The 10 Friendliest Little Towns In New Jersey

New Jersey may be known for its busy highways and boardwalks, but it is also home to some of the friendliest small towns in the Northeast. Escape the larger towns and cities, and you will quickly find places where neighbors come together for community festivals and shopkeepers remember your order. Cultural celebrations like Bastille Day in Frenchtown and the Irish Festival in Spring Lake serve as reminders of the towns’ heritage and beginnings, while classic diners like Woody's Towne Café are likely to remind you of simpler times. If you are in need of a pick-me-up, these 10 friendly towns will certainly lift your spirits.

Spring Lake

The coastal village of Spring Lake is more than just a relaxing seaside getaway; it is also filled with engaging cultural activities. Each year, in June, the town celebrates everything Irish during the annual Irish festival, in which attendees can enjoy music, dancing, shopping, food trucks, and more. The Community House Theatre is another great way to appreciate the town’s cultural scene, with upcoming shows including Annie in July and the Sound of Music in August. Make sure to also take a stroll along Spring Lake’s family-friendly boardwalk, a pristine promenade that is free of commercial attractions, allowing you and your family to connect with nature.

Frenchtown

Each July, Frenchtown hosts one of the state's most beloved festivals: Bastille Day. This celebration of France's National Independence Day is recognized in many parts of the world, with Frenchtown joining in with its own fun. Visitors can enjoy live music, a magic show, a vendor market, guided history tours, and more. Those looking to experience more of Frenchtown’s hospitality can spend the night at The National Hotel, a historic hotel dating back to 1850 that features well-decorated rooms and an Asian fusion restaurant. On the weekends, you may spot local residents spending time together at Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, a biking path that winds along the Delaware River up to Trenton.

Bordentown

Bordentown has an active art scene that visitors can appreciate through its community festivals and art galleries. On October 4th and 5th of this year, the town will host the 35th annual Cranberry Festival, which brings over 100 juried artists and crafters to town to share their work with the community. Year-round, travelers can also appreciate Bordentown’s artistic spirit at galleries like The Artful Deposit, which exhibits work from local, national, and international artists. To finish the day, consider grabbing a cold beer at the Tindall Road Brewing Company, a beloved microbrewery in town with a rustic, farmhouse-style taproom.

Ocean Grove

Although Ocean Grove is a popular summer vacation spot, it has an impressive calendar of events throughout the entire year. In May and September, for example, travelers can stop by for the town’s Spring and Fall Markets, which feature vendors selling handmade, antique, vintage, and new items for sale. The Fall Harvest Festival Arts & Crafts Show, taking place in October, is another great activity to check out, selling items that are at least 95% handmade. Throughout the year, visitors can also sign up for an art class at the Jersey Shore Art Center, where they can learn skills like drawing, printmaking, watercolor painting, and more.

Cape May

With the weather warming in Cape May, the town begins to come alive with spring festivals and beach activities. From May 28th to June 25th, the town will celebrate its 36th annual Cape May Music Festival, in which 14 classical, jazz, funk, and brass band groups will perform in venues around town. Residents and visitors alike begin flocking to Cape May’s beaches as well, which stretch for about 2.5 miles along Beach Avenue, many of which are near hotels and inns. Those looking for a charming inn to lodge can stay in The Inn of Cape May, a historic property near the sea that dates back to 1894.

Clinton

The hospitable town of Clinton largely expresses its heritage through its history and art museums. The Red Mill Museum Village is a must-visit for anyone in town, sitting on 10 acres of land and preserving an 1810 mill, a schoolhouse, a log cabin, and a blacksmith shop. The museum is also known for hosting the annual Uncork Summer Wine Festival, where visitors can sample wines from about 10 wineries and enjoy local food from food trucks and vendors. After exploring the Red Mill Museum Village, make sure to stop by the Hunterton Art Museum, a contemporary art museum that has been showcasing regional art since 1953.

Allentown

Although Allentown is home to under 2,000 residents, it has a surprisingly quirky number of attractions and family-friendly activities. Those with kids will want to add the Faerie Fest to their calendar! This event, taking place on June 7th this year, features magical activities like photos with a faerie princess, faerie sweet treats, faerie face painting, and much more. Families will also appreciate a visit to the New Jersey Fire Museum, where they can view an impressive collection of vintage firetrucks. Hungry travelers have a wonderful selection of hospitable restaurants to choose from, including Woody's Towne Cafe, a friendly diner that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Lambertville

Proudly proclaimed as the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” the community of Lambertville has a truly unique antiquing scene. Three days a week, visitors can stop by the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, a beloved community tradition that has taken place since 1967. Here, shoppers will find a “gold mine” of collectibles, antiques, and art! The People’s Store Antiques and Design Center is another popular place to search for a treasure. A historic landmark since 1839, this four-story store features over 50 antique dealers to explore. After a busy day of antique hunting, visitors can retire for the night at the friendly Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn. Once a 19th-century train station, this property has since been transformed into a beautiful hotel and award-winning restaurant.

High Bridge

Travelers looking for a change of pace will find it in the friendly town of High Bridge. For golfers, the town is home to the highly-rated High Bridge Hills Golf Club, a par 70, 6,500-yard course, perfect for connecting with family and friends. If your game of golf worked up an appetite, you can grab a bite at Scout's Coffee Bar + Mercantile after, which offers a variety of baked goods, breakfast burritos, and coffee. In the spring and fall, visitors can attend the biannual TISCO markets in town, which feature local art, live music, unique vendors, and a variety of other fun activities.

Stockton

Home to vineyards, ice cream shops, and state parks, it is easy to see why folks in Stockton are so laid-back. Travelers should be sure to visit the town’s iconic Federal Twist Vineyard, known for its reds, whites, and rosés, as well as its regular events and workshops. In addition to live music on weekends, the vineyard offers experiences like charcuterie-making and sushi workshops for those looking to try something new. For something a bit sweeter, swing by Gronsky’s Milk House, a family-owned establishment that has been operating since 1978, serving ice cream, breakfast, and lunch. On the weekend, you will likely spot local residents enjoying their afternoon at Bulls Island Recreation Area, an 80-acre forested island with hiking, biking, boating, and birding opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Although the northeast may not get the reputation as being the friendliest region in the US, there are undoubtedly towns in New Jersey that break this stereotype. Between its historic seaside inns, local breweries, and antique stores, these towns are filled with community traditions, many of which date back decades. Just be warned that it might be tough to say goodbye to the community by the end of your trip!