While many locals will be headed down the shore for the spring and summer seasons, that’s not the only place to enjoy the long weekend, especially Memorial Day. Planning a staycation in Montclair is a great way to avoid traffic, enjoy local treasures, and have a fun and relaxing time. If you need help coming up with ideas for a Montclair staycation, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best places in and around Montclair to enjoy a staycation this MDW.

Places to Stay

The George | 37 North Mountain Avenue #2317, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The George is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Montclair. A self-proclaimed “boutique hotel with modern style and historic bones,” The George features luxury accommodations for all guests. Each of its 31 rooms is uniquely styled. Amenities include a European-style continental breakfast, gym, and a complimentary glass of wine in the library each evening. To make a reservation, visit the site here.

Read More: Things to Do on Walnut Street in Montclair

The MC Hotel | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

The MC Hotel is conveniently located on Bloomfield Avenue. This pet-friendly establishment is known for state-of-the-art accommodations, including a fitness center, on-site restaurant, free coffee and tea, and meeting spaces. Rooms are available in various layouts, including King, Double Queen, and King Superior. It also has a rooftop bar called Alto. To book a room, visit the site here.

The Westfield Inn | 435 North Avenue West, Westfield

Westfield is often considered one of New Jersey’s most desirable locations. With a vibrant downtown area filled with shops and restaurants, it’s a great place to stay for a long weekend. The Westfield Inn is a part of the Best Western family. The property is also home to the renowned French restaurant, Chez Catherine. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast and parking, as well as a 24-hour front desk staff. To make a reservation, click here.

The Wilshire Grand Hotel | 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Wilshire Grand Hotel is a great home-away-from-home. The quaint hotel is ideal for a relaxing stay with plush furniture in the lobby and comfortable rooms. Guests can choose from various room layouts such as King Superior, Double Superior, and suites. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast are all included for guests. The establishment is also pet-friendly. To learn more and book a stay, click here.

Things to Do Outdoors

Avis Campbell Gardens | 60 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair

This hidden outdoor gem is located around the corner from the Montclair Public Library. The Avis-Campbell Gardens, a 70-year-old property cared for by The Garden Club of Montclair, is a must-see. Beautiful flowers and plants are found at this spot, such as tulips, yarrow, azaleas, lamb’s ears, ferns, and alliums. Learn more about Avis-Campbell Gardens here.

Fairy Trail at South Mountain Reservation | Throughout Millburn, West Orange, + South Orange

Located across Millburn, West Orange, and South Orange, the South Mountain Reservation is one of Essex County’s largest outdoor spaces. Along with 2,110 acres of land and nearly 20 miles of walking and hiking trails, this spot boasts a Fairy Trail, which sits on the edge of the reservation in Millburn and is home to 100 unique fairy homes. When heading to the trail, search Locust Grove Parking Lot or 197 Glen Avenue, Millburn, on Maps. Both will lead to the parking lot where visitors can access the trailhead.

Presby Memorial Iris Garden | 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair

See more than 10,000 irises at the Presby Memorial Iris Garden in Upper Montclair. All are welcome to attend, with MDW being mid-peak season for bloom. A donation of $10 is suggested for admission, as the gardens are made possible by the generosity of donors. Picnic tables are available on the premises on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more and plan a visit, click here.

New Jersey Botanical Gardens | 2 Morris Road, Ringwood

The New Jersey Botanical Gardens is home to dozens of flower and plant varieties. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of curated gardens or take a hike through the scenic trails. Free guided tours are available on Sundays at 2PM from May through October, or visitors are free to do self-guided tours using garden and park maps. Admission to the gardens is free, and parking is $5 ($7 for non-New Jersey registered vehicles) from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. To learn more about the gardens and to plan a trip, click here.

Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange

The Turtle Back Zoo is a Northern New Jersey classic and a family favorite. Visitors can enjoy animals from around the world, like African giraffes and Asian red pandas. Turtle Back is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America. This means that it is committed to taking care of its animals, behaving ethically, contributing to conservation causes, as well as educating the public. The zoo is open daily from 10AM-4PM. Admission for guests over 13 years old is $22, and kids (ages 2-12) and Seniors (ages 62+) are $19. Babies under two are free. To learn more about current exhibits and how to plan a trip, click here.

Van Vleck House + Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair

The Van Vleck House + Gardens sits on a stunning 12-acre property. Facilitated by The Montclair Foundation, the gardens are a center for education, beauty, peace, and quiet. Admission to the gardens is free and is available 365 days a year. To plan a visit and learn more, click here.

Things to Do Indoors

Amazing Escape Room | 281 Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield

Amazing Escape Room aims to be the most entertaining escape room in the country. Puzzles and riddles will challenge the whole family. The Bloomfield location is open seven days a week with six room options, and almost all rooms are private. To learn more about Amazing Escape Room and to book a time, click here.

