8 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In New Jersey

As the fourth smallest state in the US, New Jersey proves that big things can come in small packages, especially when it comes to its towns. These destinations serve as some of the region’s most adorable ambassadors, hosting French and Irish festivals, 18th-century inns, famous antique markets, four-season mountain resorts, and family-run farms. For a taste of the Garden State’s sweetest side, these eight towns should be on your itinerary.

Frenchtown

Surrounded by rolling countryside and sitting on the banks of the Delaware River, Frenchtown offers all sorts of charming attractions. The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park begins in town, a 70-mile linear park that is popular for hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing. Many visitors also enjoy browsing some of the town’s cute shops, such as River Gypsy, a local boutique that sells clothing, home goods, jewelry, gifts, and more. Consider visiting Frenchtown in July, during its annual Bastille Day! This festival, celebrating France’s National Day, features plenty of live entertainment, music, and food.

Stockton

Home to vineyards, islands, and 18th-century inns, it is easy to unwind for a weekend in Stockton. The Federal Twist Vineyard is a wonderful place to grab a glass of wine, a family-owned winery that offers wine tastings, live music, and other periodic events to brighten up your afternoon. For a piece of the town’s history, consider spending the night at the cozy Stockton Inn. Built in 1710, this establishment has been a cornerstone of the town for centuries, continuing to operate today as a classy restaurant and restored inn. This tiny town is surprisingly home to an 80-acre island as well! Travelers can visit it at the Bulls Island Recreation Area, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.

Lambertville

Known as “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” travelers won’t have a hard time finding a treasure to take home with them in Lambertville. The Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market is one of the most renowned spots in town for antique hunting, operating every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday since 1967. Not in town on one of those days? You can still swing by the People’s Store Antiques and Design Center, which houses vintage items from more than 50 dealers. Art lovers, meanwhile, can check out the work displayed at the Artists’ Gallery, a 30-year-old art institution that exhibits work from 16 unique artists.

Vernon

Located in the Kittatinny Mountains, Vernon is a beautiful northeastern mountain town that is great to visit year-round. Regardless of the season, visitors will enjoy staying at Mountain Creek, a resort with ski slopes, seasonal festivals, an alpine mountain coaster, ziplining courses, and other entertaining activities. Autumn is a great time to visit Heaven Hill Farm, a local garden center, bakery, and farmers' market offering seasonal activities such as a pumpkin festival, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest. If you work up an appetite exploring the slopes and farms, stop by Hef’s Hut, a restaurant along a scenic golf course serving burgers, ribs, salmon, and other hearty dishes.

Spring Lake

Spring Lake has been a favorite vacation destination in New Jersey for more than a century. The Spring Lake Boardwalk provides a relaxed promenade along the beach, perfect for a short stroll. The shoreline extends for about two miles, with sandy beaches and a calmer atmosphere than many of its coastal neighbors. Travelers needing to fuel up before starting their day can grab a pastry from one of the town’s cozy bakeries, such as The Scone Pony, which offers muffins, cinnamon buns, cookies, and plenty of other sweet treats. Each June, visitors can fill with Irish spirit during the annual Irish Festival, consisting of live music, dance, food, and family-friendly activities.

Haddonfield

Affectionately referred to as a “Miniature Philadelphia,” the tree-lined streets of Haddonfield are home to over 200 stores, cafes, and coffee shops. Families will love dropping by the Happy Hippo Toy Store, which has been operating for over 40 years, selling magic sets, dolls, puppets, rocking horses, pogo sticks, and many more toys. If you are craving a live performance, grab tickets to see the Haddonfield Plays & Players, which stages about five performance series each year. Those wanting to spend some time outdoors can spend an afternoon at Pennypacker Park, which is located along the Cooper River.

Cape May

Located at the southernmost point of the Cape May Peninsula, Cape May is a lively beach town that always seems to have some kind of event or festival going on. On September 27th this year, the town will host its annual Oktoberfest, a celebration of German traditions through food, drink, and artisan crafts. Another highlight is the town’s summer Strawberry Festival. During this event, the town fills with local artisans selling pottery, handmade jewelry, artwork, hats, local honey, antiques, soaps, and many other locally produced goods. And, of course, there are always lots of strawberries to enjoy! Even when no festival is taking place, the town’s beaches are worth a visit, including The Cove at the end of the promenade and Broadway Beach, where Broadway Street meets the shore

Allentown

Allentown is a small village in Central New Jersey that has preserved its history well. Travelers can appreciate landmarks dating as far as the 18th century in town, such as the Historic John Imlay Mansion, which dates back to 1790 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kids and adults alike will enjoy a morning at the New Jersey Fire Museum, which has an impressive collection of vintage firetrucks! End the day with a visit to Cream Ridge Winery, where you can enjoy a tasting of its small-batch, hand-crafted wines.

The Perfect Season For New Jersey’s Adorable Towns

Fall is here, bringing the cozy season along with it. And what better way to celebrate than by visiting one of New Jersey’s adorable little towns? Travelers can have some fall fun at a farm in Vernon or sip a glass of wine at Stockton. Or if you prefer to pretend it’s summer a little longer, enjoy a stroll on the beach in Cape May! No matter which adventure you pick, a lovely old-fashioned time awaits you in New Jersey.