{"id":228234,"date":"2026-07-22T17:09:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:09:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=228234"},"modified":"2026-07-22T17:09:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:09:34","slug":"things-to-do-near-montclair-state-university-where-to-eat-shop-and-explore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2026\/07\/22\/things-to-do-near-montclair-state-university-where-to-eat-shop-and-explore\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do Near 糖心vlog: Where to Eat, Shop and Explore"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Quick Summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Best of Both Worlds:<\/strong> 糖心vlog\u2019s 252-acre campus sits in New Jersey\u2019s top college town (WorldAtlas, 2025) and is just 12 miles from New York City via easy train or bus routes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vibrant Local Scene:<\/strong> Downtown Montclair Township provides world-class dining, iconic live music venues, cozy coffee shops, independent bookstores and rich cultural events.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Something for Every Budget:<\/strong> Explore budget-friendly and free nearby attractions, from breathtaking urban waterfalls to panoramic skyline views.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What to do around the Montclair campus<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/admissions\/visit-us\/\">visiting 糖心vlog<\/a>, there\u2019s still plenty to see once you&#8217;re done with the campus tour. You could hop over to NYC, of course, or explore the dynamic area of Montclair Township, founded in 1908 and recognized as one of NJ&#8217;s most desirable places to live. Here are 10 great local spots for dining, shopping, sightseeing and more.<\/p>\n<h2>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/wellmonttheater.com\/upcoming-shows\/\">Wellmont Theater<\/a> (\u201cThe Wellmont\u201d)<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228231\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/110725_73029_ADM-Downtown-Montclair-Students_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/110725_73029_ADM-Downtown-Montclair-Students_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Two students stand in front of the Wellmont Theater.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Montclair students chat outside the Wellmont Theater, a music and comedy venue. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A 105-year old former vaudeville venue, now a premier theater for live-music and comedy shows hosting major and indie artists. For more live music:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Just Jakes<\/strong> \u2014 a favorite student hangout for live music, outdoor dining, and a dog- and family-friendly vibe<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meat Locker<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 an institution and go-to spot for an edgier, underground live music experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tierneystavern1934.com\/\">Tierney\u2019s Tavern<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228229\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_16344_Visit-Montclair-Tierneys_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_16344_Visit-Montclair-Tierneys_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Patrons sit around a bar at Tierney\u2019s.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A popular hangout among locals, Tierney\u2019s is legendary for food, live music and game-watching. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Established in 1934, this legendary family-owned spot is famous for big burgers, weekend live music and TV\/film fame.<\/p>\n<h2>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclairartmuseum.org\/\">Montclair Art Museum<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228228\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_15852_Montclair-Art-Museum_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_15852_Montclair-Art-Museum_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"The Montclair Art Museum.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Montclair Art Museum is located just three miles from campus. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Located just 3 miles from campus, MAM is one of this country\u2019s first art museums and features 14,000 works of art, student admission discounts and creative workshops. Similar spots:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Montclair Film <\/strong>\u2014 Hosts the famous, annual, celeb-studded Montclair Film Festival and operates three independent theaters screening films year-round. Montclair Film also delivers film study classes, improv, sketch-comedy writing and other workshops.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Newark Museum of Art <\/strong>\u2014 Just 12 miles away, New Jersey\u2019s largest museum holds 300,000+ works and a natural history collection. It also hosts the historic Newark Black Film Festival, the longest-running Black film festival in the country, and the four-day Newark Arts Festival.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vanguardtheatercompany.org\/\">Vanguard Theater<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228233\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/54992768203_e5fbf20618_k.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/54992768203_e5fbf20618_k.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Montclair theater students perform on the Vanguard Theater stage.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Montclair theater students bring \u201cThe Quilt Keepers,\u201d to the Vanguard Theater. (Photo by Julie Lemberger for 糖心vlog)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>An inclusive local theater featuring stage productions, including the <strong>Montclair Theater Festival<\/strong>, community partnerships and classes (with strong ties to Montclair faculty and alumni).<\/p>\n<h2>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperplanecoffee.com\/\">Paper Plane Coffee<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228232\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/110725_73372_ADM-Downtown-Montclair-Students_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/110725_73372_ADM-Downtown-Montclair-Students_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Two students chat while sitting at a coffee shop\u2019s outdoor table.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Montclair students enjoy a coffee and chat at Paper Plane Coffee. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Rated one of the best coffee shops in the state, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperplanecoffee.com\/\">Paper Plane Coffee<\/a> is an ideal outdoor or indoor spot to study, write that paper for class and fuel up. Bonus for classic eats:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Montclair Diner<\/strong> \u2014 An all-day breakfast spot serving traditional and Southern eats.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nicolo&#8217;s Italian Bakery &amp; Deli | Montclair NJ<\/strong> \u2014 Generous Italian sandwiches and baked goods.