip. Local businesses and longtime Newark residents give the area a community feel. The city's arts scene is also incredibly rich, with an array of galleries, performances, public art displays, and university-affiliated cultural programming and museum exhibits.

The Newark and Pomeroy Rail Trail connects Main Street and the campus to the 3,600-acre White Clay Creek State Park, a scenic gem with fishing and trails. Another popular green space within walking distance of East Main Street is the Newark Reservoir. The elevated pool has one of the best views in town, especially if you go for a sunset stroll around the 1.8-mile paved loop.

The campus is best known for its red brick architecture, which lines building facades and walking paths, plus mature trees dating to 1834. By day, visitors can find students lounging on Adirondack chairs spread across the shaded green, rushing to classes up and down South College Avenue, or grabbing a coffee from a local joint on Main Street like Brew Haha! or Little Goat Coffee Roasting Co. When the sun goes down, the college-town atmosphere really comes alive at student-favorite spots like Klondike Kate's, Deer Park Tavern, and Grotto Pizza.

Newark's position near the Delaware-Maryland-Pennsylvania border makes it an excellent jumping-off point for exploring three states in a single trip. Elkton, Maryland, a riverside town with outdoor fun and a charming downtown, is directly over the border from Newark. Or head north into Pennsylvania, where scenic Chester County offers wineries and world-class gardens.

Back in Newark, the restaurant scene makes it easy to find students and long-time residents mingling side by side over a plate. Taverna is a classic spot with a menu of upscale Italian classics and a dimly lit interior. Home Grown Cafe, on the other hand, is an art-filled space with from-scratch food that offers an extensive cocktail and beer list. One of Newark's most unique spots is the University's student-run restaurant, Vita Nova. Fully operated by the university's hospitality students, it serves a fine-dining experience open to the public inside the Trabant University Center.

There really isn't a bad season to visit Newark, but autumn is especially inviting. As the leaves change across White Clay Creek State Park, Iron Hill Park, and the surrounding countryside, the university simultaneously welcomes home a new class of students who breathe life into the city. Spring brings blooming trees and another burst of campus activity before graduation; summer offers a quieter college-town experience, and winter has its own appeal for visitors interested in restaurants, shops, and indoor attractions.