From the shopping and restaurants to the public art spaces and galleries, downtown Summit has long been one of our favorite places to spend the day. Now it’s being recognized as one of the state’s best downtowns by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (NJ APA), which recently named the city’s downtown as one of the 2021 Great Places in New Jersey.
Award-winning towns have a distinctive sense of place, cultural and historical interest and community involvement, according to the NJAPA.
“We are thrilled to receive this designation,” said Mayor Nora Radest. “Although we have always known that our wonderful and accessible downtown is one of the greatest places in New Jersey, now others will know as well. I am extremely proud of the cohesive community effort to support our local shops and restaurants these past two years. Summit’s downtown has a vitality that has been sustained and celebrated by a community that values it.”
New Jersey Family’s office was located in Summit for 10 years and among our favorite spots to hit up included The Magic Fountain for ice cream, The Reeves-Reed Arboretum for a pretty afternoon outdoors, the Summit Diner for the best burger and fries in the coolest atmosphere, Fiorino’s for upscale Italian, the Huntley Taverne for an amazing meal with wine or a cocktail, Sweet Nothings for decadent truffles and unique gift ideas, Willow St. Boutique for super cute looks, GreatHouse for stylish and eclectic finds for your home, The Co-Co for a day of remote work and networking with professionals and there are so many more.
If you’re planning a visit, check out our Best Places for Day trips guide to Summit and tell us what you loved most in the comments. Previous winners of the Great Places in NJ award include Morristown, Westfield, Cranford, and Lambertville. For more on Summit and other special places in New Jersey go to greatplacesnj.org. For more on the city’s downtown, head to summitdowntown.org.