When looking for a quick weekend day trip, it’s not necessary to travel far outside of Essex County. In fact, the adorable town of Maplewood is a fun spot for a quick day’s excursion. The people are friendly and diverse, and the downtown area exudes a 20th-century nostalgic vibe, with restaurants and shops interspersed along Maplewood Avenue. With all the lush green space, such as Memorial Park and the nearby South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood provides plenty of outdoor options for picnics, sports, or relaxation. Given the combination of nostalgia and greenery, it’s not surprising that Maplewood is the birthplace of Ultimate Frisbee. Read on to plan your outing to Maplewood, New Jersey.
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The History
The Lenape, a Native American Tribe, were the earliest residents of the Maplewood-South Orange area, according to Durand-Hedden, a museum in Maplewood. The tribe populated the Mid-Atlantic coast from New York Bay to Delaware Bay in the early 17th century and was then “known as the ‘Lenni-Lenape,’ according to the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape American Indian Tribe.
In 1667, settlers purchased 40,000 acres from the Lenape, including what is now Maplewood Township. In the late 18th century, the area received its first name, “Jefferson Village,” after Thomas Jefferson. As the region developed, farms and small industrial enterprises emerged in the early 19th century. But only when a rail line was built did “Maplewood” come about.
In 1860, a railroad station was built near Baker Street and Maplewood Avenue. “A large maple tree stood nearby… and because of the great maple swamp that had been well-known in the village,” according to the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission. The town of Maplewood was born, and along with the railroad came many wealthy people seeking a break from city life.
Visiting Today
Approximately 26,000 people call this village home, and the neighborhoods consist mainly of houses rather than apartment or condo buildings.
Memorial Park is an Olmsted brothers-designed oasis centrally located in town and within walking distance from downtown. There, you can find many charming shops and various restaurants along the avenue. If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Friday or Saturday night, perhaps you’ll hear live music filling the streets. Check out the Maplewood Village Alliance’s calendar for upcoming events.
Where to Eat
Artie’s | 15 Newark Way, Maplewood
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Neighborhood favorite Arturo’s Restaurant has joined forces with its sister brand, The Bread Stand bakery, to become Artie’s. The menu features delicious options like gourmet wood-fired pizzas and warm, freshly baked bread. MG particularly enjoys the Santo pie, which has a bit of a kick.
Bistro D’Azur | 14 Academy Street, South Orange
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The Artisanal French Mediterranean menu changes almost daily at Bistro D’Azur as Chef Richard Krug uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This fine-dining restaurant has two- and three-course prix fixe dinner selections every night, including a vegan menu. It provides a limited selection of wines by the bottle and is BYOB.
Coda Kitchen + Bar | 177 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
Coda Kitchen + Bar boasts an extensive menu with locally sourced food and craft beer. The friendly and knowledgeable wait staff will let you sample a beer before ordering, and give their suggestions on the dishes. MG enjoys the California Veggie sandwich, especially with creamy tomato soup.
Cornbread | 1565 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood
Cornbread serves “fast-casual, authentic, savory soul food” and sources its ingredients “from farm to soul.” The restaurant boasts its love of soul food as its highest standard, as it “represents the importance of family and strong ties that bring a community together.” This love is extended through the delicious meals of chicken, fried catfish, and ribs, along with side dishes, like cornbread, of course. Pick-up, delivery, and catering options are available.
La Villa Mexican + Salvadoran Food | 261 Irvington Avenue, South Orange
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This quaint and well-lit cafe serves homemade Mexican and Salvadoran food. The large menu features many appetizers, soups, salads, chicken, meat, vegetarian dishes, and dinner platters available — indoor and outdoor seating is available, as well as online ordering for pick-up.
Restaurant Lorena’s | 160 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
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Lorena’s has gathered a multitude of accolades for Chef Campos and his “seasonally Inspired French American” cuisine since its opening in 2005. Campos named the restaurant after his wife, which makes it only appropriate that Lorena’s was voted one of the 100 most romantic restaurants in America in 2018 by OpenTable diners.
True Salvage Cafe | 292 Elmwood Avenue, Maplewood
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Hometown girl Chef Signe Heffernan makes good with “farm-fresh ingredients and small-batch cooking” at this cafe. The menu focuses mainly on sandwiches, but also has dinners. In 2020, NJ.com voted the True Salvage Taylor Ham/Pork Roll Breakfast Sandwich creation “the best.” Daily specials can be found on True Salvage Cafe’s Instagram page.
