Montclair is such a cute little town filled with so many amazing places. Some of them are well-known like Cuban Pete’s, The Wellmont Theatre and Toast. But others take a little investigating to be discovered. After attending MSU for almost four years, I have found that there are a bunch of hidden gems in town and luckily, we are fortunate enough to have all of them close by!
That being said, here are my 5 favorite finds in Montclair, so get your car keys ready because you will want to check them out ASAP!
The Pie Store – 100 Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair
If you’ve left your heart in England, then this place will be a dream come true for you. The Pie Store is a small place you may otherwise pass by without noticing, but it has some of the (you guessed it) BEST pies I have ever tasted! The best part is they are all authentic British pies! Along with pie, this store has tons of imported products from the UK like dairy milk chocolates, Scottish shortbread cookies, scones, Irish bread and butter and so much more. Think of it as your supermarket for all things from the UK! Owner Samantha Codling came over from England where she used to cook in pubs and restaurant kitchens, so she is no beginner. This place is authentic and amazing and now that the holidays are approaching, you should definitely check it out!
Trend Coffee and Tea House – 411 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair
This coffee shop, built in the oldest house in Montclair in 1860, is so unique. A calming and artistic vibe is immediately set as you walk in and see all of the amazing pieces of art on the walls (which are also all for sale!) Along with having great coffee, crepes, and drinks, they also have open-mic nights and live music on certain nights! If you are looking for a chill night out with friends, drinking coffee and listening to music, definitely head on over!
Montclair Book Center – 221 Glenridge Ave, Montclair
This is one of the coolest places I have come across in Montclair and it’s not just because I’m a book nerd. This place has 3 floors, TONS of books in all genres (as well as antique books) and an entire floor and separate room filled with vinyl and CD’s. There are so many cool things to look through at the Montclair Book Center, so I would definitely recommend checking it out when you have a few hours on your hands! They’re open 7 days a week, so check the hours and stop in!
Van Vleck House and Gardens – 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
These serene gardens are open to the public and have tons of events. The house and gardens were originally a 12-acre private estate more than 140 years ago that have now been turned into a beautiful place for the public to enjoy, from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year (although it is best to visit in spring or summer.) It is a great place to take photos, relax, and just de-stress while taking in that lovely Montclair nature.
Le Petit Parisien – 10 Church Street, Montclair:
I have been dying to go to Paris ever since I can remember, so I love Le Petit Parisien because it makes me feel a little closer to making that dream a reality. As soon as you walk up to the window, there is a little Eiffel Tower lit up to greet you. When you walk in, French music plays as a colorful array of macaroons catch your eye (Macaroons are my absolute obsession and they are SO delicious here.) The workers are friendly and, just as their pastries, their croissants are to die for!