7 Small Towns In Rural New Jersey That Are Downright Delightful

Swedesboro is a small town in Glocester County that has a vibrant downtown district that is packed with restaurants and charming shops. The town is surrounded by farmland and driving downtown is always a scenic, relaxing experience.

Cranbury is a little town in rural Middlesex County. It's around the corner from the spot where martians landed in the 1930s! You'll find a cute pizza place and some tasty homemade ice cream downtown, and it's worth driving around to get a break from the strip malls and developments of the larger nearby towns.

Hopewell is tucked away in the heart of the Raritan Valley. It's a great town for nature lovers, as it connects to the Delaware and Raritan Canal. There are also dozens of historic buildings scattered throughout town.

Tuckerton is a seaport town that brings you straight to the past whenever you visit. The seaport museum is a must-visit, and during the year they host all sorts of fun festivals and events.

Shamong is a rural town in Burlington County that's home to dozens of farms, both small and large, and a beautiful vineyard at Valenzano Winery. There are also plenty of hiking trails and access to Wharton State Forest from dozens of trailheads in the area. This tiny town is also home to one of the best bars in New Jersey - the Pic-A-Lilli on Route 206 serves up delicious wings. A little farther down the road, Kingfish BBQ's smokers run all weekend long, serving up tasty ribs, chicken, brisket, and more.

Hackettstown is a small mountain community in the hills of northern New Jersey. You'll find restaurants, shops, lakes, hikes, and plenty of things to do. The winding roads you take to bring you into town are beautiful any time of year, but particularly special in the fall.

Newton is the county seat of Sussex, way up in the northermost tip of New Jersey. This historic small town is a great place for a day trip, with restaurants and shops surrounding a small green space dedicated as a Veteran's Park.