10 Must-Visit Small Towns in New Jersey
Occupying the heart of the Northeast megalopolis, New Jersey, the most densely populated US State, is bounded by New York in the north and northeast; Pennsylvania and Delaware River in the west; Delaware and Delaware Bay in the southwest; and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, south, and southeast respectively. Being one of the initial Thirteen Colonies, New Jersey is the most preferred destination for immigrants and houses one of the world’s most multicultural populations. However, the urban density in the state’s northeastern portion is in sharp contrast with the state’s varied geographic regions which include the northwest’s rugged Highland and Piedmont physiographic provinces, and the southeast’s Atlantic Coastal Plain with expansive pine forests and the Jersey Shore. To know New Jersey more intimately, let us embark on a journey to discover the innumerable small towns that are sprinkled all over this incredibly beautiful Garden State.
Lambertville
Lambertville, named in honor of John Lambert, a U.S. Senator, and Acting Governor of New Jersey, is a tranquil town along the banks of the Delaware River in Hunterdon County’s southwestern portion. Initially set up as a factory town due to its proximity to the Delaware & Raritan Canal and the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, Lambertville is currently a renowned tourist destination alluring travelers to the 18th – 19th century restored houses, art galleries, bed & breakfasts, retail outlets, and an array of dining establishments. Visitors can also tour the Lambertville Historic District comprising several National Register-listed buildings such as the Lambertville House and the James W. Marshall House. Throughout the year, the canal path offers amazing views of the Delaware River and the Delaware & Raritan Canal, besides providing walkers, cyclists, and joggers, a flat place to exercise. Every year in April, the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Shad Fest, which features vendor booths focusing on the arts community of the area, and in turn, supporting the local nonprofits.
Frenchtown
Home to 1,370 inhabitants as per the 2020 US Census, Frenchtown is located atop the Hunterdon Plateau along the Delaware River’s shores, about 32 miles northwest of Trenton. The 100-acre Frenchtown Historic District that encompasses the community, comprises numerous landmark properties such as the Frenchtown Inn, the Nathaniel Shurtz House, the former Frenchtown Station for the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, Oddfellows Building, and the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge. Frenchtown is also a celebrated shopping destination with a plethora of gift shops, bookstores, antique stores, boutiques, and locally-owned diners serving mouthwatering French dishes. The town hosts three big annual events including the Wine & Art Festival in May, the La Fete Nationale on July 14 (Bastille Day), and RiverFest in September.
Red Bank
This enchanting Monmouth County borough along the Navesink River’s southern banks is a bedroom community of New York City and forms a part of the New York Metropolitan Area. A prominent social and commercial destination, Red Bank’s high-spirited downtown area is replete with clothing boutiques, home stores, welcoming cafes, art & photography galleries, entertainment venues, and diners. The town also houses many well-maintained landmark structures apart from the Count Basie Theatre, the Two River Theater, and recreational parks like the Count Basie Park, Eastside Park, Marine Park, Riverside Gardens Park, Maple Cove Park, Bellhaven Nature Area, Johnny Jazz Park, Veterans Park. Red Bank hosts the annual Red Bank Sidewalk Sale, Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival, “First Night,” Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival, Halloween Parade, Holiday Express Concert, and Town Lighting.
Chester
Placed within New Jersey’s Raritan River Valley region and often recognized as a part of the Somerset Hills, this Morris County town, situated approximately 30 miles west of New York City, has been named after the ceremonial county of Cheshire in North West England. The town’s proximity to the Big Apple has made it a popular haven for travelers and New York residents who wish to spend a relaxing time away from the frantic pace of bustling metropolises. Many historic structures, including Nathan Cooper Gristmill, First Congregational Church, Chester House Inn, Chester Publick House, etc., fringe the town’s brick-lined streets. In recent years, Chester has grown into a wonderful shopping destination featuring countless one-of-a-kind gift shops, vintage stores, stylish boutiques, bakeries, and a wide variety of eateries. The town also houses several recreational parks, like the Black River County Park, the Hacklebarney State Park, Chubb Park, Highlands Ridge Park, and Willowwood Arboretum that offer a range of family-friendly activities. Those interested in apple picking or need fresh farm produce must visit the Riamede Farm, Stony Hill Farms, Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill, and Alstede Farms.
West Cape May
Once dubbed the “Lima Bean Capital of the World,” West Cape May is a small town in Cape May County that forms a part of the state’s South Jersey region. Along with some portions of the City of Cape May, the historic core of this rural residential community including the Whilldin-Miller House has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. At present, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a lively neighborhood packed with attractive buildings, antique shops, independent boutiques, art galleries, studios, restored bed & breakfasts, and restaurants. Every year, on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend, the town hosts the Lima Bean Festival in Wilbraham Park with different events like lima bean tossing contests, crowning the Lima Bean Queen, singing of Lima Bean Blues, and serving unlimited Lima Bean dishes. The town also hosts an annual strawberry festival supported by the West Cape May Business Association.
