Montclair has so much to enjoy, almost a little too much and that can put a strain on the finances. So how does one take in the eats and wander the streets in one of Northern New Jersey’s most buzzing communities? Here at The Montclair Girl, we’ve devised five different day-long itineraries that showcase the best of Montclair’s sights and tastes, all under $50 for the whole day. Here’s our third option, which totals $48.50. Keep reading to find out how to have a day in Montclair while spending $50 or less.
The challenge: Eat at least 2 meals and enjoy at least 1 activity for $50 or less in Montclair (tip + tax will be extra).
Option 3 can be done with or without a car. This option allows one to explore Montclair’s famed Church Street and the area around the Van Vleck House + Gardens.
Breakfast — $7.50
Head over to Hot Bagels Abroad at 150 Valley Road for meat, egg, and cheese on a bagel. One can choose between bacon, Taylor Ham, or sausage on several options like plain, everything, honey wheat, salt, and blueberry. The next spot is just a two-minute drive or a brisk eight-minute walk.
Read More: How to Have a $50 Day in Bloomfield Center
Activity 1 — Free
Walk around Montclair and admire its architecture and history. Check out the Lafayette Headquarters Marker at the corner of Claremont Avenue and Valley Road. In October 1780, Marquis de Lafayette and his soldiers left their encampment in Hawthorne and headed for Cranetown (present-day Montclair). After three days they headed for Elizabethtown (present-day Elizabeth) where they planned to board ships and sail for Staten Island. The ships never arrived and Lafayette and his troops turned back toward Cranetown. In 1938 the Eagle Rock Chapter of DAR erected a plaque for what is traditionally believed to be the doorstep of the home Lafayette used as his Cranetown headquarters.
Lunch — $11
Lunch is just a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away. Proven Poke Co, located at 19 Church Street, features poke bowls, burritos, tater tots, soup, tacos, and musubi. Grab two musubi for just $11.
Activity 2 — $11
Photo Credit: The Clairidge
After lunch head to The Claridge, an independent movie theater located at 486 Bloomfield Avenue, just steps from Proven Poke Co. Check out a matinee show on a weekend for just $11.
A Snack — $4
After a relaxing movie, you might be in the mood for a sweet treat and Le French Dad Boulangerie can satisfy that. Use the Church Street exit and cross to reach 10 Church Street. For just $4 or less you can get the pain au chocolat, Kouign Amann, cinnamon roll, a macaron, hot cross buns, financier, or mini donuts. Your next activity is a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk.
Activity 3 — Free
The Van Vleck House + Gardens located at 21 Van Vleck Street is six acres of private parkland and gardens. This is a center for horticulture, education, music, art, and quiet contemplation open to the public. Your next activity, dinner, is a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk.
See More: How to Have a $50 Day in Jersey City Heights
Dinner — $15
The night ends with dinner at the famed Leone’s Restaurant + Pizzeria located at 19 South Park Street. With about $17.50 left, there is much to choose from like any salad, homemade cheese ravioli, spaghetti, Penne Zucca, Penne Turano, mussels marinara, mozzarella caprese, mozzarella en carozza, eggplant rolatini, and various types of pizza. We opted for a 12-inch pepperoni pie for $15.
Stay tuned for our next $50 day series in Montclair.
