Bloomfield, New Jersey has been a little up-and-coming town for a while. There are different sections of this town that allow for locals and out-of-towners to have a walk and explore. Needless to say, there is enough happening here to spend a day here on a budget. Read on for our guide to spending a day in Bloomfield, NJ spending $50 or less. Part 1 of this series will explore Bloomfield Center.
The challenge: Eat at least 2 meals and enjoy at least 1 activity for $50 or less in Bloomfield (tip + tax will be extra).
Total: $43
A car can be used for this option, but mainly to drive into the city’s center. Once there, all events + activities are within walking distance from each other. Options for travel without a car can include taking the train to Bloomfield Station. This will drop visitors into the Bloomfield Center area.
Read More: How to Have a $50 Day in Montclair: Part 1
Breakfast: $8
Start the day at Bloomfield’s State Street Grill on State Street. It is located near the corner of State Street + Liberty Street. As many New Jersey residents know, diners have a special way of serving breakfast all day long. State Street has an option to order eggs in any style. Eggs are served with breakfast potatoes (potatoes can also be swapped for french fries), + a choice of toast with butter or jam. Eggs in any style are $6 on State Street’s menu. For those looking to add some veggies, peppers + onions can be added to the breakfast potatoes for an extra $2.
Activity #1: $19
Stop by Varitage Brew Works for a pint or two and catch a soccer game + a brewery tour. This brewery is a newly added establishment to the Bloomfield Center area + is about a five-minute walk from State Street Grill. The spot is typically open from Thursday to Sunday, but soccer fans should check the website. If there’s a big game on, Varitage will likely open its doors in addition to its regularly scheduled operations. Beer enthusiasts can also learn a little more about Varitage with a tour of the facility. Varitage is happy to accommodate if possible for tours upon request. Pints vary in price but the Open Header beer is $7 for a pint (16-ounces). Leave with a souvenir for the day by purchasing one of its beer glasses. Most glasses are available for purchase for $5.
Lunch: $16
Grab lunch at Tacos La Gringa located on Bloomfield Avenue. This stop is about a three-minute walk from Varitage Brew Works. There are a variety of options for tacos in the $12 price range including carnitas, chicken, steak, pastor, + chorizo. Tacos are made fresh to order. There is space inside to sit at the counter and eat, or diners can travel downstairs where tables and chairs are available. MG Pro Tip: Order the Pastor Tacos (split-grilled pork served with cilantro, onions, + pineapple). Complete the meal with a glass of Jarritos for $4. Some flavor options include fruit punch, mango, guava, + pineapple.
See More: How to Have a $50 Day in Jersey City Heights
Activity #2: Free
View this post on Instagram
After enjoying tacos, take an eight-minute stroll to the last destination on this list: Bloomfield’s Community Farmers’ Market. The market runs through October 29th in the Bloomfield Public Library Courtyard on Tuesday evenings from 3:30PM to 6:30PM. Enjoy options available from local vendors + live entertainment weekly during the summer and early fall seasons. Some vendors include Little Jimmy’s Lemon Ice, Jersey Pickles, Cubita Cafe, Marlie Bakes Cakes, and more.
Stay tuned for the next part of our $50 day series!
Montclair’s Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza Returning on 11/30
From holiday pop-up markets to tree-lighting ceremonies, one of the best parts of the holiday season is all the family-friendly activities. Add the Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza, an annual festival in Montclair, to this season's list of things to do. This event, featuring shopping, live music, and more, returns on November 30th from 12PM to 4PM at 5 Seymour Street. Read on for more details about the 2024 Winter Wonderland at Montclair's Wellmont Plaza.
Photo Credit: Montclair Center
The Details
The Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza, hosted by Montclair Center BID, Wellmont Theater, and Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen, returns for Small Business Saturday on November 30th. From 12PM to 4PM, Montclair locals can enjoy a day of shopping, live music, kids crafts, character appearances, and more.
Read More: Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange Returning on 11/22
Attendees can check out the Gift Guide Map, which features over 70 local businesses providing special holiday deals, to see what will be provided during this event. Expect to see deals from local favorites like Amanti Vino, which will give customers a free tote bag with the purchase of six or more bottles, and Art is Bond, which will provide customers with a free candle with the purchase of $100 or more.
Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen will also serve limited holiday cocktails and provide complimentary gift wrapping for this event. All spots featured in the guide will stay open throughout the Winter Wonderland.
Photo Credit: Montclair Center
In addition to the abundance of vendors, this event will provide various holiday arts and crafts tents from Montclair Center BID, Experience Montclair, Mud Clay Studio, One River School, Gravity Vault, The Eclectic Chic Boutique, and more. See here for the complete list. Children can make unique crafts at these tents, like snow globes, ornaments, and greeting cards, to name a few. Children will also be able to meet their favorite holiday characters such as The Snow Queen, The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, a Hula-Hooping Fairy, and — of course — Santa.
The Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza will also feature live musical performances from Yuletide Carolers, Passing Notes Acapella Group, Vanguard Theater, Jazz House Kids, and Brandi Massey.
The first 100 people to attend the Winter Wonderland will receive a free Small Business Saturday tote bag and will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 gift card to a Montclair-based business of their choice.
The hosts of the Winter Wonderland at Wellmont Plaza encourage attendees to head to The Montclair Center BID tent upon arrival to receive a physical copy of the holiday shopping map.
For more details about this event, contact the Montclair Center BID’s Communications Coordinator, Lauren Barnas, at [email protected].
See More: These Hoboken + Jersey City Restaurants Have the Best Holiday Decor
To stay in the know with all of the local news, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here.
