With a combined website and magazine circulation exceeding 16 million, Travel + Leisure has influence when it comes to influencing travel trends, and readers can now be convinced to take day trips to a dozen select municipalities in the Garden State.
The publication has named the 12 Best Small Cities in New Jersey for 2022, which are spread across eight of the state’s 21 counties.
Travel + Leisure did not specify what constituted a “small” town, and both Bay Head (population less than 1,000) and Montclair (more than 40,000) made the list.
The disaffected group also includes all five major types of New Jersey municipal governments: unit, city, township, township and village.
Here are some travel guide-style notes from Travel + Leisure for each “small town.”
Head of the Bay – “known for its beautiful beaches” … “incredible shingle-style architecture” … “attractive structures” … “a combination of random ghosts”
Coffee roaster Porti Google Maps
Cranbury – “Historic charm remains intact” … “take a walking tour along Main Street” … “Lake views await”
Dennis & Judi – Live from Zinna’s in Cranbury/Chris Swendeman NJ1
Flemington – “fair share of historic sites and fascinating attractions” … “lined with shops” … “unique foods” … “seasonal festivities”
Lone Eagle Brewing, Flemington
lambertville – “Attracting travelers from near and far” … “must visit antique shops” … “art lovers can wander through one of the nearby galleries”
Millburn – “packed with activities and attractions” … “most famous for its downtown area” … “farmer’s market … also worth exploring”
Montclair – “Best known for its eclectic boutiques” … “indulging in some retail therapy” … “fresh kimchi, anyone?” … “extend your trip with a night’s stay”
Governor Phil Murphy signs an executive order requiring NJ TRANSIT to release monthly rail performance metrics at the Bay Street Train Station in Montclair on August 19, 2019.Edwin J. Torres/Office of the Governor.
Red Bank – “quaint” … “full of shops” … “nostalgia-inducing” … “prime people-watchers and pristine water views”
Riverside Garden Park in Red Bank. (Google Maps)
Ridgewood – “Walkable downtown area worth a stroll” … “make sure you come hungry” … “thriving artists” … “unique shops”
It’s Greek to Me Ridgewood/Facebook
Spring Lake – “delicious food, eclectic shops, lovely beach times” … “outdoor enthusiasts can rent a bike” … “thespians can catch a performance”
Spring Lake
Tenafly – “lots to offer families of all ages” … “scenic trails for walking, hiking or jogging” … “summer concerts worth checking out”
Cardi B’s Tenafly Home (NJMLS via Realtor.com)
West Cape May – “small but scenic” … “sleepy” … “beautiful Victorian architecture” … “vibrant farmers markets”
Westfield – “charming” … “colorful center that attracts travelers and locals” … “get your caffeine fix” … “a host of special events throughout the year”
Ahrre’s Coffee Google Maps
Patrick Lavery is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. He can be reached at [email protected]
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