From restaurants for every palate to coffee and tea shops to indulgent dessert spots, Ridgewood is a go-to destination for foodies. The bucolic Bergen County village is also a prime shopping destination with architecturally beautiful homes.
Start your day at American Bulldog Coffee Roasters for freshly roasted java or try the viral S’mores Latte at Rey Sol Coffee. Head to Village Tea Shop for bubble tea or bring home whole leaf tea varieties from Spicer’s Naturals.
Ridgewood is home to boutiques, consignment shops, athletic stores, eclectic home shops and more. Pazzazed is a favorite for its unique gifts, collection of coasters and NJ-inspired treasures. Bookends is one of state’s best indie bookstores thanks to its history of A-list celeb signings. The kids can get crafty at Color Me Mine pottery studio and have a spa day at Sweet & Sassy.
Visit the Ridgewood Historical Society & Schoolhouse Museum to see Lenape, Early Dutch settler and 19th Century artifacts and learn what life was like for early residents of Bergen County. A day trip can take you to the Wild Duck Pond, where you can walk or bike a lengthy trail that goes though multiple towns. Buy a day pass to Graydon Park, a lake surrounded by sand with a beach-like vibe, or hit up a free summer concert in at the Kasschau Memorial Bandshell in Veteran’s Park.
If you’re headed to a BYOB resto for dinner, stop at Super Cellars for wine, craft beer or sake. Stella Artisan is a favorite Italian spot and it’s just next door to No. 12, a speakeasy-style brasserie with an oyster bar. Latour is a must for French cuisine or get your tapas on at Finca or Cravings. Felina’s seasonal menu is on many best of NJ lists and is expected to open its rooftop bar this summer.
Try Sook for pastries, Pierre & Michel for chocolate croissants or The Cookie Connect for mega cookie goodness. End your day with a scoop from Van Dyk’s, Ice Cream by Mike, Kilwins or Ben and Jerry’s while relaxing at Van Neste Square in the center of town.