6 Most Vibrant Towns in New Jersey
New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, is a place flourishing with tasty cuisine, colorful architecture, and local artistry. With the beautiful Atlantic Ocean neighboring to the east, the beaches are the hotspots for a refreshing swim and a relaxing tan in the beaming summer sun. From Cape May to Lambertville, the diverse array of vibrant small towns has visitors exploring nature, viewing wildlife, finding unique shops, and having fun with recreational activities. Make one of these small towns a pitstop for a road trip, and the memories made will last a lifetime. The rich culture and community that New Jersey offers all year round will make it feel like a home away from home.
Cape May
Named a National Historic District and the oldest seaside resort town in America, Cape May brings architectural charm and natural beauty to admire. Beaming with vibrant colors, bay windows, stained glass, and decorative woodwork, Cape May’s streets of over 600 preserved Victorian-style buildings feel like walking through a gingerbread village. Cape May is also booming with stunning beaches such as Cape May Beach, Broadway, Higbee, and Sunset. At Sunset Beach, visitors can look for polished quartz that are sprinkled around the shore, which are also known as Cape May diamonds.
If visitors are seeking out a new outfit, good book, or tasty treat, Washington Street Mall is a great outdoor mall with various shops such as Willow and Stone, Cape May Atlantic Book Company, Tommy's Folly Boutique, and West End Garage. The Cape May lighthouse, bird observatory, and Colonial House Museum are great spots to view wildlife and learn interesting history. This upcoming June, visitors can be adventurous with food and fill their appetites at Cape May’s annual Restaurant Week event. Enjoy an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a fixed price at Cape May’s most popular restaurants.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown, located along the banks of the Delaware River, is a quaint town full of rich arts and culture. ArtYard is an interdisciplinary art center with diverse art exhibitions that offers a residency program and collaborates with local artists. Frenchtown is also home to the River Union Stage, a successful theater company that sparks the town with creativity and community. This town also has inviting outdoor spaces, such as the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which makes for a lovely bike ride with friends and family.
Whether visitors want to have a scrumptious picnic, observe nature, or toss a frisbee, Frenchtown has a great selection of parks, such as Sunbeam Lenape, Horseshoe Bend Park East, or Frenchtown Park. Trenton Avenue Park has access to Nishisakawick Creek for those searching for a peaceful stroll.
Chester
The town of Chester might be small in size, but the amount of activities and entertainment will have visitors never wanting to leave. Chester’s downtown has more than 50 retail shops selling beautiful clothing, furniture, antiques, baked goods, jewelry, and more. Once visitors have shopped and dropped downtown, the Streets of Chester Shopping Centre awaits with designer and handcrafted goodies.
Alstede Farms is a must-see spot for local food and nonstop smiling. Visitors can pick fresh fruits and veggies, pet farm animals, enjoy a wagon ride, and get lost in the corn maze. Hacklebarney State Park and the Black River Trail, just outside of Chester, offer scenic walks and popular streams for trout fishing.
Hopewell
Next up is the town of Hopewell, which is well worth a visit for one-of-a-kind collectibles and a delicious culinary experience. The Tomato Factory, located in the heart of Hopewell, is the 2023 Readers Choice winner for best antique shop. Visitors will get lost in the unique homeware, furniture, and knick-knacks. For homemade pasta and fresh Mediterranean dishes, Antimo’s Italian Kitchen is a popular restaurant to make the taste buds dance.
To quench the thirst, Sourland Mountain Spirits is a local distillery to sip and learn about various vodka, gin, and flavourful cocktails. For a scenic walking trail over Victorian bridges, grass areas for picnics, and summer concerts in a gazebo, Hopewell Park is the place to check out.
Spring Lake
Known as the "Irish Rivera" or the "Jewel of the Jersey Shore," Spring Lake is an ideal town to visit for a relaxed atmosphere. The boardwalk along Spring Lake Beach is a great stroll for fresh air, coastal views, and is the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey. Spring Lake also has the Spring Lake community theater, which performs six shows a season and has been said to put on shows that live up to Broadway standards.
A hidden gem for those with a sweet tooth is Dune Donuts and Bagels, a local shop serving numerous savory bagels and donuts topped with colorful frostings, sprinkles, chocolate and cereal. Divine Park offers great nature walks and opportunities to admire various tree species and birds, such as mallards, great blue herons, and mute swans.
Lambertville
For those seeking a friendly and cozy atmosphere, Lambertville offers just that. Named one of the six bike-friendly communities in New Jersey, Lambertville offers numerous scenic trails for an exciting biking excursion. There are also many hidden charming parks visitors won’t want to miss. Cavallo, Mary E Sheridan Park, and Arnett Park offer vibrant plants, playgrounds, grass spaces for playing sports, and paths for walking around with a coffee.
A popular attraction is the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, which is open all year round on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. This indoor and outdoor market hosts vendors selling antiques, artwork, and collectibles that will feel like finding secret treasure. For visitors wanting more artistic energy, the Highlands Art Gallery and Roxey Ballet Company are worth paying a visit.
Look no further than the state of New Jersey to blossom those desires for outdoor fun, wildlife, performing arts, and rare shopping gems. The diverse natural geography and pride in local arts and cuisine make anyone fall in love with the friendly community these towns thrive on. It might be the 4th smallest state in the US, but the moment visitors step into New Jersey, the lively streets and coastal landscapes make for big smiles and mental souvenirs.
