Turn Father's Day into a Weekend Getaway- Plan a Stay with us in NJ!

Planning a Father’s Day trip in New Jersey? How about turning your one-day visit into a memorable weekend getaway with us in NJ. There are endless attractions and landmarks to explore near our West Orange location. You’ll have no trouble finding things to do during Father’s Day weekend in NJ!

To help get you started, we’ve listed a few of our top Father’s Day activities in NJ. Get inspired, plan your trip and relive the memories for years to come.

Golfing: For the golf-loving Dad, make sure to check out these Golf Courses in Essex County. We are conveniently located near all of the golf courses and even have our very own seasonal putting green for practicing!

Dining: Whether beginning your day at our Hearty Wilshire Grand Buffet Breakfast or ending the night at our Zagat Rated Primavera Restaurant & Bar, your Dad is sure to leave with a full stomach. If craving something outside of our hotel, our area offers the most eclectic restaurants and bars in NJ.

Hiking: For hiking, boating, biking and more, Verona Park in New Jersey has it all! The 54.32-acre park is located less than a mile from our NJ hotel. If traveling with children, the park also features tennis courts and a playground!

Sightseeing: With our convenient location to the NJ attractions, you’ll want to set a few hours aside for sightseeing. Here are a few attractions you won’t want to miss: Eagle Rock Reservation, Turtle Back Zoo, the Newark Museum, Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center and the Lambert Castle Museum.

Do your favorite Father’s Day memories include any of these activities and attractions in NJ? We invite you to come discover these and more during your Father’s Day weekend getaway in NJ.

Until next week,
The Wilshire Grand Hotel

Enjoy a Newark Bears Baseball Game this Season!

Why travel to NYC to enjoy a baseball game when you can experience “America’s Favorite Pastime” right here in NJ? Opening Day for the Newark Bears Baseball will take place on Friday, May 17, 2013 and will include one of the best firework shows in New Jersey.

Whether a devoted fan to the game or looking for a summer event in NJ, come enjoy an exciting afternoon or early evening out with friends and family at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark.

The 2013 Newark Bears Schedule will feature 10 games ending with a post-game Firework Display, a fan-favorite among Newark Bears baseball fans. If interested in learning more about Newark Bears baseball, click here.

When it comes to summer in NJ, we feel that nothing beats the excitement of a live sporting event. Enjoy endless hotdogs, sunshine and bonding with your family at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium during your next summer getaway in NJ.

Until next week,
The Wilshire Grand Hotel, NJ

Class of 2013: Celebrate your Graduation at our Event Venue in NJ!

First, we’d like to congratulate you on a “job well done!” Whether heading off to advance your education or venturing out into the real world, your accomplishments should be celebrated. Let us host your graduation party at our event venue in West Orange, NJ. We offer plenty of event space to ensure a memorable afternoon or evening!

From grand ballrooms to intimate settings, our event venues in NJ sparkle with elegance. Our Regency Room and Grand Ballroom offer a sophisticated setting. Whereas, our Tuscany Room and The Loft at 350 offer a unique layout that makes you forget you are in the suburbs.

When it comes to your graduation, these are just a few of the event venues that we offer for our guests in NJ. Check out our Banquets & Meeting Space page on our website to learn more.

When it comes to celebrating your graduation, choosing an event venue in NJ may seem difficult. We hope you’ll let our professionals at The Wilshire Grand Hotel help create the perfect celebration for you.

Until next week,
The Wilshire Grand Hotel

Spend Memorial Day Weekend in NJ!

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching and the Garden State is always the ideal destination for any age. Whether visiting family or searching for the best Memorial Day events in our area, we hope you’ll to begin your weekend getaway with us in NJ.

While here, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a few parades happening around us, as well as attend many Memorial Day ceremonies taking place throughout our NJ area. With our convenient location, day trips are always a convenient possibility. Hop on the train and visit the sites and events in NYC.

After a long afternoon filled with barbecues, celebrations and activities, you’ll love cozying up in our luxurious accommodations at The Wilshire Grand Hotel. Visit our website to learn more about our rates and availability and begin planning your Memorial Day weekend getaway in NJ today.

Until next week,
The Wilshire Grand Hotel

Our Top Party Themes for your Sweet 16!

