Maplewood Named #17 Coolest Town To Visit By Matador Network

Press release from the Maplewood Township:

From Matador Network - Full Article | January 7, 2021

"In this beautiful New Jersey suburb, Magnolia trees blossom in the spring, lending the neighborhood a storybook quality. Though Maplewood is just a short 30- to 45-minute commute from New York City and Jersey City by car, you probably won’t want to leave once you get there.

Art appreciators and free spirits of all kinds will thrive in Maplewood, where they’ll find spots like the Rebel Folk Studio, which describes itself as a space for “humans embracing the non-traditional.” The town also hosts the annual Maplewoodstock Music and Art Festival, a two-day jamboree packed with musical performances that encourages families to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets to Memorial Park. During the summer, Porchfest invites neighbors to gather on grassy knolls on closed off streets and enjoy musical performances.

Speaking of parks, Maplewood is dotted with lush green spaces. In addition to the sprawling Memorial Park, Maplewood is home to the Wildflower Sculpture Park and Maplecrest Park. In fact, Maplewood is the ideal place to experience New Jersey’s natural landscape. Hemlock Falls is nearby, as are parts of the South Mountain Reservation, which covers 2,112 acres and features at least 22 hikes.

If you prefer the indoors, you might enjoy Maplewood’s bookstore, Words. After perusing the shelves, check out the extensive collection of bottles at Wine Barrel. Cap the evening at one of Maplewood’s many restaurants, from the romantic Restaurant Lorena’s to the classic Italian spot Arturo’s Osteria and Pizzeria.

P.S. Want to know the town’s best-kept secret? It’s The Jitney, a white school bus that picks up residents and drives them to Maplewood Train Station — a generous gesture that speaks to Maplewood’s community spirit."

This press release was produced by the Maplewood Township. The views expressed are the author's own.