Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Newark, NY

  • Published 2022/09/03

From museums to souvenir shops to tempting downtown cafes, there is no scarcity of adventure in Newark, New York.

Newark is a village in the beautiful Erie Canal in the town of Arcadia, which features many tourist attractions you can enjoy.

The town started from the efforts of Jackson & Perkins, a company famous for cultivating different varieties of roses.

Eventually, the company founded the town of Newark, officially incorporated in 1853.

You can also find other historical places in the village in Wayne County, offering everything that tickles your fancy.

If you want to explore Upstate New York, why not spend a few days taking advantage of every Newark attraction?

Here are the best things to do in Newark, New York:

Find Comfort at Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast

The Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast provides comfort after a long day of fun outdoor activities in Newark.

You can find this inn inside a beautifully furnished historic Tudor building.

Built in 1844, the Tudor building once hosted the Jackson & Perkins estate.

In 2006, California natives Michael and Kimberlee Meeks bought the property.

Together, they moved to Newark and made their dream come true by opening a bed & breakfast.

Although they have renovated the building, they have preserved many of its original parts.

Moreover, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Staying here would make you feel like you’re stepping into Newark’s rich history.

The hotel also offers packages with your stays, such as a tour of the Erie Canal, wine tasting, and more.

Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast stands on High Street, only a few minutes from the downtown area and top tourist attractions.

Explore the Scenic Erie Canal with Mid-Lakes Navigation

Does the idea of cruising or boating on the Erie Canal sound exciting to you?

As a Canal Community, Newark has several partnerships with small businesses around the Finger Lakes region, offering different activities in the canal.

Both cruising and boating are fun ways to spend the day.

Mid-Lakes Navigation can help you explore the canal and feel the water’s natural beauty.

Stay still while watching the canal’s calm waters, or wait for the sunset.

The beautiful T. Spencer Knight Canal Port features picnic areas, benches, a gazebo, and swings overlooking the canal.

You should also check the mural on the wall, “Erie Canal1825,” located under the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.

Spend the day on the water with Mid-Lakes Navigation.

Dine at Canal View Family Restaurant

There’s nothing better than having good food after a long day.

Canal View Family Restaurant offers Greek-American fare with a specialty of gyros that doesn’t disappoint.

The restaurant, with its friendly staff, features a family-friendly environment and warm ambiance.

While it doesn’t offer a view of the Erie Canal, its mouth-watering menu will make you want to grab a seat.

George Hetelekides established Canal View Family Restaurant in 1990.

Step into the Time Machine at Hoffman Clock Museum

See more than 400 clocks, watches, and other tools at Hoffman Clock Museum on Mason Street.

Founded within the Newark Public Library in 1954, the museum features hundreds of timepieces from Augustus Hoffman.

Hoffman was a Newark resident and a Lyons watchmaker.

The museum proudly displays most of his works.

Likewise, the museum offers a guided tour if you want to know more about a specific clock and how he made it.

Check out different clock styles at the museum, and learn about the development of timekeeping.

Revisit the Past at the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society

Newark has a rich history preserved in most museums and art galleries.

The Newark-Arcadia Historical Society is a nonprofit that aims to preserve the local history of the village and the town of Arcadia.

The organization maintains two historic buildings, the former Church of Christ Scientist and the Marbletown Centennial Schoolhouse.

A single teacher once taught eighth graders in the 1876 schoolhouse until its closure in 1947.

Since its founding in 1997, the organization has provided guided tours and educational programs to all visitors.

Tours include exploring the historic cemeteries, houses, and barns.

The Newark-Arcadia Historical Society also hosts an annual event called Old-fashioned Strawberry Social with live music.

Indulge Your Artistic Thoughts at Wayne County Council for the Arts

Newark isn’t just about the delectable meals at the finest restaurants and coffee shops or a fun activity at Erie Canal.

It’s also about art.

If you visit Wayne County Council for the Arts on West Miller Street, you’ll get in tune with your inner artist.

Founded in 1977, the organization has fostered local talents in the village and Wayne County.

It offers week-long art classes and workshops and exhibits these works at its gallery and gift shop.

Check out the paintings, photographs, 3D art, fiber art, and many more at Wayne County Council for the Arts.

Taste Wayne County’s Best Pizza at BB’s Pizzeria

Fresh ingredients and handmade dough are simply the best things you want for pizza.

BB’s Pizzeria has it all!

The pizzeria makes fresh dough daily to ensure they serve high-quality pizza to everyone.

Guess what?

Customers have voted them the best pizza in Wayne County for two consecutive years.

The owner has over 20 years of experience in the pizza industry and started as a dishwasher at age 15.

He eventually got promoted to manager, learned everything, and put up his pizzeria in 1989.

