The year, 1995, marked Newark's 330th birthday. Only two other major American cities, Boston and New York, claim such a long history. Once a city marred by shadows of poor housing, discrimination, crime, rioting, and the loss of a workforce, Newark has become over the last two decades a "Renaissance" city. Commercial growth has been nonstop in the downtown area whether by the relocation of major national and international corporations or the growth of small business establishments. Newark Airport has become one of the nation's busiest and most important international air centers. A $375 million Monorail now links the terminals to the parking lots. University life has prospered with the growth of NJIT, one of the most "wired" universities in the US and Rutgers University. Post college education thrives with Seton Hall and Rutgers law schools and UMDNJ, the largest health sciences school in the United States of America.

The arts have begun to grow, with the NJ Performing Arts Center holding nightly shows ranging from opera to comedy, and artists from Bill Cosby to Itzhak Pearlman. Sports has also gotten a big boost with the opening of the Newark Bears riverfront baseball stadium, bringing the likes of Pete Incavilia, Rickey Henderson and Jose Canseco to Newark. You can sample world-class cuisine in Newark's many international restaurants and even sip espresso and a chalice of Port Wine in Newark's Ironbound district.

If Newark's social experiences don't whet your appetite for excitement, Penn station allows for easy commute into Manhattan. A twenty-minute ride via train will put you in midtown where access to shows, restaurants, nightlife and shopping is unlimited in the heart of the "city that never sleeps".

Opportunities to relax don't just stop with Newark and New York City. Because of Newark's very central location, it boasts access to most major New Jersey Highways. For those that enjoy nightlife, Hoboken and Jersey City both provide an ample amount; for those than prefer the beach, the Jersey Shore is just 40 minutes away; Atlantic City's the place to go to play slots, blackjack or enjoy a show; the history buff will find Washington's winter headquarters in Morristown right up their alley. Regardless of what your interests are, New Jersey is sure to provide you with opportunities to engage in them.

We invite you to come and visit New Jersey — see it again for the very first time.