6 Romantic Small Towns In New Jersey For A 3-Day Weekend
When romance is in the air, New Jersey should come to mind, as it has some of the best towns in the nation, and is conveniently located between the cities of New York and Philadelphia. Some of these alluring towns provide a perfect sojourn from larger cities, along with numerous activities to make the three-day weekend a special treat. These towns offer visitors a ready-made setting for romance, providing something unique to turn a weekend getaway into an extraordinary experience. Destinations include access to the Jersey Shore, as well as natural adventures in the glorious state forests, and views of iconic rivers like the Delaware, Millstone, and Navesink. These towns are the perfect places to set the right pace and uplift the mood for a romantic weekend retreat.
Cape May
The iconic coastal city of Cape May is a splendid place to enjoy a three-day weekend, with preserved Victorian splendor facing the pristine beach, looking out toward the ocean and nature reserves surrounding the area. Right across from the beach is the Rhythm of the Sea, a bed and breakfast giving its guests easy access to the shore, the Victorian-style downtown, serving a fully cooked breakfast, and other comfortable accommodations. The iconic Cape May Beach is something to behold, as visitors and residents are treated to 2.5 miles of sandy joy, and it is a perfect place for beach volleyball, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and much more, especially during the summer with the sun's reflection glimmering on the Atlantic Ocean.
Next to town is the South Cape May Meadows Preserve, where visitors have access to 218 acres of lush forests and wildlife preserves perfect for birdwatching and escaping the sound of the city. Back in town, visitors are treated to the Washington Street Mall, which has numerous enchanting small businesses, shops, and restaurants to enjoy, such as Coffee Tyme at the Mall, for a freshly prepared cup of coffee to get the day started, and the Museum of Fine Arts and Popular Culture, where people can learn more about contemporary art and social commentary.
Lambertville
Right on the eastern banks of the Delaware River and across from New Hope, Pennsylvania, is the quaint city of Lambertville, giving its visitors a cozy vibe with its endless number of antique shops, vibrant nature all around, and relaxing atmosphere. The Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The hotel offers its guests suites with a perfect viewpoint to watch the flowing waters of the adjacent Delaware River. It hosts weddings and private events, and features fine dining on the lobby level. Another amazing restaurant to enjoy on a night out is the Sisao Restaurant, which serves a mix of French and New American cuisine.
To ramp up the whimsy, don’t miss a visit to a few local antique stores in town, including A Touch of the Past Antiques and Midiri Antiques, where people can enjoy and purchase antiques for that perfect finishing touch, whether it is furniture or ancient artifacts. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park runs through town, offering over 70 miles of peaceful trails for exploration, and is a perfect spot for fishing, hiking, bird-watching, and enjoying the river views.
Red Bank
A stunning Central Jersey town to visit off the banks of the Navesink River is Red Bank. The Molly Pitcher Inn is the ideal place to begin a relaxing three-day weekend in the town, giving its guests suites with incredible views of the river and landscape. It is a superb setting for weddings, reunions, or other life-cycle events, and features a marina for boaters looking to go fishing and enjoy their time on the river. To complete a perfect day, a visit to a park may be in order. Good choices include Maple Cove, which has a launch point for boats, and Riverside Gardens Park, another relaxing park to visit throughout the year.
The Ceviche House Mi Peru awaits in the heart of downtown, serving its patrons Peruvian-style meals in a calm and relaxed setting, with outdoor seating available. On Monmouth Street is the Count Basie Center for the Arts, a fantastic local theater that hosts musical performances and other incredible events for a magnificent night out.
Princeton
The borough of Princeton is not just an iconic college town with Princeton University; it is also a stunning place to enjoy during a romantic weekend. The Morven Museum and Garden is a sensational place to visit. The museum was the home of Founding Father Richard Stockton, and it has luscious gardens and historic exhibits to explore. Kristine's in downtown is a magnificent French restaurant to enjoy a lovely and lavish lunch or dinner. Patrons can also enjoy a relaxing day at Hinds Plaza, which is next to Kristine's.
A historic and breathtaking hotel to spend the weekend in town is the Peacock Inn, which is in a Colonial-style mansion that has 16 beautiful suites for its guests to enjoy. The hotel hosts private events such as wedding ceremonies, tea parties, business meetings, and much more. The Perch Restaurant in the hotel is another amazing restaurant to enjoy a lovely dinner.
Spring Lake
Right on the iconic Jersey Shore is the coastal borough of Spring Lake. Its immaculate coastal scenery and lush gardens make it an extravagant escape from the city. Spring Lake Beach is considered one of the nicest beaches in the state, with its translucent water, clean scenery, and a 1.9-mile-long boardwalk, making it a must-visit during the weekend. West of the beach in town is Divine Park, where Spring Lake is located, along with scenic bridges, which are perfect for engagement photos, and it has playgrounds, picnic areas, and people can go fishing and boating on the lake.
The Breakers on the Ocean is a gorgeous hotel across from the beach, and is a wonderful place to spend the long weekend in peace and solitude. The rooms are pristine and cozy, with unbelievable views of the ocean. The Breakers also offers its guests fine dining and hosts various events, such as weddings and corporate gatherings, making it the perfect spot for a fanciful night.
Point Pleasant Beach
Just south of Spring Lake is the coastal borough of Point Pleasant Beach. Similar to Spring Lake, the beach is the hot spot to enjoy during the summer. However, the Jenkinson's Boardwalk gives people scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bars, and restaurants like Martell's Tiki Bar, which serves excellent food and drinks on the boardwalk. Another boardwalk gem to visit during the relaxing weekend is the Jenkinson's Aquarium, which is dedicated to educating the public on marine life and how to properly conserve it through its exciting exhibits.
The Tower Cottage Bed and Breakfast is a lovely and quaint Victorian-style bed and breakfast built in 1883, providing its guests with a luxurious and comfortable stay in town. The gorgeous rooms in the Tower Cottage teleport people to an upscale past with its fine decor, while having modern amenities available. The Tower Cottage is across from Little Silver Lake and within walking distance of the shore. Close enough to enjoy a round of mini golf with the delightful views of the sea at Lighthouse Point Miniature Golf.
A Romantic Journey
Each of these charming Garden State communities offers visitors something special and rewarding during a long weekend, as the amenities in each town provide countless memorable experiences. People don't need to travel far to enjoy finding the perfect spot for a romantic three-day weekend in New Jersey, whether the surf and the shore are calling or the downtown streets hearken to New Jersey’s founding past, romance can be found in communities that have access to exciting local attractions, and sprawling natural scenery further inland. New Jersey towns are the perfect recipe for visitors who wish to cook up some romance for a weekend that can turn a walk on the beach into memories to last a lifetime.
