If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Newark or New York City, then take a weekend trip to nearby Montclair. Only a few miles from the busy cities, Montclair is a peaceful town that attracts artists, working professionals, and young couples with families. If you would like to explore areas around Montclair while staying close by, there are many interesting sites that are under an hours drive away.
Wawayanda State Park in Vernon
If you would like to experience the beautiful nature of New Jersey, a 35-mile drive from Montclair will bring you through the township of Vernon and to the lovely and peaceful Wawayanda State Park. With over sixty miles of hiking trails through lovely hardwood forests, you will be able to see sweeping vistas of the mountains and see wild animals up close. Twenty miles of the famous Appalachian Trail runs through this rustic park, so keep an eye out for backpackers and ask them about their journey.
After a full day exploring Wawayanda State Park, stop by the Lamp Post Inn in Vernon for a delectable dinner before heading back to Montclair for the evening. Take the time to stop at the many historical sites along the road between Vernon and Montclair. Montclair has several wonderful lodging options available so you can relax after exploring.
Yogi Berra Museum in Little Falls
If you are a lover of baseball history, then a visit to the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Little Falls, New Jersey is a stop not to be missed. Yogi Berra is one of the most famous baseball catchers and clutch hitters in the history of baseball. He played for the New York Yankees for several seasons winning three Most Valuable Player Awards and leading the Yankees to 10 World Series championships.
Visit the many exhibits that showcase Yogi’s career along with an extensive photo gallery that highlights his rich history in the baseball world. After a full day enjoying the museum and pitching balls in the PITCH! Exhibition, stop by De Novo | Montclair European Pub for a dinner filled with fresh local foods. After a delicious and sublime dinner, return to Montclair for a relaxing evening.
The Cracked Pot Studio in Lake Hiawatha
A fun way to express your inner artist is to take a drive out past Pine Brook to the little hamlet of Lake Hiawatha and visit the Cracked Pot Studio to experience pottery making. Learn what it is like to throw a pottery wheel, make vases, plates, cups, and various artistic decorations.
There are classes for all levels, so even if you have never played with clay before, you can still experience what pottery making is all about. You will be hungry after a day of creativity behind the potter’s wheel, so on your way back to Montclair, make sure and visit Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill in Pine Brook with offers of delicious and authentic Northern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Montclair is a wonderful destination for a getaway and with so many great attractions to visit nearby, it is a great central place to stay.