7 Most Welcoming Towns In New Jersey's Countryside
Of New Jersey’s roughly 9.5 million residents, only about 10% live in rural areas, with most settled in cities or suburbs. Yet despite this largely urban population, much of the state’s land is still rural, leaving plenty of countryside to explore. In towns like Lambertville, visitors can browse traditional antique markets, while places like Woodstown offer historic railways that showcase the best of New Jersey’s quieter side. If you are looking for a much-needed break from the city, these seven towns are not only welcoming but also just a short trip away.
Blairstown
Upon visiting Blairstown, travelers will feel transported to the past, as many of the buildings remain in pristine condition as they were when they were built in the 19th century. Across the village, about 170 buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Blairstown Historic Preservation Committee offers both free walking tours of the village throughout the year and self-guided tours, with maps that visitors can pick up from the Municipal Building.
To experience a piece of Blairstown’s agricultural community, stop by Mohican Farms, a 120-acre farm offering a farm-to-table farm market for those seeking fresh ingredients. Travelers can finish their day at Roy’s Hall, a performance hall established in 1913 that hosts music, theater, and film events throughout the year.
Frenchtown
Named after an influx of French speakers that arrived in the area in the 19th century, Frenchtown is a charming town along the Delaware River. Travelers wanting to experience French culture can attend the town’s annual Bastille Day festival, which takes place in July. Commemorating France’s independence, this celebration features French flags, food, vendors, and live music.
Visitors will also appreciate Frenchtown’s art scene, which is home to iconic galleries such as the ArtYard. This beloved gallery dates back to 2005, and today, it offers a variety of rotating exhibits and art workshops to the community. If you need to fuel up before exploring town, grab a meal at The Bridge Cafe, which has a menu full of hearty breakfast sandwiches, and burgers and salads for lunch.
Lambertville
Dubbed as “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” there are plenty of vintage markets to check out around Lambertville. The Golden Nugget Flea Market has been a town favorite for antique hunting since its opening in 1967, open year-round on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The People’s Store is another great place to hunt for a vintage souvenir, offering four floors of vendors that sell American, European, and Asian antiques. There are over 50 vendors to browse!
After a busy day of antique hunting, visitors can unwind for the evening at the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, a cozy inn set in a historic 19th-century train depot. The onsite restaurant is open seven days a week, offering a convenient spot for dinner any night of the week!
Cape May
Home to fewer than 3,000 residents, Cape May is the perfect seaside town for travelers seeking a more laid-back beach vacation. Stretching along Beach Avenue, travelers will find 2.5 miles of beaches, with The Cove and Broadway being two popular beach options. Following a morning at the beach, travelers can head over to Hawk Haven Winery & Vineyard to either participate in a guided wine tasting or purchase a wine a la carte to enjoy in the vineyard’s outdoor tent.
For a historic night in town, consider lodging in The Queen Victoria, a charming bed and breakfast housed in a Victorian property from the 1880s. Each stay includes an extensive buffet-style breakfast!
Clinton
Less than a 20-minute drive from Frenchtown, travelers will find Clinton, a quiet town that lies along the scenic Spruce Run Reservoir. Visitors can explore this 1,290-acre reservoir at the Spruce Run Recreation Area, which has hiking and biking trails, campsites, picnic areas, and boat rentals. In the afternoon, lunch at River Mill View will hit the spot! This riverside café serves sandwiches, pastas, and a variety of Italian entrées. Like Frenchtown, you will want to explore Clinton’s art scene.
The Hunterdon Art Museum is a good starting point, showcasing rotating contemporary art exhibits inside a stone mill from the 19th century.
Lakehurst
Nicknamed the "Airship Capital of the World," Lakehurst famously hosted the US Navy's lighter-than-air program between 1919 and 1962. One of the best places to explore this history is at the Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center, which is located on an active military base and shares the story of the Naval Air Station.
Travelers can continue exploring the town’s history at the highly rated Lakehurst Historical Museum, which exhibits artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War. For good old-fashioned comfort food, make sure to try breakfast or lunch at Sandy’s Cozy Corner, a rustic diner that has been operating in Lakehurst since 1999. Classic dishes you can order include biscuits and gravy and fried chicken.
Woodstown
One of the most quintessential ways to experience New Jersey’s countryside is aboard the Woodstown Central Railroad, which departs right from the heart of Woodstown! Riders can admire southern New Jersey countryside views while aboard the historic 1863 railway. Golfers, meanwhile, can enjoy the relaxed countryside at the Town & Country Golf Links, an 18-hole course with bent-grass greens and rye-grass fairways.
To finish the night, stop by Farmers & Bankers Brewing, a local brewery with 21 rotating beers. There are also frequently trivia nights on Wednesdays, so keep your eye on the brewery’s calendar!
Traveling outside of New Jersey’s cities and suburbs, visitors will encounter all kinds of spirited and welcoming towns. Some, such as Frenchtown, preserve their culture through events like Bastille Day, while others, like Blairstown, have focused on preserving the town’s original architecture. If you are craving a typical beach vacation, New Jersey’s small towns offer that experience as well. Together, they reveal a side of the state that is often overlooked but nonetheless worth discovering!
