It’s no surprise to us to see Montclair and other North Jersey towns getting recognized as great places to live, yet a recent recognition from Travel + Leisure was still really exciting to see. Travel + Leisure just named Montclair and other North Jersey towns on its list of the 12 best small towns in New Jersey. The list looked at factors such as historic sites, great food, fun shopping, and beautiful architecture. Other North Jersey towns that made the list are Westfield, Ridgewood, Tenafly, and Millburn. Read on for what we know about Travel + Leisure’s list of best small towns in New Jersey.
The Travel + Leisure article, which was published on August 23rd, has Montclair on the top of its list of the 12 best small towns in New Jersey — and a few other North Jersey towns made the list as well.
Millburn
Paper Mill Playhouse is a big draw for the Millburn area — and it makes sense that it was the first attraction listed for Millburn. Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary as well as Taylor Park were both noted as great spots for outdoor activities. Of course, Millburn Deli was listed as a must-visit place to eat, as well as Splurge Bakery, Liv Breads, Saigon Cafe, and Evoo & Lemon.
Read More: Hoboken + Jersey City Make New List of Most Expensive Cities for Renters
Montclair
Travel + Leisure cites Culture Couture, White Rabbit Black Heart, Giftbar, and Oasis as noteworthy boutiques in the Montclair area. As for food, the article notes Halcyon Brasserie, Palazzo Pasta Company, Koreander, and Marcel Bakery + Kitchen. It also shouts out Bobbi Brown’s The George.
Ridgewood
Another North Jersey spot to make the list is Ridgewood. Travel + Leisure highlighted Sakura Bana, Latour, Felina, and Roots Steakhouse for local eats. Ridgewood as also noted for its creative arts, listing the Ridgewood Art Institute and Creatively Yours as must-visit spots. Town & Country Apothecary, Apricot Lane, and Hot Jewelry Box were also listed as places to shop.
Tenafly
Tenafly is a great spot to go for some great outdoor time, due to the Tenafly Nature Center. Ave Lumi, a sustainable clothing shop, also got a shoutout, as well as Mochinut for some delicious mochi doughnuts. Huyler Park was also noted for its fun summer concerts.
See More: A Day Trip Guide to Westfield, New Jersey
Westfield
Westfield was celebrated for its 450 shops + businesses. The French Martini, Evalyn Dunn Gallery, Janus’ Closet, and Madeline Moss were all cited as great local shops. Westfield is also full of fun coffee shops, including Boxwood Coffee Roasters, Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery, and Rock ‘n’ Joe. Westfield was also listed as having awesome communal events each year, like its annual Pizza Run.
Other New Jersey small towns that made the list were Red Bank, West Cape May, Spring Lake, Lambertville, Flemington, Cranbury, and Bay Head.
