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New Jersey is one of the Northeastern United States’ most culturally alluring and geographically splendid places, where there is never a shortage of wonder to be encountered. Lovingly known as the Garden State, New Jersey, and its inviting ambiance have been delighting visitors for decades, and as the third State admitted to the Union back in 1787, it continues to feature a charming colonial character as well. Whether it is Atlantic Ocean panoramas, 18th-century settlements, or close-knit college communities, the wonderful small towns of New Jersey are destinations that anyone in the Garden State cannot miss. Though the major metropolises like Newark remain the best known, do not forget about the equally captivating and eclectic smaller towns, where a true taste of the State can be appreciated.

Spring Lake

The town of Spring Lake is beautifully situated right along the beloved Jersey Shore, and it is one of the State’s most popular beach areas for locals and tourists alike. Featuring awesome coastal panoramas and stunning relaxing (if often crowded) beaches, Spring Lake offers warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal spot throughout the year. Home to just over 2,700 inhabitants, this Monmouth County locale gives guests the opportunity to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities popular with both the young and old. Partaking in sailing, swimming, and sunbathing, while even just strolling along the pretty boardwalk, is a most attractive proposition.

For history lovers, Spring Lake also has some charming landmarks that are worthy of a visit. Explore the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries here and see spots like the Sea Girt Lighthouse (1896) and the Martin Maloney Cottage (1898), which are also on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, do not forget about the area's great seafood dining options and restaurants like Amelia’s By the Sea and The Sea Crest Grille, which, combined with the awesome ocean views, make for a most memorable culinary experience.

Collingswood

First settled by European colonists in the 1680s and formally incorporated in the 1880s, Collingswood is one of the oldest towns in New Jersey. With a modern population of just over 14,000, the historic character of Collingswood is not hard to find, and many landmarks and properties are included in the National Register of Historic Places. Explore the Downtown Historic District and view such places as the Thackara House (1754), the 1820s Collings Knight Homestead, and the exterior of the Stokes Lees House from the 1760s, amongst many more.

In addition, Collingswood stands out as a fine example of the many diverse cultures that have come to call America home, and one can find a fine range of eclectic international restaurants in the town center. Enjoy such cuisines like Italian, French, Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Mexican, and more in an ambiance that celebrates both Americana and newcomers to the land. Meanwhile, with cute local shops like the Wander Boutique, Mercantile 1888, and Odd Folk Clothing, something special to bring home is never difficult to find.

Princeton

Established in the years preceding the American Revolution, the lovely town of Princeton is one of New Jersey’s most charming and welcoming places. Home to a modern population of just over 30,000 inhabitants, this Mercer County locale is widely known for its namesake University (1746), where all the excitement and intrigue of college life shines through. Outside of its beloved school, however, anyone can enjoy the vibes of Princeton, and its special historic character can be appreciated through many of the town's preserved landmarks. Explore such 18th and 19th-century attractions as the Tusculum Estate (1773), the Westland Mansion (1856), and the Trinity Church (1870), to name but a few that are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And do not forget about the most special Albert Einstein House, a museum dedicated to the esteemed physicist and his life in New Jersey after immigrating from Germany.

From there, explore the eclectic collection of art at the Princeton University Art Museum, which includes the masters of Europe and Latin America.

Deal

Situated along the Jersey Shore, just under 900 permanent residents call the town of Deal home. Yet with 80% of its population identifying as Sephardi Jewish, the town truly stands out as one of the most ethnically unique spots in all of the United States. Featuring stunning beachside vistas along with hot summers, Deal (which was founded in the late 1890s) is a most popular tourist destination and its population increases by several thousand during peak season.

However, when not enjoying the sun and the waves, Deal's cultural ambiance also creates a lasting impression. Explore many Jewish-themed stores, galleries, and restaurants while beautiful synagogues and Victorian-era homes fill out the town landscape beautifully. Even just swimming, sailing, or sunbathing may suffice for some in this most unique American town!

Allentown

Monmouth County’s Allentown can trace its modern history to the 1880s, and today, it maintains a modest population of just over 1,700 inhabitants. Conveniently located at the midway point of Philadelphia and New York City, Allentown is a charming community to stop by where natural allure and historic intrigue come together. Surrounded by stunning wineries, rich farmland, and pretty scenes of barns, silos, and other farm animals, the quaint agricultural attraction of Allentown makes it a most delightfully photogenic destination.

