Climb to Your Full Potential at The Delaware Rock Gym

Even if you've never so much as heard the term "belay," you're welcome to climb at The Delaware Rock Gym near Newark. Of course, you'll have to learn the basics first. Take a beginner class at this public climbing gym (the only one of its kind in the entire state) and you'll know everything you need to scale its 11,300 square feet of faux rock faces.

Since the climbing walls are constructed using steel instead of wood, they're uniquely contoured to create realistic, unusual surfaces—just like the kind you'd encounter in real life. Go for a trial climb on Saturdays or Sundays at 10 a.m. They're designed specifically for someone who's never climbed before, so one of the rock gym's highly trained staff members will stick with you every step of the way—from the ground. They'll serve as your guide, anchor, and belayer. The intro climbing classes are also held on Saturdays and Sundays if you need to learn the fundamentals first, and they kick off at 11 a.m.

The Delaware Rock Gym
520 Carson Drive
Bear, DE 19701
(302) 838-5850
www.derockgym.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-delaware-rock-gym-bear

White Clay Creek State Park: An Oasis

Whether you’re looking for a fun place with the family or a respite from your busy day, come to White Clay Creek State Park. As part of the Delaware State Park System, White Clay Creek State Park calls itself a “relaxing oasis,” and that’s the truth! You can relax and enjoy the lush greenery and have a picnic with friends or your family. Or you can take a hike or mountain bike ride on the many trails. The Pomeroy Trail takes you over the footbridge, where you get a nice view of the creek. The park also hosts a number of events year round. Bring the kids to the Nature Center, where there’s usually something fun and educational happening. There’s sledding and cross country skiing in the winter, and don’t miss the summer concert series!

White Clay Creek State Park
425 Wedgewood Road
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 368-6900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/white-clay-creek-state-park-newark

Grassroots: Where Style Meets Whimsy in Newark

Regulars say you can always find something fun and unique at Grassroots, one of Newark's favorite local boutiques. Interested in a set of shot glasses shaped like miniature mason jars? You'll find 'em at Grassroots. How about a corkscrew shaped like a trout? Got that, too. Have a friend who'd get a kick out of molds that'll turn your soft boiled eggs into spooky, yolk-oozing skulls? Grassroots can deliver on that quirky desire.

You'll also find more sophisticated items: sterling silver bangle bracelets, turquoise pendants, and hand-crafted opal earrings are all for sale at Grassroots' jewelry counter. Head over to the accessories wall for a beaded leather shoulder bag and a cashmere infinity scarf to complete your outfit.

Whether you're looking for a gift for that friend who has it all, or want to find something special for yourself, Grassroots has plenty of stylish, whimsical items on offer.

Grassroots
93 East Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 453-9751
www.grassrootsonlineshopping.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grassroots-newark

Browse the Stacks at the Newark Free Library

The Newark Free Library offers thousands of classic books and current bestsellers (as well as more rare and obscure titles) to entertain and enliven. Spend an afternoon reading on one of the library's cozy couches, or check out your books to relax at home. There's something satisfying about the heft and feel of a physical book, but if you want the space-saving convenience of digital books, you'll be glad to know that Newark Free Library also offers electronic check-outs for your e-reader or tablet, as well as traditional audio books and DVDs.

This library also has a robust community programming schedule, including events like weekly children's storytime hours, homework help for kids and teens, popular film screenings, and a genealogy research center for anyone who is interested in tracing their family heritage. You can also brush up on your basic software skills by signing up for one of the library's computer literacy classes.

Newark Free Library
750 Library Avenue
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 731-7550
nccde.org/333/Newark-Free-Library

Downtown Newark: Lots To See & Do

There is always something happening in Downtown Newark. It’s a college town, a colonial treasure and a bustling business sector, all rolled into one! Bring the family and you’ll always find something special on Main Street. If you’re looking to shop, you’ll find an eclectic mix of stores as varied as they are interesting. Where else can you find a jewelry store down the street from a classic comic book shop?

Or just walk around and discover the varied history of this area as part of the Nation’s “First State.” On a nice day, you can’t beat the scenery, even if you just want to people watch! And dining can be a difficult choice because there are over 60 restaurants on Main Street and adjoining streets. No matter what you want, it's just a short walk away — and just minutes from Christina Mill!

Visit enjoydowntownnewark.com to learn more!

MusikTV Cafe: Karaoke, Crepes, Bubble Tea in Newark

Imagine lining up your favorite karaoke tune and belting it out in the privacy of a room reserved for your small group. Now imagine following up your performance with one of your favorite meals: a ham and cheese crepe. Next, imagine it's time to wet your whistle with a glass of strawberry bubble tea, complete with chewy tapioca balls at the bottom, before you head back into your karaoke booth. Sound like a great way to spend an evening? Well, you've just imagined MusikTV Cafe, a unique and popular Newark establishment that combines karaoke, crepes, and bubble tea into one entertainment experience!

Regulars praise nearly everything about MusikTV Cafe. The karaoke machines are modern, and the rooms are clean and spacious. The crepes are well seasoned and made with fresh ingredients, while the teas use quality boba and are thoroughly mixed for the best flavor. Finally, reviewers say the staff at MusikTV is especially attentive, friendly, and accommodating. Check it out this weekend!

MusikTV Cafe
9 North Chapel Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 533-6639
www.musiktvcafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/musiktv-newark

Newark Natural Foods: See What a Co-Op Has to Offer

Newark Natural Foods is a grocery co-op that's been serving Newark residents since 1975 when a handful of families banded together to buy organic food in bulk. Since then the co-op's membership has grown to more than 3,600 households, and the store includes thousands of different items in its inventory, while still remaining true to its founding principles: to provide goods that are produced using sound environmental principles and to extend access to organic food.

Of course, this means that the co-op specializes in providing local, organic produce, as well as grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, and other ethically produced animal products. In addition to the store's own produce section, you'll find a seasonal farmers' market in front of Newark Natural Foods during the summer weekends.

Newark Natural Foods also carries cruelty-free health, beauty, and pet products!

Newark Natural Foods
280 East Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 368-5894
www.newarknaturalfoods.com
www.yelp.com/biz/newark-natural-foods-newark

Iron Hill Park: A Newark Community Landmark

Iron Hill Park is proof that anything can be turned into a natural wonder. Located on Old Baltimore Pike, Iron Hill Park served as an iron mine for many years. Now, local volunteers have lovingly restored it as a 335 acre community jewel. This is a terrific spot to bring the family and enjoy the beauty of nature.

There’s plenty of room in the picnic area for families and friends to gather, and everyone is welcome to take a hike to get some exercise. Photography is not only allowed, it’s encouraged! There are monthly nature tours, and bring the family to the Iron Hill Park Museum. Operated by the Delaware Academy of Science, the museum is a place of fun and learning.

Visit Iron Hill Park's website to learn more!

Iron Hill Park
Old Baltimore Pike
Newark, DE 19702

Pin It on Pinterest