Top 9 Best Small Towns in New Jersey
In recent years, travelers have preferred charming small towns to larger, densely populated cities. Although America is brimming with these charming ... read more...destinations, some of the best can be found on the East Coast. Many people choose to visit small towns in New York and Massachusetts, but you would be remiss if you did not consider New Jersey. Furthermore, the Garden State is brimming with charming spots, many of which fly under the radar. Here are the best small towns in New Jersey.
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Miles of pristine beaches, restaurants to suit every palate, year-round festivals, world-class birding, and a showcase of late-Victorian architecture are just a few of the reasons to visit Cape May. Cape May is an island off the coast of New Jersey, accessible by one of two bridges that span the canal that connects the Delaware Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. Most visitors arrive by car, but you can also arrive by plane, ferry, public transportation, or private boat. Cape May has a variety of lodging options to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. The Beachfront hotels and luxury B&Bs offer modern convenience, while historic inns and guest houses transport you back in time.
During the year, Cape May is a sleepy town that comes alive in the summer. Grab your swimsuit and a suitcase and head over to the country's 'oldest seaside resort' for some beach relaxation. Cape May's beaches are enticingly beautiful and ideal for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing. Visit Higbee Beach or Poverty Beach before taking a break from the sun to explore some of the town's historic sites - the town is designated as a National Historic District and has over 600 historic, preserved Victorian buildings. Visit Cape May for the Food and Wine Festival or to look for Cape May diamonds (quartz brought to shore on Sunset Beach).
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It's amazing how one of New Jersey's smallest towns can be one of the best weekend getaway destinations. The newest addition to the family is the X-ray machine. Fewer than 4,000 people live in Lambertville, but thousands visit each year to enjoy the peace and quiet of a small river town. Lambertville is an excellent weekend getaway destination in New Jersey.
Lambertville is consistently ranked as one of the most charming towns in New Jersey. Its picturesque location on the Delaware River and the D&R Canal makes it a picturesque town, and the small-town atmosphere will make you feel at ease. The entire town appears to be frozen in time. It was originally settled as a ferry port between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the river crossing became significant enough to warrant the establishment of the towns of Lambertville and New Hope. Lambertville was originally known as Coryell's Ferry, but it was renamed after a New Jerseyan named John Lambert in 1810.
Despite the fact that the ferry has long been replaced by a more efficient mode of transportation, the town has remained cozy and small. Historic structures now house unique shops and restaurants, and the locals are so friendly that you might forget you're in New Jersey. This scenic, friendly town is difficult to beat for a weekend getaway. If you're coming from the south, Route 295 is the closest interstate, with Exit 60. Though it is not the closest exit to town, it does put you on Route 29, which is a stunning byway. Route 202 will take you here if you're coming from North Jersey.
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Collingswood is a small (less than two square miles) town with a lot going on. It's only six miles from Philadelphia, but there's no need to leave the neighborhood for entertainment. You could go to the big city and visit major attractions like the Battleship New Jersey and the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, or you could enjoy the small-town charm of Haddonfield and shop Jersey-style at the Cherry Hill Mall. Collingswood, on the other hand, will never bore you. Visitors to the Perkins Center for The Arts can register for a variety of workshops and classes. There is so much to learn, from painting to sculpture to music. You can also enjoy the arts at Perkins Center, which hosts a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and performances.
There's also The Factory, a community makerspace. If you can imagine it, you can make it a reality. The Scottish Rite Auditorium is a great place to see live music and theater. Grooveground is a coffee shop, dessert shop, and cafe that also serves as a gift shop and record store. The Tortilla Press is a great Mexican/American Fusion restaurant, and The Kitchen Consigliere is an Italian restaurant with a unique Jersey twist: it's owned by a former mobster. If you get hungry, you can always go back into town and have a meal at La Rouge 23 or a coffee at BerryRich Bakery & Cafe. For active people with a sweet tooth, Bruno's Bicycles is an odd mix of a bike repair shop and candy store, or Wilhelmina's Handmade gift shop.
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This charming small town not only has incredible shops, but it also has a rich history and a dinosaur discovery. Haddonfield, New Jersey is a delightful, charming town in the state that is ideal for a day trip. Previously occupied by the Lenape Native Americans, who left shortly after Europeans arrived; arrowheads and pottery have been discovered along the Cooper River. Aside from being a historical site, Haddonfield is also a paleontology site: an almost fully completed dinosaur skeleton was discovered in the town limits in 1858 and can still be seen at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences.
Visitors can explore the town's quaint and beautiful historic downtown. Visitors interested in American history should pay a visit to the Indian King Tavern, where the New Jersey Legislature met in secret from British forces in 1777 and declared New Jersey an independent state. While you can't raise a glass in their honor due to the dry town policies (Haddonfield also has Quaker roots), it's still worth a visit. Explore any of Haddonfield's over 200 stores and coffee shops by strolling down the tree-lined Main Street. Enjoy the peace and quiet by taking a yoga class at the Yoga Center.
