Explore the Area
Welcome to South Orange & Maplewood!
Often referred to as SOMA or MAPSO, the towns South Orange and Maplewood are home to a vibrant and diverse mix of businesses and experiences. From shopping to dining, classes and events, there is so much to enjoy in our neighborhood. Just 30 minutes from New York City, both downtowns are easily accessible by New Jersey Transit via the Morris & Essex lines.
Find additional information on our community below:
Maplewood | Official Website
South Orange | Official Website
South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race | Two Towns, One Great Community
SOPAC is proud to maintain a robust Local Business Network that offers our members discounts on wonderful restaurants, stores, and experiences.
Explore our Local Business Network
Take a Virtual Tour of SOMA!
If you are looking to spend the night nearby, these are several area hotels that we recommend! When possible, please let them know you were referred by SOPAC.
Wilshire Grand Hotel
Offering complimentary services, such as a buffet breakfast, wifi, fitness center, and free local shuttle service within a five-mile range. Pet friendly.
350 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 731-7007
Residence Inn
Offering complimentary services, such as a buffet breakfast, fitness center, and indoor pool. Pet friendly.
107 Prospect Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 669-4700
Courtyard by Marriott
Offering complimentary services, such as wifi, fitness center, and indoor pool.
8 Rooney Circle
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 669-4725
Cambria Hotel
Offering complimentary services, such as wifi, fitness center, and indoor pool.
12 Rooney Circle
West Orange, NJ 07052
(862) 233-4980
Hilton
Offering complimentary services, such as indoor/outdoor pools
41 John F Kennedy Pkwy
Short Hills, NJ 07078
(973) 379-0100
Westminster Hotel
Offering complimentary services, such as wifi, fitness center, and indoor pool.
550 W Mt Pleasant Ave
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 533-0600
There is much to do in the communities surrounding SOPAC. The area is abundant with activities focused on the arts, history, and cultural experiences. Here are some of our suggestions:
Essex County Codey Arena
As part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, the Codey Arena is an ice hockey and ice skating arena with two National Hockey League-sized skating rinks.
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
Durand-Hedden House & Garden
The Durand-Hedden House and Garden is a historic museum that explores the development the of Maplewood area. From September through June, Durand-Hedden hosts open houses and special events.
523 Ridgewood Road
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Eagle Rock Reservation
Home to the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, Eagle Rock Reservation is a 400+ acre park along the Watchung Mountains ridge line with various hiking trails and footpaths. The main entrance to the park provides visitors with spectacular views of the New York City Skyline.
Eagle Rock Avenue & Prospect Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
Luna Stage
As a petite performance venue, Luna Stage is home to two small theatre spaces, showcasing new, contemporary, and classical plays about local and global experiences.
555 Valley Road
West Orange, NJ 07052
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is a 25-acre park in the heart of Maplewood, located across from the Maplewood Train Station. The park includes a playground, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Memorial Park is often the location of community events, such as the annual two-day Maplewoodstock Music and Art Festival.
580 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center
As an open air amphitheater, OSPAC features lawn seating and views of West Orange’s historic Crystal Lake. The outdoor space is pet-friendly.
4 Boland Drive
West Orange, NJ 07052
South Mountain Reservation
The reservation is a 2,110 acre nature reserve with trails, a dog park, and various attractions including the MiniGolf Safari, Regatta Playground, Paddleboats, and TreeTop Adventure Course.
Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ 07052
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Preserving Thomas Edison’s laboratory and residence, the National Historical Park offers visitors access to laboratory facilities and the Glenmont, the estate of Thomas and Mina Edison.
Turtle Back Zoo
Voted #1 zoo in New Jersey, Turtle Back Zoo is part of South Mountain Recreation Complex and is home to over 200 species of animals from around the world.
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
Check out what’s going on in our community during your visit:
- Maplewood Arts Council
- Maplewood Village
- Seton Hall University Arts Council
- South Orange Downtown
- Springfield Avenue Maplewood
- Valley Arts District
If you are looking for more wonderful experiences in the area, see what our Local Business Network partners have to offer.
South Orange and Maplewood are home to a wide array of restaurants and dining establishments.
SOPAC’s Season 20 Restaurant Partner
Felina Steak – South Orange
101 S Orange Ave,
South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 996-8969
SOPAC ticket holders can enjoy the special Pre Fixe Menu. Perfect for a pre-show dinner just steps from SOPAC.
Burgers Grilled Right (BGR)
9 West South Orange Avenue
South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 762-0050
20% off for all SOPAC ticket holders 2 hours before or after a performance.
Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant
56 West South Orange Avenue
South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 378-8818
SOPAC Members save 10%
Bistro d’Azur
14 Academy Street
South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 327-9725
SOPAC Members save 10%
The Order
50 West South Orange Avenue
South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 313-1333
SOPAC Members save 10%
Papillon 25 Restaurant & Martini Bar
25 Valley Street
South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 761-5299
SOPAC Members save 10%
Restaurant Lorena’s
160 Maplewood Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040 (973) 763-4460
SOPAC Members save 10% on Wed and Thu
For other restaurants in the area, see what our Local Business Network partners have to offer.