Sensory-Friendly Morning at Turtle Back Zoo
April 26 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Join Turtle Back Zoo for its Sensory-Friendly Morning, a modified zoo experience catered towards neurodivergent guests, on April 26th from 8AM to 10AM at 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange.
25 Spots to Check Out in Chatham, New Jersey
Road trips in New Jersey are a popular activity for families and friends. Exploring different towns is a joyful way to learn the state's history, try different restaurants, hike through county parks, shop, and enjoy the towns’ arts, theatre, and culture. Cape May is a stunning beach town with historical Victorian homes in South Jersey. Hoboken, right across the river from New York City, is thriving with stores, restaurants, and a beautiful promenade along the Hudson River. When The Montclair Girl is looking for the quintessential, charming, small-town experience, surrounded by natural beauty, we look no further than Chatham. Read more about Chatham and what to see and do while there.
About Chatham Township
Chatham Township was founded in 1806. It is surrounded by the Passaic River, rolling hills, and the Protected Swamp and Marshlands. In 1837, the Morris and Essex Railroad lines were built. This connected more people to the area, forcing new townships to emerge. These townships became present-day Chatham, Madison, and Florham Park.
The prominent Noe Family settled in Chatham in 1770, and their influence in Chatham can still be seen today. In the 1870s and 1880s, the family was known for their beautiful greenhouses, and specifically the very rare American Beauty Rose, with a five-foot stem that they grew. They also owned the famous Noe Pond. In 1955, the family turned the pond and surrounding land into a swimming and family activities community club. Noe Pond Club was purchased in 2022 and remains a club that includes pickleball, tennis, and a beautiful pond in which to swim.
Chatham also shares forty acres of Morris County Park, the largest county park in New Jersey, with just over 20,611 acres to explore. In 1959, the Port Authority considered this part of New Jersey as the location to build a new airport. Through the efforts and donations of all Morris County municipalities, the land was secured to protect wildlife and serve the wilderness.
Read More: 15 Cool Spots to Visit in Millburn, New Jersey
Visitors can explore the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham. To locate the center, head to 247 Southern Boulevard, where there will be a marked sign.
Follow the road until the end, where visitors will find the Education Center. The drive through is tree-filled, and the sound of wildlife embraces you. Two miles of trails and a boardwalk allow visitors to observe the swamps and marsh. Make sure to check the website for seasonal programs and activities here.
The center of Chatham’s downtown area is the crossroads of Main Street and N-S Passaic Avenue. Here, you can find shopping, a theater, coffee shops, and restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Downtown Chatham
A Taste Of Asia | 245 Main Street
A Taste Of Asia began in Montclair in 1995. It was the first Malaysian restaurant in New Jersey. In 2000, the family opened their second restaurant in Chatham. Although the Montclair restaurant is closed, you can be sure Montclairians travel to Chatham regularly to enjoy the delicious food. Every dish on the menu is made to order, and a special menu celebrating each season is updated four times a year. There are gluten and wheat-free menus, and vegetarian options are abundant. We suggest The Tangerine Tofu. The Dim Sum menu is endless, and there is a Real Authentic Spicy menu for those who like it hot.
The Blue Iris Boutique | 100 Main Street
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The Blue Iris Boutique is located in a historic home that is as unique and stylish as the clothing inside. The boutique celebrates modern designers, such as Lanvin, Momoni, and Alberta Ferretti, just to name a few. The owner, Iris, curates the vintage clothing from her private collection, which she collects while visiting her family in Italy and traveling through Paris. Expect pieces from Valentino, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and more. There is an eclectic and art-worthy collection of jewelry, scarves, belts, bags, and shoes, all beautifully displayed. Iris’s eye for mixing modern and vintage pieces is extraordinary, and she knows just how to help her clients find that special piece of clothing that will speak to them for years.
Bucky’s Pizza | 465 Main Street
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Bucky’s Pizza is known for its Detroit-style pizza, Calzones, and creative NY-style round Pies. Stop by for a slice or an order to go, but get there early, as it has a strong following.
Charley’s Aunt Restaurant | 8 South Passaic Avenue
Charley’s Aunt Restaurant is across the street from Quartet, at 8 South Passaic Avenue. It is a great place to have a cocktail or meal before or after a show at The Chatham Playhouse, right down the street. Charley’s is a favorite of locals and newcomers alike. Patrons can slide up to the bar and try the famous steak burger while watching a game on TV, or sit in the welcoming restaurant, surrounded by history, and enjoy a fabulous lunch or dinner. There is also outdoor seating with heaters.
The Chatham Playhouse | 23 North Passaic Avenue
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The Chatham Playhouse brings the theater to Chatham. It is within walking distance of Main Street. The Chatham Players have put on shows such as You Are a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Lost in Yonkers, Sideways, A Christmas Carol, and musical collections from famous composers. Tickets are available for sale here, and make sure to follow it on Instagram for up-to-date announcements.
Chatham Scoops Ice Cream Shop | 228 Main Street
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Ice Cream fans must visit Chatham Scoops Ice Cream Shop at 228 Main Street. Scoops, which opened in 2019, serves Gifford’s World Famous Slow Churned Ice Cream from Maine. We recommend the Sea Salt Caramel ice cream. There is a separate room for parties and events, and in the summer, a walk-up window is accessible from the outside. Make sure to say hello to the owner, Terry McCabe, who is also the President of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. He is welcoming and has a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of Chatham.