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Clinton is a small town in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, known for its charming rural countryside and its landmark, the Red Mill. Whether you're looking to tour the Red Mill Museum Village, admire art at the Hunterdon Art Museum, or simply relax and unwind while getting lost in shopping and dining, Clinton has it all. The small-town charm will amaze and inspire you on your first visit and every subsequent visit. The Red Mill is a historic museum village comprised of twelve structures and buildings located adjacent to Clinton's town center and Old Main Street. The museum village dates back to the nineteenth century, when Ralph Hunt built the first section of the building around 1810 to process wool and cotton. The Red Mill was a primary industry and manufacturing behemoth at a time when business was just getting started and the Industrial Revolution was kicking off.
The town itself is beautiful and has served as the setting for several Hollywood films, including In and Out, One True Thing (starring Meryl Streep), and My Giant. Rewatch these films and brush up on your movie knowledge if you have the opportunity! Explore the nearby waterfalls by walking across the old iron bridge. After you've had a chance to peruse the downtown shops, you should tap into your creative side by enrolling in an art class or two at the Hunterdon Museum.
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As one of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey is steeped in history. There are so many old restaurants, hotels, homes, and other structures in this area! Some locations, however, have a bit more history than others. As one of the state's oldest towns, this tiny town makes an excellent day trip destination for history and nature enthusiasts alike. Cranbury, New Jersey is a small, historic town with a lot of character. It's one of New Jersey's oldest towns! The town, which has a population of less than 4,000 people, has always prioritized historical preservation. It's a very charming and lovely place to spend the day.
Visit the Cranbury Museum to learn more about the history of the area. You can walk through historical homes and imagine what life was like in the 1800s. Take some time to explore the area's small shops and restaurants. The Cranbury Inn is actually two stagecoach taverns from the 1700s that were built together in 1800. The tavern now serves American classics. If you enjoy nature, Brainerd Lake is a great place to visit in town. There is a side boardwalk by the lake for leisurely strolls and plenty of benches for relaxing. A visit to the Plainsboro Preserve would be another enjoyable activity. This beautiful, wooded area is a tranquil place to explore nature. There are several trails and a beautiful lake to explore here!
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One of New Jersey's most charming beach towns is frequently overshadowed by larger cities and towns along the Monmouth County coast. Ocean Grove is difficult to beat for a family-friendly getaway or a quiet place to stroll and shop. Ocean Grove is located just south of Asbury Park and, while it is within walking distance of AP, it is worlds apart. While Asbury Park is a lively and bustling town known for concerts, festivals, and crowded summer beaches, Ocean Grove is a peaceful, serene coastal escape. The Ocean Pathway, located near the auditorium, has been named one of America's most beautiful streets.
It's easy to see why Ocean Grove is so popular because of its timeless architecture. Some consider it to be the quintessential New Jersey beach town. Ocean Grove was founded as a religious retreat town, and the original history can be found almost everywhere. The Great Auditorium is the town's most recognizable landmark. It was built in 1894 and appears to be frozen in time. Downtown Ocean Grove hosts street fairs, farmers markets, and art festivals during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. If you visit on a weekend, you're sure to find something fun to do. Days Ice Cream is a must-see attraction. Since 1876, this iconic scoop shop has been a part of Ocean Grove's sweets scene!
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Flemington, a historic borough in Hunterdon County, has a population of about 4,500 people. It is the county seat of Hunterdon County and was founded in 1910. Almost 65% of the town's structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can take a walk around town and see all sorts of historical relics. This small town is ideal for a day trip or a weekend of fun. The Samuel Fleming House Museum & Gardens is not to be missed! The museum, which was built in 1756, offers exhibits, educational programs, guided tours, and special events such as pumpkin decorating and yoga in the garden. The gardens are lovely all year, but they are especially lovely in the spring and fall.
Another exciting adventure is a family-friendly steam train ride on the Black River & Western Railroad. There are rides for every occasion, and both children and adults will enjoy themselves! In addition, they have a small museum and seasonal rides with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Another favorite is the Northlandz Model Railroad Museum. There is an art gallery, a play area, outdoor train rides, and a collection of over 200 unique dolls in addition to the world's largest model railroad. People travel long distances to shop at Liberty Village Premium Outlets. The following is a list of the names of people who have died in the last year who have died in the last year.
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Warm weather is on its way, and it's time to start thinking about summer vacations. While New Jersey has dozens of beautiful beach towns, Stone Harbor is one of the most relaxed. There are no beach bars or boardwalk rides here, but there is plenty of natural beauty and a charming downtown. It is often overlooked in the shadow of Wildwood and Cape May, but it is an ideal relaxing getaway. There are few better beaches in the country if you want to enjoy the water. When it comes to cleanliness and water quality, 96th Street Beach takes first place.
You're also in luck if you want to go shopping. Over 100 specialty shops and boutiques can be found in Stone Harbor. Patchington and Coco Blu Boutique are excellent places to shop for women's clothing and accessories. Surfers will appreciate Pete Smith's Surf Shop and She Be Surfin', both of which offer lessons. If you enjoy art, there are several galleries to choose from, including Ocean Galleries and Island Art Stone Harbor. You can also get your hands dirty at Island Studio Paint Your Own Pottery. The following are the results of a survey conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary offers several trails for your enjoyment, and The Wetlands Institute will enchant visitors with their beautiful gardens and incredible interactive events.