7 NJ cities for enjoyable and meals

If you’re on the lookout for time within the Garden State past seaside days on the Jersey Shore, you’ll be able to at all times head to one of many quite a few, full of life downtowns the state has to supply. 

There’s one thing to find in each nook of those vibrant areas — from distinctive eating places, dwell music venues, specialty shops and historic websites that’ll go away you planning your subsequent journey again. 

These downtown locations provide time for any sort of journey you’re in search of, whether or not that’s a day journey with buddies, an evening out together with your companion, or a weekend journey that doesn’t require a airplane ticket. 

Asbury Park

It’s no secret that Asbury Park is iconic for a lot of causes exterior of its shorefront magnificence. Its downtown music scene boasts unforgettable dwell performances at famend music venue The Stone Pony, internet hosting reveals from ‘The Boss’ himself Bruce Springsteen. In the center of downtown, seize a regionally crafted beer at The Asbury Park Brewery. For hands-on enjoyable, artwork lovers can take a hand in glass-blowing at Hot Sand to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Spend a while exploring The Antique Emporium for hidden treasures and take a bit of Asbury Park dwelling with you. 

Princeton

Princeton’s well-known faculty bureau not solely has historic allure, however its vibrant downtown provides scenic parks, native companies and eateries, and an in depth procuring scene. Get a style of Mexico at Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen for an genuine assortment of tacos, burritos and platters. For these with a candy tooth, artisan ice cream store Bent Spoon is one you don’t need to miss. Even in the event you don’t have a document participant, The Princeton Record Exchange is a enjoyable spot for any music fan to discover with its spectacular choice of music that you would be able to’t discover wherever else. 

Red Bank 

Red Bank has been nicknamed ‘The SoHo of New Jersey’ and its walkable downtown rife with eating places, shops and a beautiful waterfront is giving SoHo a run for its cash. Take a seat or stroll alongside Riverside Gardens Park for gorgeous views of the Navesink River. Catch a present on the landmarked Count Basie Center for the Arts the place performances happen year-round. Front Street and Broad Street provide a large assortment of eateries providing numerous worldwide cuisines, together with genuine Italian at Patrizia’s and attractive Thai dishes at Muang Thai Restaurant. 

Morristown 

Morristown is changing into a scorching spot for eating places, music and nightlife, particularly the world’s downtown. The Morristown Green is an iconic gathering spot for the neighborhood, providing a peaceable and scenic location to unwind throughout the day. With an abundance of entertaining occasions just like the Morristown Festival on the Green and the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival, music lovers are certain to benefit from the vibrant allure of this historic downtown. For native dwell music on an evening out, go to the stylish speak-easy model Laundromat Bar, the city’s solely 23 and older bar.

Collingswood

To the east of Philly, Collingswood’s laidback and walkable downtown welcomes guests to a various restaurant scene alongside the scenic tree-lined streets. Bring a bottle of wine to June BYOB and revel in an upscale French eating expertise. Downtown Haddon Avenue provides ‘one of the best shopping areas in South Jersey,’ with designer boutiques and one-of-a-kind vintage shops. The full of life meals scene together with the parks and open greeneries of Collingwood make this space the right mix of rest and enjoyable. 

Summit 

Nestled on the very high of Union County is Summit, and though it is only a forty minute drive to NYC, the pedestrian pleasant downtown space and thrilling environment makes the noise of the town really feel worlds away. For these on the lookout for a weekend getaway, the historic Turkey Hill Inn established in 1892 is a beloved landmark that provides each visitor a comfy and comforting keep. Get a regionally sourced meal at Summit Restaurant and Bar, or take a stroll alongside The Summit Village Green the place guests can get pleasure from peace and quiet below the bushes. 

Montclair 

Montclair township is a spot the place upbeat city life and suburban allure meet, with its downtown boasting an infinite number of outlets and native eating places and companies. Bloomfield Avenue is notable for its gorgeous architectural gems, with kinds of buildings starting from Queen Anne, Georgian and Tudor. For an upbeat night time, catch dwell leisure from native artists at The Wellmont Theater. If you’re on the lookout for a extra laidback time, take a stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Church Street the place you’ll find upscale eating places and boutiques.