Things to Do in Allendale, NJ

Welcome to all that’s best about small town America. Allendale (pop. 6,800) has the nostalgic appeal of yesteryear — charming, historic, and welcoming. Allendale is a great place for families to call home, offering some of New Jersey’s best public schools, conveniences, and amenities.

If you are looking to make the most of your time here, don’t worry; you won’t be bored. The local real estate experts at Fox & Stokes have collected their top recommendations for things to do in and around Allendale, NJ, from delectable dining to family-friendly attractions.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the seasonal activities and year-round preserves and parks within the city limits or just a short drive away.

Crestwood Lake and Park offers a variety of outdoor amenities to local residents. Organize a couple of teams for a pick up ball game at the sports field, host a birthday party at the pavilion, cool off in the summer at the lake from one of its three beaches, and ice skate through the cold winter months.

Nature enthusiasts and bird watchers will love the 107 acres of wetlands at The Celery Farm. The peculiar name is a nod to the preserve’s history. In the 1930s and early 1940s, a thriving celery farm shipped produce to Campbell’s Soup Factory, New York, Boston, and more. Now returned to its natural state, the vibrant wetlands are home to nearly 250 bird species that have been sighted, and through their website you can learn which ones are currently in the area. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon strolling through wooded boardwalk trails and appreciate the lush greenery of this natural oasis.

Whether you’re a greenhorn or have spent your entire life on the slopes, Campgaw Mountain Ski Area is a great place to enjoy winter recreation. Season passes are a great way for locals to take to the slopes for skiing, tubing, or snowboarding. Lessons are available for beginners of all ages, and gear is available for rental. Weather can definitely affect business dates and hours, but in general, you can enjoy the slopes from December through March.

The converted pig farm that is now home to JA McFaul Environmental Center offers talks and demonstrations, an animal sanctuary, and gardens. Learn about local flora and fauna along trails, from the observation tower, and in the library. Take a picnic and try to visit in the late spring or early summer to enjoy the area in full bloom. Check the website’s calendar throughout the year to learn of special events for you and your family to enjoy.

Local history is well preserved and celebrated in Allendale. If you want to learn more about the making of this charming place, add a visit to one of these to your list of things to do in Allendale, NJ.

The beautifully preserved mansion, originally constructed by John Fell, a colonial merchant in the 1760s, is open for home and grounds tours and is located next to the Celery Farm, which was once included in John Fell’s estate.

Three historic period houses, the Van Riper-Hopper House, the Schuyler-Colfax House, and the Mead Van Duyne House together comprise The Wayne Museum, providing a snapshot of the lifestyles of prominent local families and by-gone eras of area history. Be sure to check the website for renovation updates and tour schedules.

If your idea of a great day outdoors includes eighteen holes of pristine golfing, you won’t have to venture far.

Ramsey Golf and Country Club offers tennis, swimming, beachside recreation, and gorgeous formal gardens in addition to eighteen holes of golf. The course is challenging but accessible with three different tee levels, and the course is aesthetically invigorating as it winds through forest, ponds, and immaculate grounds. The clubhouse, designed as a stone castle, offers both casual and fine dining. Membership gives you access to all of the sports attractions, but the restaurants are open to the public.

Public courses make golfing available to all Bergen County residents and guests. Choose from among six different courses within each reach from Allendale: Darlington, Orchard Hills, Overpeck, Rockleigh, Soldier Hill, and Valley Brook. Book a tee time online for your convenience, and enjoy a great day of golf.

After enjoying all of the things to do in and around Allendale, NJ, refuel at one of these popular local restaurants.

Enjoy delectable Italian cuisine at Savini Restaurant and Lounge. After an appetizer of smoked beef carpaccio or a bowl of pasta e’ fagioli, feast upon veal milanese, shrimp savini, or your favorite cut of steak, all perfect for a cozy date night or special occasion.

From its origins as a local neighborhood tavern almost one hundred years ago, Allendale Bar and Grill has become a family favorite for casual, country-style fare. Enjoy one of their ten different hearty and mouth watering burgers, soups, salads, and specialty sandwiches. If you’re looking for something heartier, consider a tuna poke bowl, crab cakes, or prime rib.

State Line Diner, a five-time reader’s choice award winner, offers breakfast favorites as well as an all day menu. Start off your day with French toast, pancakes, omelets, or one of several styles of eggs benedict. Stopping by later in the day? State Line Diner offers an extensive variety of deli sandwiches, grilled meats, barbeque, and more. The only way to make up your mind is committing to being a regular and trying something new with each visit.

Allendale, New Jersey offers something for everyone, from history to hiking, and from teeing up to tea time. If you’d like to explore a community that offers a warm, family friendly lifestyle as the kind of place you’d like to call home, reach out to the local real estate experts at Fox & Stokes. They’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and assist you on your journey home. Search for homes for sale in Allendale here.