Named after a sub-tribe of the Lenape Native Americans, Parsippany is a largely residential township to the north-west of Newark. It is regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the United States, with an attractive combination of urban facilities and a country-style atmosphere.
Things to do in Parsippany
One of Parsippany’s most popular attractions is Craftsman Farms, which was established in the early 20th century as a school for the Arts and Crafts movement. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is home to the Stickley Museum, which explores Gustav Stickley’s role as a furniture designer and showcases his collection of ceramics, metalwork and textiles.
Green thumbs shouldn’t miss a visit to the George Griswold Frelinghuysen Arboretum, which centres around a Colonial Revival mansion once owned by the lawyer and brewer. Admire its collection of ornamental grasses, shade trees and flowering shrubs or coincide your visit with a concert on the gently sloping lawn. Children will love the “Branching Out” Garden and the hands-on Braille Nature Trail.
Sprawling east of Parsippany is the Troy Meadows, a 1,300-hectare nature reserve that protects a remnant landscape of prehistoric Lake Passaic. It has been designated as a National Natural Landmark and is traversed by rugged trails that offer encounters with the resident wildlife. Troy Meadows is a particularly popular birdwatching destination, with regular sightings of red-headed woodpeckers, American bitterns and wood ducks.
Getting around Parsippany
Parsippany is around 25 minutes’ drive from Newark and 30 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains connect from New York City to Mount Tabor railway station in Denville, from where buses continue to Parippany. Renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the township.