First: Take a deep breath and relax because your upcoming Sweet 16 party is going to be great. It’ll be one that your friends will talk about for years to come. Although it might seem overwhelming now, all of the endless planning and effort will be all worth it!

If you’ve just begun planning your ultimate sweet 16 party you may not have picked a theme yet. And when it comes to any party or momentous occasion, establishing a theme should be at the top, if not the first thing, of your list. Which is why we’ve decided to dedicate this week’s blog post to “Our Top Party Themes for your Sweet 16.”

When it comes to our top party themes for your Sweet 16, you may be familiar with none or all of them. But it is our hope that our list will inspire you to get your creative juices flowing and put the fun back into party planning! So, let’s take a look at some of the unique, party ideas that you can have for your Sweet 16.

• Single Color Party Theme: Imagine a room decorated in all white or maybe, your favorite color. From the invitations to your guests’ attire to the centerpieces to the lighting, you can really make a party stand out by only using one color. You may already be familiar with an all-white themed party but have you thought about how different an all-pink or an all-blue party could be?

• Winter Luau: Just because your birthday is in the winter, doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate like its summer! Use tropical-themed décor, palm trees and beach umbrellas to help warm up your guests from the chill outside.
• Masquerade Ball: Hand out masks at the door for your friends to put on and have a ball with this unique party idea for your Sweet 16.
• 60s, 70s or 80s Era Party: Travel back in time with your friends. You’ll be surprised to learn of how many great dance songs came from these eras!
• Tiffany’s Theme: Are you familiar with the popular jewelry store Tiffany’s? The colors are Teal and White. Incorporating these signature colors, and breaking out your best pearls, can really make any party look sophisticated and elegant.

Of course, there are plenty of other themes out there such as Hollywood, Sports, Vintage, etc. The most important thing to ask yourself is what best suits your personality? After you figure this out, you’ll realize that establishing the best party theme for your Sweet 16 is a lot easier than you think!

You’re next step may be to find the perfect event venue to host your Sweet 16. If you’re in the NJ area, we welcome you to visit our Weddings & Events page on The Wilshire Grand Hotel website to learn about the event spaces we have available. We’re conveniently located in West Orange, NJ.

Until next week,
The Wilshire Grand Hotel

Essex County Mini Golf Safari - Now Open for the Spring Season!

Searching for the best activities in the NJ area? How about enjoying a fun and light-hearted activity that you and your kids will love! The Essex County Mini Golf Safari is now open for the spring season. Put your best miniature golf skills to the test at this award-winning 19-hole course, right here in West Orange, NJ.

The Essex County Mini Golf Safari is located right down the road from us on the corner of Cherry Lane and Northfield Ave in West Orange. The unique attraction in NJ gives visitors the opportunity to experience a taste of Africa, without leaving NJ.

Treat the children to a memorable spring afternoon, as you putt around a life-size gorilla, hippo and other African creatures. Keep in mind that this NJ spring attraction has special spring break hours. Click here to learn more about the Essex County Mini Golf Safari.

Turn your day trip into a mini vacation with the family and plan your overnight stay with us at The Wilshire Grand Hotel, NJ. Visit our website to learn more.

Celebrate Mother's Day in NJ!

Plan the perfect Mother’s Day weekend getaway in NJ. Let our latest blog post be the guide to your trip and spoil Mom to a memorable experience right here in NJ.

Dining: Our Zagat-Rated Primavera Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner to satisfy any palate. If looking for dining outside our hotel, our area is home to a few of the most desirable and eclectic restaurants in NJ. Our staff would be more than willing to help direct you to the best places to go during your Mother’s Day visit in NJ.

Events: During your Mother’s Day trip, how about surprising Mom to a Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner Cruises. For this event in NJ, Spirit of New Jersey departs from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, NJ.

Cozy Accommodations: After exploring the area, come back to our cozy accommodations in West Orange, NJ and rest your feet. We offer spacious rooms in an elegant setting.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day in NJ, begin your adventure with us. Visit our website to learn more and begin planning the ultimate Mother’s Day getaway with us in North Jersey.

Until next week,

The Wilshire Grand Hotel

Spring Wedding Trends for 2013!

Are you planning on getting married this spring? Check out the top spring wedding trends for 2013!

Let’s start with the wedding color scheme. It looks like 2013 is all about the neutral color palettes: shades of grey, blush and taupe. It gives a vintage feel to any wedding and makes our list as one of the top spring wedding trends for 2013.