Fleur de Sel Patisserie + Bistro | 265 Main Street
For a French patisserie or quiche and salad for lunch, Fleur de Sel Patisserie + Bistro is the perfect French escape to drink a handcrafted coffee or tea while enjoying a croissant or macarons. They also serve soups and sandwiches, along with a daily brunch menu. The owner, Patricia Etel Khawand, makes everything from scratch daily and prides herself on using only the freshest and top ingredients. There is also a large selection of cakes, cookies, and freshly baked breads. The Montclair Girl loved the lemon madeleines and took a baguette to go.
Gregorio’s Restaurant | 255 Main Street
Gregorio’s Restaurant, specializes in Italian Mediterranean cuisine. It is located at 255 Main Street. Gergorio’s recently was awarded Open Table’s Diner Choice award. Considering the full tables and mouth-watering menu, it comes as no surprise.
Jabberwocky Toys | 261 Main Street
Jabberwocky Toys has been a long-loved staple in Chatham for over thirty years. Jabberwocky has more than just toys. There is a large variety of children’s books, puzzles, educational games, crafts, and so much more. The team also provides gift wrapping and are more than willing to help pick out the perfect present for any child.
Mitsuba Japanese Cuisine | 237 Main Street
This traditional Japanese restaurant serves noodle dishes, hibachi, sushi rolls, sashimi, and great lunch specials. A couple of creative and playful dishes are The Japanese Pizza, featuring a crispy pancake with sliced salmon, and The Yellowtail Carpaccio.
Namkeen | 233 Main Street
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Namkeen also known as The Hot Chicken Joint, is one of four locations. The Chatham location is at 233 Main Street. They are known for its famous Nashville Sandwich, which features fried chicken and chipotle aioli served on a brioche bun. For a creative twist on chicken and waffles, try the Clucking Waffle Sandwich. Namkeen also serves a selection of sides, wings, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese.
Quartet | 9 South Passaic Avenue
Quartet is a charming boutique with something for everyone. The welcoming boutique provides a stunning selection of home furnishings, tableware, gifts, and a variety of apparel and jewelry. Shoppers can stop by for a new summer dress, and be prepared to leave with the perfect hostess gift, a cashmere sweater, and the serving platter you have been looking for for months.
Sorriso Kitchen | 225 Main Street
Sorriso Kitchen is one of Chatham’s favorite breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurants. Sorriso, which means smile in Italian, is a great place for friends and family to eat and spend time together. The owners, The Bella Family, inspired by their son LJ, who has Down Syndrome, have also dedicated their restaurant as a teaching space for young, developmentally disabled adults to prepare them for employment in their communities. Sorriso’s Chef Ryan Chatfield highlights farm-to-table dishes using the freshest ingredients. Be sure to check out their chef-tasting dinners and Art nights.
T.M. Ward Coffee | 255 Main Street
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When strolling through Chatham, stop at T.M. Ward Coffee. Ward Coffee imports and roasts its own coffee. The Montclair Girl enjoyed the cold brew s'mores-flavored coffee. The store serves a wide variety of coffee flavors, teas, and biscotti. It also provides gift baskets, a variety of condiments, jars of honey, and accessories for making the perfect cup of coffee at home.
Yestertoys | 240 Main Street
Yestertoys is a fantastical store showcasing every collectible one can imagine from childhood. From 80’s movie relics to action figures, boy band dolls, Smurfs, and more, there is something for every generation to share.
Two01 Hair Salon | 7 South Passaic Avenue
Two 01 Hair Salon is a chic salon perfect for a blowout, haircut, or completely new style. It is the owner, Ashley Branda’s, second location. Her success with the first Two 01 Hair Salon, located at 728 Grand Street, Hoboken, inspired her to branch out, and Chatham couldn’t be happier.
Watchung Avenue Section of Chatham
Make sure to visit Watchung Avenue, near River Road, and spend the afternoon. Activities in the area include rock climbing and ping pong, which are conveniently located in the same building.
Gravity Vault | 40 Watchung Avenue
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Gravity Vault has 15,000 feet of climbing, bouldering, and fun. It features rope stations, rappel walls, kid-friendly options, new-to-climbing classes, and youth or adult climbing classes. The facility also includes a training space, lounge, and party room.
Nicholas Rizzo Fine Arts | 32 Watchung Avenue
Stroll through Nicholas Rizzo Fine Arts, located at 32 Watchung Avenue, where local and international artists are displayed in the gallery.
Pascarella Brothers | 34 Watchung Avenue
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After working up a sweat and an appetite from climbing and ping-ponging, go next door to Pascarella Brothers Delicatessen. It is a staple in Chatham and a true representative of New Jersey delis in all the best ways. Anthony and Gino Pascarella are magic behind the counter, serving salads, classic submarine sandwiches, and daily specials inspired by their years of working in delis and the influence of their mother’s cooking. MG suggests the famous Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast. For lunch, try the Chicken Napolitano, which is made with grilled chicken, pesto, sundried tomatoes, and asiago cheese. There is also a gluten-free menu, and the deli is ServSafe Certified.
PingPod | 40 Watchung Avenue
Ping Pong enthusiasts and those new to the sport will enjoy PingPod inside The Strand Tennis Center, located at 40 Watchung Avenue. Guests can reserve a table online to enjoy the ease of contactless check-in. Coaching and classes are available, and patrons can connect with other Pingpod players to arrange a game.
See More: We Visited Every Rest Stop on the GSP; Here’s What We Liked at Each
Twin Elephant Brewing Company | 13 Watchung Avenue
Twin Elephant Brewing Company is the brainchild of four friends who grew up together. The artisanal menu of Als and IPAs is as special as the welcoming, unique environment in which they are served. Community, coming together, and friendship are strongly encouraged upon arrival. Be sure to experience the outdoor beer garden as well.
