Bay Head, New Jersey

I may be slightly biased because I was born and raised in the Garden State, but New Jersey is pretty amazing. Sometimes, it gets a less than ideal reputation, but we usually laugh it off and say, they just do not know what they are missing! My unbiased opinion, however, is that New Jersey is a lovely state rich with history, lovely beaches, rolling countrysides and vibrant downtowns, all just a quick train or car ride away from NYC. New Jersey is an incredible place to not only live, but to also head out to for your next weekend away. As the world opens up again, many of us are ready for some easy travel, and New Jersey is just that.

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That feeling of exploring someplace new, whether near or far, is good for the soul. Summer is the season of weekend getaways, packing up our totes and heading out for a few nights away with nothing but some sandals, a good dress and a swimsuit is the best feeling. So pack your bags, grab your sandals, and get ready becuase we’re going to the Garden State!

Here are my top 3 New Jersey weekend getaways, each with lovely accommodations, places to eat and things to do. This isn’t a comprehensive list of all the beautiful towns in New Jersey, because there are many. Rather, these are little abridged guides that act as a jumping off point for your planning. I am visiting each of these little bits of heaven this summer, so stay tuned for full travel guides!

1. COUNTRY: LAMBERTVILLE

(image via Shutterstock)

Lambertville is one of my favorite towns, ever. Nestled right on the Delaware River by the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, this artful town feels like a little piece of The Hudson Valley right in Hunterdon County. My very first job out of graduate school was in Lambertville, I often worked 6 days a week since I was in the auction industry, and got to know the town very well. The city is incredibly vibrant and historic, with local eateries that will knock your socks off, treasure troves of antique stores and art galleries, and The Delaware River right at your fingertips. It also makes for a great summer countryside escape because you aren’t landlocked!

HOW TO GET THERE
Bus or car

WHERE TO STAY 
Lambertville Station and Inn (Classic Downtown Lambertville)
River House at Odette’s (contemporary, right over the bridge in New Hope)
Woolverton Inn (Countryside Estate, will need a car)

WHAT TO DO
Go antiquing and gallery hopping downtown
See a show at the New Hope Theater
Shop local artisans
Walk across the bridge and explore downtown historic New Hope
Visit the Michener Museum (car required)
see more on Lambertville.org

WHERE TO EAT 
Lambertville Trading Co – Coffee and Breakfast 
The Lambertville Station – Brunch and Lunch
Hamilton’s Grill Room – Dinner
The Boat House – Drinks
Anton’s at The Swan – Dinner 

2. BEACH: BAY HEAD

Bay Head is such a special, little slice of Americana right here in New Jersey. I know what you’re thinking, “eek! The Jersey Shore!” – but this quiet beach town isn’t the MTV stereotype, rather it’s filled with every bit of Northeast perfection you could imagine. Aside from the classic seaside architecture, kids running to the ice cream truck, piles of tennis rackets on every corner, and postcard-worthy streets, it holds a really important place in my heart. Andrew and I were married here, he grew up going to this idyllic beach town, and we have gone every summer since we first began dating (minus 2020- duh). The social life of the community revolves around the Yacht Club, which requires membership to visit; however, in the last few years more restaurants have popped up, as well as shopping and things to do. This charming seaside town has so much to offer and is entirely walkable. It’s a quiet reprieve from busy life and will leave you with a full heart wishing you had visited sooner. If you’re looking for a low-key, old-school and incredibly picturesque weekend away, consider Bay Head your destination.

HOW TO GET THERE 
Train or car 

WHERE TO STAY 
Bentley Inn Bed and Breakfast (recently remodeled and re-decorated, the website will be updated soon)
Bay Head Sands Bed and Breakfast (classic old school bed and breakfast with lovely doilies and the nicest owners)

WHAT TO DO 
Dwell at Johnson Beach
Walk Twilight Lake  
Leisurely Shop in Downtown (J.McLaughlin, Carrie Dunham, Waterlily, Lilly Pulitzer, and local shops)
Rent Bikes and ride East Avenue 

WHERE TO EAT 
Noon Design + Coffee Shop – Coffee, Breakfast 
Mueller’s Bakery – Coffee, breakfast to go 
Burke’s Market – Breakfast, Lunch 
Dune Grass Cafe – Brunch, Lunch 
Charlie’s Of Bay Head – Lunch, Dinner 

3. TOWN: PRINCETON 

(Image via Shutterstock)

The beautiful Ivy League town of Princeton is perfect for a weekend getaway if you’re craving a bustling historic scene with plenty of things to do. I spent a lot of time in Princeton during graduate school and when I was writing my thesis. I always said, if I could retire anywhere in New Jersey, it would be downtown Princeton. Whether you stroll through the Princeton University campus, get lost in Palmer Square, or visit the iconic Morven Museum, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful buildings and traditional architecture. The culinary scene here is incredible, too. There is no shortage of places to eat or new cuisines to try. This anything-but-little town is ideal if you want a change of scenery, but crave being on-the-go.

HOW TO GET THERE 
Train, car or bus

WHERE TO STAY 
Nassau Inn 
Peacock Inn 

WHAT TO DO 
Walk Palmer Square 
Downtown shopping 
Visit the Princeton University Museum of Art (incredible American Collection)
Visit the Morven Museum and Garden 

WHERE TO EAT 
Yankee Doodle Tap Room – Lunch and Dinner 
The Meeting House – Brunch and Dinner 
Agricola Eatery– Lunch and Dinner
Mistral – Dinner
Blue Point Grill – Dinner 

OTHER NOTEWORTHY DESTINATIONS: 

BEACH: Cape May, Spring Lake, Stone Harbor, Long Beach Island

COUNTRY: Stockton, Frenchtown, Somerset County, Morris County 

CITY/TOWN: Montclair, Morrsitown, Summit