Allentown
A charming town in the extreme western portion of Monmouth County, Allentown, named after Nathan Allen, the son-in-law of settler Robert Burnet, is surrounded by the municipalities of Monmouth County’s Upper Freehold Township and Mercer County’s Robbinsville Township. Spread over 17 acres, the Allentown Historic District encompasses a significant portion of the community and features 219 contributing buildings including the Allentown Mill, Allentown Presbyterian Church, John Imlay House, Ephraim Robbins House, Former First Baptist Church, etc. Stroll through the town’s downtown and browse the gift shops, boutiques, and art galleries, besides savoring some tasty dishes served by the local eateries like La Piazza Ristorante Brick Oven Pizza, Woody’s Towne Café, the Moth Coffeehouse, and Off the Grill. The nearby Heritage Park and House Park of New Jersey provide incredible views of the abutting countryside.
Haddonfield
Haddonfield, primarily settled by Francis Collins in 1682 and christened after Elizabeth Haddon who further developed the town, is located in Southwestern New Jersey’s Camden County, less than 10 miles from the state boundary with Pennsylvania. Haddonfield is known for its carefully maintained colonial properties, of which the Indian King Tavern is the most notable. Presently managed by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, the Indian King Tavern Museum is the state’s foremost historic site, and free tours of the first and second floors of the building are offered to visitors. The town’s other noteworthy attraction is a bronze replica of Hadrosaurus or “Haddy,” a hadrosaurid dinosaur discovered in Haddonfield and centrally placed on King’s Highway – the town’s Main Street. In addition, Haddonfield is also home to several parks including Hopkins Pond, Wallworth Park, Mountwell Park, Crows Woods Complex, and Pennypacker Park which contains the Hadrosaurus Foulkii Leidy Site.
Cranbury
One of the Garden State’s oldest towns, Cranbury is at the center of the Raritan River Valley region in Middlesex County’s southern portion, approximately halfway between New York City and Philadelphia. Being Central New Jersey’s historical, cultural, and economic center, Cranbury is an outer-ring commuter town of the Big Apple. The 175-acre Cranbury Historic District includes over 200 contributing properties like the John S. Silvers Mansion, Elizabeth M. Wagner History Center, the Cranbury Inn, First Presbyterian Church, and the United Methodist Church. The town’s other points of interest include the Cranbury Museum, Cranbury Township Town Hall, Gourgaud Gallery, Brainerd Cemetery, Barn Park, Heritage Park, Brainerd Lake & Dam, Reinhardt Forest Preserve, Cranbury Brook Preserve, and the adjacent Plainsboro Preserve.
Clinton
Clinton, a bedroom suburb for countless daily travelers working in and around NYC and Northern New Jersey, is located along the South Branch Raritan River in the Raritan Valley region of Hunterdon County. The 175-acre Clinton Historic District encompasses a major portion of the town and includes more than 270 historic buildings including the Clinton House, Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church, Former Baptist Church, Main Street Bridge, Old Grandin Library, and the two iconic mills on opposite sides of the South Branch Raritan River’s Clinton Dam. The Red Mill Museum Village that houses the 1810 Red Mill is transformed into the Red Mill Haunted Village every October, drawing visitors from all around the East Coast. The Dunham’s Mill is home to the state’s Hunterdon Art Museum which showcases works by both native and international artists. Outdoorsy types can spend some time at the Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area, Spruce Run Recreation Area, Round Valley Recreation Area, and the Landsdown Trail.
Spring Lake
Situated on Monmouth County’s Jersey Shore, Spring Lake enchants vacationers with its small-town graciousness and welcoming ambiance. The town’s 1 & ½ mile long non-commercial boardwalk along the Atlantic offers the perfect opportunity to awe at the area’s outstanding natural beauty. Travelers can also stroll Spring Lake’s tree-lined downtown and witness the numerous historic homes, fashionable boutiques, hotels, outdoor eateries, bed & breakfasts, and the Spring Lake Theatre. Every year since 1977, Spring Lake has been hosting the “Spring Lake 5 Mile Run” which begins and ends at the beachfront and is considered the country’s biggest 5-mile race that circumnavigates the entire town.
From the vibrant waterfront communities of the Jersey Shore to the quaint inland settlements, the many small towns in the nation’s 47th most extensive and 11th most populous state are waiting to be discovered. Although these towns do not have the glitz of the neighboring Big Apple, they allure tourists with their meticulously preserved colonial properties, Main Street with multiple shopping and entertainment options, and vast open spaces offering a wealth of outdoor recreations that are guaranteed to make it memorable for everyone visiting these gorgeous towns.
