7 Close-Knit Towns To Visit In New Jersey
Also known as the “Garden State,” New Jersey is a key historical, economic, and cultural hub of the northeastern United States. Admitted to the Union in 1787, a most special colonial character continues to define much of New Jersey, which, together with splendid Atlantic Ocean vistas and other natural splendor, make the State a wonderful place to discover firsthand. While major cities like Newark and Trenton may be the most well-known, New Jersey also has a number of smaller but equally captivating towns that really define what it means to be close-knit. With alluring American charm, fascinating history, and loads of pretty natural sights, these awesome New Jersey towns are definite gems that should not be missed. Come and see the “Garden State” and appreciate its place in America by visiting these welcoming, close-knit towns!
Allenhurst
The inviting community of Allenhurst may have a population of just under 500 permanent residents, but do not let its small size dissuade you from visiting. Indeed, this most scenic town along the famed Jersey Shore is bordered by both Deal Lake and the Atlantic Ocean and is conveniently located just over 50 miles from New York City. Established in the 1890s, today, Allenhurst serves more as a residential settlement, but its picturesque rows of houses and stunning natural panoramas still make it an attractive road trip stopover. Indeed, in the Allenhurst Residential Historic District, there are up to 400 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many of which reflect diverse architectural styles from the Victorian to the early 20th century.
Meanwhile, at the Allenhurst Beach Club, guests can enjoy swimming pools, spas, bathhouses, and prime beach access in a resort that has more than 2,000 active members! Add in warm summers and cool winters, and spending time here is always a pleasant proposition. And with cute eateries like Mister C’s Beach Bistro, some of the best fresh seafood can be enjoyed together with spectacular views.
Spring Lake
Another scenically delightful Jersey Shore community, Spring Lake, is a very popular destination for guests of all ages looking for spectacular beach areas and stunning coastal views. Home to just under 2,800 residents, the beautiful beachfront allure of Spring Lake is complimented by its warm summers and mild winters that always give tourists an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Go sunbathing, swimming, and sailing while strolling along the attractive boardwalk area, which is a most charming and relaxing experience. Add in cute local businesses like Coral Cove and Amelia’s By the Sea Restaurant, and a most enchanting slice of the Jersey Shore comes to life in a less crowded urban center.
Meanwhile, history lovers can also find something to appreciate in Spring Lake, with many landmarks from the 19th and early 20th centuries dotting the landscape. These include the Martin Maloney Cottage (1898) and the Sea Girt Lighthouse (1896), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lambertville
Lambertville is a most alluring place of discovery that features a scenic ambiance along the Delaware River and a fascinating historic character dating to the 18th century. Home to just over 4,000 inhabitants, Lambertville is indeed a charming, close-knit community where both nature and history lovers can find something to admire. Take in the region’s hot summer and mild winter temperatures and take advantage of the town’s River proximity to enjoy great opportunities for boating, cycling, hiking, and wildlife watching. And with numerous historic landmarks to explore here, those looking for an encounter with the past will surely not be disappointed. Visit properties like the Lambertville House (1812) and the James Marshall House (1816), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and admire a wide array of architectural styles from Victorian to Classical Revival.
Finally, as the “Antiquing Capital of New Jersey,” in addition to the collection of historic homes, guests can browse through numerous shops and boutiques devoted to selling items of the past to lucky customers. Stop by the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market and look through hundreds of collectible items spanning two centuries, or simply enjoy an authentic American meal at eateries like the Under the Moon Café, there is always a delightful experience waiting to happen in Lambertville.
Frenchtown
Just a very short drive from Lambertville lies the equally charming community of Frenchtown, which is also scenically situated along the Delaware River. Established by Swiss-French pioneers in the 1860s, Frenchtown was built as a ferry town and eventually transitioned to becoming an important rail hub. Today, just under 1,500 residents call it home, but while it may have shrunk from its peak days, Frenchtown still offers plenty of allure that any passing tourists will not want to miss. Spend time at the Delaware Canal State Park nearby, where stunning walking, hiking, and biking trails are beautifully complimented by chances to see wildlife in a natural setting.
Meanwhile, in town proper, be sure to visit the Frenchtown Historic District, which is listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning an area of some 40 hectares, over 400 buildings of significance can be admired here, showcasing architectural styles like Italianate, Federal, and Greek Revival. Finally, do not forget to cross the special Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge across the Delaware River for some quaint and pleasing views that are perfect for endless photos.
Allentown
Featuring a Historic District listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, Allentown is a wonderfully close-knit community with a modern population of nearly 1,800 residents. Admire a number of significant landmarks in town, including the Allentown Mill (1855), the Allentown Presbyterian Church (1837), and the John Imlay House Museum, which dates to the 1790s. In addition, even just driving around Allentown’s surrounding area can be a delight, where beautiful farms, wineries, and lush greenery create a postcard-perfect set of memories. Add in charming local stores like Vintage America and tasty family-run restaurants like Woody’s Towne Café, and Allentown becomes a perfect snapshot of Americana in the heart of the “Garden State”.
Collingswood
Collingswood is one of New Jersey’s oldest towns, tracing its modern history to Quaker settlement in the 1680s! Today a modest population of just over 14,000 residents call this historic center home where many properties from the past three centuries are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Collings Knight Homestead from the 1820s, amongst many others that can be found in the Downtown Historic District. Meanwhile, Collingswood also boasts a fine assortment of local restaurants, particularly on the historic Haddon Avenue, where international cuisine is wonderfully on display. Choose from French, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Mexican, Chinese, and even Hawaiian for a culinary experience sure to be remembered for years to come. Add in cute shops like the Mercantile 1888 and the Wander Boutique, and a wonderful snapshot of a close-knit, small-town USA will definitely be felt.
Chester Township
Chester Township was founded in the late 1790s, and today, this Morris County community is home to nearly 8,000 inhabitants. A short 40-mile drive from New York City, the delightful Chester Township is a great place to relax, enjoy beautiful outdoor surroundings, and take in some historic charm. Spend the day at the nearby Hacklebarney State Park or Chubb Park, enjoying fun opportunities for cycling, hiking, fishing, and camping. In the winter, one can even go ice fishing and skating. Furthermore, the area around the town is known for its picturesque farmland, and guests can even shop for locally produced fruits and vegetables, which form an important part of Chester’s “agritourism” economy.
Finally, as a historic 18th-century town, visitors can find many landmarks here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Nathan Cooper Gristmill (1826) and other Victorian-style homes. Finish one’s day at tasty eateries like the Old Mill Tavern and Monte Casa, and a perfect weekend getaway will be complete in this most inviting and close-knit New Jersey community.
New Jersey is a natural, stunning, culturally rich, and historically alluring component of the northeastern United States, where visitors with many interests can find something to appreciate. Known as the “Garden State”, whether its spending time along the Atlantic Coast and the famed Jersey Shore or exploring Colonial towns steeped in centuries of history, New Jersey is a definite gem waiting to be discovered. Come explore this great State, then across a vacation to some of its wonderfully close-knit smaller towns, where another side of Americana is on display. From the seaside views of Spring Lake and Allenhurst to the historic character of Frenchtown and Lambertville, a most memorable and enjoyable holiday outing can be experienced when traveling through New Jersey and its wonderfully charming assortment of close-knit communities!
