September 2023: Small Towns
There are 564 municipalities in New Jersey. That includes our largest cities (Newark and Jersey City), a long list of medium-sized towns, cities and boroughs, and dozens of small towns. How, you may ask, did the editors at New Jersey Monthly narrow down our list of “12 Small Towns to Visit Now” to just a dozen?
It was tough, but we considered a variety of factors. First, all of the towns are the kinds of places you just don’t want to leave. They have small-town beauty and charm, and interesting people running their businesses; unique places to shop; culture in the form of theaters, movie houses or galleries; and plenty of terrific restaurants (this is New Jersey, after all).
Our list of towns should satisfy both day-trippers and New Jerseyans looking for a weekend getaway. They are places where activities and fun are to be had. We provide hotel recommendations for each town, too, so that you know where to stay.
Happy exploring!
GARDEN VARIETY
How Danny Clinch Captures the Soul of Music in His Photography and Festival
Clinch and his Transparent staff have been preparing for this year’s Sea Hear Now Festival, which takes place every September in Asbury Park.
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Frankie Montecalvo Talks Racing, Training and His Favorite Jersey Drive
“I love it here,” Montecalvo says of his native NJ.
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‘Patron Saint of Springsteen Fans’ Connects Grateful Recipients With Concert Tickets
Helping people get to Springsteen shows gives Donna Gray, founder of Bruce Funds, an unmatched sense of “energetic rejuvenation.”
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Author Martha McPhee on Returning to Her NJ Childhood Home
McPhee’s first memoir, Omega Farm, arose amid her homecoming to Hunterdon County, where she cared for her ailing mother and confronted her chaotic youth.
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He Fell in Love With Screen Printing at Kean University. 17 Years Later, He’s Returning
Fine artist Ricardo Roig is coming back to his alma mater as an artist in residence.
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NJ Nonprofit Devoted to Supporting Domestic-Violence Survivors
S.O.F.I.A. offers practical services and necessities—while also working to erase stigma and shame.
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Meet the NJ School Principals Who Love Surfing as Much as Their Students Do
These wave-riding administrators know firsthand that surfing runs parallel, not perpendicular, to academics.
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NJ Colleges, Universities Offer Increasingly Inclusive Campus Cultures
A growing number of schools provide expanded opportunities to students with developmental disabilities.
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This Garwood Shop Is a Haven for All Things Antique, Peculiar and Beautiful
Cheech & Roo offers repurposed furniture, curious finds and a feel-good experience.
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NJ Influencers Share Their Top Style Tips for Fall
What to wear and treat yourself to this season.
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Saying a Heartfelt Goodbye to Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver
New Jersey and the nation will miss Sheila Oliver. We are in need of more leaders like her.
Read moreFEATURES
How NJ Downtowns Are Reinventing Themselves in the Face of Change
As New Jersey’s retail landscape changes, so does the idea of the once-typical shopping district.
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Jersey Towns Battle It Out Over Book Bans
Residents clash about what reading material should be available to children.
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NJ Author Is One of the Most Banned in the Country
George M. Johnson wrote All Boys Aren’t Blue and grew up in Plainfield.
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Laura Benanti’s Jersey Roots Inspired Her Confidence and Passion
The Tony-winning actress grew up in Kinnelon and now lives in Montclair with her family.
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12 Small Towns in New Jersey to Visit Now
These charming destinations make for a fun day trip or weekend getaway.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Burlington: A City With a Rich History and Culture
Enjoy strolling through this extremely walkable small town and exploring the restaurants, unique shops and events.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Chester: One of NJ’s Most Charming Small Towns
A quaint downtown is Chester’s centerpiece.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Clinton: Beautiful Scenery and So Much More
Spend the day perusing the museums and shops.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Forked River: A Waterfront Hamlet in Ocean County
Insider’s tip: It’s pronounced FORK-ed River, with two syllables.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Highlands: An Historic Waterfront Community
You’ll find an eclectic mix of residential neighborhoods tucked into the cliffs that give the town its name, plus restaurants and shops.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Hopatcong: Lake Life All Year Round
The lake is the center of activities year-round, with skating and ice fishing in the winter and swimming and boating in the summer.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Island Heights: An Enchanting Throwback in Time
The waterfront and the arts scene are top-notch.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Lambertville: Eclectic Shops and Riverfront Fun
Antique lovers, art enthusiasts and outdoorsy types will all find something enjoyable in Lambertville.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Mountainside: A Borough of Picturesque Trails and Parks
Mountainside is home to some of the best parts of the extensive Watchung Reservation.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Ocean Grove: A Resort Town Unlike Any Other
The real pleasure of Ocean Grove is taking in the town itself.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Pitman: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
A walkable downtown, al fresco dining and a nearly century-old theater make Pitman a destination.
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What to Do, See and Eat in Spring Lake: One of the Shore’s Prettiest Towns
It has gorgeous beaches, great downtowns shops and charming restaurants.
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This Isn’t a Rock Concert—This Is Church! Inside the Rise of NJ’s Megachurches
Are New Jersey’s megachurches the answer to the crisis of Christianity?
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Everything You Need to Know About Rowing in New Jersey
Rowing has an enthusiastic following statewide and offers the chance to compete, get in shape, find community or just enjoy the water.
Read moreHOME & GARDEN
Step Inside George Oliphant’s Historic Family Home in Montclair
George Oliphant of George to the Rescue fame lives with his wife and kids in a beautiful 1912 home formerly owned by his grandparents.
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New ‘George to the Rescue’ Season Stars NJ
George Oliphant’s home-renovation show filmed five recent episodes in the Garden State, from East Orange to Point Pleasant.
Read moreEAT & DRINK
At Agricola in Morristown, Farm-Fresh Fare Shines
“My main inspiration is New Jersey,” chef Bruce Johnson says of his wide-ranging menu.
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How a Former Electrician Pivoted to Full-Time Pizza Making
Rafael Ruiz told his parents they were “nuts” when they first suggested he turn his pizza truck into what is now the successful Emilio’s Wood Fire Pizza in Nutley.
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A Hidden Gem of a Sushi Spot in Parsippany
Sit at the bar and watch the chef expertly prepare your meal—or take it to the nearby lake and enjoy lunch with a view.
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Harold’s Deli in Edison: Yes, the $45 Pastrami Sandwich Is Worth It
The menu boasts supersized portions meant for sharing.
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Try a BBQ Sundae at This Jersey Shore Spot
The folks behind this family-run eatery worked on perfecting their barbecue recipes for years before launching.
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Savvy NJ Forager Harvests Eclectic Cocktail Ingredients From a Surprising Spot
And with his new book, Slow Drinks, Danny Childs hopes to open people’s eyes to the edible, tasty plants all around them.
Read moreEXIT RAMP
Finally Getting Into a Jersey State of Mind
For the globe-trotting daughter of a New Yorker, appreciating the Garden State’s charms took some time.
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