Main streets are the heart and soul of American cities and towns, serving as community hubs that offer shopping, dining, and entertainment, all in one convenient location. Though some of these streets are not called “Main Street” by name, they are Main Streets in spirit. Here are some of the best main streets in New Jersey.
- Lambertville - Union Street
Wikipedia/Smallbones The entire town is charming, but Union Street is packed to the brim with quaint shops and restaurants. Manon, Bell’s Tavern, and Thai Tida are great dining options. The People’s Store Antiques Center, Panoply Books, La Chocolate Box, and A Touch of the Past Antiques are great for gifts. There are also many other antique shops as well as numerous galleries, ACME Screening Room (an indie movie theater) and Lambertville House hotel.
- Montclair - Bloomfield Avenue
Flickr/Adam Moss The dining options on Bloomfield Avenue are endless, offering cuisine from around the world. Consider Cuban Pete’s, Chatni Indian, Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant, Dan Thai Cuisine, or Fascino. Choose from chain stores like Anthropologie or shop small at Inner Eye Boutique. The options are endless in Montclair, which is easily one of the most charming towns in New Jersey!
- Haddonfield - Kings Highway
Flickr/Doug Kerr This street has it all! You’ll find galleries, flower shops, yoga studios, boutiques, diverse dining options, and more. Visit The Candy Buffet, Maraki Market, Caroline’s Luxuries, Amixx Boutique, Gorshin Trading Post & Supplies, The Little Tuna, or Oriental Pearl if you’re in the area.
- Newton - Spring Street
Flickr/Doug Kerr Entertainment options abound on Spring Street with Newton Fire Museum and Skylands Performing Arts Center. Dine at The Table, Spring Street Pub & Grill, or Mi Rancho Mexican Grill. Shop at The Beehive Thrift Shop, Feels Like Home, or Maxwell & Molly’s Closet.
- Hoboken - Washington Street
Flickr/Bobby Bradley This may the busiest “Main Street” on the list. You’ll almost always find crowds on the street and you’ll never have trouble finding something to do. There are plenty of bars and lounges for the younger crowd, along with dining options everyone can enjoy. Eat at Vito’s Italian Deli, The Cuban Restaurant and Bar, Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant, La Isla, or Crepe Guru. Shop at Cheap Maggies, Washington General Store, Luna Rosa Home, or Noellery. There are also salons, spas, fitness centers and much more!
- Princeton - Nassau Street
Flickr/Patrick Nouhailler Princeton is one of the most historic towns in New Jersey and, directly across from Princeton University, is Nassau Street, known for its historic buildings and high-end shops. Dine at Chez Alice, PJ’s Pancake House, Blue Point Grill, or Nassau Sushi. You’ll also find a Ralph Lauren and Lululemon.
- Cape May - Washington Street
Tom and Heather/TripAdvisor Washington Street Mall isn’t your typical New Jersey mall - it is an open air strip of shops, and it is fantastic. You can find almost everything here, from books, to gifts, to clothing, to galleries and jewelry. Shop at Cape May Boutique, Casale’s Shoes, or Across the Way. Dine at the seasonal Ristorante A Ca Mia or at Ugly Mug Bar & Restaurant. Bath Time, Good Scents, Just For Laughs, Love The Cook, and A Place on Earth are great for gifts.
- Chester - Main Street
Flickr/Doug Kerr Main Street in Chester is a bit smaller than others on the list, but still offers plenty to do. Dine at Lamplighter, Maria’s, or Sweet Spot Bake Shop. Shop at Well Bred, Midnight Owl, or Objects of Desire.
- Englewood - Palisade Avenue
Flickr/Adam Jones This fairly long strip of road is packed with things to do. Dine at Noches De Columbia, Chatkaew Thai Cuisine, Blue Moon Mexican Cafe, It’s Greek To Me, Bennie’s, or Baumgart’s Cafe. Shop at a selection of chain stores or boutiques including Christina’s Collections or Closet For Her.
- Millville - High Street
Wikipedia/Tim Kiser At the corner of High Street and Oak Street, you’ll find the quaint cottages of Village on High. These shops and galleries are truly unique! You won’t want to miss Xanderlily Gifts. Along the road, you’ll find Bogarts Bookstore and Cafe, Levoy Theater, Old Oar House Irish Pub, Glasstown Arts District, and more.
- Rutherford - Park Avenue
Wikipedia/Jair Cabal The dining here is delightful! Eat at Cafe Matisse, Sweet Avenue Bake Shop, Paisanos Ristorante, or Greek Town Gyros. You’ll also find small shops, markets and salons.
- Collingswood - Haddon Avenue
Wikipedia/Saucemaster This trendy town has so much to offer. Dine at Grooveground Coffeebar, Thai Basil, The Tortilla Press, or The Pop Shop. Visit Arts Plus Gallery for gifts, indulge at The Candy Jar by 1892, and get crafty at All Fired Up! pottery studio.
