New Jersey is currently home to 565 municipalities, 254 boroughs, 52 cities, 15 towns, 241 townships, and 3 villages. In 1964, there was another municipality on that list...a borough in Ocean County. Unlike South Cape May, it didn't just sink into the sea (learn more about that by clicking here). This town was dissolved, but you've probably passed through it without realizing.
The Borough of Island Beach was incorporated in 1933.
When the town was incorporated, there wasn't much to it...a steel baron's estate, life saving station, and fishing shanties rented out by baymen and their families.
As one of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey is a state that is filled with history. There are so many old restaurants, hotels, homes, and other buildings here! Some places carry a little bit more history than others, though. That's why we love visiting Cranbury, New Jersey. As one of the oldest towns in the state, this tiny town is an amazing day trip destination for history and nature lovers alike. Come along as we show you what we really like about it:
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Cranbury, New Jersey is a tiny, historic town with plenty of charm.
It's one of the oldest towns in New Jersey! The town, which is home to fewer than 4,000 people, has always focused on preserving its history. It makes it a very quaint and lovely place to spend a day.
Swing by the Cranbury Museum to learn more about the area's history.
This gorgeous wooded area is a peaceful way to explore nature. There are a variety of trails and a nice lake to see here!
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Cranbury, New Jersey is well worth the visit!
Would you agree that it is among the best small towns in New Jersey? What's your favorite New Jersey day trip destination? Have you visited other historic towns in New Jersey? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
Princeton is one of my favorite small towns in New Jersey for a good reason - it's one of the best shopping and dining hubs in the entire state, as well as being home to a world-famous university. But in looking forward to getting to my destination, I often passed right by one of New Jersey's best small towns. Kingston, New Jersey, located right outside the borders of Princeton, is a tiny town of under 1,600 people that often evades people's attention - you drive right through on the main road to Princeton, and you'll notice a quaint small town with a nice look but little to grab your attention immediately. But this town is hiding a gorgeous historic district, a delicious farmers' market, and a spinoff of one of the area's most popular restaurants. Come with us and discover why you should make a stop in Kingston the next time you're driving to Princeton!
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Princeton is quite the enticing destination - but don't be in too much of a hurry to get there. You might miss a true gem.
The Kingston area is also home to the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market, which is technically within Princeton's borders but is far closer to Kingston than downtown Princeton when you travel.
That location is often swamped with crowds and has a line out the door, so this is a great place to get your breakfast or lunch in a more laid-back environment before continuing to explore Kingston!
Have you ever stopped in Kingston, New Jersey before? Let us know about your favorite things to do in this charming small town in the comments section! You can find out more about Kingston on the Kingston Historical Society website, and you can find out more details about the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market and PJ's Pancake House on their official website. When you do head into Princeton, make sure you stop in at Whole Earth Center for some more delicious shopping, and if you're considering spending the night in the area, we highly recommend The Peacock Inn - it's one of a couple of historic hotels in the Princeton area, and it's gorgeous.