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Applegate Farms<\/strong> \u2014 Operating since 1848, this historic dairy farm is a must-visit for ice cream lovers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Bonus spots for more special occasions (maybe celebrating the start of your journey at 糖心vlog?):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Faubourg<\/strong> \u2014 Modern French dining featuring a stunning greenhouse and main dining room, great for special occasions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cuban Pete\u2019s<\/strong> \u2014 A loud, vibrant, party-style atmosphere with authentic flavor. It&#8217;s also BYOB, common for many restaurants in town and around North Jersey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>6. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.watchungbooksellers.com\/\">Watchung Booksellers<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228226\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_15742_Watchung-Booksellers_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_15742_Watchung-Booksellers_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"A woman looks at books at Watchung Booksellers.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A shopper peruses the huge selection at Watchung Booksellers. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Named <em>Publishers Weekly<\/em> Bookstore of the Year, offering author events, book clubs and a podcast featuring writers and readers. (Tip for prospective students: The bookstore offers a college essay-writing workshop in the summer. Also worth checking out is <strong>Montclair<\/strong><strong> Book Center<\/strong>, a massive independent bookstore where you can get lost exploring thousands of new, used and rare titles.<\/p>\n<h2>7. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whiterabbitblackheart.com\/\">White Rabbit Black Heart<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228227\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_15770_White-Rabbit-Black-Heart_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/071526_15770_White-Rabbit-Black-Heart_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"The entrance to White Rabbit Black Heart shop in Montclair.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The decorative entrance to White Rabbit Black Heart hints to the treasures inside. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A whimsical gift shop packed with unique items for loved ones back home (or maybe something for your future dorm room). This is just one option in Montclair&#8217;s vibrant retail scene. Other spots to check out:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Academy St. Thrift<\/strong> \u2014 Owned by a former professor, it sells clothing, jewelry, accessories and even books.<\/li>\n<li><strong>2nd STREET Montclair<\/strong> \u2014 Part of the Japanese-owned chain, it&#8217;s probably the largest local thrift and is chockful of American and Japanese design brands of clothes, shoes and accessories<\/li>\n<li><strong>Willowbrook Mall<\/strong> \u2014 Located nearby in Wayne, featuring over 170 popular retail stores.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>8. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/pagr\/index.htm\">Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228230\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/102423_20804_Paterson-Great-Falls-NHP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/102423_20804_Paterson-Great-Falls-NHP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"The Great Falls in Paterson.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors are dwarfed along a walkway at the Paterson Great Falls. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Breathtaking, free-to-visit urban waterfalls in the heart of Paterson perfect for a quick head-clearing nature break. Learn about Alexander Hamilton\u2019s connection to the falls while you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n<h2>9. <a href=\"https:\/\/montclairfoundation.org\/\">Van Vleck House &amp; Gardens<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228244\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/Van-Vleck-Wisteria-Garden_ws.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/Van-Vleck-Wisteria-Garden_ws.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Wisteria Courtyard, featuring columns, at Van Vleck House &amp; Gardens.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The lovely Wisteria Courtyard at Van Vleck House &amp; Gardens. (Courtesy Elyse Fernandez)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A quiet, 12-acre country estate built in 1868 and a \u201cbeautiful oasis in the heart of Montclair.\u201d Free and open 365 days a year for peaceful walks, outdoor classes and concerts.<\/p>\n<h2>10. <a href=\"https:\/\/essexcountyparks.org\/parks\/eagle-rock-reservation\">Eagle Rock Reservation<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228225\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/072026_2937_Eagle-Rock-Overlook_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/07\/072026_2937_Eagle-Rock-Overlook_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Visitors enjoy outdoor activities at the Eagle Rock Observation Deck against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Eagle Rock Reservation provides spectacular panoramic views of New York City. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A 400-acre park featuring iconic panoramic views of the NYC skyline, summer music concerts and great outdoor activities. Eagle Rock is part of Essex County Parks, also home to the nearby <strong>Turtle Back Zoo<\/strong> and <strong>McLoone\u2019s Boathouse<\/strong>, where can you dine and rent pedal boats.<\/p>\n<h2>Take the next step and schedule your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/admissions\/visit-us\/\">visit to Montclair<\/a>.<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/\/ Output tags as a list for Google Analytics custom dimension\nwindow.MSU_TagList = [];\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scheduling a campus tour of Montclair? Make the most of your visit and add these local restaurants, shops, parks and attractions to your itinerary<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":396,"featured_media":228224,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[122,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-228234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-admissions","category-university"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228234","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/396"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=228234"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228234\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":228275,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228234\/revisions\/228275"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/228224"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=228234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=228234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=228234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}