Montclair, New Jersey: Attractions, Restaurants & Parks

New Jersey

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What makes Montclair a vibrant city?
- Montclair is home to an array of artists, students, writers, musicians, and media professionals.
What attractions can visitors explore in Montclair?
- The New Jersey town boasts a variety of things to see and do, from unique shops and eclectic boutiques to theaters, art galleries, museums, and charming restaurants.
What kind of crowd does Montclair attract?
- The bohemian arts scene draws a diverse crowd who come to savor the worldly cuisine, take in a show, or revel in the sights and sounds of Bloomfield Avenue.

Van Vleck House & Gardens

What is the history of Van Vleck House & Gardens?
- Established more than 140 years ago as a private estate, the Van Vleck House & Gardens was the creation of successful businessman Joseph Van Vleck Sr when he moved to Montclair in 1868.
Has the property changed over the years?
- While there have been several changes to the property in the decades since, the exquisite U-shaped Italianate villa and landscaped grounds have remained the same.
What types of plants can be found in the gardens?
- The gardens are home to mostly ericaceous plants that have been developed over generations, including hybrid species of rhododendrons and azaleas.
Are the gardens open to the public?
- The private gardens are open to the public all year round from dawn to dusk and play host to a variety of special events, fundraisers, and other occasions throughout the year.
Where is Van Vleck House & Gardens located?
- 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-744-4752

Montclair Art Museum (MAM)

What is the Montclair Art Museum (MAM)?
- The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is dedicated to engaging and inspiring the community with art through its incredible collection of American and Native American art.
How large is the museum’s collection?
- The museum is home to a collection of more than 12,000 items, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints dating from the 18th century to the present. It also showcases a variety of contemporary artworks highlighting life in a global context.
What is special about the George Inness Gallery?
- The museum features the only gallery in the world solely dedicated to the 19th-century American painter George Inness, who lived in Montclair between 1885 and 1894. The George Inness Gallery presents a curated selection of his paintings and etchings, along with works by the famous sculptor William Couper.
Does the museum offer educational programs?
- Yes, the Montclair Art Museum sponsors a wide variety of educational programs in collaboration with local organizations. It also provides formal instruction for both students and amateurs at the Yard School of Art.
Where is the Montclair Art Museum located?
- 3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-746-5555

Wellmont Theater

What is the history of the Wellmont Theater?
- Built in 1922 as a theater, the Wellmont Theater was converted into a motion picture theater in 1929 and saw the likes of famous inventor Thomas Edison as one of its haloed guests.
How has the theater changed over the years?
- Initially opening onto Bloomfield Avenue and later Seymour Street, the theater was triplexed in the 70s, and the original lobby is now a restaurant.
What renovations has the Wellmont Theater undergone?
- The Wellmont Theatre went through a multi-million dollar renovation and is now a popular concert venue with new bars in the orchestra and mezzanine areas, flexible seating, and a dance floor.
What is the seating capacity of the Wellmont Theater?
- The Wellmont Theater has a seating capacity of 2,600 for standing shows and is the largest venue in the area.
Where is the Wellmont Theater located?
- 5 Seymour Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-783-9500

Montclair Historical Society

What is the Montclair Historical Society?
- Originally founded in 1965 to save the Israel Crane House, the Montclair Historical Society (MHS) is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and appreciating the local history of Montclair.
What historic sites are part of the Montclair Historical Society?
- The MHS consists of two important historic sites: the Israel Crane House, a Federal Revival style landmark home built in 1796 by a local entrepreneur, and the 1818-built Nathaniel Crane House.
Are the Crane Houses open to the public?
- Yes, together, the two Crane Houses are open to the public as historic museum houses that showcase the history of the buildings and the surrounding town. They also provide space for educational workshops, lectures, and classes for the public and students alike.
What other properties does the Montclair Historical Society own?
- The society also owns the Charles S. Schultz House on North Mountain Avenue, known as Evergreens. Built in 1896, the Clark House is home to an excellent research library that serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and local teachers.
Where is the Montclair Historical Society located?
- 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-744-1796

