The UC Scoop - March 31, 2025

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Cherry Blossom Season: Where to See the Blooms Near Union County

🌸 Spring is nearly here, and with it comes one of the most breathtaking sights of the season—cherry blossoms in full bloom! If you’re looking to catch peak petals, here are two must-visit spots in and near Union County:

Warinanco Park

136 Park Drive, Roselle, NJ 07203

Located in the heart of Union County, Warinanco Park transforms into a pastel wonderland in mid-April. Cherry blossom trees surround Warinanco Lake, offering scenic trails and peaceful picnic spots. It’s a quieter alternative to larger festivals, perfect for a spring stroll or a photo-worthy weekend outing.

👉 Best Time to Visit: April 10–20, especially mornings for softer light and fewer crowds.

Branch Brook Park

Park Avenue & Lake Street, Newark, NJ 07104

Just a short drive from Union County, Branch Brook Park boasts the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the U.S.—over 5,300! Their annual Cherry Blossom Festival runs from April 5–13, 2025, with family activities, food vendors, and cultural performances.

👉 Best Time to Visit: April 7–14 during peak bloom and festival events. Arrive early for parking and the best photo ops.

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Did you know that there’s an app for Union County that helps you locate the parks and recreation centers?

You can get it from the official page of Union County.

Restaurants

We’re not seeing new restaurant openings in Union County recently, so we’ll highlight a few dining places that could be hidden gems.

100 Steps Kitchen + Raw Bar

215 Centennial Avenue,
Cranford, NJ 07016

100 Steps Kitchen + Raw Bar blends the comfort of a local supper club with the elegance of a seafood-forward menu. The star of the show is the raw bar—featuring oysters shucked to order from both coasts—but the menu extends well beyond, offering standout dishes like Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi and Pan-Seared Duck Breast. It’s a BYOB spot with warm, communal vibes, making it ideal for both date nights and casual catch-ups with friends.

With dinner service Wednesday through Sunday and a daily Happy Hour from 4:00–5:30 PM, it’s a neighborhood favorite for a reason. Reservations are recommended.

Ristorante da Benito

200 Walton Avenue,
Union, NJ 07083

Ristorante da Benito offers an upscale Italian dining experience in Union, NJ. Known for its authentic cuisine and extensive wine list featuring selections from Italy, France, and California, the restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere ideal for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. The menu showcases a diverse array of dishes, including homemade pastas, aged steaks, and fresh seafood, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Signature offerings include the Tonno Piccante antipasti, Pappardelle Carne, and Osso Buco. The establishment also boasts private dining options for special events. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. Reservations are recommended and can be made via OpenTable or by calling (908) 964-5850.

La Griglia

740 Kenilworth Boulevard,
Kenilworth, NJ 07033

La Griglia delivers upscale Italian-American cuisine in a modern, refined setting. Known for elegant presentations and seasonal ingredients, the menu highlights fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, and classic pasta dishes with a contemporary twist. Signature offerings include the Zuppa di Pesce (a hearty seafood medley in tomato broth), Veal Chop Milanese, and handmade pastas like Lobster Ravioli and Fettuccine alla Griglia.

The wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement each dish, and the sleek interior with ambient lighting makes it perfect for both date nights and group celebrations. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Irving Social

1443 Irving Street,
Rahway, NJ 07065

Irving Social brings elevated comfort food and signature cocktails to downtown Rahway with a trendy, industrial-chic vibe. From Flounder Milanese to the Irving Burger, the menu blends casual bites with bold flavors. They feature an extensive list of cocktails, craft beer, wine, bourbon and scotch.

Open Monday through Thursday from 4-11pm and Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 12am.

Urban Burger

13 Eastman Street,
Cranford, NJ 07016

Urban Burger is a local favorite for bold, creative burgers in a laid-back setting. Signature picks include the Biggie Smalls (double patty, American cheese, chopped onions) and the Lincoln Continental (with Taylor ham, egg, and Urban yellow sauce). Don’t skip the hand-cut fries—especially the Truffle Pecorino—or the loaded tots. They also host a fun “Vibes and Burger Brunch” every other Sunday.

Upcoming Events

Street Fairs

Fanwood Vendor Pop-Up & Craft Fair, Fanwood Train Station, 239 South Ave, Fanwood, April 6, 2025, 10:00 AM, Free Admission

New Jersey Folk Festival, Passion Puddle, Cook Campus, Rutgers Univerfsity, New Brunswick, April 26, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Red Bank Spring Street Fair and Craft Show, Downtown Red Bank, April 27, All Day

Union County Celtic Festival, Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road, Clark, May 3, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Spring Fling Street Fair, Downtown Westfield, May 4, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Kenilworth Street Fair, 525 Boulevard, Kenilworth, May 18, All Day

Cranford Spring Street Fest, Downtown Cranford, North Avenue, Cranford, May 18, All Day

Westfield Street Fair and Craft Show, Downtown Westfield, June 7, All Day

Restaurant Events

Cangriville House Music Tuscan Breakfast, Farinolio, 330 Springfield Avenue, Summit, April 5, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Loire Valley Wine Dinner with BNP, Chez Catherine, 431 North Avenue West, Westfield, April 10, 6:30 PM

Rahway's Taste of Spring, Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Avenue, Rahway, April 11, 5:30–9:00 PM

Asian American and Pacific Islander Food and Music Festival, Rabkin Park, 1 Swanstrom Place East, Union, May 3, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM

Fresh Pasta Making Class & Dinner, Farinolio, 121 East Broad Street, Westfield, April 11, 6:00–9:00 PM (check their calender to see if there are still spots available)

Chef's Surprise Tasting Menu, Farinolio, 330 Springfield Avenue, Summit, May 23, 6:00–9:00 PM (these sell out quickly)

Arts and Entertainment

McDonald's Gospelfest 2025, Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, April 5, 7:30–10:00 PM

Waiting for Lefty: A Free Staged Reading by The Minutes Ensemble, Westfield Community Players, 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield, April 5, 8:00–10:00 PM; April 6, 2:00–4:00 PM

Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience, Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, April 11, 8:00–10:00 PM

Alex Bugnon – WBGO Presents All That Jazz, Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway, April 19, 5:00–7:00 PM

The Erika Sherger Band at Bull n Bear Brewery, 425 Springfield Avenue, Summit, April 25, 8:00–11:00 PM

The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute, Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, April 26, 8:00–10:00 PM

Other Events

Senior Citizen Film Series: Forrest Gump, The Cranford Theater, Cranford, April 2, 2025, 4:00 PM

New Jersey One-Act Play Festival, duCret Center of Art, 1030 Central Ave, Plainfield, April 4–6, 2025 (Fri & Sat 8:00 PM, Sun 3:00 PM)

Daffodil Day Festival 2025, Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit, April 13, 11:00-3:00 PM

Wednesday Morning Adult Crafts, Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, April 16, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

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