New Jersey's Charming Borough Near Trenton Is Brimming With Local Shops, Parks, And Tasty Eats

Planning your next staycation and finding the whole process a bit too stressful? Chances are you're overthinking. A great getaway doesn't have to be grand, busy, or in one of the moment's trendiest destinations. If anything, going that route is just adding an unnecessary layer of logistical hurdles. That's why more travelers than ever are favoring smaller, lesser-known gems with the kind of charm and close-knit feel that lacks in all the famous hubs. And there's one small borough in New Jersey, in particular, that you might want to add to your bucket list. Flemington is described by Niche reviewers as small and suburban but still beautiful and lovable. What the city lacks in big-box stores and nightlife, it makes up for in local shops, parks, and tasty eats. Its location makes it the perfect choice as both a day trip destination and a base from which you can explore the rest of central New Jersey.

Flemington is just a 40-minute drive from Trenton and less than an hour southwest of Newark, the affordable New Jersey hub with artisanal eats and riverside parks. Depending on where you're coming from, you'll be happy to learn that Philadelphia and Allentown are also within driving distance — about an hour and some change for both. As far as fliers are concerned, the closest major entryway is Newark Liberty International, but considering that this is an airport that receives nearly twice the average number of TSA complaints, try your best to stick to driving. With that said, Flemington itself is pretty walkable, so once in town, find a good parking spot and try to do most of your exploring on foot.

Flemington has gone through a lot of change, especially during this past decade, but locals on Reddit still praise its cute shops, safe atmosphere, and family-friendly vibe — all of which contribute to its inherent charm. If you want to explore the local stores, Addicted Chic is a great place to start. This is a family and friend-run business that specializes in women's clothing. Shoppers often praise the people working here and the fact that the pieces feel high-quality and well-made. Prices are not the cheapest, but they're still in line with what you're getting in return. The Corner is another good place to shop. It's a fun general store with a full-scale portrait photography studio in the back (the photographer regularly receives rave reviews). The rest of the store is filled with unique finds, many of which are handmade by local artisans. You can come here every day but Monday, and the entrance is wheelchair-accessible.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you can head to Bistro 55, less than a minute away. It's a Mediterranean restaurant whose specialties include the gyro platter, spanakopita, lamb kebab, chicken souvlaki, and, of course, the homemade baklava. Matt's Red Rooster Grill is another local favorite with a New American flair. While a bit pricier, customers still rave about its lobster, scallops, grilled romaine salad, and bread pudding.

If you can make the time, see if you can stop by Ringoes. Located less than 15 minutes away, this is a picturesque community with award-winning wine and laid-back vibes. From here, it's just another 12-minute drive to Stockton, a New Jersey borough with unique Victorian-era inns.

For those who love a nature-based activity, Flemington offers a varied selection of parks to choose from. Mine Brook Park is one of the best-known spots in town for a refreshing walk or a day out with family and friends. It features a creek, a covered pavilion, lots of benches, a children's playground, and public restrooms. The paved paths are great for running, too, and you can bring your dog along. If you've got the time for a 17-minute drive, try to stop by Round Valley Recreation Area, as well. It stretches over 2,000 acres and has a reservoir where you can fish and boat. Prefer to stay on dry land? No worries, go camping or sunbathing instead. Swimming is allowed, but only in certain areas.

Hunterdon County Arboretum is even closer to Flemington, at only 5 miles away. The space is filled with grassy and gravel trails, beautiful flowers, tree house structures (enjoyed especially by children), picnic tables, streams, and a pond. The grounds are in good condition, and if you get lucky, you might be able to spot some of the local fauna. Hunterdon County Arboretum is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you're a baseball fan, chances are you'll enjoy a visit to Diamond Nation. It's a training complex with both indoor and outdoor facilities, and it hosts many local games throughout the year. Be sure to check out its website for more information on matches and personalized lessons to see if anything fits your schedule. Want to see something unique? Ringing Rocks County Park is just a little over 17 miles away, and it's one of Pennsylvania's most unusual attractions and a free-to-visit, family-friendly park.