BB’s Pizzeria is a non-franchise shop, ensuring they serve the highest quality pizza at an affordable price.

You can find it on East Avenue.

Grab a Cup at Grind-on Coffee Company

Start your morning in Newark at Grind-On Coffee Company on South Main Street.

The coffee shop offers fair trade, locally sourced organic varieties, and specialty coffees.

Pair your favorite cup of coffee with cinnamon rolls and scones with ingredients also sourced from local suppliers.

The Grind-On Coffee Company also offers gluten-free baked goods.

Go Skiing at the Erie Canal Path

If you visit Newark during winter, try cross-country skiing at the Erie Canal Path.

The trail along the canal will bring you to the sweeping views of woodlands, farms, and beautiful places nearby.

Besides cross-country skiing, you can enjoy strolling, hiking, and even biking while letting the fantastic Newark wind kiss your cheeks.

Explore the trail and retreat to your hotel with a smile on your face!

The Erie Canal Path in Newark is part of the New York State Canal Trail System, stretching from T. Spencer Knight Park to Stebbins Road.

Take Your Kids to Ross Park

When traveling with kids, you should also allow them to play and roam around freely.

Newark has ten different parks with many activities and equipment suitable for kids, including Ross Park.

Bring your kids to the park’s elementary playground.

If they play softball or baseball, they can join a few games on the field, especially during the summer.

There’s also a skating area that kids can use during winter.

Moreover, the park houses a covered pavilion with tables you can use for picnics.

Overall, your kids will enjoy the trip!

Ross Park sits on Frey Street.

Other Things to Do Nearby

When your inner adventure-seeker says you should explore more, you should do it.

Cross the Newark border and explore the nearby towns and cities while learning their history and enjoying their attractions.

See the Wildlife at Blue Cut Nature Center

You don’t have to go into the wild blue yonder of Upstate New York to see magnificent wildlife.

Face the wildlife at Blue Cut Nature Center in Lyons, New York, six minutes from Newark.

Meet the deer, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, beautiful butterflies and dragonflies, and many more.

The 40-acre open land features a pond, towering hardwood, red pine trees, wetlands, grass strips, and well-maintained self-guided hiking trails.

There’s also a clearly marked firing range, although you may have to stay away from it for safety reasons.

The trails are great for all ages as they’re not difficult to hike.

Kids can enjoy it too!

Bring the whole family to the Blue Cut Nature Center!

Sip Fine Wine at JD Wine Cellars

White, red, and fruit-flavored wines comprise the diverse list of wines at JD Wine Cellars, alongside its distilled spirits.

Owners Joan and Doug Allen opened the winery in 2010, producing delicious handcrafted wines.

They also own a farm where a small vineyard grows Marquette grapes.

The owners also source other grapes and juices from the local farmers around the Finger Lakes and Sodus Point areas.

Try a charcuterie board and relax on the deck while enjoying the magical views of lush fields and trees.

You can find JD Wine Cellars in Macedon, New York, 22 minutes from Newark.

Buy Antiques at Geneva Antiques Co-Op

Go to Geneva, New York, to find a gem filled with antiques and collectibles you can bring home.

Find perfect souvenirs and memorable gift items that remain beautiful despite age at Geneva Antiques Co-Op.

The two-story building features more than 70 dealers selling antiques and collectibles for your family and friends back home.

They buy, sell, and trade single items.

Douglas Zeck and Michael Dorrington established Geneva Antiques Co-Op in 2005.

You can find it on Exchange Street in Geneva, New York, 23 minutes from Newark.

Get Closer with Animals at Cracker Box Palace

Compassionate people constantly find themselves taking good care of neglected animals.

That’s what Cracker Box Palace does, in North Rose, New York, 25 minutes from Newark.

Today, more than 100 rescued animals live on the farm, waiting for deserving families to adopt them.

Guests can also donate food for the animals, and you can even feed them at the farm.

The animal rescue farm officially opened in 2001.

Its location in Alaska Farms also houses two buildings from the Shaker period in the 1800s.

The National Register of Historic Places has listed two buildings in its record.

Visit the Wayne County Old Jail Museum

Learn its inmates’ life stories from the mid-1800s until the 1960s at the historic Wayne County Old Jail Museum.

They built the site in 1856, featuring 24 cells preserved alongside some of its original inmates’ artwork on the walls.

You’ll also find the military room used during the French and Indian war, a child’s bedroom, and many more.

The museum offers guided tours for all visitors.

Find the Wayne County Old Jail Museum on Butternut Street in Lyons, ten minutes from Newark.

Final Thoughts

Newark lets you escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, offering you fun outdoor adventure and a comfortable stay.

The small village offers endless possibilities for beautiful tourist attractions with a rich history.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Newark, New York!

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