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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Small Town In New Jersey That Comes Alive In The Fall Season

Published Sep 29, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey in the fall is an amazing place, as just about every state and town park comes alive with the colors of fall foliage. No matter where you live, you'll probably be in for some amazing sights. For my money, though, there might be no better fall town in the state than Verona. This Essex County town of around 14,000 has a great small-town feel, as well as being home to a beautiful county park that's the perfect place to go leaf-peeping. But it's not just about nature - Verona is also home to one of New Jersey's most creative restaurants, serving an always-changing menu that is dishing up hearty fare perfect for the season. There are so many great things to do in Verona, NJ that you'll want to make sure this is on your fall day trip agenda.

Verona is a laid-back town that comes to life in the fall, thanks to some amazing foliage opportunities. It's one of the best spots around for a fall viewing trip.

Front view of the Verona Municipal Building, featuring a clock tower and steps leading to the entrance.
Jim.Henderson/Wikipedia

The centerpiece of the town during this season is Verona Park, one of the best county parks in the state.

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A park scene with trees, benches, and a person walking near a pond on a sunny day.
Maggie Joya/Google Local

Home to an old stone bridge, everything about the park looks amazing during the fall. Nature-lovers can easily spend a whole day exploring the trails.

A stone arch bridge spans a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and autumn foliage.
John Kell/Google Local

As the sun starts to set, it glistens off the multi-colored leaves and turns the entire park into a kaleidoscope of color.

A serene autumn landscape with a sunset casting long shadows on a grassy field, surrounded by trees with colorful leaves.
Ana Caraballo/Google Local

The park borders Verona Lake, a beautiful spot for fishing during all seasons of the year.

Silhouette of a plant in the foreground with a sunset reflecting on calm water in the background.
Warren Laidler/Google Local

Verona also has an amazing dining scene, including Bloom - an acclaimed New American restaurant with French and Korean accents.

Bright, modern restaurant interior with floral decor, wooden tables, and a bar area in the background.
Bloom/Google Local

The restaurant changes its menu regularly, and during the fall the menu takes a shift towards the rich and hearty.

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A plate of tender beef served on a bed of orange sauce, garnished with greens and crispy potatoes.
John Eckrich/Google Local

What are your favorite things to do in Verona, NJ? Have you been to this town in the fall season? Let us know in the comments section! You can visit the official Verona website to learn more about the town, and check out the Bloom website for the restaurant's full menu. If one day isn't enough to fully explore Verona, you're not far away from The MC Hotel, Autograph Collection for a memorable stay.

Looking for another incredible spot to explore in Verona? Check out our past coverage of the stunning Kip's Castle.

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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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