9 Most Charming Town Squares In New Jersey
"The Garden State" faces a public relations challenge as a state situated between New York and Pennsylvania, utilizing the New Jersey Turnpike as a primary access route to either New York City or Philadelphia, without stopping by many of its diverse communities. From the 2000 Miss Congeniality Movie, Sandra Bullock, as Gracie Hart, was asked why New Jersey is called ‘The Garden State.’ She famously answered, “Because it's too hard to fit ‘Oil and Petrochemical Refinery State’ on a license plate?”
In reality, the state has a vast number of charming communities, from the white sand beaches of the Jersey Shore to the forests of Sussex County in the northern tip. These are especially in the many lovely downtown centers, where people can find a plethora of things to do within each distinctive community. New Jersey is worth a detour off the Turnpike to explore a state with charm and abundant history for all.
Red Bank
Red Bank, also known as the SoHo of New Jersey, boasts a very relaxed downtown area for a borough with a population of around 13,000 residents. The town square is filled with lovely locally run restaurants, a marina on the Navesink River, and a train station allowing people to travel to other cities by rail. A luxurious hotel to visit in the downtown area is the Molly Pitcher Inn, a hotel built in 1928, which hosts weddings, lovely events, has a restaurant called the Dining Room, and a marina in the back for those enjoying a boat or yacht ride on the Navesink River.
Two sights to see in Red Bank's wonderful downtown are enjoying music and plays at the Count Basie Center for the Arts or the Vogel, just down the street. Both allow people to enjoy live music and performances from local artists and headline favorites in the area. However, the Vogel features more intimate performances compared to Count Basie, which has a larger yet historic theater. One other place to visit for a nice quality night out in the town is Patriza's of Red Bank, an Italian restaurant with lovely home-cooked meals for all to enjoy.
Cape May
Cape May, or sometimes referred to as "Cool Cape May" or "the Jewel of the Jersey Shore," is the southernmost city in the state, with a population of around 2,700 residents. It's one of the most popular vacation spots in the country. Besides being known for being a part of the Jersey Shore, Cape May is also known for its colorful and historic Victorian architecture. Just next to downtown are the wonderful shoreline beaches, always drawing tourists from all over the state and country to grace its warm sand and soak up some sunlight during the summertime. However, visitors will need to purchase a beach tag, which can be found at the beach entrance or City Hall.
A nice local treat to visit when not on the beach is the Washington Street Mall, which offers residents and visitors access to all kinds of local restaurants, businesses, and shops surrounded by exquisite Victorian architecture throughout the outdoor street mall. One notable place to visit at the Washington Street Mall is the Museum D'May, which features an indoor sculpture garden. The museum also has glass and artwork displayed for all to enjoy. One other place to visit in town is Fins Bar and Grille, a modern-style bar with an aquarium with tropical saltwater fish for patrons to enjoy while having a bite, and drinks for the night, and has outdoor seating for people to enjoy the views of the community.
South Orange
The village of South Orange has a very underrated downtown, a smaller version of Montclair's downtown with a couple of great restaurants for people to enjoy, and the South Orange train station, giving people access to take the train to New York City. Spiotta Park is a calming place to visit off South Orange Avenue and the Village Plaza. It has a couple of benches and a nice patch of greenery, giving people easy access to local restaurants and shops in town. One of those restaurants to visit is Walia Ethiopian Restaurant, offering patrons meals inspired by Ethiopia, like Yebeg Kay Watt and much more, all made with Ethiopian spices, leaving people wanting more.
A great brewpub to visit on South Orange Avenue is Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant, a local brewery that brews its own beer and offers patrons great bites to enjoy, especially the pizza sold there. One other place to visit in town, just on the opposite side of the train tracks, is the South Orange Performing Arts Center, where residents and visitors can watch local shows, plays, movies, and musical performances, and it has an art gallery showcasing visual art for all to enjoy.
Millburn
Just west of South Orange is the township of Millburn, which has an excellent downtown to visit, with all kinds of local restaurants, shops, parks, and a train station, also giving people access to New York City. Just next to the Rahway River is Millburn Deli, one of the town's most iconic eateries offering people locally prepared meats, cheeses, and sandwiches. One of the most popular items on the menu is the famous Godfada sandwich, which is a sandwich with chicken cutlet, bacon, freshly sliced mozzarella cheese, and Russian dressing, all served on a freshly pressed roll. Just next to Millburn Deli is the Wallbridge Rose Garden and Taylor Park, a friendly local park with elegant rose gardens, a gazebo, a softball field, a pond, basketball courts, tennis courts, and plenty of areas to unwind and enjoy a picnic during the spring and summer.
Just adjacent to the downtown area is the Paper Mill Playhouse, one of the state's iconic theaters, in the building that was once Samuel Campbell's Thistle Paper Mill. The theater showcases plays, musical performances, and Broadway productions without having to commute to New York City to see a Broadway show. One other restaurant to visit on Millburn's Main Street is the Millburn Standard, an incredible local restaurant with craft beers, burgers, cocktails, and much more served in a brick-and-leathered dining room.