Boutique Shopping | Throughout Montclair

^ Acorn General Store

Montclair is home to tons of boutique shops for a day of retail therapy. Some of the most popular areas to find cute treasures are Walnut Street, Church Street, and Bloomfield Avenue. Browse the latest fashion trends, pick out a new candle or home décor, or enjoy a sweet treat from one of many artisan bakeries in the area. See our guide to Montclair boutiques here.

Bury the Hatchet | 672 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield

Bury the Hatchet is the premier spot for axe throwing in the area. The most popular package option is a two-hour session for four to 12 people. The Bloomfield location has additional options such as a 60-minute session for $32 per person on Tuesdays and Thursdays and $25 per person on Wednesdays. For groups over 12, please contact the location to make a reservation. For more information and to book a reservation, click here.

Crystals + Candle | 195 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

During MDW, locals can partake in cozy activities like candle-making. Upper Montclair’s Crystals + Candle hosts a variety of different candle-making classes where guests can mix and match their favorite scents to create a custom candle. These candles are also infused with energetic crystals and gemstones.

Go Out to Eat | Throughout Montclair

^ Samba

Dining options are never lacking in Montclair and the surrounding areas. Visitors can find world-renowned chefs and dive bars alike. Local favorites for a bite to eat include Samba — a certified, fully gluten-free establishment serving up Brazilian cuisine; Halcyon — a seafood lover’s heaven; and Egan + Sons — a neighborhood Irish gastropub. Other great options include Jack’s Surf + Turf, Sweet T’s Southern Eatery, Luigino’s Parmigiana, Faubourg, and Oso Felipe, among many other options. We rounded up a list of some of our favorite Montclair spots here. For those who want to take advantage of the warm weather, here’s a guide to outdoor dining locally. Residents can also stop at local dessert spots for a sweet treat, like Applegate Farm, Vesta Chocolate, and Jayce Baudry French Pastry in Montclair, as well as the new Van Leeuwen in Millburn.

Gravity Vault | 8 Seymour Street, Montclair

Locals can rock climb on more than 12,000 square feet of space at Gravity Vault in Montclair. The facility is open to expert and beginner rock climbers alike, with the staff providing support for all levels. Day passes for adults are $28, and for youth, day passes (ages 20 and under) are $25. Shoe and equipment rentals are available for a fee as well. To check out the full calendar and fill out the required waiver, click here.

Greens Golf Lounge | 459 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

Photo Credit: Greens Golf Lounge

At this state-of-the-art indoor golf lounge, golfers can enjoy four golf bays, including two righty and two righty/lefty setups, powered by Golfzon TwoVision. These feature a moving swing plate, high-speed camera sensors, and an auto tee. 

Hometown Arcade | 85 Washington Street, Bloomfield

Hometown Arcade has a collection of vintage video games, including Donkey Kong, Frogger, and Asteroids. There is also a vintage air hockey table, skee ball, and a gaming room at this spot. Gamers can also order food from Six Points Pizza, which may be delivered to the arcade.

Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair

The Montclair Art Museum is an engaging experience for all who attend. Various exhibits are available to enjoy for an immersive, educational opportunity. The Gallery is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10AM-6PM and on Sundays from 11AM-5PM. The Gallery is closed on Memorial Day. Admission for adults is $17, for students and seniors it’s $12, and children and members are free. Online ticket booking is highly encouraged and can be done here.

Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair

MDW is a great time to crack open a cold one. Montclair Brewery, an indoor + outdoor establishment, has nearly two dozen beer varieties on tap, along with hard seltzers and sodas. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, and the brewery is pet-friendly. Reservations for outdoor seating are highly suggested on weekends. To make a reservation, click here. See our guide to other breweries in the area here.

Montclair Culinary Academy | 550 Valley Road, Montclair

Locals can spend their holiday learning to cook at Montclair Culinary Academy. At this spot, students can learn how to make sushi, Southern specialties, bread, and more. The classes, which can include four or five courses, teach healthy and delicious cooking habits and restaurant secrets. There is also one large, communal table in the front of the space for attendees to dine at after they’ve finished cooking.

Yogi Berra Museum + Learning Center | 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls

Baseball legend and American icon Yogi Berra is a household name. His contributions to baseball and American culture are unmatched and are celebrated at the Yogi Berra Museum + Learning Center. The museum has both rotating and permanent exhibits that honor his legacy and educate visitors on history, culture, science, and society within the context of baseball. The museum is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from 12PM-5PM. Admission for adults is $15, and for seniors and kids under 18, it’s $10. Admission is free for veterans and Montclair State students. To learn more about the museum and to plan a visit, click here.

Self Care

Aura Head Spa | 28 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair

Aura Head Spa is a Japanese-style head spa that provides services that focus on client’s scalps, helping to promote hair growth, thickness, and cleanliness. This spot also has facials, such as the mini facial + jelly mask.

