Main Street, the hub and heart of a community, offers great insight and character into a town’s persona. New Jersey is home to a wide variety of communities that feature unique downtowns and main streets with excellent shopping and local fare.
Commonly referred to as the “seaside resort,” Cape May is known for its outstanding shopping and dining options. You can’t miss the Washington Street Mall, a three-block walking mall situated mere blocks from the beach. After receiving a facelift in 2008, the Mall was made even more accessible for walkers and bikers. Comprised of small, independent and family-owned shops, the pedestrian concourse offers some of the best shopping and dining options along the Jersey Shore.
Named one of the “Top Ten Streets in America” by the American Planning Association, Washington Street in Hoboken is rich with historic storefronts, lively restaurants, and an array of shops and boutiques. In the heart of downtown, Washington Street also hosts special events and bustling festivals throughout the year. With its tree-lined sidewalks and unmatched scenic views of the Manhattan skyline, this main thoroughfare is a “can’t miss” destination.
Revived in the early ’90s, the trendy town of Red Bank has a lively, upscale downtown that's located along the southern bank of the Navesink River. Lined with bistros and sidewalk cafés, this walkable town also boasts unique specialty shops and boutiques. Stroll through the historic Galleria building at the corner of Bridge and Front streets and admire the modern shops and chic restaurants. After an active day of shopping, treat yourself to a pampering massage and enjoy waterside views with a cold drink at the Molly Pitcher Inn or the neighboring Oyster Point Hotel. Take in a concert at the famous Count Basie Theatre or a show at the Improv Comedy Jam or catch up with friends over a burger at the Dublin House.
The small town of Madison boasts charming streets dotted with unique specialty boutiques and eateries. Nearby is one of the state's chicest consumer palaces - The Mall at Short Hills. With no state tax on clothing or shoes, enjoy a world-class shopping experience at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and 175 other fine stores. Don't miss the shopping venues in Millburn and Summit. And after an eventful day of shopping, spread out your blanket and enjoy the beautiful view at Newark's Branch Brook Park, which boasts amazing cherry blossoms in springtime.
As one of South Jersey's premier trend-setting marketplaces, The Promenade at Sagemore in Marlton features fine apparel, home furnishings, lifestyle accessories and delectable restaurants, reflecting the wide variety of styles and tastes of this region. Lavish goods can be found at The Pier Shops at Caesars in Atlantic City. This luxury resort experience lures visitors into a world of more than 70 high-end specialty emporiums and seven restaurants. The gourmet hotspots are found on the third floor of the Pier and most of them allow for a breathtaking view of the Boardwalk, Boardwalk Hall and the city's crown jewel, the Atlantic Ocean. Peruse the shopping at Coach, Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and Michael Kors. Thrifty shoppers can also enjoy the pampering experience by visiting Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Juicy Couture.
Wildly successful and within walking distance of the Boardwalk, stroll over to Atlantic City Outlets - The Walk. These premier retail outlets have transformed the midsection of this city into a pleasant downtown streetscape. Well-designed and planned with dramatic and fun signage and sidewalks, The Walk has found its niche in this seaside resort town; it features 100 factory outlets. Shoppers who prefer a more intimate experience will enjoy trendy downtown shopping in the picturesque, eclectic towns of Morristown, Summit, Hoboken and Princeton, while antique aficionados will adore Chester, Lambertville, Point Pleasant Beach and Haddonfield.
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