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Things to Do in NJ That Aren’t Just ‘Go to the City’
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items Curated favorites for food, fun, and feel good vibes.
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Sections
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🍳 Brunch Spots That Feel Like a Main Character MomentOutdoor Activities
☕ Coffee Shops That Feel Like a Little Escape
🍝 Dinner Spots That Feel Like a Scene in a Rom-Com
🌿 Peaceful Places That Help Me Unplug
🥕 Farmers Markets That Make Errands Feel Like Self-Care
🍦 Sweet Treats That Totally Hit the Spot
🍳 Brunch Spots That Feel Like a Main Character MomentOutdoor Activities
These are the places I go when I want to feel like I’m in a movie (a really good one). Think: sunlight hitting your coffee just right, vibey music in the background, and food that makes you want to stay a little longer. These spots serve more than ju...
Bacon, truffle fries, and over the top breakfast sandwiches that feel indulgent in the best way. It’s loud. It’s cozy. The energy is unmatched, especially for a weekend brunch after a late night out.
🥐 The Committed Pig (Morristown)
A go to when I want brunch with charm. The blueberry pancakes are stacked like art. The interior feels like a real life Pinterest board. You leave full and emotionally nourished.
🥞 Toast (Montclair, Asbury Park, Red Bank)
The kind of place that makes you want to wear a cute sweater and bring a journal. The menu changes with the seasons. The eggs are always perfect. Everything feels intentional. Chef Leia Gaccione brings cozy luxe to life.
🍳 South + Pine (Morristown)
This place gives cool girl with a film camera energy. The menu is small but thoughtful. Their lattes are beautiful. It feels like a European café where every plate is almost too pretty to eat.
🍯 The Corner (Montclair)
Classic diner comfort with a little Brooklyn edge. You can go sweet or savory and never go wrong. The fresh squeezed orange juice deserves its own main character moment.
🥑 Raymond’s (Montclair and Ridgewood)
A beachy brunch spot that feels relaxed but still special. The food is photogenic and delicious. You’ll take a photo, then actually eat every bite. Bonus — it’s walking distance to the ocean.
🍓 The Buttered Biscuit (Bradley Beach)
☕ Coffee Shops That Feel Like a Little Escape
These are the places I go when I need to step out of routine. Perfect for solo mornings, journaling sessions, or catching up with someone who brings calm energy. They’re aesthetic. They’re cozy. And they give you space to just be.
Bold design and even bolder coffee. Everything here feels intentional. From the branding to the playlists to the way the baristas pour your drink. It’s a creative boost in a cup.
Paper Plane Coffee Co. (Montclair)
Fast, consistent, and low key addictive. Their iced New Orleans style with almond milk is my go to. No frills, just good coffee with a loyal fan base for a reason.
Rook Coffee (multiple locations)
The energy here is clean girl with a planner. The space is minimal but warm. Great spot to open your laptop, get things done, or just romanticize your morning routine.
Boxwood Coffee (Summit and Westfield)
🍝 Dinner Spots That Feel Like a Scene in a Rom-Com
For date nights, catch-ups with friends, or anytime you want dinner with atmosphere. These places have the kind of charm that makes every meal feel a little more special. Think cozy lighting, great music, and food that keeps you talking long after th...
An Italian classic that feels both romantic and welcoming. The pasta is fresh, the wine list is impressive, and the candlelit tables make you want to linger. Perfect for those nights when you want dinner to feel like an event.
Fiorino Ristorante & Bar (Summit)
An intimate spot with artsy flair. The walls are covered in original artwork, and the menu blends comfort with creativity. It’s the kind of place where every dish feels like a love letter to food.
Café Matisse (Rutherford)
A vibrant, lively spot with rooftop views and a buzzy atmosphere. The brick oven pizzas are perfect for sharing and the cocktails are just as memorable. Ideal for a fun night out with friends or a casual date.
Porta (Asbury Park)
Elegant but approachable French dining that hits all the right notes. The ambiance is soft and inviting, making it a go-to for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself.
Faubourg (Montclair)
Known for some of the best pizza in NJ, this place balances casual and chic perfectly. It’s a spot where you can relax, enjoy seriously good food, and soak in a laid-back but polished vibe.
Razza (Jersey City)
🌿 Peaceful Places That Help Me Unplug
Sometimes you just need a break from the noise. These spots are where I go to clear my head, breathe deep, and find a little calm. Perfect for solo walks, quiet conversations, or just soaking up nature’s good energy.
Waterfalls, shaded trails, and spots to sit and stare at the city skyline. It’s the perfect mix of nature and peacefulness without feeling remote.
South Mountain Reservation ( West Orange)
A beautiful garden oasis that feels like stepping into a painting. Bloom season here is pure magic and the quiet paths make it a perfect reset.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Summit)
Wide open trails that invite long walks and deep thinking. I love coming here when I need space to move and breathe.
Watchung Reservation (Mountainside)
Expansive grounds with walking and biking paths, gardens, and wildlife. Every visit feels like a gentle reminder to slow down.
Duke Farms (Hillsborough)
🥕 Farmers Markets That Make Errands Feel Like Self-Care
For fresh finds, homemade treats, and the joy of bumping into someone you know. These markets make a Saturday morning feel like a slow-living dream.
Crowned No. 4 in the nation and #1 in the Northeast by the American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition, this Saturday market is a standout. Expect local farms, artisan foods, cooking demos, composting tips, and even knife sharpening services...
West Windsor Community Farmers Market (West Windsor)
One of the best in NJ — think heirloom tomatoes, locally roasted coffee, and flowers that feel too pretty to be real. It's buzzing but never overwhelming. Bring your tote.
Montclair Farmers’ Market (Montclair)
This one goes all out — fresh produce, live music, baked goods, and sometimes even handmade pasta. The crowd feels local and loyal in the best way.
Summit Farmers Market (Summit)
For more of a countryside vibe. This market is surrounded by cute shops and open space. You’ll find old-school baked goods, jams, and that “fall is coming” feeling.
Chester Farmers Market
🍦 Sweet Treats That Totally Hit the Spot
Because sometimes the best way to treat yourself is with something sweet and a little indulgent. These spots always deliver joy by the scoop, bite, or sprinkle.
Classic ice cream with flavors that take you back to childhood. It’s the kind of place where every lick is nostalgia.
Applegate Farm (Montclair)
Soft, chewy mochi donuts in fun flavors and bright colors. Perfect for when you want something a little different but totally delicious.
Mochinut (Fort Lee and Edison)
Soft serve topped with your favorite cereals. It’s a playful, nostalgic treat that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Milk & Cream Cereal Bar (Jersey City)
This neighborhood gem has that nostalgic small town feel with big flavor. Their Italian ice and soft serve are local favorites, and the seasonal flavors always hit. It’s the kind of place where one scoop turns into two, and you don’t regret it for a ...
Sonny’s Frozen Desserts (Cedar Grove)