The most common argument in defense of New Jersey is that it has it all: beaches, mountains, lakes, forests, and cities, all packed within just 7,354 square miles. This is what makes NJ such a great place to live, but it also makes summer planning feel impossible. That’s where we come in. Over the past few months, our team of locals has worked hard to create the ultimate Montclair + Essex County summer bucket list. We don’t use that superlative lightly: our list includes 50 local activities that we believe every resident should experience at least once — and can, with ease.
Our free and downloadable bucket list of activities includes food spots to enjoy, activities to do, outdoor adventures, history adventures — all the things that make our area special. All of the picks are vetted by our team of local residents, based on our own experiences in the community. We won’t spoil all the fun, but here’s a sampling of what to expect:
- walking the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail
- the Montclair Pride Festival + the Montclair Jazz Festival
- paddle-boarding at Verona Park
- visiting on of Montclair’s many gardens
And of course, this is just 50 ideas to get you started; the opportunities and options are ENDLESS. We write about them every day on our site, TheMontclairGirl.com. We’re a team of locals who love to explore and learn about all the things happening in Montclair, Essex County, and beyond. There’s also an ongoing calendar of events you can peruse each weekend here, and of course — add your own! It’s a free community resource.
To download our PDF guide to a local Montclair and Essex County summer, click here.
Enjoy your summer, and tag us @themontclairgirl on social media in your adventures!
16 Fun Spots to Visit in Morristown, New Jersey
New Jersey is home to countless unique downtowns and neighborhoods like Cape May, Belmar, Glen Ridge, and Ridgewood. Morristown, located in Morris County, is one of those spots and is full of fun things to do. Known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution, this walkable town is full of museums, parks and gardens, restaurants, shops, and beautiful architecture. Read on for a guide of 16 fun things to do in and near Morristown, New Jersey.
Aikou Restaurant | 54 South Street
Aikou is a BYOB modern Asian fusion restaurant located in the heart of downtown Morristown. The menu boasts a wide variety of eats, including sushi rolls, sashimi, salads, soups, noodles, and entrees. See here for the full array of options.
Apricot Dried Fruits + Nuts | 166 South Street
Apricot Dried Fruits + Nuts is a specialty spot full of nuts, coffee candy, dried fruits, and Turkish sweets like baklava, Turkish delights, and Dubai chocolate. We suggest picking an assortment of pieces from the bulk section, mixing and matching favorites with new things to try. Another delicious selection is the sesame, almond, peanut, or cashew brittle.
Read More: 15 Cool Spots to Visit in Millburn, New Jersey
Baklava Cafe | 164 South Street
Baklava Cafe is a female-owned cafe where Chef Filiz serves Turkish dishes and desserts. The menu includes Manti, sandwiches, omelets, cheese burek, baklava, Turkish tea, and cannoli. MG suggests ordering the manti, a Turkish dumpling filled with meat and topped with garlicky yogurt. Baklava Cafe is open six days a week, except Mondays.
Enjou Chocolat | 8 Dehart Street
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Enjou Chocolat is a luxurious chocolate experience in Morristown. The chocolate shop serves up specialty selections such as chocolate covered pretzels, nonpareils, sea salt caramels, and more. In addition, Enjou Chocolat is known for its curated gift baskets and unique molds.
Ford Mansion | 30 Washington Place
The Ford Mansion is part of the Morristown National Historical Park, a National Park consisting of several important spaces from the American Revolutionary War. The mansion served as George Washington's headquarters from December 1779 to May 1780 during what was the coldest winter on record for New Jersey. Tours of the mansion are offered by the National Park Service and volunteers at 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM from Thursday to Sunday.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum | 353 East Hanover Avenue
Although this is technically in Morris Township, this spot is just over the border from Morristown and a must-visit for those spending time in and around the area. This green space covers 127 acres, has 2,000 types of trees and plants, picnic spots, formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, walking trails, and a historic mansion. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is free and open daily from 8AM to dusk.
Jungle Juice | 151 Morris Street
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Jungle Juice is a must-try if you're craving a smoothie, juice, or acai bowl. It's located right near the Morristown train station, making it the perfect commuter treat for before or after work (or both). The menu has endless options — from Jungle Green and Jungle Immune juices to piña colada smoothies and java chip milkshakes. PS: we may have to start a petition to bring back the apple cinnamon smoothie, because it was just that good!
