West Orange is located in Essex County and is a town catering to everyone. Visitors can have fun with indoor + outdoor activities, making it a perfect stop for any season and any weather. Those who are active can a nature walk or a hike in the reservations. Those who prefer a chill day can enjoy leisurely vintage shopping. Those working from home and looking for a change of scenery can enjoy a coffee shop or spend a lunch break at a cafe. Keep reading to learn more about cool sights and spots to explore in West Orange, New Jersey.
Activities + Shopping
Apple Butter Boutique | 558 Valley Road
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Apple Butter Boutique is located near the corner of Valley Road + Hazel Avenue. This Black woman-owned + operated shop is filled with clothes + accessories. There is also a braid bar available. Apple Butter sells products like shirts, pants, jumpsuits, + outerwear. If shopping for something special to wear to the next big event, check out the dress section.
Luna Stage | 555 Valley Road
Luna Stage sits near the intersection of Valley Road + Hazel Avenue. This professional, nonprofit theater produces shows like The Ground on Which We Stand, Richard II, Paradise, + more. The theater also holds summer classes for kids + teens. Shows + classes are held on a Pay-What-You-Choose program.
Read More: What’s Filming in Montclair + Essex County? An Ongoing List of Movies and TV Shows
Pleasant Valley Productions (at OSPAC) | 4 Boland Drive
Pleasant Valley Productions is an independent, non-profit, community theater company that produces shows to perform at Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center. Some shows produced are Jesus Christ Superstar, Into the Woods, + more. There is also a summer intensive program available for junior performers over the summer.
Valley Vintage | 186 South Valley Road
Valley Vintage sits near the corner of South Valley Road + Meeker Street. The space is 2100+ square feet of variety. There are over 20 shops showcasing their products. Everything from home decor, to antiques, vintage shops, + jewelry finds are available. Valley Vintage also hosts events and sales throughout the year.
Places to Grab a Bite
Chit Chat Diner | 410 Eagle Rock Avenue
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The Chit Chat Diner is located on Eagle Rock Avenue, across the street from the Eagle Rock Reservation. After enjoying a nature walk through the reservation, stop into this diner for lunch or an afternoon cup of coffee and a sweet treat. The diner’s colorful design showcases checkerboard floors, bright and patterns cushioned booths with spotted edges, and striped and checkerboard wall designs. MG recommends ordering the California Breakfast BLT (applewood smoked bacon, fried egg, avocado + fresh mozzarella cheese on pressed challah bread + served with potato chips), or the Fig + Gouda Burger (fresh fig jam, bacon bits + gouda, served with French fries).
Harper’s Cafe | 134 South Valley Road
Harper’s Cafe is located near the corner of South Valley Road + Tremont Avenue. The cozy atmosphere inside the cafe includes warm wooden tables + counter, drop lighting, + a bold, blue wall behind the counter. There is also outdoor seating available. If stopping by for breakfast, try the So Simple Sandwich (two eggs, aged white cheddar on a brioche bun). For lunch, try the Truffle Grilled Cheese (white cheddar, yellow cheddar, pork or turkey Bacon, with truffle oil).
The Highlawn | 1 Crest Drive
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The Highlawn, recently renovated, is located near the Eagle Rock reservation deck, making it a great spot to take in beautiful views. The Highlawn provides a panoramic view of the New York City skyline. The Highlawn is open for dining six days a week (closed on Mondays). There are plenty of options to choose from, including the duck carbonara, black truffle roasted chicken, + pan-seared scallops.
Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs | 60 Washington Street
If looking for an authentic New Jersey favorite, stop by Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs. This hot dog shop is located near the corner of Washington Street + Columbia Street. Italian hot dogs are traditionally made with one or two hot dogs, peppers + onions, and potatoes in a bun. In addition to these NJ delicacies, Jimmy Buff’s also has sausages, cheesesteaks, hamburgers, + more available.
Light Bulb Coffee Shop | 285 Main Street
Light Bulb Coffee Shop is located on the corner of Washington Street + Main Street. This cozy coffee shop is a great stop for an afternoon pick-me-up. The shop has coffee options like flat whites, cappuccinos, + more for patrons. It also sells pastries + homemade empanadas. These items can be taken to go, or patrons can hang out inside with one of the shop’s books. Some games are also available inside, like Connect Four + Jenga.
McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane
McLoone’s Boathouse is located in the South Mountain Reservation area, about a three-minute drive from the Turtle Back Zoo. Menus are available for lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch buffet. For lunch, try the blackened Mahi Mahi tacos or the short rib French Dip. If stopping by for dinner, start with clams on the half shell from the raw bar menu. Then, move on to the brown sugar spiced salmon or the signature crab cakes. Menu options are available for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian, + vegan as well.
Willow + Olivia | 255 Main Street
If a sweet treat is needed, then look no further than the storefront of Willow + Olivia. Inside this dessert cafe, patrons can find beautifully made cupcakes, cookies, + more. If in need of a decorative cake, call ahead and place an order to have cake decor dreams come to life. Super fans can check out Willow + Olivia’s merch for cozy sweatshirts, relaxed tees, + more.
Outdoor Spots
Eagle Rock Reservation | Eagle Rock Avenue + Prospect Avenue
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Eagle Rock Reservation holds 408 acres of land to explore. The park contains large hiking trails, as well as 18 different parks. Trails are available for hikers of all different skill levels. A map of Eagle Rock Reservation can show nature goers the variety of trails that start with as little as 0.9 miles in length.
Rock Spring Golf Club | 90 Rock Spring Road
If golfing is enticing, discover what Rock Spring Golf Club has on its course. This 6,600-yard course is about 15 miles west of Manhattan, making it easily accessible to soak in the NYC skyline while playing a round or two. The golf course has Dynamic Pricing available; further information about this + plus the club’s dress code, can be found on the website. Rock Spring also has golf events throughout the year.
South Mountain Reservation | Cherry Lane + South Orange Avenue
West Orange has access to two reservations within the town, as South Mountain Reservation is also accessible through Cherry Lane + South Orange Avenue. This reservation has 2100+ acres on its property, bordering towns such as West Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, + South Orange. South Mountain Reservation has access to multiple trails ranging from 0.5 miles up to six miles on its map. The reservation also has access to a dog park + a Wildlife Forest Preserve.
See More: 15 Unique Brunches in Hoboken + Jersey City for Your Next Brunch Adventure
Thomas Edison National Historical Park | 211 Main Street
Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a great spot for history buffs to visit. Visitors can tour the Thomas Edison family home, also known as The Glenmont, and learn more about the Edison family. There is also a tour available of the laboratory with an audio guide. The home, laboratory, + grounds are open Thursday-Sunday.
Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue
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The Turtle Back Zoo is home to Essex County’s only zoo. The grounds are fun for the whole family. Attractions include a zoo train traveling through the grounds + South Mountain Reservation, an endangered species carousel ride, face painting, conversations with zookeepers, + more. Turtle Back Zoo is also home to habitats such as the Sea Turtle Recovery.
23 Montclair Area News Stories This Week | May 4, 2025
After hints of spring here and there, the warmer weather and seasonal blooms have officially arrived in Northern New Jersey. It’s been another busy week in Essex County, and we’ve got all the Montclair news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: a new eco-friendly program in Newark will bring 5,000 trees to the city streets; East Orange teachers picket for higher pay outside a scheduled Board of Education meeting; and a new Netflix crime thriller featuring Robert De Niro has plans to film in Montclair. Read on for all the news in Montclair and the surrounding Essex County towns for the week ending May 4th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected] and we'll consider it for coverage.
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Community Biking Event in Montclair Will Raise Awareness for Traffic Safety
- Montclair Nonprofit Honored at YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards
- Eco-Friendly Initiative, "Rooted in Newark," Will Bring 5,000 Trees to City Streets
- Montclair Stationery + Vintage Store, Parcel, Moving to Park Street With New Concept
- Teachers in East Orange Picket for Higher Pay Outside BOE Meeting
- Montclair Planning Board to Host Public Hearing Surrounding Affordable Housing Plan on 5/5
- Montclair’s Annual Walnut Street Fair Happening on 5/4
- Netflix Thriller Featuring Robert De Niro to Film in Montclair
- Montclair Baseball Field Dedicated to Late Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds
- Community Health Fair to Take Place in Maplewood on 5/3
Community Biking Event in Montclair Will Raise Awareness for Traffic Safety
Montclair Bike Bus, whose goal is to make biking to school safe for all Montclair children, will host a town-wide bike ride called "Kidical Mass" on May 4th from 10AM to 1PM. The six-mile bike ride will raise awareness about traffic violence in the community. This will begin in Upper Montclair, continue through the South End neighborhood, and finish at Essex Park, located at 41 Chestnut Street. Participants looking for shorter rides can join at different checkpoints, including Watchung Plaza for a 4.5-mile or 45-minute ride, Church Street Circle for a three-mile or 30-minute ride, and the northeast corner of Nishuane Park for a two-mile or 20-minute ride. Finishing at Essex Park, riders can look forward to music, games, doughnuts, snacks, merch, and bike repair services. Click here for more.
