After moving to Hunterdon County when she was 4, self-care advocate, and fellow blogger, Meg, moved back after college to raise her children there. So she must really love where she lives! Let’s find out why she loves the nearby town of Clinton.
If I only had 24 hours to visit Clinton, New Jersey, describe what I should do?
If you are only here for 24 hours, you must visit Clinton! It’s the best little town. We have the Clinton Red Mill (famous in artwork and history!) and the Art Museum, but the nature of the area “takes the cake.” Another beautiful spot to visit is the Ken Lockwood Gorge – you can access it by walking the beautiful, Columbia Trail (it’s High Bridge but only a few miles from downtown Clinton).
What is your favourite restaurant / cafe / eating / drinking place there?
The best place to eat in Clinton is the Towne Restaurant. It’s a family-owned diner that has been a staple of downtown Clinton for more than 40 years.
If you could suggest for me to just do ONE thing in Clinton, what would it be and why?
If you could do just one thing in Clinton, I would suggest a tour of the Red Mill. It’s a non-profit museum/historic society that maintains the history of Clinton with a number of tours, reenactments and programs available year-round.
What is one thing Clinton, New Jersey should be known for and why?
The location is beautiful, historic and our town has ONLY mom & pop shops on Main Street. It’s been the goal of our town’s government to improve and modernize without losing the small town feel so when you turn onto Main Street, you could have gone back 200 years to Christmas in a small town.
Tell me about your favourite outdoor activity?
The best outdoor activities are the various running races arranged by Base Camp {ProActivity}, kayaking in the river or simply taking a walk down Main Street. In the summer we have live music every Friday night in the courtyard outside the Art Museum – that’s one of my favorite summer activities!
Tell me about your favourite indoor activity in Clinton?
Our best indoor activity is visiting the Art Museum. Professional installations of local artists are rotated. There are a number of seasonal installations completed by the Art Museum staff and volunteers.
Imagine I am blind. If I come to visit Clinton, New Jersey, how would you describe it to me?
Clinton is quaint with charming shops, a tranquil waterfall off Main Street, and beautifully maintained historic buildings. The Pratt truss bridge crosses the South Branch of the Raritan River. You may hear a variety of wildlife and fishermen in waders.
What makes Clinton stand out compared to nearby places?
Clinton looks like it was inspiration for a Norman Rockwell painting – with our Christmas parades, decorations and community-centered events. It is historic and the most beautiful and well-maintained town in NJ.
What is the best thing to do with children there and why?
My kids love the local park, library, and baseball field (all on the adjoining properties). They also love to spend time at the Art Museum’s outdoor space by the river and check out the wildlife – turtles, snakes, fish, and all kinds of birds. On holidays, our favorite things to do are the Haunted Mill and the Christmas parade. They especially love the ice cream shops in town – JJ Scoops and Just Chill (froyo shop).
What is the best thing to do as a solo traveller and why?
Every solo traveller should visit the Art Museum, walk Main Street to window shop, and get a coffee at Citispot where you can sit in their window seats to people watch.
What is the best thing to do as a couple in Clinton, New Jersey and why?
Have a meal at the Clinton House, then take a walk through town. Clinton House is a beautiful restaurant with a romantic but historic ambiance.
Is there anything else I should know about why you love where you live?
It’s a small town where everyone is welcome. Our town has been very particular about not allowing chain restaurants or stores to rent or use space on Main Street so every store is owned by a local family.
Make sure you head to Meg’s website Catch Me on the Exhale, for everything you need to go on your self-care journey.
Would you like to share why you love where YOU live? Send an email to happylifesafari.com to be included!