For décor, candles, chandeliers and garlands, oh my! These small touches are having a big presence at weddings. Creative wedding ideas range from garlands with ribbon to garlands hung from chandeliers. Our Regency Room at The Wilshire Grand Hotel sparkles with crystal chandeliers and luxurious décor.

Did you know that the peony is the most-requested wedding flower for the second year in a row? The romantic flower is the perfect touch to any spring wedding in NJ and beyond.

Planning your wedding should be a piece of cake with these cake styles for 2013:

• Clean and modern with a bow, flower or monogram.
• Eye-popping color and designs on every layer.
• Cakes that mimic the bride’s wedding-dress and detail.

What are your favorite spring wedding trends for 2013? Did they make our list? We hope you’ve been inspired with this week’s blog post. If planning your wedding in NJ, our catering and event specialist can handle every detail of your special day with genuine care and personal detail. Visit our website today and create your dream wedding at our venue in NJ.

Until next week,

The Wilshire Grand Hotel

5 Quick Tips for Planning your Wedding on a Budget!

Now that wedding season is fast approaching, we thought we’d dedicate this week’s blog to “Planning your Wedding on a Budget.” Did you know that determining your wedding budget should be at the very, very top of your wedding to-do list? Our wedding planners here in West Orange, NJ know how tempting it can be to start thinking about color schemes, bridal gowns and flowers, but before you start picking out your centerpieces it’s important to get a clear budget, especially if others are paying for the wedding.

Remember: Your dream wedding doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Here are 5 quick tips for planning your wedding on a budget:

1.) Choose your wedding date wisely: Did you know that the date and time of your wedding have a tremendous impact on how much things will cost? It’s no surprise that the most expensive months are in the summer. Opting for a winter or spring wedding can save you money. Another alternative is choosing to celebrate on a Friday or Sunday, as Saturday nights usually have the most expensive rates.

2. ) Make your Guest List then Check it Twice: Although your initial thought may be to have a grand wedding and invite everyone, try to reach a nice compromise of who should really be there to celebrate your big day.

3.) Serve a Signature Drink: When planning your wedding on a budget, don’t forget about the alcohol. Having an open bar may be a non-negotiable for a bride and groom but it can be expensive! How about serving a signature drink? It’s unique and it can be cost-effective.

4.) Cost-Effective Wedding Invitations: Wedding invitations can still look pretty without costing a fortune. Take the time to browse the Internet and Pinterest for inexpensive or do-it-yourself wedding invitations.

5.) Make sure you choose flowers that are in season!

Now that you’ve seen our list, take a second and think: Do you really need the ice sculpture? As a bride-to-be, it’s very easy to get carried away and veer off course when ideas of ice sculptures and photo booths start popping into your head. Take a deep breath and make a list of what’s most important for you and your fiancé.

If celebrating your wedding in NJ, take a moment to visit our Weddings & Events page on our website. Our wedding experts would be more than happy to help make your dream wedding a reality at our venue in West Orange, NJ!

Until next week,

The Wilshire Grand Hotel, NJ

Upcoming Spring Concerts at the Prudential Center!

Some of the biggest names in music are coming to Newark! If planning to attend one of the upcoming spring concerts at the Prudential Center, we invite you to plan your stay with us at The Wilshire Grand Hotel, located just minutes from the arena.

The upcoming concerts at the Prudential Center include:

Taylor Swift with special guest Ed Sheeran on March 27, 28 and 29, 2013. Part of The Red Tour, Taylor Swift will be making a stop at the Prudential Center for a three-day musical event that fans won’t want to miss.

Alicia Keys with special guest Miguel on April 8, 2013. As part of the Set the World on Fire Tour, Alicia Keys takes the stage at the Prudential Center this April in support of her new Girl of Fire album.

Fleetwood Mac on April 24, 2013. The multi Grammy-winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees will begin their tour after a three-year break. Don’t miss them at the Prudential Center this April.

Rihanna “Diamonds World Tour” on April 28, 2013. Due to high demand, Rihanna will be making an additional stop at the Prudential Center at the end of April, part of the Rihanna Diamonds World Tour.

To learn about these upcoming spring concerts, visit the Prudential Center website. For an ideal location to the arena, plan your stay with us in West Orange, NJ. Visit our website to learn more about our rates and availability.