Montclair has so much to enjoy; almost a little too much, and that can strain the finances. So how does one take in the eats and wander the streets in one of Northern New Jersey’s most buzzing communities? Here at The Montclair Girl, we’ve devised a day-long itinerary (with more iterations coming soon) that showcases the best of Montclair’s sights and tastes, with a way to spend $50 or less while spending the day in Montclair. Read on for the itinerary.
The challenge: Eat at least 2 meals and enjoy at least 1 activity for $50 or less in Montclair (tip + tax will be extra).
Option 1 Total — $49.75
While a car can be used for Option 1, it is also designed for those interested in walking around Montclair for the day. NJ Transit buses 28 and 101 also run along Valley Road as well. One can also travel on the train, getting off at Watchung Avenue Station. One can get off the bus or train at the station and walk about two minutes to The Pie Store to grab breakfast. This option allows one to explore the Watchung Plaza and Upper Montclair neighborhoods.
Read More: A Guide to Meals Under $10 in the Montclair Area
Breakfast — $5.75
Head over to The Pie Store at 100 Watchung Avenue and order a Sausage Roll for breakfast. This savory dish includes pork seasoned with fresh sage, flat-leaf parsley, parmesan, and onion, wrapped in puff pastry. If you want to enjoy breakfast outdoors, walk across the street to Watchung Park.
Activity 1 — Free
After a delightful breakfast, walk about eight minutes or drive about two to Edgemont Memorial Park located at 274 Valley Road. Walk around and enjoy the beauty and scenery of this 15.52-acre spot. Toney’s Brook cuts through this spot and one can walk across the bridge and visit the World War I memorial.
Lunch — $6
Walk about 20 minutes, drive about four, or hop on the 28 bus toward Upper Montclair. The destination in mind is full of warm and savory Mexican food, perfect for your lunch cravings. Tortas Lokas located at 617 Valley Road serves its tacos with onion, cilantro, limes, cucumbers, and radishes. Diners can choose carnitas, al pastor, chorizo, pollo, asada, enchilada, birria, tripe, chuleta, and vegetable filling for lunch. Tacos here each cost $2.
Activity 2 — Free
Walk about five minutes to your next outdoor activity. Anderson Park, located at the corner of Bellevue Avenue and North Mountain Avenue, is 14.85 acres of green space with walking trails. You can also walk along North Mountain Avenue, Princeton Place, Edgemont Road, Carteret Street, and Godfrey Road, taking in Montclair’s homes’ beauty and architecture.
Dinner — $8
When it’s time for dinner, walk about five minutes to DaVinci’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, located at 223 Bellevue Avenue. Grab two slices of pizza and feast.
See More: Things to Do on Willow Avenue in Hoboken
Activity 3 — $25-30
The next stop is Studio Players, located at 14 Alvin Place. Roughly a 10-minute walk or a bus ride on the 28 or 101, this spot is great for theater lovers. Check out the website for showings. If you took the bus, the stops for 28 and 101 are within walking distance. The bus can also take you to Upper Montclair Station or Watchung Avenue Station, or you can walk about 10 minutes to each.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our $50, one-day series in Montclair!
