There are so many lovely little towns in New Jersey, but we’ve covered such a wide range over the years. Haddonfield, Walpack Township, Sea Girt…all are must-visit destinations – but you’ve probably heard of them already. One tiny town you may not have heard of quite yet is Califon.
Califon is a little borough in Hunterdon County, home to just about 1,000 residents.
Wikipedia/Adam Moss It occupies under one square mile of land and has a charming 164-acre historic district. A Victorian-era enclave, many houses are marked with the names of the builders and their dates of establishment rather than with street numbers.
Located on the South Branch of the Raritan River, Califon has its own island.
Wikipedia/Jared Kofsky/PlaceNJ.com Califon Island Park offers several play fields, a beautiful playground, small pond, and peaceful setting. Who wouldn’t love an island getaway?
There’s a quaint little thrift shop!
Facebook/Top O’ Th’ Barn Top O’ Th’ Barn sells a wide variety of clothes, collectibles, home goods and more. Open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, this non-profit thrift shop can be found at 15 Raritan River Road.
Califon is home to not one, but two, charming general stores.
Facebook/Rambo’s Country Store Rambo’s Country Store got its start in 1888. It operates primarily as a butcher shop, also serves lunch, and sells assorted goods. It’s a great place to check out general store artifacts from the past. Find it at 68 Main Street, open M-F from 8-6 and on Saturdady from 8-5.
Califon General Store is just as lovely.
Facebook/Califon General Store This general store also serves as a cafe and deli. Customers recommend the Jersey Devil Sub and Hershey’s ice cream. Califon General Store is located at 75 Main Street and is open M-F from 6:30-4 and from 7-4 on Saturdays and Sundays.
You don’t want to miss Max’s Market.
Facebook/Max’s Market This fresh Italian market and eatery has a great grab-n-go selection and even sells their own sauces. It’s a great spot to visit if you want to experience authentic Italian flavor. You’ve got to try the homemade Zeppolis! Find it at 425 County Road 513, open Monday-Thursday from 11-9, Friday and Saturday from 11-10 and Sunday from 12-9.
Check out Brasserie 513 for fantastic Italian/Mediterranean fusion dishes.
Facebook/Brasserie 513 This upscale eatery serves up everything from Linguini Bolognese to Grilled Norwegian Salmon with mango salsa. They’ve also got a full bar and offer live entertainment on Friday nights. Find them at 438 County Road 513. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 11:30 to 9:30, Friday from 11:30 to 10, Saturday from 1 to 10 and Sunday from 1-9.
Tony’s Bistro is another favorite.
Facebook/Tony’s Bistro There are quite a few fantastic dining options in this small town! Tony’s Bistro offers great daily deals including pasta night for under $10 on Tuesdays. Wednesday, score your choice of chicken with a garden or Caesar salad for $12.99. They also offer a bar! Find them at 419 Country Road 513 open Tuesday-Thursday from 11-10, Friday and Saturday from 11-11, and on Sunday from 11-9.
Have you heard of Califon? Have you ever been? What’s your favorite little town in New Jersey? For more of our favorite small towns in the Garden State, click here.
Wikipedia/Adam Moss
It occupies under one square mile of land and has a charming 164-acre historic district. A Victorian-era enclave, many houses are marked with the names of the builders and their dates of establishment rather than with street numbers.
Wikipedia/Jared Kofsky/PlaceNJ.com
Califon Island Park offers several play fields, a beautiful playground, small pond, and peaceful setting. Who wouldn’t love an island getaway?
Facebook/Top O’ Th’ Barn
Top O’ Th’ Barn sells a wide variety of clothes, collectibles, home goods and more. Open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, this non-profit thrift shop can be found at 15 Raritan River Road.
Facebook/Rambo’s Country Store
Rambo’s Country Store got its start in 1888. It operates primarily as a butcher shop, also serves lunch, and sells assorted goods. It’s a great place to check out general store artifacts from the past. Find it at 68 Main Street, open M-F from 8-6 and on Saturdady from 8-5.
Facebook/Califon General Store
This general store also serves as a cafe and deli. Customers recommend the Jersey Devil Sub and Hershey’s ice cream. Califon General Store is located at 75 Main Street and is open M-F from 6:30-4 and from 7-4 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Facebook/Max’s Market
This fresh Italian market and eatery has a great grab-n-go selection and even sells their own sauces. It’s a great spot to visit if you want to experience authentic Italian flavor. You’ve got to try the homemade Zeppolis! Find it at 425 County Road 513, open Monday-Thursday from 11-9, Friday and Saturday from 11-10 and Sunday from 12-9.
Facebook/Brasserie 513
This upscale eatery serves up everything from Linguini Bolognese to Grilled Norwegian Salmon with mango salsa. They’ve also got a full bar and offer live entertainment on Friday nights. Find them at 438 County Road 513. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 11:30 to 9:30, Friday from 11:30 to 10, Saturday from 1 to 10 and Sunday from 1-9.
Facebook/Tony’s Bistro
There are quite a few fantastic dining options in this small town! Tony’s Bistro offers great daily deals including pasta night for under $10 on Tuesdays. Wednesday, score your choice of chicken with a garden or Caesar salad for $12.99. They also offer a bar! Find them at 419 Country Road 513 open Tuesday-Thursday from 11-10, Friday and Saturday from 11-11, and on Sunday from 11-9.
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