10 Prettiest Downtown Strips In New Jersey
Frenchtown sits right on the Delaware River with a downtown shaped by the water it backs against. Princeton's Palmer Square pairs Ivy League architecture with small-town shopping in central New Jersey. Montclair runs an arts scene out of restored theaters and Victorian-era streets. Cape May closes the state's southern tip with Victorian houses and a walkable shopping mall. Cranford and Metuchen each have train stations linking their main streets to commuter life across the state. The ten New Jersey downtowns ahead each have their own version of small-town life.
Montclair
The downtown strip in the township of Montclair is incredibly walkable, as it has the feeling of being a distinct village and combines a lively urban setting with down-to-earth suburban character. The Wellmont Theater is a busy place that hosts various musical artists, comedy shows, live concerts, and can hold about 1,500 for seated shows and 2,600 for standing events. The venue was built in 1922 and reopened in 2015 with new renovations, while keeping its historic feel and status as a Montclair landmark. A short walk up Bloomfield Avenue is Cuban Pete's, a restaurant serving delicious Cuban cuisine in a comfortable setting that has a BYOB policy, while keeping patrons satisfied with exciting menu options like ropa vieja and pescado frito.
The best place to go shopping in town is Church Street, which is the home of small stores like the Acorn General Store for those looking for some unique gifts, or enjoy a local wine tasting at Amanti Vino across the street. On the outskirts of the downtown strip is Just Jake's, a popular local bar providing its guests with a rustic feel, thanks to its brick walls, fireplace, and neighborhood feel. Just Jake's is a perfect spot to gather with friends, family, and work colleagues after a long day; it can host public and private events, trivia nights, and live music.
Princeton
The well-known college town of Princeton has an incredible downtown strip, blending the Ivy League atmosphere of Princeton University, high-end shopping, and the character of a historic small town. At the heart of Palmer Square is Nassau Inn, a full-service hotel established in 1756 as a home and converted into a hotel in 1769. However, the original hotel was demolished in 1937, and the current hotel was built in 1938. The rooms and suites are elegant and comfortable, and guests can enjoy a lavish dinner and remarkable drinks in the Yankee Doodle Tap Room. The rest of Palmer Square features a small park, shops, and restaurants, including the Bent Spoon, which serves the community refreshing and tasty ice cream.
Across the street from Princeton University is the Art@Bainbridge Museum, a gallery project of the Princeton University of Art in a colonial-era Bainbridge House. Admission is free for everyone to enjoy the work of emerging artists making a name for themselves. Back on Princeton's campus is the historic Nassau Hall, the oldest building on campus, which was built in 1756, and was used as the library, classrooms, chapel, and student residence during the university's early years. It also served as the meeting place for the Continental Congress in 1783. The building is the central hub for Princeton's administration and is a staple of the university.
Millburn
Millburn's downtown strip is a mix of unique small-town character, upscale dining, and active cultural energy with pedestrian-friendly streets and parks, making for an incredible community. Right on Millburn Avenue is Millburn Deli, a deli and sandwich shop that's been open since 1946. The deli sells local favorites like the "Godfadda" and "the Gobbler," along with specialty salads and sloppy joes. Next to Millburn Deli is Taylor Park, a scenic park perfect for calming walks around the pond, nature photography, and athletic facilities like baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a fitness court. The Wallbridge Rose Garden sits at the entrance of the park, welcoming locals and visitors with its rosebuds, boxwoods, and sorrel trees, and features benches and a gazebo in the center.
On Main Street is Evoo and Lemon, a Mediterranean restaurant serving Greek-inspired seafood, salads, and desserts in an elegant and modern setting. The restaurant also has a BYOB policy, with white wine recommended to enjoy with signature dishes. Just north of downtown is the Paper Mill Playhouse, a well-known local theater that brings Broadway plays and shows much closer to residents and out-of-towners. Paper Mill has showcased celebrated plays like West Side Story, Jersey Boys, and After Midnight, just to name a few. The theater also hosts educational classes for those wanting to pursue a career in acting, in a fun and creative setting.
