Montclair, New Jersey is a beautiful bedroom community of New York City. This diverse and wealthy town sits on the cliffs of the Watchung Mountains. Here, you can find a wide range of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa day or want to visit an art museum, you’ll find everything you need in this town.
Van Vleck House
If you’re looking for a unique place to spend your day in Montclair, consider visiting the Van Vleck House and Gardens, a former private estate. Now a nonprofit community resource, this property boasts a public botanical garden that features mostly ericaceous plants. The gardens were carefully developed by several generations and are open to the public.
If you’re looking for a unique and historical location to spend a day in Montclair, the Van Vleck House and Gardens are a must-see. It’s a beautiful site that’s free to visit, though donations are encouraged to help with the gardens. Once you’re inside, you’ll be impressed by the meticulous care that goes into the grounds.
Another must-visit place in Montclair is the Montclair Art Museum, which is dedicated to inspiring and engaging the community through art. The museum’s collection features nearly 12,000 pieces of art, including many American and Native American pieces. The museum also highlights contemporary artwork.
You can also tour the Montclair History Center, a historical museum that was established in 1965. The museum’s exhibit features a replica of a 19th century schoolroom and general store. While the interior is not fully open to the public, you can peek through a glass window. There, you can learn about the history of Montclair’s African American population.
Samba
Located on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, Samba in Montclair is a popular Brazilian eatery. After a storm in which the restaurant suffered a massive flood, the restaurant owner decided to sell his home to expand the restaurant. Flood waters were so high, they reached cars and SUVs outside the restaurant and spilled into the adjacent buildings. The damage amounted to more than $50,000 in equipment and spoiled food. Ilson Goncalves, who owns Samba, decided to start a GoFundMe page to help the restaurant recover from the storm. Although Goncalves thought he would only receive a few thousand dollars, the page has raised more than $12,000 in the first 24 hours.
Initially, Goncalves envisioned a small deli-style restaurant serving traditional Brazilian dishes. Today, he has been in the business for eight years and seats 32 people at a time. A dinner for two can cost up to $75. One of the most popular dishes is feijoada, a braised black bean stew. It is served with orange slices, collard greens, and farofa.
The gluten-free menu at Samba in Montclair reflects the authentic Brazilian cooking that Ilson Goncalves grew up with. Goncalves uses fresh vegetables, fish, and herbs to cook the dishes. He serves his food in a rustic space with antique copper pots. He also writes a cookbook called The Samba Montclair Cookbook.
James DeSisto, who inherited the Montclair restaurant in 2014, has earned a loyal following. His New American dishes are tasty and well-executed, and the prices are reasonable. The portions are large and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.
Da Pepo
If you love Italian food, Da Pepo is the place for you. It serves authentic Southern Italian cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly setting. Its dishes are popular with locals and tourists alike. Some of the popular dishes served here include Caesar salads, spaghetti carbonara, crabs, and tiramisu. The restaurant also offers great wines and coffee. The decor is beautiful and the prices are affordable.
The menu features sushi platters, sashimi, and specialty rolls. There are also hot entrees and bento boxes. The menu also features European-style dishes. Owner Demetri Malki has also infused his dishes with the flavors of southern Brazil.
The city’s art scene is also vibrant. Local artists, writers, musicians, and other professionals make Montclair their home. There are many things to do and see, from theaters to art galleries, charming restaurants, and more. The bohemian arts scene attracts a wide range of people.
Old YWCA
The Old YWCA in Montclair is a historic building with a rich history. Located at 110 Orange Road, this historic home was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 14, 1973. It was recognized for its historic architecture, conservation, and industry. Today, the Old YWCA is a center for women’s empowerment.
The Montclair History Center has created a documentary about the organization. “A Place to Be” delves into the history of the YWCA and what the women who populated it did to make the world a better place. The documentary is available on their YouTube page. Those interested in learning more about the history of the YWCA in Montclair are encouraged to visit.
The house was originally owned by the Crane family, who owned a farm in Montclair. They employed enslaved Africans and immigrants. The Old YWCA in Montclair was a vital part of the community, and the family’s history is reflected in its history. Many early preservationists fought to keep it intact.
The YWCA in Montclair was a part of the larger civil rights history. As part of the progressive northern community, it served as a center for women of all races who joined the fight against racial discrimination. Many white Montclair residents had no idea about these issues.
Located on Orange Road, the Old YWCA in Montclair is a historic landmark and a great place for visitors to visit. The YWCA in Montclair was founded in the house of Israel Crane in 1912. Founded by a black woman, Alice Hooe Foster saw the need for a Black YWCA in Montclair. With its mission to provide services and support for black women, the organization quickly outgrew her home.
Crane House
If you’re in the mood for a little history, don’t miss the Israel Crane House. This historic federal-style home is located at 110 Orange Road in Montclair, New Jersey. It has a fascinating history and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Crane House is open for public tours and is part of the Montclair History Center. You can take a candlelight tour of the house, which features docents who will share the history of the house. There will also be prepackaged treats for guests to enjoy around the campfire. Tours run every 15 minutes between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. You can also reserve a private tour. The Montclair History Center is also encouraging the public to vote on a new home for the historic Crane House.
The Crane House, which was once known as Cranetown, is located on Orange Road. It was built in 1796 by Israel Crane, a direct descendant of Montclair’s founding family. The Crane House was in the Crane family until the late 1800s, when it was purchased by the YMCA. In 1965, it faced demolition, but the Montclair Historical Society rescued it and restored it. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
The Crane House was once the headquarters of the “Colored” YWCA in Montclair. The Crane House’s new mission is to help promote equality in the community and to fight racism. With that mission in mind, the Montclair Historical Society is reopening this historic home to the public in October 2017.
Visitors can visit the Crane House and the Evergreens, both of which are historic homes now operated by the Crane Houses Society. You can also visit the Charles S. Schultz House, which was built in 1896, and the Presby Memorial Iris Garden, the world’s largest non-commercial iris garden, both of which are open to the public.