From exploring scenic parks and trails to dining out and downtown shopping, Cranford has something for everyone. This charming town packs in a lot—seasonal festivals, creative spaces, and plenty of ways to spend the day.
Explore the Outdoors
Nomahegan Park is well-known in Cranford for its gorgeous views and variety of outdoor activities. The paved paths are ideal for walking, running, biking and skateboarding, or hit the athletic fields for soccer and softball. There are picnic areas and a playground for kids.
Cranford Canoe Club is a big reason why Cranford is called the “Venice of New Jersey”. This seasonal spot offers canoe and kayak rentals on the Rahway River from late April through early November.
Dreyer Farms has been family-owned and operated since 1904. It sells fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and garden items from its farm market and nursery. It offers a CSA program and has recently introduced a new donut machine.
One of the most photographed spots is “The Clock” at Eastman Clock Plaza Park, also the site of many concerts and events during the warmer weather. It’s right by the train station, which welcomed the railroad to Cranford back in the 1850s.
While visiting the Cranford campus of Union College, spend some time at the Historic Tree Grove near the Sperry Observatory. The trees are grown from a seed or offspring of a tree that has historical significance in the U.S.
Immerse Yourself in Science & the Arts
Cranford Theater in the heart of downtown is the definition of nostalgia. It opened in 1926 and is a fairly small theater with five screens, but the cozy old-school atmosphere offers a more intimate movie-going experience. It showcases a mix of mainstream, indie and kid-friendly films.
The William Miller Sperry Observatory at Union College of Union County is open to the public every Friday for an illustrated talk and views of the night sky through two large telescopes – and what’s better is that admission and parking are free! The observatory has a large classroom, a promotions desk, and a library of books and periodicals members can borrow.
Take a Foodie Break
Start your day at Track 5 Coffee, where you’ll see people working away with a pastry and coffee, or grabbing one before they head to the train.
Lunch at Sub-Ology has a selection of gourmet subs, sandwiches, clubs, wraps, salads, soups, and hot bites. There’s a separate gluten-free menu. Signature options on special artisan baked brick oven bread are Jalapeno Chicken (chicken cutlet with jalapeno Havarti, bacon, avocado and chipotle mayo); the Roast Beef Special with fresh mozzarella and au jus, and the Sub-Ology Favorite (chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, red pepper flakes and oregano).
La Colina Mexican Cantina has a lively atmosphere with an impressive drink menu. Menu items include baked wings with cilantro ranch dressing, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, grilled shrimp and chorizo, carne asada topped with Flaming Hot Cheetos inside a burrito, and salmon tacos. The kid’s menu has chicken fingers, quesadillas, tacos and mozzarella sticks. Or try Folklore Artisanal Taco, which is a fave for those looking for more street food-like options of tacos, burritos, nachos and mula (tortilla sandwiches).
Perotti’s has been a staple for butchered meats for over 55 years. You can order homemade authentic Italian sausage, custom-cut meat, sandwiches and ready-to-eat dinners.
A day of exploring with the kids is not complete without a stop at Vanilla Bean Creamery, which recently got a fresh look thanks to renovations by the new owners. Kids will want extra scoops of Cookie Monster, M&M Explosion, Oreo cheesecake and fudge brownie sundae. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet N Fancy Emporium, where you can fill up your candy basket, shop for your baking needs or plan a party.
The Vine & Oak Tavern has a more upscale vibe, with everything from fresh seafood and sushi to house-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Then head to “The Dive” at The Riverside Inn, whose basement area served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, while its upstairs front was a flower shop. Tomasello Winery has a tasting room where you can sample wine flights and tapas, from Tuesday through Sunday; or make it a date night on Friday and Saturday evenings for Sips & Sounds.
Hit the Downtown for Shopping
Downtown Cranford includes Springfield Avenue, North Avenue East, South Avenue East, and Centennial Avenue, plus parts of Lincoln Avenue East and West, and Raritan Road.
Hickory Hill General Store has a cute selection of home décor, gifts, clothing and accessories that are made by small businesses.
The Curious Heart apothecary and spiritual center sells essential oils, natural body care and crystals, plus offers Reiki energy services. Witch Baby Soap has a selection of body butters, soaps and scrubs.
Fire Me Up! Studio is a fun place for your little creatives to paint pottery, throw clay or create canvas paintings. Take your littles for some new clothes at Little Baby baby & kids shop, where they have outfits, swimwear and PJs up to 5T; or gently used clothes and shoes from Milk Money, a children’s consignment shop.
Fill Up Your Calendar
New Jersey downtowns are great places for street fairs, scavenger hunts, sidewalk sales and pop-up shops. There’s no shortage of events in Cranford, from Fire & Ice to Pasta la Vista food tour to the Scarecrow Scroll.
There are restaurant weeks; LEGO nights; and holiday events for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and more. Look for updates on KidsFest, the Cranford Jaycees Firecracker 4-Miler on July 4th, and the Summer Sounds concerts.
And don’t forget about Halloween – last year, David Arquette called Cranford the “Halloween capital of the world” for its impressive lineup of spooky events.
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