Montclair Nonprofit Honored at YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards
On April 30th at Montclair Art Museum, five honorees received recognition for the YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards, which annually praises community trailblazers "working to eliminate racism and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people," as per the organization's website. Among this year’s recipients was Latinos of Montclair, a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying American Latino voices in Montclair and the surrounding areas. Additional honorees included Kiran Handa Gaudioso, the CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey + president of United for ALICE, Bergen County Assemblywoman Ellen Park, representing the 37th District, Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, the president and CEO of the Partnership for Maternal + Child Health of Northern New Jersey, and Brielle Winslow-Majette, the deputy director of Garden State Equality and LGBTQIA+ Policy professor at Rutgers University.
Eco-Friendly Initiative, "Rooted in Newark," Will Bring 5,000
Trees to City Streets
On Earth Day, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Hewitt-Cabral launched a new eco-driven program at Sussex Park in Newark. The "Rooted in Newark" Tree Canopy Initiative will allow the city to plant 400 new trees across all five wards this spring, including 70 along Central Avenue. Newark plans to plant 500 trees in 2025 and a total of 5,000 trees over the next decade, leading to "cooler, greener, and healthier neighborhoods," Mayor Baraka said in a statement. Newark residents who wish for trees to be planted on their streets can submit a request at this link.
Montclair Stationery + Vintage Store, Parcel, Moving to Park Street With New Concept
Photo Credit: Nancy Laboz
After 22 years at its Bloomfield Avenue locale, the stationary and vintage shop, Parcel, will move its business to the second floor of 11 Park Street, Montclair. Rather than a traditional storefront, Parcel will operate as a showroom and atelier, open once a week each month to the public. During this week, the showroom will highlight a new theme, with new products and displays for the guests to enjoy. Although it will be open less frequently, the showroom will serve a greater purpose, full of magic, inspiration, and a more intimate and meaningful shopping experience. Parcel's ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, at 12PM. Click here for more.
Teachers in East Orange Picket for Higher Pay Outside BOE Meeting
Following a declined proposal for the 2022-2027 school contracts in November 2024 and mass layoffs in December 2024, East Orange teachers associated with the East Orange Education Association picketed for higher pay outside a scheduled Board of Education meeting on the night of April 28th. During the meeting, contracts were discussed and a new proposal was drafted, providing almost $1 million more than previously offered by the BOE, according to News 12 New Jersey. A meeting between the EOEA and BOE to discuss contract negotiations took place on Friday, May 1st.
Montclair Planning Board to Host Public Hearing Surrounding Affordable Housing Plan on 5/5
In October 2024, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs issued a mandate requiring municipalities across the state to meet affordable housing obligations, which involved the construction or restoration of various housing units. As per a DCA report, Montclair is one of the many municipalities listed, with 132 housing units in need of repair. A few weeks back, Montclair Township launched a survey where residents were asked for their feedback on the town's affordable housing policy. Now, the township will hold a public hearing on the issue during a scheduled board meeting on May 5th at 7PM. This will take place in the Montclair Municipal Building, located at 205 Claremont Avenue. It will also be streamed online via YouTube.
Montclair’s Annual Walnut Street Fair Happening on 5/4
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The ninth annual Walnut Street Fair, a free community event featuring over 200 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, opportunities to shop from local businesses, and a Family Fun Zone boasting face painting, a bounce house obstacle course, a live magician, and more, returns to Montclair on May 4th from 11AM to 4PM. This will take place on Walnut Street from Grove Street to Forest Street. While indulging in family-friendly fun, attendees can also donate diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials to Junior League of Montclair-Newark's diaper drive to benefit local foster families in need. Click here for more.
