This week’s “Trip of the Week(ender)” is a visit to the San Gennero Festival in Little Italy, NYC. The tradition was brought over from Italy by immigrant families living on and around Mulberry Street in downtown Manhattan. It eventually expanded into an 11-day street fair. Throughout the streets you will find music, tons of delicious food, street vendors, games and parades. This annual celebration of food and culture is major tourist attraction.

  • Bring a big appetite and a little pocket money. Not all vendors take debit/credit cards.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking in the city!
  • Take friends, it’s safer and more fun with a few people.
  • Get a MetroCard at New York Penn Station for your round trip subway fares.
  • Make note of the last trains back to South Orange: Morris / Essex line.

New York City is pretty easy to get to with public transportation. Take the NJ Transit train at the South Orange train station to New York Penn Station just five stops away. Leave Penn Station, walk northeast on 32nd or 33rd St. and 6th Ave., and head to 34th / Herald Square (34th & 6th). From there catch the Q train downtown two stops to Canal Street. Walk to Canal and Mulberry Streets. If you prefer a bus, take the 107 Express bus from downtown South Orange to 42nd Street Port Authority. From inside Port Authority you can access the subway system (no need to go outside) Catch the A train downtown four stops to Canal Street. Exit 6th Ave and Walker Sts, NE corner, and walk to Canal and Mulberry Streets. Here are a few links to help you with this experience!

Enjoy the festival!

San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy, New York City

Sausage and Peppers on the grill
Italian cookies