Village Coffee | 164 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
Village Coffee serves breakfast all day, as well as bowls, wraps, and paninis. In addition to regular coffee drinks, various types of Chai, multiple variations of hot chocolate, and various ciders (in season) are available, either hot or iced. Sit outside in the sun or on a chilly day, or move inside where the brick and wood interior gives off a warm feeling. It’s close to the train station, making it convenient for a coffee or tea on the run.
Village Ice Cream Parlour | 185 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
This classic shop serves ice cream, sugar-free ice cream flavors, and frozen yogurt. The store doesn’t take debit or credit cards, so make sure you have cash on you before you go.
Village Trattoria | 2 Inwood Place, Maplewood
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Village Trattoria is a lively neighborhood spot known for its Italian dishes and pizza, all served in a relaxed atmosphere. MG particularly loves the specialty pies here, which range from chicken Alfredo to Greek salad.
Where to Shop
Elevated by The CannaBoss Lady Dispensary | 9 Highland Place Suite 1, Maplewood
Previously known as The CannaBoss Lady, this store first opened in 2021 in Maplewood Village, marking the first woman-owned CBD shop in the area. As of 2023, owner Jill Cohen has another first under her belt: the first woman-owned cannabis shop in Essex County called Elevated by The CannaBoss Lady Dispensary, which sells craft cannabis.
Freeman’s Fish Market | 155 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
This small shop has been big on “providing the area’s freshest seafood since 1989,” when Maplewood natives and owners Reggie Delphin and Shawn McClure started it. The fish is picked daily from the Fulton Food Market, and the store also sells prepared foods, produce, herbs, and seasonings. Freeman’s caters to business events and personal parties and also provides home delivery service.
Maplewood Mercantile | 145 Dunnell Road, Maplewood
In 2017, Amy Hughes opened Maplewood Mercantile at 145 Dunnell Road in Maplewood to create a space where women business owners could develop their ideas and where the community could come together and enjoy a beautiful environment. Please note Maplewood Mercantile is temporarily closed right now.
Noiré Dispensary | 171 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
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At Noiré, the team is dedicated to being more than just a provider of high-quality cannabis products — the store prioritizes maximum customer satisfaction. The retail shop also sells a wide selection of CBD products, available both in-store and online.
A Paper Hat Art + Design Supply | 410 Ridgewood Road #3, Maplewood
This cute store has a large variety of brushes, paints, journals, notebooks, sketch pads, pens, markers, and even slate pencils. The store was established in 2016, and “carefully selects well-made, well-designed art supplies, stationery, and gifts for all ages and abilities.”
Perch Home + Company | 89 Baker Street, Maplewood
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Perch Home is a cozy shop that carries “quality goods,” such as cashmere shawls and knit scarves, jewelry, candles, and seasonal items like wassail spice kits. The baby section includes muslin sleepers and swaddles, children’s books, and gifts for babies.
[words] Bookstore | 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
This community bookstore carries a wide selection of classics, new works, young adult, and children’s books. The mission: “Engaging readers of all ages and interests, welcoming patrons and employees with autism.” Browse to “classic” music, such as UB40 and Crosby, Stills, Nash + Young.
Things to Do
Durand Hedden House + Garden | 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
The museum explores the history of Maplewood (and surrounding towns) from “its original settlement in the late 17th century to the late 20th century” through music, food, and participatory activities, just to name a few ways. It is currently closed for the summer, but check the website for updates on the re-opening.
Hiking in the South Mountain Reservation
Located near Maplewood (Millburn, West Orange, and South Orange), the reserve boasts about 2,110 acres of land along the Rahway River and has nearly 20 miles of walking and hiking trails. Choose an easy one-mile path, such as the Rahway and Maple Falls Trail, the moderate 4.3-mile Openwood, River, Lenape, and Overlook Trails loop, or for true trekkers, a multi-day hike on the 32.8-mile Lenape Trail: Branch Brook Park to South Mountain Reservation.
Memorial Park | 580 Valley Street, Maplewood
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In addition to encompassing a picnic area, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, softball fields, and amphitheater, Memorial Park hosts the annual Fourth of July celebration and Maplewoodstock. This verdant beauty, designed initially in the 1920s by the Olmsted Brothers, is in the center of town.
South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail
This half-mile fairy trail is open year-round. It begins at the Locust Grove picnic area and is a doable walk for small children. Along the footpath, habitats of sprites are nestled amongst the trees. Local artists helped create these miniature homes along the Rahway Trail.
Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Turtle Back Zoo is located in the South Mountain Reservation and is about a 15-minute car ride from Maplewood. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, and $17 for children 12 and under, as well as seniors 62 and older. It is open daily from 10AM to 4PM.
So, the next time you want to take a fun day trip, but not spend the whole day away, consider venturing to Maplewood, and check out some of these spots.