Macculloch Historical Museum | 45 Macculloch Avenue
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The Maccullochs immigrated from London, England, to New York City in 1806. Four years later, the family purchased 26 acres and a one-story stone bank house from General John Doughty, a commander in George Washington's Army during the Revolutionary War. On this land, the Maccullochs built their home, which still stands today. The space is open on Saturday and Sunday from 12PM to 4PM. Visits must be made by appointment only and at least 48 hours in advance. Appointments can be made by calling or emailing the Operations Manager, Carly Cheponis, at 973-538-2404 ext. 101 or [email protected]. The gardens here are free and open daily from 8AM to dusk.
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) | 100 South Street
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The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located downtown, and hosts a variety of different events throughout the year — from musicians to theater shows. See the full lineup here — some upcoming events include multi-platinum singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith, the Old Crow Medicine show, and more.
Morristown Green | 10 North Park Place
The Morristown Green is a historical park located in the center of Morristown. It covers an area of two and a half acres and features benches, statues, and trees. Historically, it served as a military base, a militia training ground, and an area for public executions. This is an excellent spot for a picnic, a walk, or sitting on a bench and admiring the history and architecture around the Green.
Morris County Historical Society | 68 Lafayette Avenue
The Morris County Historical Society is a must for local history lovers. The current exhibit, Fermenting a Communal Spirit: Morris County Taverns, Speakeasies + Social Clubs, is showing until early 2026. It explores how Morris County watering holes served communities from the Revolution to the 20th century. The Historical Society is open Tuesday to Thursday from 11AM to 4PM and Sundays from 1PM to 4PM. Tickets range from $5 to $8, and children 12 and under are free.
Millburn Deli | 139 Morris Street
While Millburn Deli has been in Morristown since 2020, it first opened in 1946 in Millburn. Known for its Sloppy Joe sandwiches, a New Jersey staple, this sandwich includes three pieces of rye bread, meat of your choice, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. Like any deli, this spot also has build-your-own sandwiches. Stocked with Italian, Jewish, and classic American deli staples, one can top their sub with chicken cutlets, salami, pastrami, mojo pulled pork, bacon, fresh mozzarella, Asiago cheese, tomato, arugula, avocado, garlic mayo, and so much more. MG suggests ordering the Griller #8 or a Jay Ray.
Rago Brothers Shoe + Leather Repair | 142 Speedwell Avenue
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Rago Brothers is located right off the Morristown Green, and has been family-owned and operated by four generations of the Rago family since the early 1900s. After immigrating from southern Italy in 1911, brothers Louis and Thomas opened up Rago Brothers Shoe Repair Shop in Morristown — and the rest is history. Today, fourth generation Rago's Anthony and Marissa help run the shop alongside their father, Tony. The shop specializes in all kinds of leather repair from any brand — from shoes, boots, and sneakers to bags, luggage, coats and jackets.
Traction Line Recreation Trail | Morristown
Traction Line Recreation Trail is a 2.7-mile rail trail stretching from Morris Avenue in Morristown through Florham Park and ending at Danforth Avenue on the border of Florham Park and Madison. For much of the route, the trail runs parallel to the train tracks. The trail is paved, featuring wooden benches for resting, workout stations along the way, and wayside markers detailing local history.
Stack Creamery | 48 Washington Street
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Ice cream shops are easy to come by, but finding one primarily serving ice cream sandwiches is hard. Stack Creamery specializes in this dessert underdog, putting ice cream between cookies, brownies, and doughnuts. For chocolate lovers, we suggest ordering the Cookie Monster flavor, putting it between two brownies, and picking chocolate toppings.
See More: A Trip to Readington Brewery + Hop Farm in Neshanic Station, NJ
Swiss Chalet Bakery + Cafe | 176 South Street
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Swiss Chalet Bakery + Cafe is one of the oldest family businesses in Morristown, with 50 years of service under its belt. The bakery has over 40 employees who start their day as early as 2AM to bring over 40 different pastries and desserts to the counter. This spot makes over 100 pounds of cookies a day, including Linzer chocolate chips, Italian butter cookies, and holiday-themed. Other sugar-filled specialties include cannolis, tiramisu, brownies, doughnuts, pies, fruit tarts, and danishes. The cafe menu includes warm pancakes, omelets, soup, paninis, salad, and wraps. There is much to choose from here. We suggest ordering something you have never had before or asking the workers to pick their favorite dessert.
