For something new to try on the weekends, try visiting a town in Essex County that features shopping, great places to eat, and hiking. Millburn, New Jersey is located in the southwest sector of Essex County. Regardless of the time of year, visitors will have a great time shopping at high-end stores or in small businesses and grabbing a drink + a bite to eat in town. Read on for more information about cool places to visit in Millburn, New Jersey.

How to Get to Millburn

If traveling from the Garden State Parkway, drivers can take the exit that allows access to Route 78 or Route 24. These highways are also accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike. There are many parking options in Millburn as well. Street parking is available and there are multiple parking lots available around the town center.

Read More: A Day Trip Guide to Bloomfield, New Jersey

If commuting through public transit, Millburn has its own train station. The Millburn Station is located on Essex Street, near the South Mountain Reservation. This train station is accessible through NJTransit and runs on the Gladstone Branch + Morristown Line.

Activities + Shopping

The Book House | 281 Essex Street

Located on Essex Street, The Book House is a great stop on a trip to Millburn. Whether visitors want to add a new book to their collection or have a quiet space to take care of some work (WiFi available) or reading, this bookstore meets all needs. A cafe exists inside the bookshop and is available for patrons to order beverages during the bookshop’s opening hours. There is also a downstairs space available for events. The Book House hosted events like comedy nights, author events, and events for children like Preschool Story Time.

Greenwood Gardens | 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills

While the Greenwood Gardens address says Short Hills, it is located between both towns as part of the South Mountain Reservation. Twenty-eight acres of public gardens are waiting to be explored on Fridays, Saturdays, + Sundays. Tours are available beginning in May. Activities in the Greenwood Gardens are more accessible in warmer weather. However, the gardens have programs available from January to May like the Peter P. Blanchard III lecture series in March titled “The Art, History, + Restoration of Scenic Wallpaper.” When the weather gets warmer, there are events like picnics, photography, + more.

Nunez Gallery | 343 Millburn Avenue

J.Nunez Gallery has two locations: an abstract art showcase in Millburn + a non-abstract art and fine art photography showcase in Summit. This Millburn gallery is open six days a week (closed on Sundays), and features artists like Jesus Nunez, Toral Patel, Guillermo Bublik, + Heather Robinson. Jesus Nunez is the creator + main contributor to the gallery. Pieces are also available for purchase.

Paper Mill Playhouse | 22 Brookside Drive

Those who love performing arts should plan a visit to Paper Mill Playhouse. Musical shows are available on the website. Some musicals that can be seen are Mystic Pizza, Take the Lead, + Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The theater also has an art gallery available for visiting and Paper Mill has theater classes for kids, teens, and adults.

Paper Ribbon + Wrap | 271 Essex Street

Located on Essex Street, Paper Ribbon + Wrap is next door to The Book House. This little shop has a lot going on inside. Whether shoppers are looking for a little something special for friends, or having a treat-yourself kind of day, Paper Ribbon + Wrap has it covered. Some items inside include a selection of scented candles, and kitchen gifting items like cheese boards, trays, + glassware. There’s also a bridal and baby section if shopping for an upcoming shower. Jewelry, handbags, and clothing items are also available.

 

Where to Dine

Casa Das Natas | 348 Millburn Avenue

Casa Das Natas is located near the corner of Millburn Avenue + Main Street and is open six days a week (closed on Sundays). This cafe serves traditional Portuguese dishes like Bifanas (hot pork sandwich) + Caldo Verde (collard green soup). Desserts + pastries are also available. If stopping by, try a Nata (Portuguese custard cup), a chocolate salami, or a flan.

The Coffee Mill Roasters | 41 Main Street

The Coffee Mill Roasters is a cute, cozy spot to warm up with a hot cup of coffee in the colder months or grab an iced latte to walk around Millburn when the weather is warmer. Owner Adel opened The Coffee Mill Roasters in 2011 in Millburn because he enjoys the town and the people in it. He prides himself in roasting his own beans for his coffee establishment. Beverages to try are cold brew (Decaf or Regular), caramel apple cider, snickerdoodle latte, + more. There are also fresh pastries, cakes, + more available at the front of the store for purchase to create the perfect coffee pairing.

Common Lot | 27 Main Street

Common Lot is just a three-minute walk from Millburn Station and is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday. The establishment is owned and operated by couple Ehren + Nadine. The food served represented the couple’s shared global experiences. A pre-fix menu is available on Fridays + Saturdays which includes an appetizer, entree, + dessert. A chef’s grand tasting menu is also available.

