When the phrase “New Jersey” crosses your mind, you might not immediately think about beautiful towns. Many are not aware of New Jersey’s tucked-away towns that offer an escape from the frantic city life we’re accustomed to. It is our opinion that you should add these spectacular places to your bucket list for the fall season.
1. Frenchtown
If you are visiting New Jersey this Autumn, consider it your obligation to visit the picturesque, serene little town next to the Delaware River. The iconic Zombie Crawl in late October is a Frenchtown special. Participants dress up as zombies and seek scavenger hunt clues to win a prize. The organizers host a dance party before calling it a night.
2. Montclair
The Autumn season is meant to be joyfully experienced in Montclair or, as the locals fondly call it, the Brooklyn of New Jersey. You can do plenty of stuff if you visit in the fall. For starters, the Wellmont Theatre displays several performances by renowned artists such as Craig Ferguson, Lewis Black, and Rick Springfield.
Credit: montclair.edu
3. Madison
Madison is one of those places that give the vibe of a quaint, small-town having a charming downtown and a closely-knit community. The trees near Drew University are a perfect pick to have a great Autumn day.
Credit: Leif Knutsen
4. Princeton
Princeton is a very famous vacation spot for people all over the United States due to its scenic beauty, glamour, and a long list of top-rated tourist attractions, among which Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is at the top of that list. It is arguably the best place to visit in New Jersey during the fall. The wooden bridges and cobblestone spillways make a great combination with the beautiful leaf colors.
5. Clinton
Clinton has an excellent collection of art galleries, forests, shops, historic buildings, and restaurants. But the Red Mill and the Spruce Run Recreation Area deserve a special mention, especially if you plan a visit sometime in the fall.
6. Spring Lake
Spring Lake boasts the longest non-commercial boardwalk, a vibrant strip of commercial land, and the great Essex and Sussex Hotel. Whether it’s spring or autumn, the seaside town will please you shorely. It will take one sunset on the beach in mid-October for Spring Lake to capture your heart.
7. Red Bank
One step into this town, and you’ll be taken aback by its energy, coolness, and versatility oozing from its theatres, art galleries, restaurants, and live music venues. If you’re into spending your autumn evenings strolling in the Riverside Gardens Park in a cool breeze, Red Bank impatiently awaits you.
Credit: visitredbank.com
8. Allentown
Allentown should be a priority amongst your fall getaways if you love towns that give off a 19th-century vibe. Visit the homes over a thousand years old, the local library, and Woody’s Towne Cafe. Locals and tourists alike are adamant that a road trip on Route 539 can be an extraordinary scenic drive not only in Allentown but in New Jersey.
9. Westfield
You will need more fingers to count the number of activities to do in the stunning town of Westfield if you visit during the autumn season. For instance, the annual street fair Festifall during which the entire town turns into a shopping pavilion. Or better yet, see Steve Angrisano perform live this year.
Credit: Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media
10. Cranford
Cranford is very busy in the fall season, which is why you’ll be fortunate to visit it during that time of the year. Locals participate in a competition to decorate their houses. Roam around the city to see how well other people have done, or better yet, take a fall foliage tour.
11. Livingston
The best highlight of the fall season is Halloween, and the locals of Livingston consider it their responsibility to give you the best Halloween experience of your life. The Halloween Haunted Walk is famous all over New Jersey. But if you’re not in for the twisted walk through the woods, you can even visit pumpkin patches and other attractions in Livingston.
12. Chatham
Walk, or drive, into Chatham, and you’ll see why its residents boast about their small town. The downtown is where the city comes alive while keeping its old-school charm intact but with a modern touch. In the fall season, there’s nothing quite like trekking through the extensive trail system that not only takes you through the town’s main attractions but offers incomparable sights!
13. Summit
Summit won’t disappoint you when it comes to gorgeous views and artistic sites. Fall in love with the classical display of plays and dramas at The Summit Playhouse. If your tastebuds are craving for a bite of mouthwatering food, the city has some of America’s top-notch restaurants. When the fall season is at its peak, you wouldn’t want to skip the opportunity to be mesmerized by the trees shifting colors at Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
Photographed by Daniel Case
