7 Best Small Towns in New Jersey For A Weekend Escape

A state often overlooked by its big brother New York, New Jersey is criminally deprived of the attention it rightly deserves. Aside from the iconic Atlantic City, not many of New Jersey's best features ever reach very high on the public consciousness.

No matter what time of the year it is there are dozens of outstanding small towns all across the state that serve as the perfect weekend getaway. Each of these towns has something special and unique to offer. New Jersey might not seem like an obvious place to travel for getaways but you might be surprised what you find. What was once just a casual weekend getaway during summer could eventually blossom into a lifelong family vacation destination.

Gloucester

The small town of Gloucester is located right along the Deleware River across from Philadelphia. Gloucester is filled with the charm and character that is usually associated with the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Much of the town has managed to hold on to much of its original architecture and buildings that were mostly constructed in the 19th century. This gives the town an antiquated atmosphere but not in a way that detracts from the overall experience. Its close proximity to other large metro areas like Philadelphia makes it a great jump-off point for other activities.  

Frenchtown

Another town nestled right along the shores of the Deleware River, the small hamlet of Frenchtown is one of the most enchanting parts of New Jersey. Taking a trip to this small riverside hamlet will feel as though you have stepped into a time machine and gone to 19th-century Europe. 

Frenchtown has served the nearby area as a hub for agricultural trade and commerce since its inception in the early 1800s. Today the town takes deep pride in its unusual ability to capture and preserve its history like no other. Just like 200 years ago, the shopping in Frenchtown is some of the best around. The main strip of the town is home to tons of interesting and unique family-run shops and boutiques. 

Chester

Chester is a great place to visit all year round but if you can only make your way out here once, make sure that you come during the fall. When the winter winds start to pick up and the leaves begin to change color, Chester becomes one of the most stunning places on Earth.

Large segments of Chester are built out of brick and mortar. Totally unchanged from the day they were made centuries ago. Walking along the cobblestone streets of the old town area is an experience like no other. Not coming during the fall is by no means the end of the world. From May until September, the Chester Craft Show is in full swing. This summer-long event offers both locals and visitors the opportunity to shop and gaze at all manner of odds and ends that might spark your interest. 

Clinton

The sleepy town of Clinton is famous for its enchanting small-town atmosphere and picturesque views along the nearby Raritan River. One of the more notable landmarks in town is of course the historic Red Mill that watches over the town. Taking a walk along one of the many trails around town is a great way to acquaint yourself with this amazing place. Bringing a camera with you is a must and a great way to capture some of the local wildlife if you are lucky. There are plenty of quality hotels and inns within Clinton too. Making your stay here all the more easy and straightforward. 

Spring Lake

Nestled along the Atlantic coast lies the beach town of Spring Lake. Officially a part of the Jersey Shore, Spring Lake has built up a reputation of being much more laid back and relaxed than other towns in the area. Chances are you are going to run into more families than young college-age kids. 

The soft sandy beaches and ocean view are reason enough to visit. However, after taking a dip in the water to cool off from the hot summer sun make sure to take a walk along Spring Lake's boardwalk. Here you will find all manner of restaurants and bars to sit down for a great meal. The Italian food is especially good. 

Lambertville

Lamberville is another rustic gem. The historic downtown of Lamberville is certainly one of the more colorful places in small-town New Jersey. Much of the old shops and well maintained and painted with bright and vibrant colors to really make the place pop. Nicknamed the antique capital of New Jersey, Lamberville is a great place to go if you are wanting to land that special find. This town is also home to plenty of top-notch museums and theatres. If you have the time you should stop by the Music Mountain Theater and catch a show. 

Cape May

Another beachside paradise, Cape May is one of the more lively small towns in New Jersey. It does not matter what time of year it is there are always plenty of tourists walking around town taking in the sights and sounds. 

Aside from the obvious beach activities like sunbathing and swimming, Cape May is a hub of non-stop festivals and culture. The Victorian architecture is simply stunning to see and a great way to kill an afternoon with the family. If you are in town at the right time you might get to experience the famous Cape May Music Festival. This festival highlights tons of local artists as well as those from the mainstream. 

Summary

If you are in search of a new place to escape to for a few days during a long weekend, you might want to give New Jersey serious consideration. While it does not have the glitz and glamor that New York might have a reputation for, the small-town vibe and fascinating architecture are nothing to sneer at. 

Each of these small towns makes for perfect weekend getaways no matter what your age or interest is.