Additionally, for history enthusiasts, touring Allentown's center is a great way to get acquainted with the past, and its charming historic district features several preserved landmarks. Amongst those included on the National Register of Historic Places include the Allentown Mill (1855), the Presbyterian Church (1837), and the John Imlay House, which dates way back to the 1790s! Finally, cute local businesses like Woody’s Towne Café and Ivy on Main add to the scenic ambiance of small-town USA, making Allentown a perfect place for the young and old in Central New Jersey.

Lambertville

Near the border with the State of Pennsylvania and scenically located along the path of the Delaware River, Lambertville is a beautiful colonial town that can trace its foundations to the mid-18th century. Today, just over 4,000 reside here, and visitors will find a most pleasing ambiance where relaxing nature and American history join. Featuring hot summer and mild winter temperatures, spending time outdoors in Lambertville is enjoyable throughout the year. Go cycling, jogging, and boating on the River while marveling at the marvelous changing colors of foliage and spotting local wildlife, making any outing here a most picturesque one.

From there, explore some of the town's history through a visit to several preserved landmarks that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Lambertville House (1812) and the Marshall House (1816), amongst others that reflect architectural styles like Greek Revival and Victorian. Finally, as the Antiquing Capital of New Jersey, any guest will not want to miss out on the town’s fine assortment of shops and boutiques specializing in those special treasures from the past. Stop by the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market and browse through an eclectic range of collectibles spanning more than two centuries. It is the perfect gift to remember this special place called Lambertville.

Frenchtown

Frenchtown is also located along the banks of the Delaware River, where it was founded by Swiss-French settlers back in the 1860s. Established as a ferry town and later becoming an important railway center, Frenchtown remains a most charming old-fashioned destination boasting a humble population of nearly 1,500 inhabitants. Visit the Historic District (listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places) and explore more than 40 hectares of land containing more than 400 buildings and landmarks of note. Featuring such architectural styles as Greek Revival, Italianate, and Federal, an afternoon spent here is like stepping back through several evolving decades of the past.

Meanwhile, the outdoors-minded tourist will not want to miss out on the pretty Delaware Canal State Park. Here, scenic biking, jogging, and hiking trails fill out the landscape, while local wildlife appearances create the perfect photo opportunity. One should not overlook the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, which crosses the aforementioned Delaware River. It is a most charming spot that will definitely leave all ages of guests with a splendid set of memories!

Chester

Situated in Morris County and home to just over 7,700 residents, visitors will find a nice mix of historic and natural charm here, sure to create quite a pleasing set of photographic memories. Spend time exploring a number of 19th-century landmarks like the Nathan Cooper Gristmill (1826) and others listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while afternoons at the lovely Chubb Park are a relaxing way to unwind and simply enjoy the quiet ambiance. From there, visit the sprawling Hacklebarney State Park, spanning some 890 acres, where chances to go biking, hiking, fishing, and even skating in the winter make this a most serene outdoor outing.

Add in cute local businesses like the Old Mill Tavern and the Midnight Owl Gift Shops, and a genuine sense of small town America can be felt.

Allenhurst

Allenhurst is another delightfully scenic place offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and welcoming beaches. Home to under 500 residents, the small size of Allenhurst should not dissuade any potential visitors. Also bordered by Deal Lake, the town is a short 50-mile drive from New York City, and it was established in the 1890s primarily as a residential settlement. Today, Allenhurst’s postcard-perfect rows of houses continue to make it a photogenic treat, which, in conjunction with its natural vistas, are great ways to spend an afternoon road trip. Explore the Allenhurst Residential Historic District and its eclectic range of upwards of 400 properties included on the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring such design styles as Victorian and early 20^th century, driving or walking through this District is a fun snapshot of America through the decades.

Finally, warm summers and a quieter pace of life make Allenhurst a nice alternative to other Jersey Shore communities. Enjoy swimming, sailing, sunbathing, and more in a quiet and calming ambiance, while great eateries are awesome ways to start or end a day. These include Deal Lake Bar and Co and The Butcher’s Steakhouse.

Whether one is looking for awesome encounters with the Atlantic Ocean, traveling back in time to Colonial America, or simply searching for the essence of small-town USA, the beautiful Garden State of New Jersey is the place to be. A welcoming place that features historic allure and natural beauty, New Jersey and its eclectic range of small towns are definite jewels of the Northeastern United States. From the college ambiance of Princeton, the Jersey Shore charm of Spring Lake, the historic streets of Lambertville, and the ethnic uniqueness of Deal, these and other treasure towns of New Jersey are enough to create memories for a lifetime. So come see the great State of New Jersey through a journey of these awesome, cute, and eclectic towns, and be prepared to have a return trip planned very soon!