Among New Jersey's treasures are its charming small towns. First-time visitors are delighted to discover these little pockets of Americana, where you can stroll down Main Street, wander through one-of-a-kind stores and dine at family-owned restaurants. Download and print this infographic as your guide!
Clinton
Not only is Clinton picturesque, it's home to one of the most photographed structures in New Jersey, the Red Mill. (Explore the entire Red Mill Museum Village, which holds a dozen historic buildings, including the mill.) Set on the banks of the Raritan River, which is the site of the town's annual Rubber Ducky Race, Clinton features an adorable downtown block with galleries, shops and restaurants.
Chester
Chester is a must-go destination for its historic downtown retail district. Stroll along brick sidewalks and peek into the windows of dozens of specialty shops, ranging from fine antiques to posh pet products. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll find 48 flavors at Taylor's Ice Cream Parlor, or stop at Alstede Farms for a freshly baked pie.
Lambertville
If you like fine dining and even finer antiques, you'll fall for the mystique of this riverfront town. Walk along the canal path that runs through downtown Lambertville, or walk out on the bridge over the Delaware River for scenic vistas. Join other visitors snapping the iconic "one foot in NJ and one foot in PA" photo!
Cranbury
As one of the state's best preserved 19th-century villages, Cranbury has a cute, tree-lined Main Street and the quintessential "town pond." Take a stroll around Brainerd Lake Dam before dining at the Cranbury Inn, a Revolutionary-era tavern.
Hopewell
This tranquil village has reinvented itself as a dining destination. In addition to antique stores like the Tomato Factory Antique Center, Hopewell offers farm-to-table dining at Brick Farm Tavern, plus gourmet pizza at Nomad and new-American cuisine at The Blue Bottle Café. The town's Hopewell Theater offers a range of cultural experiences, from indie films to live music.
Haddonfield
Downtown Haddonfield is a popular shopping destination, and for good reason. It features over 200 shops and galleries, plus coffeehouses, outdoor cafés and fine dining for a relaxing break. Don't miss Haddonfield's quirky landmark, an eight-foot-high statue of a Hadrosaurus Foulkii dinosaur, nicknamed Haddy. It commemorates the finding of a complete dinosaur skeleton in 1858.
Allentown
Founded in 1706, little Allentown is rich with history. A former stop on the Underground Railroad, the village features original 19th century homes and the Old Mill, where you can shop for artisan goods at the Old Mill Crafter's Guild and sip a cappuccino at the Moth Coffeehouse.
Spring Lake
Step back into the age of elegance and gracious living in Spring Lake, a lovely beach resort town that's home to the longest non-commercial boardwalk on the Jersey Shore. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the beach before heading to romantic accommodations with a wood-burning fireplace at the Chateau Inn & Suites.
Brigantine
Just minutes from Atlantic City, you can enjoy "nature by the sea" in the beach town of Brigantine. View the important work of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which rescues stranded dolphins, seals and sea turtles, and bike or drive along Wildlife Drive at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spy osprey, heron, egrets and even bald eagles!
West Cape May
The whimsical little sister of Cape May, West Cape May boasts its share of colorfully painted Victorian homes and charming eateries—plus celebrates the humblest of legumes at its annual Lima Bean Festival. Go birding at the acclaimed South Cape May Meadows or take a tour of Willow Creek Winery, set on the 200-year-old farm in the heart of the town.
Discover more small town charm at visitnj.org where you can also download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