Netflix Thriller Featuring Robert De Niro to Film in Montclair
The Whisper Man, a Netflix crime thriller featuring Robert De Niro, will film at a historic building located at 60 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair from May 19th to May 27th. A notice was sent to residents last week about the filming, as per Montclair Local. A prep crew will be on-site from April 28th-May 16th, as well as a wrap crew after filming is done from May 28th-June 6th. Click here for a list of films shooting in Montclair.
Montclair Baseball Field Dedicated to Late Superintendent
Dr. Jonathan Ponds
In September 2024, the Montclair Board of Education voted unanimously to rename the renovated Woodman Field in honor of late Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds, who sadly passed in the summer of 2024. On Saturday, April 26th, Montclair staff, students, and residents gathered for the unveiling of the new space, which is now called Dr. Jonathan C. Ponds Memorial Field. "This field [stands] as a living tribute to a beloved leader who left an indelible mark on our schools, our town, and our hearts," Montclair Public Schools shared in a statement.
Community Health Fair to Take Place in Maplewood on 5/3
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The Maplewood Health Department will host a Health Fair on May 3rd from 10AM to 1PM at DeHart Park, located at 120 Burnet Avenue. This event will feature free screenings, vaccine administration, preventative services, including blood pressure and hepatitis B tests, and over 40 vendors providing medical information and resources.
Protesters Held Car Caravan Picket at Port Newark on 5/1
Protesters associated with the organizations International Luxemburgist Network + Save Gaza, Save Us All, arranged a car caravan picket at Port Newark on May 1st, in recognition of International Workers’ Day, also known as "May Day." According to event organizers, this port is where U.S. military shipments, connected to the Israel-Hamas War, have allegedly passed through. International Luxemburgist Network member Eric Lerner and Save Gaza, Save Us All member Jay Arena, called this protest a "working class uprising," as it was "big first step in unifying immigrants, all who oppose the genocidal war on Gaza, federal workers, teachers, students, professors, all who are defending Social Security, all who are defending the basic freedoms to speak and protest into a single powerful movement of all who are under attack—which is all workers."
Philadelphia Man Armed with Loaded Gun Arrested at EWR
A Philadelphia man was arrested on April 28th after Newark International Airport TSA detected a handgun at a security checkpoint. The .40 caliber gun, loaded with four bullets, was confiscated by Port Authority Police, making this the third gun detected at EWR this month and the 10th since January. “This individual now faces a stiff federal financial penalty," TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, Thomas Carter, said in a press release. "Hopefully, others will learn from his mistake."
Several Belleville Roads Closed for Construction Through May 16th
A section of Mill Street in Belleville, between Montgomery Street to Franklin Avenue, closed for construction on April 28th. These roads will remain closed until May 16th, as per an alert from the Township of Belleville. Local drivers should prepare for detours for the next few weeks.
Bloomfield's Lead Replacement Project Wins National Environmental Award
The Township of Bloomfield's Lead Service Line Replacement Phases Project, aiming to replace and upgrade thousands of old, potentially lead-contaminated water pipes, has won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Excellence in Community Engagement Award. 16 projects were nominated nationwide, but only five were given the title "Exceptional Projects," including Bloomfield's multi-year initiative. Being first launched in 2020, the project has allowed the township to inspect over 3,400 service lines and fully replace 1,300 lead or galvanized lines. "Replacing lead service lines isn’t just about meeting mandates—it’s about protecting the health of our residents and building trust through transparency and outreach," Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell said in a news release. "This award underscores the diligence and dedication of our team and our commitment to doing what’s right for Bloomfield."
Montclair State University Employee Will Graduate With Bachelor's Degree This Spring
Local resident, Jodi Cotugno, always desired to become a teacher, but life circumstances kept that goal out of reach - until recently. Working as a Montclair State University employee, Jodi enrolled in Montclair's Degree Completion Program in 2022, and now, in 2025, Jodi is set to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Education Studies. "Her family will be right there, cheering her on as she becomes the third Cotugno woman to graduate from Montclair after her daughters Emily (Class of 2022) and Molly (Class of 2024)," MSU shared in a statement.
Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative Recipient Opens
Its Doors in Newark
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Last week, the breakfast and brunch cafe Sweet Jeans Kitchen + Espresso Bar opened in Newark at 494 Broad Street. Brick City locals can find a menu of morning classics like cinnamon rolls and avocado toast, as well as fresh pastries, brews, and lunch options. As per Sweet Jean's Instagram bio, the restaurant will soon host latte 101 classes and community events. As part of the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative, which aims to revamp the city's downtown area via economic support, Sweet Jeans was granted $38,500 to begin operations. The cafe was the first recipient of this program.
Multilingual West Orange Students Honored at BOE Meeting
During a West Orange Board of Education meeting on April 28th, multilingual students at West Orange High School were honored for their accomplishments this school year. This included the student leaders Alexandra Morales, Joshua Montague, Justin Weinshank, Rohaan Mehta, and Aishwarya Jacob of the WOHS Latin Club, in partnership with The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission Organization, as they "[developed] crucial entrepreneurial skills, [planned] fundraising events, and [raised] awareness of global issues right here in West Orange while developing a second language," as per a West Orange BOE statement. Graduating seniors Cathlens Antoine, Aaliyah Correa, Rosa-Jane Desormeaux, Laeticia Fayette, Willcielys Gonzalez, Ericka Jacques, Katrina Jean-Baptiste, Marsha Marseille, Kimberly Mira Barrientos, Nelly Pierre, Kamille Ramalho Chavez, Trigal Rosario-Taveras, Camilla Saltos, Nathania Zemedagegnehu, and Neissa Zetrenne were also recognized for earning the New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy in three languages.
Montclair Italian Restaurant da Pepo Closing on 5/10
Da Pepo, located at 54 Fairfield Street in Montclair, announced that its last day of business will be Saturday, May 10th, 2025, via Instagram on May 1st. “To our amazing customers — thank you for your loyalty, support, and love over the years. It means the world to us. Sadly, we’ll be closing our doors on Saturday, May 10th. We hope to see you before then so we can serve you one last time and say goodbye in person," the caption read. The Italian restaurant is located inside Watchung Booksellers, which will remain open. Click here for more.
New Networking Space Coming to Montclair This Fall
A new networking space has announced its plans to open inside the newly reopened Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair come October 2025. Soon to be located at 294 Bloomfield Avenue, RecRoom will be "a welcoming 'third space' where we can get out of our homes to work, study, meet, and hang out," as per its website. Come fall, the business will host all kinds of community gatherings, including meetings, workshops, parties, craft nights, happy hours, truck shows, markets, game nights, and more.
United Airlines to Cancel Flights at EWR Due to
Ongoing Flight Delays
This past week, Newark International Airport has delayed over 400 flights and canceled over 200 flights, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware. This is due to the closure of one of its biggest departing runways, which will remain closed for renovations until mid-June, as well as technology malfunctions and staffing issues surrounding air traffic controllers. As a response, United Airlines will cancel 35 round-trip flights arriving and departing from EWR a day. "It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers,” CEO Scott Kirby said in a note to customers on May 2nd.
Little Words Project Opens at The Mall at Short Hills
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Little Words Project, a jewelry company known for its bead bars where customers can build and personalize their bracelets, has opened another location at The Mall at Short Hills, located at 1200 Morris Turnpike. The franchise, founded by New Jersey native Adriana Carrig, has locales all across the country. The new Short Hills location marks its second New Jersey site and opened on May 3rd.
School Dedicated to Students with Autism Opens in Newark
Branch Brook School, Newark's first elementary school dedicated solely to students with Autism, has officially opened its doors at 228 Ridge Street. With the goal of "[helping] families obtain the services they need for their children without enrolling in a program outside the city," as per a statement released by the district, the school will provide on-site speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to all its students. "Our goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of their needs, have access to a high-quality education right here in Newark,” Newark Superintendent Roger León said in the statement. "The opening of Branch Brook School is a powerful step forward in our mission to serve every child with excellence."
Retired Belleville Firefighter Graduates from Montclair
State University
Ralph Castellano, a retired Belleville firefighter, small business owner, husband, and father, is now also a graduate of Montclair State University. In 1975, Ralph began his college career, taking part-time classes while also working a full-time job in construction. “I was accepted [to the school] part-time and went at night for about six years,” Ralph told MSU. "Then I got on the fire department and said, ‘I’ll finish this some other time.’ And I did – 50 years later." Now, after five decades, Ralph will graduate with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and walk in the spring commencement this coming week.