Newton
The town of Newton, also known as "the Pearl of Kittatinny," is the county seat for Sussex County in the northern part of the state, and has a very charming downtown square. Right in the middle of downtown is the Sussex County Park Ada, a park named after Ada Wyman, who helped create the park. The park is dog-friendly, has a gazebo, and a Soldiers' memorial honoring the local veterans who've served in the army. A restaurant to visit across from the park is Sazon Latino, a local Mexican restaurant serving homemade meals in a very calm and relaxed downtown.
The rest of downtown features historic architecture, including the Sussex County Courthouse, the Sussex County Hall of Records building, and many more. Just up Spring Street is the Newton Theatre, a local venue that hosts plays, musical performances, comedy shows, and more in the Sussex County area. Another spot on Spring Street is the Newton Fire Museum, which displays historic firefighter equipment from the days when horses and buggies were common instead of cars, along with old photographs preserved for future generations, and much more. Newton may not be in a fancy location, but it's still an impressive community worth exploring, with plenty of amenities for some memories no one will forget.
Margate City
Just next to Atlantic City is Margate City, a town on Absecon Island, which is also part of the Jersey Shore. One of the most famous landmarks in town and the state is Lucy the Elephant, a six-story building in the shape of an elephant built in 1882 to promote real estate in the area. Today, Lucy the Elephant is one of the most popular roadside attractions to visit in the state. Across from Lucy the Elephant is Margate City Beach, a two-mile stretch of beach that offers a great escape from the office and larger cities on weekends. However, visitors need a beach badge to access the beach.
An incredible restaurant to visit in town is Tomatoes, a Californian restaurant offering incredible meals in an upscale setting that also includes a bar and great views of the Margate City Municipal Pier and the bay. Right on the bay is the Blue Water Marina, a nice spot for anyone who owns a boat and can explore the bay and the ocean on a nice summer afternoon or go on a nice fishing adventure near town.
Ocean City
Just six miles away from Margate City is Ocean City, also known as "America's Greatest Family Resort," a coastal city in Cape May County and also a part of the Jersey Shore. The town has a wonderful downtown that also gives people access to its eight-mile-long beach, which is perfect for families, people wanting to escape the stress of the office on weekends, and much more, with the boardwalk behind the beach with restaurants, shops, and small amusement parks. Playland's Castaway Cove is a very small, yet family-friendly amusement park right on the Ocean City Boardwalk. It has plenty of rides, including a roller coaster, a drop tower, a log flume, and much more in a very tight and enjoyable space.
An incredible establishment to visit in downtown Ocean City is the Betz Room, a local restaurant made for fine dining on a night out in town. It serves seafood, steaks, lamb, and much more. Further up the block from the Betz Room is Pirate Island Miniature Golf, a wonderful pirate-themed family-friendly mini golf course with waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and an 18-hole course. Ice cream and water ice are also served.
Morristown
Morristown, or sometimes known as "Mo-Town" or "the Military Capital of the American Revolution," is the county seat of Morris County and has one of the best downtown squares in the state, as well as being one of the most historic in the state, dating back to Colonial America and the Revolutionary War. Similar to Newton, right in the heart of Morristown is the Morristown Green, a two-and-a-half-acre park, which has served as a military training ground during the Revolutionary War, has a Civil War Military Monument, and currently hosts public events and offers people a nice, relaxing park to enjoy during a sunny day.
A great bar to visit in downtown Morristown is the Laundromat Bar, which has washing machine and dryer decorations in the main hallway before heading down to the basement, where patrons are treated to live music, drinks, and a nice bar atmosphere. Another place to see live music and theater performances in town is the Mayo Performing Arts Center, which has been operating since 1937 and is perfect for those who enjoy the arts and theatrics.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake, also nicknamed "the Irish Riviera," is a small borough situated between Sea Girt and Manasquan on the Jersey Shore. It has a quaint downtown for people to enjoy. In the heart of downtown is Divine Park, a gorgeous park with Spring Lake that holds native fish and wildlife. The park also has wooden bridges, which are frequently used for wedding photos, a playground, and tennis courts for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The main street of Spring Lake is Third Avenue, which has a diverse number of local shops, businesses, and restaurants for all to enjoy, including the Spring Lake Seafood restaurant. There, people can enjoy freshly cooked seafood, sushi, and a tuna pizza, with an adorable interior filled with artwork inspired by the sea, and patrons have the option to eat outside to enjoy a nice breeze. Since Spring Lake is a shore point, the Spring Lake Beach is very close to downtown, and is very clean and well-maintained for residents and visitors to enjoy sunbathing and swimming. The boardwalk stretches up to two miles and is excellent for anyone looking for a nice walk or jog.
Finishing Thoughts
Each of these nine communities features a charming town square or downtown, making each town unique for those seeking a memorable, relaxed experience in a small community rather than spending a weekend in a larger city. The state as a whole has many welcoming small towns, especially the nine mentioned above. Some offer access to New York City by train, while others embrace their lack of a train station and invite visitors to enjoy their small, local neighborhoods. When planning the next trip or excursion, consider visiting one of these incredible communities and their amazing local town squares. Remember- The Garden State is not an oxymoron. Come and experience what New Jersey has to offer!
