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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Small Town In New Jersey That’s One Of The Coolest In The U.S.

Avalon, New Jersey, is a charming and affluent shore town known for its beautiful beaches, scenic boardwalk, and unique attractions.

Updated Dec 28, 2022

Written by 

Kristen

There are so many small towns in New Jersey worth visiting but one stands out as the coolest. It's a picturesque shore town with exquisite homes, beautiful beaches, and an amazing atmosphere. It may not be as touristy as other New Jersey towns, but that's part of its charm.

Welcome to Avalon, New Jersey. The town's slogan is, very fittingly, "Cooler by a mile."

A serene pier at sunset, with soft waves lapping at the shore and a glowing light illuminating the scene.
Flickr/Peter Miller

Located on Seven Mile Island, the town neighbors Stone Harbor and is situated between Ocean City, Wildwood, and Cape May.

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A wooden lifeguard boat on the beach, labeled "Avalon Beach Patrol No. 61," with sand and grass in the background.
Flickr/Peter Miller

According to New Jersey's tourism board, the town's slogan refers to its position one mile farther into the Atlantic than other barrier islands in the state.

A scenic waterfront view featuring colorful chairs on a dock, with houses and boats in the background under a blue sky.
Flickr/Russell Sprague

One of the most affluent Jersey Shore communities, the Washingtonian even named Avalon the 'chicest beach' in the mid-Atlantic.

Serene sunset over a calm waterway, reflecting vibrant colors and surrounded by lush greenery and homes.
Flickr/A. Strakey

The town may not have funnel cakes, and amusement rides, but it does have a 1/2-mile boardwalk for scenic strolls and bike riding.

Two dolphins swim in the ocean near a beach with houses in the background and people enjoying the shore.
Flickr/Marc Cappalletti

There are also public tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park, and large playgrounds to enjoy.

You'll find shops, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes along Dune Drive, including the beloved Kohler's Bakery.

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A crowd of people waiting outside Kohler's Bakery on a sunny day, with trees and power lines in the background.
Facebook/Kohler's Bakery

Check out that line! Other local favorites include The Princeton, a bar, grill, and entertainment venue offering live music on weekends, and Sundae Best Homemade Ice Cream.

Other Avalon attractions include Pirate Island Mini Golf, Greyhound Poker Palace Arcade, Miss Avalon Fishing Charters, and the Avalon History Center.

A charming history center with a water tower in the background, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
Avalon History Center/Google

The history center is a delightful place to learn all about Avalon. Its collection includes thousands of photographs and objects that tell the story of Avalon’s "residents, places, and events." Visit on the third Thursday of each month for Tea Time - tea, cookies, and conversations about Avalon's past.

Though the town has just around 1,500 residents, the population swells in summer months. It's definitely a must-visit seasonal destination.

A wooden pier extends over calm waters at sunset, with gentle waves lapping at the shore and a warm glow in the sky.
Flickr/Peter Miller

There are several lodging options here, including the top-rated Icona Golden Inn.

A serene pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, reflecting a colorful sunset and a nearby building.
ICONA Avalon/Google

The resort offers endless amenities including a bistro, beach bar, beach yoga, balconies, pool, and planned events including Bingo Nights and Bocce Ball Tournaments.

It's a great town for a weekend getaway and a wonderful place to stay! Just minutes away from other enchanting Jersey Shore destinations, you'll also want to check them out. Learn more about Cape May attractions and all that Stone Harbor (also on Seven Mile Island) offers.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

7 Christmas Towns in New Jersey That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

Looking for the best Christmas towns in New Jersey? These seven towns illustrate why the Garden State does the holidays better than anyone.

Updated Nov 13, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey makes getting in the Christmas spirit oh-so-easy, especially with carols playing in shops, mall Santas, and twinkling lights just about everywhere we look. The best Christmas towns in New Jersey are also gearing up for another amazing holiday season. There are so many amazing places to go for Christmas in New Jersey, whether you're looking for an old-fashioned Christmas or a state-of-the-art North Pole extravaganza. We've even got a full-on magical Christmas village hiding in the south of the state. So follow us for an epic Christmas road trip to the best Christmas towns in New Jersey.

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1. Clinton

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A night view of waterfalls at Red Mill, Clinton New Jersey.

Clinton is one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey primarily due to the historic Red Mill. This stunning building is home to the Festival of Trees during the holiday season, a unique maze of decorated miniature Christmas trees. The festival typically runs from late November through mid-December. But the fun doesn't stop there. The annual Clinton Christmas Parade fills the streets with costumes, floats, and live music, and you can expect to see Santa Claus drop in for a meet-and-greet.

