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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Charming Small Town in New Jersey That’s Perfect For A Fall Day Trip

Asbury, NJ is a charming small town perfect for a fall day trip with historic sites, a popular coffee shop, and a renowned cider house.

Updated Aug 4, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Fall in New Jersey is just around the corner, and our thoughts are turning away from the beach and waterparks towards apple orchards, fall foliage, and harvest festivals. There's no better place to go on a New Jersey day trip than...Asbury? No, not the legendary Jersey Shore beach town of Asbury Park, although there are plenty of reasons to go there during all months of the year. This is the tiny unincorporated community of Asbury, located in Franklin Township. It only has a population of 199 people as of 2024, which means many people might just pass it by - but there are so many great things to do in Asbury, NJ! This little town has an amazing historic district, a coffee shop filled with excellent treats, and maybe the best cider house in all of the Garden State and it's one of the best fall day trips in New Jersey. We can't think of a better place to celebrate the kickoff of the fall season! Let's explore one of the best things to do in fall in New Jersey.

Located on the banks of the beautiful Musconetcong River, Asbury, NJ is a great place to spend a fall day.

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Zeete/Wikimedia Commons

Start your day at the Asbury Coffee Mill, the charming community's top breakfast spot.

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Dinara G/Google Local

You can keep it light with some coffee and pastries, or dig into a plate of pancakes with seasonal fruit for an indulgent treat.

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Canine Partnership Dog Training Lisa Pattison/Google Local

From there, you'll definitely want to explore the town's famous historic district, which dates back to the early 1800s.

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Zeete/Wikimedia Commons

The 141 historic buildings in the area all look even more beautiful when ringed by the fall colors.

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Zeete/Wikimedia Commons

Of course, when people think about a classic fall treat, they usually think about apples - and there's no better place to celebrate them than the Ironbound Farm and its hard cider business!

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The Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm/Google Local

Tastings are always available, as are bottles of the farm's most popular ciders.

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Kimberly N/Google Local

But it's not just a place for drinking - the farm serves a full seasonal menu, including some of the state's best soups - perfect for when the temps go down!

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Laura Josh Eberts/Google Local

Have you visited this charming small town? Do you agree that it's one of the best fall day trips in New Jersey? Tell us your favorite things to do in Asbury, NJ in the comments section! Don't miss out on the gorgeous fall foliage in New Jersey! Take a road trip to see some of the best places for it:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-jersey/fall-foliage-road-trip-nj/

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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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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.

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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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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Remote Town in New Jersey We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

The best small town on the Jersey Shore can be found on the southern end of Seven Mile Island, and a day in Stone Harbor is a great adventure.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

I love exploring the Jersey Shore, whether it's in the bustling summer months or the laidback off-season. I spend plenty of time each year in tourist hubs like Asbury Park, Point Pleasant Beach, and Cape May, of course, but more and more I'm being drawn to the best small towns on the Jersey Shore. Avalon is pretty well known, but its nearby neighbor to the south, Stone Harbor, is just as charming and full of delightful sights, attractions, and dining destinations. While the town is partially seasonal, it's a community of just under 800 people year-round, which means there's always a reason to visit, and every time I do, I'm filled with a little desire to just stick around long-term.

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William F. Yurasko/Flickr

Stone Harbor is a true small-town gem in a less-visited area of the Jersey Shore, located on the beautiful Seven Mile Island. The laidback town of just under 800 actually used to be home to Taylor Swift and her family for several years, and today it brings throngs of visitors every summer to enjoy its beautiful scenery and great beach scene.

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Sneakerdog/Flickr

The beach here is beautiful, especially at dusk. It can get crowded in the summer, but never like the bigger guns, and it appeals to families and long-term visitors, rather than a party crowd. Seven Mile Beach is also a beloved spot for seashell hunting, and the town is known as a great launch point for surfing.

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William F. Yurasko/Flickr

The town's charming downtown is the perfect place to explore after a day at the beach. The Stone Harbor Museum is always home to new and interesting exhibits, hosting a Taylor Swift exhibit recently. The dining scene is great too, with classics like Fred's Tavern sharing space with hotspots like Buckets Cantina. And if you're here during warmer months, make sure to stop in for a sweet treat at Springer's Homemade Ice Cream, one of the state's most unique ice cream parlors with a massive variety of flavors ranging from classic chocolate to herbal teaberry.

Have you visited Stone Harbor before? If you think this is the best small town on the Jersey Shore, tell a friend and plan a visit! If you have another town in mind, make sure to let us know via our nomination form! And if you're looking for a place to stay in town, The Reeds at Shelter Haven is a gorgeous luxury resort right by the water with rave reviews.

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