Looking for a place to spend a few hours or days? When you live in New Jersey, it only takes a few hours at most to travel to interesting towns and villages. These four towns offer excellent day trip options.

Clinton (Hunterdon County)

A trip to Clinton wouldn’t be complete with a selfie in front of the Red Mill. Throughout the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, the mill processed wool, feed, flour, talc and graphite. Today, the iconic mill on the Raritan River is the home of the Red Mill Museum Village. After you catch up on Clinton history at the museum, stop by the Hunterdon Art Museum on Lower Center Street and view the changing display of contemporary art, crafts and design.

You’re bound to work up an appetite after a morning at the museums. Dora’s Restaurant, The Clean Plate Kitchen and Finnagels offer the fuel you need to hit the Landsdown Trail after lunch. The 1.8-mile trail was once part of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and is a favorite of hikers and bikers.

Collingswood (Camden County)

Collingswood is the place to go if you love festivals. The town hosts numerous events during the year, including the Green Festival in April, May Day, the Crafts and Fine Arts Festival in August, the October Book Festival and restaurant weeks in April and July. Are you a fan of the Mummers, the elaborately costumed entertainers from Philadelphia? Every month from May through August, a different string band performs at a free concert on Powell Lane Plaza in Collingswood.

While you’re in town for a festival or event, you’ll want to visit the thriving shopping and dining district. Browse the unique selections at Galerie Marie, Clutter Vintage or Arts Plus Gallery. When you can’t ignore those hunger pangs any longer, stop in El Sitio Grill and Café for authentic South American entrees, or indulge your taste for Italian at the Kitchen Consigliere. Before you leave town, you may want to sample a few treats at DiBartolo Bakery. (You may recognize baker Al DiBartolo, Jr. from his appearances on “The Next Great Baker.”)

Ocean Grove (Monmouth County)

Old homes and inns have been torn down in many NJ beach towns, but not in Ocean Grove. Victorian-era homes line the streets of the quiet town, once the location of a Christian resort. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the beach or a romantic getaway, you’ll enjoy the quiet, laidback vibe in the historic town.

Good choices for overnight stays include the Laingdon Hotel, Bellevue-Stratford Inn and The Ocean Place Hotel. Although breakfast may be included in your stay, you’ll be on your own for lunch or dinner. Luckily, there’s plenty of dining options in town, including Sea Grass Restaurant, Burbelmaiers and The Starving Artist at Days.

Although Ocean Grove is a popular destination in the summer, there’s plenty to do year-round. The Fall Harvest Festival in October, Victorian Holiday Festival in December and Girlfriend’s Getaway Weekend in February are particularly popular events.

Red Bank (Monmouth County)

Red Bank, located on the southern bank of the Navesink River, offers plenty to do if you’re itching to take a day trip but don’t want to spend hours in the car. Whether you want to shop, eat or enjoy the ambiance on a bench by the river, you’ll never be bored during a trip to Red Bank.

During the summer months, Riverside Garden Park screens feature-length movies and offers performances by jazz musicians and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. The Annual Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival in September showcases international beer and wine, international food prepared by the best restaurants in town and music on two stages.

Are you looking forward to the day trips you’ll take once you finally find the perfect New Jersey home? Learn more about our current new home offerings by visiting our home page here!