2. Woodstown

Woodstown is the perfect place if your taste in Christmas revelry trends more toward the peaceful and old-fashioned. The town hosts Woodstown by Candlelight, a beloved event that includes special sales at local businesses and a candlelit home tour of some of the area's most gorgeous decked-out holiday homes. Stock up on gifts at the holiday market, and have the little ones write a letter to Santa.

3. Haddonfield

Haddonfield is another town that goes all out for the season, turning its main street into a twinkling wonderland of lights. That's just the beginning, though, as Haddonfield is known as one of the top holiday shopping destinations thanks to its Candlelight Shopping events. Visit Downtown Haddonfield the first three Friday evenings in December for a magical shopping experience. The town will be awash in luminaries and twinkling Christmas trees. Live entertainment is planned, and you can climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a scenic ride.

4. Cape May

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Kirkikis/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Cape May is one of the most beautiful Christmas towns in New Jersey thanks to its collection of Victorian homes. What's more impressive than historic mansions? Historic mansions decked out for the holidays! You can have a great Christmas visit here just by walking around town and seeing the lights, but a stop at the town's famous shopping and dining square, Washington Street Mall, is the perfect way to spend a winter day in this enchanting Christmas town in New Jersey. When I lived in New Jersey, Cape May was always at the top of my must-visit list during the holiday season.

5. Whippany

Whippany is home to The Polar Express, perhaps the most famous holiday experience in New Jersey. Unlike many Christmas trains, this one is licensed after the famous book and features iconic scenes straight from the movie. A kaleidoscope of colors, delicious treats including hot chocolate, and a memorable meeting with Santa Claus await kids of all ages as they board for this charming experience.

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6. Mount Holly

Mount Holly is best known for its massive Christmas tree and the annual tree lighting and parade, but locals will tell you the best event in this Christmas town in New Jersey is the Mount Holly Holiday Home Tour. A one-day event that takes you to some of the most beautiful homes in town, the beloved Christmas tradition is a little different every year as the homes and decor are never the same twice.

7. Smithville

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Merry go round at Smithville decorated in holiday lights.

Historic Smithville isn't just one of the best Christmas towns in New Jersey. It might be one of the most beautiful sights in the whole state. This Christmas village takes the town's historic square and transforms it into a gleaming, colorful winter wonderland. All the stores and restaurants are open with many selling special holiday treats, and attractions like the carousel and miniature train are decked out in their holiday colors. It's a unique holiday experience that can only be had in New Jersey.

What are your favorite things to do for Christmas in New Jersey? Let us know by filling out this nomination form. We hope you have a great time on your holiday adventures, and make sure to bring a warm winter coat.

If all this merriment puts you in the gift-giving mood, we've got a new gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for that traveler in your life.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in New Jersey, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

There are so many great things to do in Pitman, New Jersey, that it makes the perfect day trip.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey is full of great small towns, but I often feel like the state's suburban south gets short-shift. These towns are actually Philadelphia suburbs, just a transit ride away from the area's second-biggest city, and they have a unique culture that's a little different from the usual Jersey vibe. A perfect example of this is Pitman, a town of around 8,800 people in the southwest corner of the state. The town was originally home to a massive Methodist camp meeting in the 1800s and has blossomed into a beautiful small town since. A visit to Pitman means you'll be able to experience charming scenery, great shopping, fantastic food, and a surprising amount of culture. You could easily spend more than a day here, but if you only have one, here are the best things to do in Pitman that you just can't miss.

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A train station with a brick building, a blue awning, and a nearby railroad track lined with trees and parked cars.
Adam Moss/Flickr

Pitman is a beautiful town, combining the best of suburban New Jersey with remnants of the old-school church architecture that defined the town. You can see these charming details everywhere, and the main street is one of the most peaceful in the state. During the warmer months, the town is home to Laurel Market, an outdoor farmer's market that's an incredible place to sample local goods.

The town's dining scene is one of the best in the region, as well. It's home to some of the state's best pizza at Pizzeria Mannino's, and some of the best Mexican at Dia de los Burritos, which offers funky fusion burritos. For dessert, make sure to stop by Chloe's Creme Puffs, one of the most decadent pastry shops in the state.

Neon Broadway theater marquee illuminated at night, featuring vibrant colors and a classic design.
Broadway Theater of Pitman/Facebook

The signature attraction in Pitman is the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, which offers a unique mix of theater experiences, ranging from local and touring musical acts and children's theater to classic and current musical hits in an environment that is still stunning almost 100 years after it opened as a classic vaudeville theater.

Have you gotten the chance to explore Pitman? Share your favorite things to do in Pitman, New Jersey with a friend and plan a day trip! If you just can't bring yourself to leave after one day, the town is home to The Inn on Holly Bed and Breakfast, one of the best local inns in New Jersey. The on-site garden, English-style breakfast, and daily room service make this the perfect spot for an intimate getaway.

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