Montclair is a town in Essex County, New Jersey, nestled on the cliffs of the Watchung Mountains. It is a diverse and wealthy bedroom community for New York City. There are a number of places to visit in Montclair that will make your stay memorable. Read on to learn more.
Van Vleck House and Gardens
A former private estate owned by the Van Vleck family, the Van Vleck House and Gardens is now a non-profit community resource. It houses a public botanical garden that features mostly ericaceous plants. The gardens have been cultivated over several generations and are open to the public to enjoy.
Built in 1890, the Van Vleck House and Gardens showcases a diverse collection of ericaceous and rhododendrons. It is open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. There are many events held at this historic home and garden throughout the year.
The garden features a fairy trail. Visitors can walk through the garden and view miniature gardens and houses made from natural materials. The gardens also offer a space for nonprofit groups to hold meetings, retreats, and special events. The Van Vleck House and Gardens are located at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair.
The main house of the Van Vleck House and Gardens is a historic estate, reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa. The home was built by Joseph Van Vleck Jr. and his brothers Charles and Howard. They lived in the house until the 1930s. Howard moved to the house with his wife Harriet Tomlinson and raised their four children there.
The Walther House, located next to the gardens, is another stunning example of Victorian architecture. It houses the Citizens Committee, which oversees the gardens. In addition to the gardens, the Walther House features a museum shop and the headquarters of the Montclair Citizens Committee. The Watchung Booksellers, a small bookstore, opened in 1991 and houses a wide selection of books and other items. Its selection is carefully chosen with input from local Montclair residents.
Edgemont Memorial Park
For those who are looking for a beautiful place to spend the day with the kids, Edgemont Memorial Park is a perfect destination. Its large, fenced playground has many structures and a fountain, and you can also find a paved walking and biking trail nearby. The park also has a baseball field and a softball field, as well as plenty of open green space.
Montclair is a small town that is rich in culture and offers a diverse selection of recreational activities. The area is home to several world-renowned restaurants and shops. Visitors to Montclair can also take in the city’s famous Montclair Art Museum, where they can view works of American art. Montclair is also home to the Montclair Film Festival, which is a showcase of cutting-edge films.
The Montclair Art Museum is a museum dedicated to inspiring and engaging the community through art. This museum houses over 12,000 pieces of artworks, including Native American art, and works by renowned modern artists. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits. In addition to the permanent collection, the Montclair Art Museum also features two urban centers, one in Montclair and one in West Orange.
While exploring Montclair’s past, visitors can also learn about the history of the neighborhood. The Montclair Historical Society was founded in 1965, and it aims to preserve local history. Its two important historic sites are the Israel Crane House, which was built in 1796, and the Nathaniel Crane House, built in 1818.
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Montclair, a visit to the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is one excellent option. This nonprofit living museum sits on 6.5 acres adjacent to a Victorian home. It features a wide variety of exotic and colorful plants, and you can learn all about the history of irises.
The gardens were opened in 1890 and are still open today. They are run by the Citizens Committee of the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, a non-profit organization that partners with the town of Montclair and Essex County. As a result, no public funds are used to maintain the collection.
The gardens are home to over 4,000 irises from around the world. The gardens are open year-round. During high season, the irises are on full display, attracting visitors from far and wide. But even if you can’t make it during the peak bloom season, the gardens are open year-round.
The Presby Gardens are open to the public and are free to visit, but donations are always welcome. The gardens attract more than 10,000 visitors per year. It was founded to honor noted horticulturist Frank Presby. It has more than 3,000 different irise varieties and is the largest non-commercial collection of irises in the world.
The gardens are also home to a Bloom Room shop with a wide selection of reasonably priced Iris related items for sale. The store also sells honey produced from iris plants. The proceeds from the store help to maintain the iris garden. The gardens are open in June, and the store is run by paid and volunteer gardeners. The gardens also have educational events for visitors to learn about irises.
Greek Taverna
This bustling BYO hangout serves generous portions of Mediterranean fare to a lively crowd. Enjoy your food at the open kitchen while watching the kitchen bustle. The service is prompt, and the food is always fresh and hot. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Montclair.
Greek Taverna is located in the 250-year-old Excelsior Stables building. The open kitchen doesn’t have sound-proofing, so guests can hear the chefs work on the dishes as they serve them. Chefs Aleka Tsamis and Emilio Simon rotate between the two locations. Emilio Simon, who worked at Molyvos in New York, is native to Mexico and speaks fluent Greek.
The Greek Taverna in Montclair is located on Bloomfield Avenue and is a cozy restaurant that exudes Mediterranean tradition and old-world charm. The interior is decorated in authentic Greek style, and the food is superb. The open kitchen lets guests see the chefs prepare delicious dishes.
Another attraction in Montclair, NJ is the Wellmont Theater. This venue has a seating capacity of 2,600 people. It also hosts many events, including art shows, concerts, and film festivals. The theater is also a perfect venue for graduation ceremonies and award ceremonies.
Another Montclair dining option is Da Pepo, an Italian restaurant run by Pasquale Orrico, which specializes in Southern Italian fare. This restaurant is located in the heart of the city, near popular local bookstore Watchung Booksellers. It has a cozy family-friendly atmosphere and comfortable decor. Da Pepo serves both breakfast and dinner, and vegan mozzarella cheese is available upon request.
Wellmont Theater
If you’re looking for a place to see a movie or attend a concert in Montclair, the Wellmont Theater is an excellent choice. The theater is located on the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Seymour Street in the city’s downtown, near the border with neighboring Glen Ridge.
The Wellmont Theater was built in 1922 and has a capacity of 2,600. It has undergone several renovations since it first opened, but it still holds many shows. It’s an excellent venue for performance art, film festivals, fundraisers, and concerts. The theatre is also ideal for graduations and other events.
Another great place to see a show in Montclair is the Montclair Art Museum. The Montclair Art Museum is a unique cultural center dedicated to inspiring the community with art. It has a collection of over 12,000 pieces of art, including works by native Americans. The museum also features rotating exhibits.
The Alexander Kasser Theater is another great place to see a live show. This theater is located at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and is owned by Montclair State University. It hosts contemporary performances and is known for its Spanish mission style design. It also features an extensive lobby with a sweeping plaza. It also houses an exhibition arena and exhibition space. Its 500-seat auditorium is also one of the best places to visit in Montclair.
The Wellmont Theater is also a great place to catch a show. It opened in 1922 and has hosted live entertainment for many years. Some of its past performers include David Blaine, Chelsea Handler, Snoop Dogg, and Ms. Laury Hill.
