Thedailymiaminews– New Jersey is located in one of the most densely populated regions in the country, along with its mid-Atlantic neighbors, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. There are, nevertheless, dozens of municipalities in New Jersey that have managed to preserve their small-town charm and historic identity despite the state’s large cities and suburban development. Check out our list of the seven most charming tiny towns in New Jersey before planning your trip to the “Garden State” in 2024.
The Cranbury
Since the Revolutionary War, when notable figures like George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette visited the town, Cranbury, which is situated between New York City and Philadelphia, has been a bustling crossroads. Fortunately, Cranbury is also among New Jersey’s best-preserved historic communities. Explore the Main Street Historic District on foot to see architectural treasures such as the Silvers Mansion and Old Cranbury School, as well as some 200 pre-1900 structures. Visit the neighboring Six Flags Great Adventure theme park for some excitement after your history tour.
Chatham
As one of New Jersey’s wealthiest neighborhoods, Chatham is renowned for its abundance of exquisitely restored Victorian mansions. The town has over 300 years of history, and two of its most well-known residences, the William Day House from 1780 and the Morrell House from 1781, where George Washington was housed, predate the Victorian era. Main Street, which has a classic appearance and feel and a good selection of neighborhood stores, must also be on your walking tour. Once you’ve finished your sightseeing in town, take a quick detour to Great Swamp National animal Refuge for some of the best animal viewing in New Jersey.
The Cape May
The oldest of the Jersey Shore beach communities, Cape May is located at the southernmost point of New Jersey. Cape May’s streets are primarily dotted with grand Victorian mansions and charming seaside cottages rather than tall hotels or contemporary condos. The charming, outdoor Washington Street Mall is just a short stroll from the elevated beach promenade, which provides fantastic views of the town and the ocean. Additionally, one of the best places to see migratory birds and songbirds like the Cape May warbler is Cape May Point, which is where Delaware Bay opens into the Atlantic Ocean.
Burlington
Burlington has over 350 years of history, and Benjamin Franklin himself visited the 1685 Hutchinson-Revell House, one of its oldest residences. Additionally, you can see the historic residences of General (later President) Ulysses S. Grant and renowned author James Fenimore Cooper. Great local shopping can be found in the historic small-town setting of Burlington’s High Street neighborhood, which is home to a diverse array of stores like the century-old Burlington Antiques. Explore additional stores and restaurants in the riverfront district, which also has a beautiful waterfront park and walking trails alongside the Delaware River.
Swedesboro
The settlement of Swedesboro is one of the few relics of the New Sweden colony of the mid-sixteenth century in New Jersey, which is not well known. Thankfully, Swedesboro still has a lot of historic charm, including the 1784 “Old Swedes” Church and the Nothnagle House, which dates back to the 1600s and is probably the country’s oldest log structure. Explore Swedesboro’s history in the downtown history museum at any time of year, or celebrate the town’s distinctive heritage on Swedesboro Day (September 28, 2024). Don’t forget to visit the nearby Woolrich Township’s great parks and walking trails.
Orange South
Fortunately, many of the town’s other historic buildings have been painstakingly preserved, but South Orange’s oldest residence, the Old Stone House, which dates back to around 1680, is in dire need of renovation. The turreted 1894 Village Hall is a well-known local landmark, and the town’s two historic districts—Prospect Park and Montrose Street—offer a visual feast of architecture. However, South Orange is renowned for its thriving arts and entertainment scene, making it more than just a nice place to look. Both the Baird Center and the South Orange Performing Arts Center frequently host live performances like the Giants of Jazz concert series and sponsor community events.
Morristown
Morristown might be the Garden State little town with the most historical ties, however it has a lot of competition in the historically significant state of New Jersey. The 1774 Ford Mansion and Morristown Historical Park, where General George Washington and the Continental Army spent two protracted winters during the war, are open for viewing during your visit. You may also visit the Speedwell Ironworks in 1838, which housed the first working telegraph system in history, and the Campbell House, where Alexander Hamilton was married. Morristown also boasts the iconic (and still bustling) 1937 Mayo Performing Arts Center, a charming downtown, and excellent walking trails around Speedwell Lake.
New Jersey is mostly known to outsiders as the Jersey Shore beach towns, the northern suburbs of New York City, and the southern suburbs of Philadelphia. And those regions of the state still have some wonderful tiny towns hidden away. But if you want to find more obscure tiny towns, you need also explore the Garden State’s interior. You’ll soon be expanding your list of the “most beautiful small towns in New Jersey” by adding new names!