Sometimes having a Saturday to ourselves is just what we need to relax and recharge — and with all there is to see and do in Montclair, it’s the perfect place to spend time with yourself. We have curated a thoughtfully laid out plan for a solo Saturday, which can be followed hour by hour or used as inspiration. There’s so much to explore in our bustling town, and while impossible to pack everything into one day, this list will help you create an efficient and enjoyable experience for a Saturday well-spent in Montclair. Grab your walking shoes and a good book, and hang solo as you stop by a coffee shop and the Walnut Street Farmers’ Market, rejuvenate at a unique waterbar, explore some Montclair treasures, and treat yourself to lunch. Read on to get the full MG plan for a solo Saturday in Montclair.
9AM: Grab a coffee at Red Eye Cafe | 94 Walnut Street
Montclair has no shortage of cafes, and Red Eye is a town favorite located in the heart of Walnut Street. Start your day by fueling with one of their organic, fair trade, and rainforest-alliance-certified Kobrick coffee or espresso drinks, paired with a pastry or gluten-free energy bar. They also have a full (and delicious) breakfast menu if you’re looking for more to start your day with.
Read More: These Restaurants + Bars in Montclair Will Wow Your Visitors
9:30AM: Walk through the Montclair Farmers’ Market | 86 Walnut Street
Walk just a few minutes to reach the Montclair Farmer’s Market, open only on Saturdays at the Walnut Street Station. If you happen to live nearby you can stock up on fresh produce, otherwise, there are plenty of non-perishable items for sale such as spices, honey, snacks, condiments, and more.
11AM: Take a stroll + enjoy the scenery at Van Vleck House + Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street
Next, walk ~20 minutes to Van Vleck House + Gardens, a free botanical garden that’s a true gem of Essex County. To get there you’ll make your way up Walnut Street, which is dotted with some of Montclair’s most charming homes. Once at Van Vleck House, take your time strolling through the vast gardens before settling on a bench with your book.
12PM: Recharge at Thought In Motion Waterbar | 127 Valley Road
Your next stop is Thought in Motion, a Crystal Infused Waterbar that serves coffees, cappuccinos, elixirs, teas, and soups. MG pro tip: One of the elixirs includes orange cacao vanilla to balance your sacral (or creativity) chakra, a great primer for the next activity.
1PM: Check out the exhibits at the Montclair Art Museum | 3 S Mountain Avenue
The Montclair Art Museum is as historic as it is cultural, dating back to 1914 and rooted in work from Indigenous artists. Take your time wandering through the vast museum filled with both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. Their newest exhibit, “Vanessa German: … please imagine all the things I cannot say…,” is a large-scale, immersive installation of mix-media artworks, and is on view through June 23rd, 2023.
See More: Spots to Enjoy a Drink by Yourself in Hoboken + Jersey City
2:30PM: Have a late lunch at Le Salbuen Cafe | 97 Walnut Street
End your day by heading back to Walnut Street for a late lunch at Le Salbuen Cafe. This cozy eatery is the perfect way to top off the day, with its chic ambiance and European-inspired, farm-to-table menu of vegan, vegetarian, and meat dishes. They also have a full list of teas, coffees, organic juices, and protein drinks.