Two things to note: Other cities had charming downtown areas (Red Bank and Westfield, for example) but the shops were not concentrated on a single street. Also, the photos reflect the towns mentioned, but not necessarily the streets. What are some of the other best main streets in New Jersey that we should all visit? Be sure to share the streets, and your favorite small shops, in the comments!
Wikipedia/Smallbones
The entire town is charming, but Union Street is packed to the brim with quaint shops and restaurants. Manon, Bell’s Tavern, and Thai Tida are great dining options. The People’s Store Antiques Center, Panoply Books, La Chocolate Box, and A Touch of the Past Antiques are great for gifts. There are also many other antique shops as well as numerous galleries, ACME Screening Room (an indie movie theater) and Lambertville House hotel.
Flickr/Adam Moss
The dining options on Bloomfield Avenue are endless, offering cuisine from around the world. Consider Cuban Pete’s, Chatni Indian, Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant, Dan Thai Cuisine, or Fascino. Choose from chain stores like Anthropologie or shop small at Inner Eye Boutique. The options are endless in Montclair, which is easily one of the most charming towns in New Jersey!
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This street has it all! You’ll find galleries, flower shops, yoga studios, boutiques, diverse dining options, and more. Visit The Candy Buffet, Maraki Market, Caroline’s Luxuries, Amixx Boutique, Gorshin Trading Post & Supplies, The Little Tuna, or Oriental Pearl if you’re in the area.
Entertainment options abound on Spring Street with Newton Fire Museum and Skylands Performing Arts Center. Dine at The Table, Spring Street Pub & Grill, or Mi Rancho Mexican Grill. Shop at The Beehive Thrift Shop, Feels Like Home, or Maxwell & Molly’s Closet.
Flickr/Bobby Bradley
This may the busiest “Main Street” on the list. You’ll almost always find crowds on the street and you’ll never have trouble finding something to do. There are plenty of bars and lounges for the younger crowd, along with dining options everyone can enjoy. Eat at Vito’s Italian Deli, The Cuban Restaurant and Bar, Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant, La Isla, or Crepe Guru. Shop at Cheap Maggies, Washington General Store, Luna Rosa Home, or Noellery. There are also salons, spas, fitness centers and much more!
Flickr/Patrick Nouhailler
Princeton is one of the most historic towns in New Jersey and, directly across from Princeton University, is Nassau Street, known for its historic buildings and high-end shops. Dine at Chez Alice, PJ’s Pancake House, Blue Point Grill, or Nassau Sushi. You’ll also find a Ralph Lauren and Lululemon.
Tom and Heather/TripAdvisor
Washington Street Mall isn’t your typical New Jersey mall - it is an open air strip of shops, and it is fantastic. You can find almost everything here, from books, to gifts, to clothing, to galleries and jewelry. Shop at Cape May Boutique, Casale’s Shoes, or Across the Way. Dine at the seasonal Ristorante A Ca Mia or at Ugly Mug Bar & Restaurant. Bath Time, Good Scents, Just For Laughs, Love The Cook, and A Place on Earth are great for gifts.
Main Street in Chester is a bit smaller than others on the list, but still offers plenty to do. Dine at Lamplighter, Maria’s, or Sweet Spot Bake Shop. Shop at Well Bred, Midnight Owl, or Objects of Desire.
Flickr/Adam Jones
This fairly long strip of road is packed with things to do. Dine at Noches De Columbia, Chatkaew Thai Cuisine, Blue Moon Mexican Cafe, It’s Greek To Me, Bennie’s, or Baumgart’s Cafe. Shop at a selection of chain stores or boutiques including Christina’s Collections or Closet For Her.
Wikipedia/Tim Kiser
At the corner of High Street and Oak Street, you’ll find the quaint cottages of Village on High. These shops and galleries are truly unique! You won’t want to miss Xanderlily Gifts. Along the road, you’ll find Bogarts Bookstore and Cafe, Levoy Theater, Old Oar House Irish Pub, Glasstown Arts District, and more.
Wikipedia/Jair Cabal
The dining here is delightful! Eat at Cafe Matisse, Sweet Avenue Bake Shop, Paisanos Ristorante, or Greek Town Gyros. You’ll also find small shops, markets and salons.
Wikipedia/Saucemaster
This trendy town has so much to offer. Dine at Grooveground Coffeebar, Thai Basil, The Tortilla Press, or The Pop Shop. Visit Arts Plus Gallery for gifts, indulge at The Candy Jar by 1892, and get crafty at All Fired Up! pottery studio.
