With this crisp new season comes a desire to get outside and explore unique local places while the leaves are changing and the weather is still mild. Throwing on a chunky sweater and having yourself a day in a new town has never sounded more appealing. Cue Summit, New Jersey! Summit is a small town with quaint fall vibes, perfect for your weekend day trip. This town is centered around the busy Springfield Avenue, which is where you’ll find most destinations are located. From scenic parks to popular eateries, Summit has it all {and just a quick 35-minute drive from Hudson County} for your fall day trip.
Sights To See
Reeves-Reed Arboretum {165 Hobart Avenue}
{Photo credit: @reevesreedarboretum}
This popular wedding spot is simply stunning, and no, you don’t have to be getting married to pay it a visit. At this non-profit arboretum and garden, guests can stroll from dawn to dusk free of charge. You’ll see beautiful in-season blooms and creatures.on’t forget to check their calendar of events, many of which are family-friendly to keep those little ones busy!
Summit Playhouse {10 New England Avenue}
{Photo credit: @summitplayhouse}
Although this structure is currently closed for indoor shows due to COVID, it is always worth taking a walk by the Summit Playhouse. It is home to one of the oldest continuously-operating amateur community theaters in the United States. You definitely want to keep an eye out for its reopening, but in the meantime, taking a photo or two of this piece of history will have to do.
Twin Maples {214 Springfield Avenue}
{Photo credit: Twin Maples}
The Fortnightly Club purchased this historic estate in 1949, a Summit women’s club dedicated to volunteerism, fundraising, community service, and outreach. It gained its historical status in 1996 and currently resides in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. Not only is this building full of history, but it is also gorgeous to look at. You can take an online tour of this house and learn more about its history before visiting.
Read More: Where to Eat in Montclair: A Day Trip Guide
Briant Park {301 Shunpike Road, Springfield}
Briant Park {not to be confused with New York City’s Bryant Park} is part of the 6,200 acres of park in Union County and home to various activities. You can take advantage of paths for a pleasant stroll, fitness paths for a little more of a high-intensity workout, and fishing and ice skating {in the colder months}.
Things To Do
Summit Antiques Center {511 Morris Avenue}
{Photo credit: @thesummitantiquescenter}
There’s nothing like traveling back in time and getting a taste of historical Summit with fascinating, history-filled items at this antique shop. There’s truly something for everyone among these vintage treasures!
Summit Historical Society Museum {90 Butler Parkway}
{Photo credit: Summit Historical Society Museum}
Although temporarily closed due to the pandemic, the Historical Society Museum is a great place to get your history fix by viewing museum installments that give an inside look at Summit’s past. The museum also hosts events like The Taste of Summit, Four Centuries in a Weekend, and holiday boutiques, so keep an eye out for their reopening.
Baltusrol Golf Club {201 Shunpike Road, Springfield}
{Photo credit: Baltusrol Golf Club}
Although not technically in Summit, just over the border in Springfield is the famous Baltusrol Golf Club. We wish we could tell you grabbing a tee time is as easy as that, but the club is private, and therefore only members and their guests can play there. However, Baltusrol is as much a landmark as it is a golf club. You may want to consider driving or walking by this course to admire the sweeping views and trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Places To Eat
Summit House Restaurant and Bar {395 Springfield Avenue}
{Photo credit: Summit House Restaurant and Bar}
A vintage building plays host to this restaurant that offers classic American fare with an impressive wine list. You can dine in or out at this restaurant as well as take your meal to go. We recommend the Filet Mignon!
Huntley Taverne {3 Morris Avenue}
{Photo credit: @huntleytaverne}
As the weather outside gets cooler, nothing says cozy like this ski lodge-type restaurant. Complete with fireplaces and a patio enjoy hearty American cuisine fireside on a chilly autumn night. Available for indoor or outdoor dining.
Marigolds {426 Springfield Avenue}
{Photo credit: Marigolds}
Marigolds is a rustic breakfast and lunch spot that also offers dinner to go. During the COVID pandemic, this spot is only open for takeout but still provides its crowd favorites like acai bowls, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toasts, and much more.
The HAT Tavern {570 Springfield Avenue}
{Photo credit: The HAT Tavern}
This tavern is located in the Grand Summit Hotel, and if you’re looking for a casual meal that you can wash down with a beer, this spot is for you. You can expect to catch some live music while you enjoy an outdoor meal {don’t worry, they have heaters} or simply call in an order to go. Since HAT stands for Hamburgers, Ales, and Tapas, we absolutely recommend ordering just that.
See More: Things to Do in Asbury Park {Jersey Shore Weekend Getaway}
The Committed Pig {339 Springfield Avenue}
{Photo credit: @thecommittedpig}
If you’ve never heard of the Committed Pig, we highly advise visiting this incredible restaurant ASAP. With additional locations in Manasquan and Morristown, The Committed Pig is where you want to go hungry and ready to indulge. The red velvet pancakes and apple pie french toast give you just a taste {pun intended} of what this hot-spot offers.
Roots Steakhouse {401 Springfield Avenue}
{Photo credit: @harvestrestaurantgroup}
Are you looking for a more upscale dining experience? Roots Steakhouse is the creme de la creme with several locations across New Jersey. You may want to finish out your day of exploring with a grilled steak or lobster tail at this famed steakhouse.
Natale’s Summit Bakery {185 Broad Street}
{Photo credit: @natalesbakery}
It’s only appropriate that we finish out our tour of Summit with sweets. Natale’s is a family-owned bakery that has provided the area with fresh bread, cakes, and other pastries daily since 1938. Begin your day of exploring with a breakfast pastry or conclude your day trip with a box full of goodies from this neighborhood favorite.
