Best Towns for Day Trips: Things to Do in Edgewater

View of Fort Lee, Edgewater and New York City along the Hudson River, at nighttime
The view of NYC from Edgewater / istock.com / AGENT_NIKITA

Edgewater is known for its gorgeous views of the New York City skyline, but it has plenty of its own charm on this side of the Hudson River. Originally part of Ridgefield Township and named the Borough of Undercliff, it gained popularity when the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant came into town in the early 1930s (it’s also where Dove soap was invented). Today, it’s known for its historic past, but also as one of the best towns in New Jersey. Here’s how to spend the day in this gorgeous North Jersey town:

Edgewater, Hudson River, New York City
istockphoto.com/bigapple

Explore historic sites. There is tons of history in this small town. Borough Hall was built in 1904, and is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. The Edgewater Public Library is the last remaining of 15 Carnegie libraries in New Jersey. The Eleanor Van Gelder School is also listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Edgewater Cemetery has tombstones of local heroes from the American Revolutionary War through the Spanish–American War.

AMANDA CLARK / Hudson River

Enjoy the waterfront. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is an 18.5-mile path that stretches from Bayonne to the George Washington Bridge. Take the kids, the dogs or your bike and walk, run or ride along the river. The Edgewater Marina has a ferry that goes to Manhattan.

Dine out. For breakfast, Brownstone Pancake Factory is synonymous with sugar rush and Insta-worthy dishes. Everything here, from the waffles to pancakes to omelets to burgers to salads, is gigantic. The milkshakes are over the top, literally, with endless toppings.  Another breakfast option we love? Try Kuppi Coffee Company’s lattes, specialty teas, omelets, and sandwiches (some are vegan).

The Caves (formerly Cafe Archetypus) is a restaurant designed to look like you’re eating inside a candlelit cave. Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar is another gorgeous spot for date night (or lunch, happy hour, or brunch), with unmatched views of NYC. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is famous in the area for its steak, seafood, wine list, and Social Hour with bar bites and drink specials. The River Palm Terrace is another popular spot for steaks, plus a full menu of seafood, pasta and sushi. De Novo European Pub has elevated seafoods, flatbreads, salads, homemade pastas and Italian-inspired entrees.

Get your ramen fix. Mitsuwa Marketplace is all about Japanese culture. You can find a range of Japanese imported foods, groceries and products. The massive market also hosts events such as a tea fair, Children’s Day and food demos.

Hang out at the Promenade. City Place at the Promenade is a high-end outdoor shopping and residential complex that has 26 stores, 7 restaurants, a fitness complex, a spa, and a hotel.

SoJo Spa Club
SOJO SPA CLUB

Speaking of a spa … SoJo Spa Club’s vibe is unmatched. Aside from the outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the water and NYC, the spa has tons more to offer inside, where you can book an appointment for a massage, Korean body scrub, acupressure, or a volcanic sand bath. There is a full, healthy menu for lunch. You can also book an overnight stay at the hotel.

Quaker parrot is nesting in Edgewater in NJ
ISTOCK.COM / ZIXIAN

Spend time outdoors. Veterans Field has a playground, splash park and turf field. Stop at Edgewater Dog Park on River Road if you’re bringing your furbabies for a walk. There are also wild parrots known as Quaker Parrots, that made their way to Edgewater, so grab a pair of binoculars and see if you can spot them.

Or plan for a rainy day. Edgewater Multiplex Cinema has 16 screens for movies, while NxGn Arena has laser tag, speed racing, virtual reality, and arcade games. The Village indoor play space will keep your kiddies entertained for hours.

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