If you love antiquing, head to Main Street in Mullica Hill located in Gloucester County for some of the best antique shops in both the Garden State and the country.
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Address: N Union St, Lambertville, NJ 08530, USAAddress: Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ, USAAddress: Kings Hwy, Haddonfield, NJ, USAAddress: Spring St, Newton, NJ 07860, USAAddress: Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USAAddress: Nassau St, Princeton, NJ, USAAddress: Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USAAddress: Main St, Chester, NJ 07930, USAAddress: E Palisade Ave, Englewood, NJ, USAAddress: N High St, Millville, NJ 08332, USAAddress: Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ, USAAddress: Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Main Streets In New Jersey April 09, 2021 MelissaM What are the most charming towns in New Jersey? Princeton is about as charming a town as they come. With its historic architecture, Ivy League Princeton University, museums, theatres, and main street with shopping and restaurants, it’s easy to fall in love with this area. If you have not yet visited Princeton, make it a point to take a day or weekend trip here to explore all it has to offer. Another charming town, Lambertville, sits along a canal offering picture-perfect scenery among its restaurants and shops. Once a factory town, it has transformed into a foodie haven with dozens of excellent dining options. What are the most historic towns in New Jersey? Before the American Revolution, Morristown, which was previously known as New Hanover, was a European settlement in 1715. Jockey Hollow in Morristown served as the Continental Army’s Second encampment in 1779-1780 and George Washington’s headquarters was at Ford Mansion which you can visit and learn more about the area’s role during the Revolutionary War. As one of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey has dozens of historic towns that are worthy of a visit, whether you are a history buff or not. Read more in our post, 15 Historic Towns In New Jersey That Will Transport You To The Past. What is the smallest town in New Jersey? The smallest incorporated city in the Garden State just so happens to be among the smallest in the United States. Corbin City, located in Atlantic County, was established in 1922 and, to this day, has just over 500 residents. It’s a peaceful community with only a handful of businesses and sits along the picturesque Tuckahoe River. From this tiny city, there’s also easy access to Ocean City which is just a few minutes away.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Main Streets In New Jersey
April 09, 2021
MelissaM
What are the most charming towns in New Jersey? Princeton is about as charming a town as they come. With its historic architecture, Ivy League Princeton University, museums, theatres, and main street with shopping and restaurants, it’s easy to fall in love with this area. If you have not yet visited Princeton, make it a point to take a day or weekend trip here to explore all it has to offer. Another charming town, Lambertville, sits along a canal offering picture-perfect scenery among its restaurants and shops. Once a factory town, it has transformed into a foodie haven with dozens of excellent dining options. What are the most historic towns in New Jersey? Before the American Revolution, Morristown, which was previously known as New Hanover, was a European settlement in 1715. Jockey Hollow in Morristown served as the Continental Army’s Second encampment in 1779-1780 and George Washington’s headquarters was at Ford Mansion which you can visit and learn more about the area’s role during the Revolutionary War. As one of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey has dozens of historic towns that are worthy of a visit, whether you are a history buff or not. Read more in our post, 15 Historic Towns In New Jersey That Will Transport You To The Past. What is the smallest town in New Jersey? The smallest incorporated city in the Garden State just so happens to be among the smallest in the United States. Corbin City, located in Atlantic County, was established in 1922 and, to this day, has just over 500 residents. It’s a peaceful community with only a handful of businesses and sits along the picturesque Tuckahoe River. From this tiny city, there’s also easy access to Ocean City which is just a few minutes away.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Princeton is about as charming a town as they come. With its historic architecture, Ivy League Princeton University, museums, theatres, and main street with shopping and restaurants, it’s easy to fall in love with this area. If you have not yet visited Princeton, make it a point to take a day or weekend trip here to explore all it has to offer. Another charming town, Lambertville, sits along a canal offering picture-perfect scenery among its restaurants and shops. Once a factory town, it has transformed into a foodie haven with dozens of excellent dining options.
What are the most historic towns in New Jersey?
Before the American Revolution, Morristown, which was previously known as New Hanover, was a European settlement in 1715. Jockey Hollow in Morristown served as the Continental Army’s Second encampment in 1779-1780 and George Washington’s headquarters was at Ford Mansion which you can visit and learn more about the area’s role during the Revolutionary War. As one of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey has dozens of historic towns that are worthy of a visit, whether you are a history buff or not. Read more in our post, 15 Historic Towns In New Jersey That Will Transport You To The Past.
What is the smallest town in New Jersey?
The smallest incorporated city in the Garden State just so happens to be among the smallest in the United States. Corbin City, located in Atlantic County, was established in 1922 and, to this day, has just over 500 residents. It’s a peaceful community with only a handful of businesses and sits along the picturesque Tuckahoe River. From this tiny city, there’s also easy access to Ocean City which is just a few minutes away.