Clinton
Just off Interstate 78 is Clinton, a town defined by its alluring riverside setting and industrial history. The Hunterdon Art Museum is one of two museums to visit on the downtown strip, as it showcases the beauty of local art housed in what was once a stone mill. The museum features an array of exhibits displaying contemporary art, crafts, and unique designs. The museum opened its doors in 1953 and has featured numerous works on paper, prints, and hosts community events, workshops, and classes. Across the Raritan River is the Red Mill Museum Village, the other museum in town that preserves the history of agriculture and industrial heritage, as the building was once a wool factory. The museum has numerous artifacts, photographs, historical clothing from different centuries, furniture, and old machinery. The mill also hosts numerous events, including workshops, birthday parties, and weddings.
Across the river from the Red Mill Museum Village is the River Mill View, a local restaurant serving delicious entrees, such as grilled salmon, eggplant parmesan, and chicken martini, in a comfortable environment with a fireplace indoors and outdoor seating providing elegant views of the Raritan River. A small shop to visit downtown is Red Mill Books, where people can purchase some incredible books, join book clubs, and attend various events that bring the community together.
South Orange
The downtown strip found in the village of South Orange is similar to Montclair's, but smaller and more relaxed. The downtown strip is very walkable, easygoing, and also very active during the evenings. Next to the South Orange Train Station is the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), a performing arts theater that's a cultural hub that hosts plays, theater performances, has a dance studio, an event space, and five cinemas. SOPAC hosts concerts, galas, and educational courses for those wanting to learn more about the theater industry. Next to SOPAC is Bunny's Sports Bar, a local spot serving good burgers and delicious pizzas in a friendly and welcoming setting, which is also a great spot to get together and watch live sporting events.
Another enticing place to try in the downtown strip is Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant, a family-owned and operated brewpub serving homemade ales and lagers, homemade hot sauces, and incredible meals made from fresh ingredients. Across the street is Spiotta Park, a small and relaxing green space in town, offering a few benches and tables to relax when outdoors. The park is a popular spot to gather with friends to have lunch under the shade, has a fountain to enjoy throughout the day and night, and is within walking distance of other local restaurants like Pandang and Walia Ethiopian Restaurant.
Cranford
Cranford's downtown strip is considered one of the best, thanks to its walkable atmosphere, transit-oriented design, and historic feel. Toast City Diner (also called Toast Cranford) in the heart of downtown is an excellent place to visit to begin the morning, as patrons can enjoy wonderful classics like avocado toast, a build-your-own-burger, breakfast wraps, and lattes and cappuccinos. A small park to visit across from the train tracks is Eastman Clock Plaza Park, a former commercial parcel that served as a printing press and later a parking lot for 70 years, then became a park in 1991, where people can relax on benches and attend public community events like Cranford Summer Sounds, which hosts live music from local bands for the town to enjoy.
In the upper corner of downtown is the Crane-Phillips House Museum, a Victorian cottage that is a museum showcasing the town's past and what life was like in the 19th century. The house is home to a vast collection of Native American, Revolutionary War, and Civil War artifacts, 19th-century tools, and farm implements from the era. Down the street is Mr. Bin Sushi and Grill, a local sushi spot serving flavorful rolls, sushi, house salads, and poke bowls in a comfortable setting with family-friendly staff.
Frenchtown
Right on the eastern banks of the Delaware River is Frenchtown, a borough with an incredible downtown strip with views of the adjacent river, a fascinating arts scene, and a perfect place to enjoy a weekend escape. The National Hotel is a boutique hotel that was established in 1850, as it provides luxurious rooms and suites, has a stylish bar in the lobby, and can host weddings, karaoke nights, and live music. The restaurant in the lobby serves exciting meals like sushi, poke bowls, and Japanese-style chicken, steak, or salmon, making for an incredible dinner out on the town. Just down the street is the Rock Art Revival, a store specializing in the art of Rock and Roll. The store has a diverse collection of new and used records, original concert posters, handbills, lava lamps, psychedelic artwork, music memorabilia, and photographs.
