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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Small Town In New Jersey That Comes Alive During The Winter Season

Frenchtown, New Jersey, is a top winter destination with unique indoor activities and scenic outdoor spots.

Published Dec 22, 2022

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

When winter comes around and the holiday season is past, many people like to hunker down and wait for warmer weather - and others decide it's the perfect time for adventure! Frenchtown, a small river town of around 1,300 people, has gained a reputation as the best winter town in New Jersey. It has wonderful parks and trails for the outdoorsy types, but what really makes it stand out is maybe the most unique assortment of indoor activities of any small town in the Garden State. Whether you like antiquing, museums, roller skating, or just sitting down to a good meal, you'll find what you're looking for in Frenchtown. The only question is, what do you want to do first - and how soon can you plan your next getaway to this winter haven?

Frenchtown is a peaceful haven in the winter, but this New Jersey town has a lot of surprises within its borders.

Snow-covered bridge at dusk, with streetlights illuminating the path and snowflakes gently falling.
Jazz Guy/Flickr

Frenchtown Preserve, the town's biggest park, is all but deserted this time of year - which means cold-weather explorers will have it all to themselves.

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A snowy forest path winding through trees, with faint footprints leading into the distance.
Robert Dahl/Google Local

But most people will probably prefer to spend their time away from the cold, and Frenchtown's indoor activities are top-notch - starting with its most famous museum.

A modern brick building with large windows, illuminated at dusk, featuring the sign "ARTYARD" above the entrance.
ArtYard/Facebook

ArtYard, an art museum and working studio, always has a rotating collection of exhibits and is a great way to discover new local talents.

Colorful glass sculptures in various shapes arranged on a bright green circular platform, with large windows in the background.
ArtYard/Facebook

Frenchtown is also known for its antiques, and HarraH Antiques & Collectibles is the perfect place to find the item that will make your home complete.

A decorative wooden cuckoo clock with a chalet design, featuring trees and a clock face with Roman numerals.
HarraH Antiques & Collectibles/Facebook

Frenchtown might not have an ice skating rink - but it does have a roller rink, providing a unique and colorful spot to skate no matter the season.

A brightly lit roller skating rink with colorful lights and a vibrant mural on the wall.
Frenchtown Roller Rink/Facebook

Once you've worked up an appetite on skates, head to the Frenchtown Cafe, the downtown district's most popular restaurant.

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Exterior of Frenchtown Cafe with large windows, decorative planters, and a red door, set in a charming building.
Frenchtown Cafe/Facebook

The restaurant specializes in breakfast and lunch, serving innovative and filling California-style cuisine with a New Jersey twist.

A colorful salad with mixed greens, sliced steak, cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and croutons in a white bowl.
Frenchtown Cafe/Facebook

No matter the season, you're likely to find some specialty baked goods on offer - the perfect thing to bring home after a day in Frenchtown.

A plate of freshly baked muffins with chocolate chips, surrounded by vibrant red flowers.
Frenchtown Cafe/Facebook

Have you been to Frenchtown during the winter? Let us know about your visit, and tell us your pick for the best winter town in New Jersey in the comments section! You can visit the official Frenchtown website for more information, and check out the latest menu at Frenchtown Cafe at the official site. For another memorable New Jersey escape this season, why not take some unique winter day trips?

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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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