Evolve Med Spa | 46 South Park Street, Montclair + 770 Morris Turnpike Suite 111, Short Hills

Evolve Med Spa provides locals with both body and face treatments. For the face, this includes fillers, microneedling, Kybella injectables, intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial,s and more. Body treatments include body contouring, hair restoration, and more.

Haus of Hilights | 212 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The start of summer is an ideal time to change up a hairstyle, and Haus of Hilights can handle all hair needs. Whether it’s a bouncy blowout for a night on the town, a fancy updo for a special occasion, or a cut and color, it can all be done here. The salon is open daily and also has a seasonal drink menu. To learn more about the salon’s services, click here.

JaiPure Yoga | 575 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

A good workout can be a nice addition to any trip. JaiPure Yoga has a full line-up of yoga classes all weekend, both in-person and online. The studio uses infrared heat, which is designed to help promote detoxification and overall general wellness. To check out the schedule and book a class, click here.

Luxurious Wellniss | 57 Nassau Street Suite 3, Orange

All things beauty are what guests can enjoy at Luxurious Wellniss. This spa and beauty product location has been carefully curated by owner Felicia Stokes. Her educational background in chemistry and business has led to the success of this location, providing not just the latest trends in skincare but also options that are scientifically backed. Guests can choose from facial and skin treatments like a Vitamin C Peel, beard conditioning, neck treatments, and more, or you can shop products available for purchase. To learn more about what Luxurious Wellniss has and to plan a visit, click here.

SKN | 50 Upper Montclair Plaza B, Montclair

SKN custom skin and body treatments promise to make guests feel their best. The customizable spa experience includes facials, massages, and waxing services. Guests can choose facial add-ons like a chemical peel or LED Photon Therapy to fit the needs of different skin types or enhance a massage with add-ons like full-body stretching or a warm oil scalp treatment. To learn more about services and to book an appointment, click here.

River Green Spa | 127 Pine Street, Montclair

River Green Spa is the self-proclaimed “best massage in Montclair.” According to the website, the Asian-inspired location has massage therapists who are adept at deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage, shiatsu, and more. The most popular service is a 60-minute massage. To learn more and to contact the establishment, click here.

VIO Med Spa | 345 Allwood Road, Clifton

Photo Credit: VIO Med Spa

VIO Med Spa Clifton is a one-stop beauty shop for all things skincare. This med spa provides services like injectables, facials, microneedling, exosomes, RF microneedling, BBL sessions, moxi sessions, linder health peels, and more.

Woodhouse Day Spa | 56 South Park Street, Montclair

Woodhouse Day Spa is a full-service spa that promises to leave guests feeling refreshed and rested. Traditional services provided at the Montclair location include facials, massages, body treatments, nail services, and waxing. For enhanced relaxation, guests can book a ritual service which ranges from sleep massages to mood soaks. To learn more about services available and to book an appointment, click here.

Where to Have a Picnic

Anderson Park | 274 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair

This is an ideal park for a picnic, with over 14 acres of space to choose from for dining. Since this park is unstructured, visitors typically use the space for open-field games such as Frisbee and catch or for long walks. The park is dog-friendly and has paved walkways that are wheelchair accessible. Anderson Park is accessible by NJ Transit. The park is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 6AM-8:30PM and Tuesday from 6:30AM to 9PM.

Brookdale Park | Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield

This historic park has been a classic in the area since 1959, when the New Jersey Rose Society and the Essex County Parks Department teamed up to create the beloved rose garden. Now, in addition to the beautiful display of flowers, Brookdale Park is home to a dog park, playgrounds, fitness courses, and more for visitor access. Visitors can sit down for a picnic before or after embarking on the grounds. The park is open 6AM-9PM daily.

Canterbury Park | 9 Planchet Drive, Montclair

At Canterbury Park, a picnic will be surrounded by lush green grass, long walking trails, and a kids’ playground. Tennis lovers can enjoy a match at this park, equipped with a tennis court that’s open to the public. Canterbury Park is open daily from 5AM-7PM.

Edgemont Memorial Park | Valley Road, Montclair

Locals can shake out their park blankets and head to Edgemont Memorial Park for an MDW picnic. The park is located on Valley Road in Montclair and is known for its World War I Memorial.

Essex Park | 41 Chestnut Street, Montclair

Mostly occupied by sports and recreational activities, this park is great for a more active picnic. Visitors can utilize the facilities such as football and baseball fields, walking paths, and a playground before retreating to the open field for a nice bite to eat. Essex Park is conveniently located along the Montclair-Boonton transit line, which may be a preferred method of transportation as parking rules in this area can be tricky. The park is open daily from 6AM-9PM.

See More: Ideas for a Great Hoboken Staycation

Nishuane Park | 48 High Street, Montclair

The 17 acres of land that make up this park provide a great opportunity for a picnic. Nishuane Park has lots of activities, including a swimming pool, multiple sports courts, and playgrounds. The park is open daily from 6AM-9PM.