Chanelle G. 
Moving to New Jersey? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite New Jersey Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- 1911 Smoke House Barbeque (11 W Front St, Trenton): This small, family-style barbecue joint in downtown Trenton is known for its creative cocktails like spiked cherry coke and a salted caramel chocolate martini.
- North to Shore Festival: This three-week-long extravaganza celebrates music, film, technology, comedy, art, history, and more across Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Newark. The 2024 lineup includes Matchbox Twenty, Kevin Hart, Bleachers, and Stephen Colbert, plus Newark’s first-ever yoga festival.
- Jo Jo’s Tavern (2677 Nottingham Way, Trenton): Famous locally for their cheddar cheese bar pies, Jo Jo’s Tavern is a pizza lover’s paradise. Even Barstool’s Dave tried their mustard and pork pizza—why not give it a shot?
- Afro Beat Fest: Celebrate African culture at this annual family-friendly festival where music, art, fashion, and dance collide.
- Take It To The Streets Neighborhood Block Party: This summer, Trenton is bringing fun straight to neighborhoods that need it most! Every Monday and Wednesday evening, residents enjoy street basketball, bowling, skating, biking, a Game Truck, moon bounces, crafts, face painting, food, and music activities.
- Teixeira’s Bakery (113-129 Kossuth St): This little Portuguese bakery is worth the trip for their legendary egg tarts. A true mom-and-pop atmosphere that transports you straight to Lisbon.
- Trenton Social (449 S Broad St, Trenton): A hip wine bar with all the usual trimmings: exposed brick, art nights, and a relaxing, jazzy atmosphere. Frequented by intellectuals, artists, and musicians alike.
- Branch Brook Park: This scenic, 360-acre county park is famous for its 5,300 cherry blossoms, maintained by the Branch Brook Park Alliance who ensure the blooms live up to their reputation.
- Movies Under the Stars: To breathe new life into Trenton and draw in more visitors, the city is organizing summer events and welcoming new arts and cultural organizations, museums, and festivals. A highlight is free, outdoor films for kids and families.
- Hell’s Kitchen Lounge (150 Lafayette St): A kitschy and quirky bar that runs theme nights and showcases local bands.
- Kinjo (159 Washington St): Chef Jamie Knott’s latest hotspot has a sake cocktail list, a live DJ, ice-cold Japanese beers on draft, and a constant stream of anime playing on TV screens.
- Clements Place Jazz (15 Washington St): This charming, unpretentious spot delivers hip jazz classics from up-and-coming talents born and bred on the East Coast.