Millburn Deli | 328 Millburn Avenue

When most people think of Millburn, the one place people mention is to stop by the Millburn Deli. The establishment opened its doors in 1946 and has been serving “good vibes” along with chicken cutlets, sloppy joes, specialty salads, + more. MG pro tip: Order a Sloppy Joe from the Millburn Deli and enjoy it with a side of sweet coleslaw and some iced tea.

Millburn Standard | 42 Main Street

It’s always a good idea to stop by the Millburn Standard for lunch, or dinner or to enjoy a cocktail. Start with the rosemary focaccia (marinated olives, whipped compound butter) or the filet skewers (Certified Black Angus Filet Mignon, soy glaze, chives, cashews, Thai kale slaw). Then move into The Standard Burger (7-ounce, cheddar, bacon, hickory sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, brioche bun, fries) or the Trumpet Mushroom Risotto (butternut squash risotto, trumpet mushrooms, broccolini, vegan beurre blanc). If stopping in for a cocktail try the Problem Solver (Glendalough Irish Whiskey, Peach Schnapps, lychee, strawberry, pineapple juice) or the Pink Out (Casa Nobles Blanco Tequila, Ruffino Sparkling Rose, raspberries, peach puree, lime juice, simple syrup). If this is the last stop on a long day in town, there’s a late-night menu available until midnight with items like standard wings, chicken tenders, tempura cauliflower, + more.

Moonshine Modern Supper Club | 55 Main Street

Located near the corner of Main Street + Millburn Avenue, Moonshine Modern Supper Club is a great spot for dinner or Sunday Brunch. There’s also a four-course prix fixe menu available for dinner. For dinner options try the Lorean Tuna Sashimi (jasmine rice, broccolini, seaweed salad, watermelon radish, scallions, sesame seeds) or the braised beef short rib (collard greens, cheesy grits, bordelaise). End the meal with warm cookie dough (chocolate chip, vanilla gelato) or peanut butter mousse (dark chocolate drizzle, whipped cream). If stopping in for Sunday Brunch, try the lobster + artichoke benny (poached eggs, butter poached lobster, artichoke hearts, English muffin, house hollandaise drizzle, home fries) or the French Toast sandwich (ham, gruyere, maple mustard, powdered sugar, home fries).

Saigon Cafe | 286 Essex Street

Located across the street from The Book House, Saigon Cafe serves Pho + grill dishes, seven days a week. Try the Fresh Summer Rolls (freshly prepared hand rolls consisting of fresh lettuce, mint leaves, bean sprouts, and vermicelli noodles, wrapped in soft rice paper). Ask for chili sauce to spice your appetizer. Also, ask for dipping fish sauce. Another option to try is the Spicy Lemongrass Pho (rice or egg noodles in veggies or chicken or beef spicy lemongrass bone broth served with proteins of your choice). Gluten-free visitors will find their next meal here as about 80% of the menu is GF.

The Simple Fare | 35 Main Street

If looking for a quick bite to eat with fresh food options for brunch or lunch, look no further than The Simple Fare. The name stands true in this lovely, minimalist Indian cafe + patisserie. The owner, Ashima Mehra, recently opened her establishment in November of 2024. She prides herself on The Simple Fare serving quality food sourced from local and organic options. Try the masala omelette (organic eggs, with onions, tomatoes, + bell peppers. Served with sourdough bread. Add green chili for a spicy kick!) or the Tandoori Chicken Sandwich (free range chicken, spices, sweet + spicy avocado mayo, pickled veg). End this meal with one of the mouth-watering desserts available at the counter like the salted caramel banana bread.

Outdoor Spots

South Mountain Fairy Trail | 197 Glen Avenue

Those who love the great outdoors should check out the South Mountain Fairy Trail. This trail is about half a mile and is part of the South Mountain Conservancy. It has been said to be inhabited by fairies. Small fairy homes continue to appear on this trial for about a decade.

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Taylor Park | 100 Main Street

For those who have an appreciation for the great outdoors, but aren’t in the mood to take a hike, try hanging out in Taylor Park. Located in the Millburn/Short Hills area, this park has a baseball/softball diamond, basketball court, playground, tennis court, and more. There’s also a walking path to take a stroll.