Near the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge is the MFA Gallery/Modern Fossils Art, a local gallery with a focus on high-quality art created by people to view or purchase when they're on sale. Most of the artwork is made from recycled materials like bottle caps, old phones, bicycle chains, or old pieces of colored glass, making for some exciting and interesting art to view or purchase. On the outskirts of downtown is ArtYard, a creative space made for artists to express their true artistic abilities. The facility has a 162-seat theater, an outdoor courtyard, a residency program, and four exhibition spaces for artists to master their craft. ArtYard also hosts events, receptions, talks, and live music to keep the entertainment flowing.
Haddonfield
Just ten miles east of Philadelphia is Haddonfield, a community with a lively and walkable downtown strip. The Indian King Tavern Museum was a colonial tavern that is currently a museum, which was the meeting place of the 1777 New Jersey Legislature. The building was a tavern from 1777 until 1873, and visitors can view historical furniture, artifacts, and see how people lived in the 18th century. A pleasant restaurant to enjoy a relaxing dinner in is Verona Ristorante, an Italian restaurant serving incredibly flavored meals like gnocchi sorrentino, lobster ravioli, and chicken parmesan in an inviting setting. Verona Ristorante also hosts events like baby showers and business meetings, in addition to providing catering.
On King's Highway is King's Road Brewing Company, a local brewery and tasting room, allowing patrons to try locally crafted beers like King's Gold, Pacific Crown, and Ample Vengeance. The brewery hosts public and private events, making for an exciting experience after work or on the weekend with friends, family, and work colleagues. Further down the street is the Haddonfield Theater Arts Center, a local performing arts theater dedicated to the teaching of young talent who want to pursue a career in acting. HTAC offers acting classes and camps, with a focus on the performing arts.
Cape May
At the very southern tip of the state is Cape May, a well-known shore town that blends coastal character, Victorian architecture, and local retail in its downtown strip. The Washington Street Mall is home to over 75 local shops and restaurants for visitors and residents to enjoy, as they take a stroll through the open-air mall. Stores to visit include the Cape May Pickle Company, selling over 300 pickles, and Great White Shark, a store selling one-of-a-kind apparel, gifts, and jewelry dedicated to the great white shark. The Museum of Fine Arts and Popular Culture is a museum with a diverse collection of 190 pieces of art, sculptures, social statement pieces, manuscripts, and documents on full display.
A short walk away from the mall is the Prince Edward Inn, a bed and breakfast in a Victorian-style house on Jackson Street, the oldest street in the city. The inn is a peaceful retreat with comfortable suites, a private second-floor porch, and is an easy walk from the beach. A relaxing place to visit in downtown is Rotary Park, a public park with brick paths, plenty of benches, a fountain, a gazebo, and hosts public events like Free Music in the Park, where people can enjoy live music from local musicians between June and September.
Metuchen
Just north of New Brunswick is Metuchen, a borough with a very pedestrian-friendly downtown strip with great local dining and easy train access. A short walk away from the Metuchen Train Station is Bonney's BBQ, a restaurant serving a mix of Filipino and Jamaican-style meals, like jerk chicken, jerk pork, passionfruit lassis, and soursop carrot. The restaurant also provides catering for parties, lunches, and other events. Further up Main Street is Suite Metuchen, a local event venue established in 2022, offering a 2,200-square-foot facility for birthdays, micro weddings, corporate events, and baby showers, providing a memorable, unique experience.
On the intersection of New Street and Pearl Street is the Metuchen Town Plaza, a public square that hosts public community events like Downtown Pride, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and has live music. Across the street from the Town Plaza is Hatch 44 Cafe, a brunch spot in town serving the veggie omelet, the fiesta scramble bowl, and butter milk jack pancakes. Hatch 44 Cafe can host events for up to 40 to 80 people and provides catering for parties and events.
New Jersey Downtowns Deliver A Huge Impact
These ten incredible downtowns in New Jersey make a strong impression on visitors and future residents, offering community connection, walkable atmospheres, and easy access to train stations. Communities like South Orange and Montclair have incredible eateries and event venues. Cape May's Washington Street Mall is a unique local landmark with numerous shops and restaurants, and Princeton's downtown is very historic, thanks to the well-known Ivy League school across from the action. These fabulous downtowns in the state are welcoming and provide people with a place to unwind after a long week of work.
