The secret’s out: WorldAtlas recently released its list of the 7 New Jersey towns that are the best-kept secrets and 4 of the 7 are in Hunterdon County. While we love all the towns on this list, we’d argue maybe 3 or 4 are actually hidden gems. The others not so much. But we agree they’re all pretty awesome and worth exploring!
Here’s the list:
High Bridge is the last stop on New Jersey Transit’s Raritan Valley Line, and it’s worth the train trip. The town has beautiful natural areas: Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Refuge, Spruce Run Recreation Area, a section of the Columbia Trail (the state’s longest jogging and biking trail) and Lake Solitude Dam, where you can see the waterfall and go fly-fishing. High Bridge Hills Golf Club attracts amateur and pro golfers from around the country. There are lots of businesses and restaurants on Main Street, too.
Stockton was named in honor of U.S. Senator Robert Field Stockton, who was instrumental in the creation of the Delaware & Raritan Canal. When you visit, you’ll think you’re still back in the 18th century; stop at The Stockton Inn, or the Prallsville Mills Complex, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The Mill is the site of concerts, art exhibits, antique shows, meetings and parties throughout the year. The newly renovated Northridge Restaurant at The Woolverton Inn is a restored 1830s barn surrounded by 300 acres of farmland.
Frenchtown is home to shops, art galleries, culinary markets and more along the Delaware River. Buildings here date back to the 19th century and offer creative spaces for artists, writers and musicians. Delaware River Tubing is just 10 minutes away. For nostalgic fun, visit the Frenchtown Roller Rink. The Frenchtown Inn reopened as FiNNBAR, a Mediterranean restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients.
MAYOR ANDREW NOWICK / Lambertville
Lambertville is the perfect day trip destination. Walk over the Delaware River’s scenic bridge to get to New Hope, PA. On the Jersey side (and PA side, too), you and your crew can visit the restaurants, shops, boutiques and playground space that overlook the water. The Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn has riverfront dining with hotel rooms.
The other three towns are located along the Jersey Shore.
Spring Lake in Monmouth County is beloved for its low-key, quaint vibe. The beaches are pristine and there are cute shops along Third Avenue. You can rent an e-bike to travel along the 2-mile-long boardwalk; or visit one of the nearby parks, such as Divine Park.
Ocean Grove is also in Monmouth County, with a quaint downtown with shops and boutiques. Stay at a B&B so you can take advantage of weekend events like craft fairs, flea markets, car shows, festivals, and a holiday house tour before Christmas. The Great Auditorium has an outdoor venue, plus a cross-shaped boardwalk that juts out into the ocean for walking, relaxing and fishing.
Cape May Point is a nature and history lover’s paradise. A short drive from the main area of the town, it’s the southernmost end of New Jersey. The beaches, preserves and seagrove attract thousands of migrating birds that travel along the Atlantic Flyway. Monarch butterflies, dragonflies and horseshoe crabs are also very common in the area. There are historical sites, such as the lighthouse, World War II bunkers, and the SS Atlantus sticking out of the ocean, that you can explore on your own.
These 7 Towns Are New Jersey’s Best-Kept Secrets, according to WorldAtlas:
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Read More:
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