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

What are the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens?
- The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is the world’s largest non-commercial garden dedicated to irises.
Where are the gardens located?
- Spread over 6.5 acres in a park-like setting on Upper Mountain Avenue in Montclair, the unique gardens are open to the public without charge.
When were the gardens established?
- Established in 1927 to honor noted horticulturist Frank Presby, the gardens feature a world-class collection of over 10,000 individual plants representing 6 species and over 3,000 different named varieties of irises.
What is the Walther House?
- The Walther House, an excellent example of Victorian architecture, sits adjacent to the gardens. It is also home to a museum shop and the headquarters of the Citizens Committee that oversees the gardens.
Where are the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens located?
- 474 Upper Mountain Ave, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043, 973-783-5974

Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center

What is the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center?
- The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center is a museum based on the campus of Montclair State University that serves to honor the career of world-renowned baseball player and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Yogi Berra.
What can visitors see at the museum?
- The Yogi Berra Museum stands next to the Yogi Berra Stadium and is home to a variety of artifacts and items from Berra’s career, as well as exhibits on the history of baseball and his contribution to the game.
Does the museum offer any programs or camps?
- Yes, the museum offers a variety of summer camps and a three-day sports and business academy designed to give high school and college students advice and insights into careers in sports.
What is the mission of the Learning Center?
- Established to preserve and promote the values of respect and sportsmanship, the Learning Center offers culturally diverse sports-based educational programs to empower students and learners to take an interest in sports.
Where is the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center located?
- 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, NJ 07424, 973-655-2378

Brookdale Park

What is Brookdale Park?
- Enjoy fun recreational activities at Brookdale Park, a lush outdoor escape that features incredible and picturesque vistas as well as fantastic amenities and public-use facilities.
How large is Brookdale Park?
- As the county’s third largest park, Brookdale Park boasts 121.4 acres of land in the northern tip of Essex County’s eastern section.
What trails are available in the park?
- Park visitors can enjoy a hike along the 36-mile Lenape Trail, which connects 18 parks across 11 different municipalities in the county.
What recreational facilities does Brookdale Park offer?
- The park is home to playgrounds, a tennis court, track facilities, an archery range, and even a huge extensive lawn perfect for lounging under the sun.
Who is Brookdale Park ideal for?
- Ultimately, Brookdale Park is ideal for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and families who want to enjoy recreation together.

Montclair Film Festival

What is the Montclair Film Festival?
- The Montclair Film Festival is a community-based film festival that showcases filmmakers from around the world and helps put Montclair on the map.
When was the Montclair Film Festival established?
- Established in 2012, the film festival is in its fourth year, and thousands of film-lovers, aficionados, and critics flock to the city each year to take in more than 80 films screened at multiple venues around Montclair.
What programs and events does the festival offer?
- The Montclair Film Festival also presents a growing schedule of dynamic educational and public programs and events for children and students alike, including the Kidz Shortz Filmmaking Competition, Free Summer Series Under the Stars, and free African American Heritage Month screenings.

Watchung Booksellers

What is Watchung Booksellers?
- Watchung Booksellers is Montclair's favorite community bookstore, founded in 1991 by Kathy Linsk.
Where is Watchung Booksellers located?
- The bookstore is located above Bradner's Pharmacy in Montclair.
What types of books does Watchung Booksellers specialize in?
- The bookstore specializes in general collections of fiction, nonfiction, biography, and history volumes, with a focus on educational titles, travel books, poetry, and arts selections.
How does Watchung Booksellers reflect the local community?
- Books are chosen carefully to reflect the character and values of the Montclair community, with input from local readers. The works of more than 60 published local authors are showcased on the bookstore's shelves, making it an important home base for New Jersey's literary community.
Does the bookstore have dedicated spaces for children and teens?
- Yes, a charming children's room offers family reading spaces and a lively Teen Corner.
What special events does Watchung Booksellers host?
- Special events hosted throughout the year include poetry readings, children's storytime events, book groups, and author signings.
What is the address and contact information for Watchung Booksellers?
- 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07043, Phone: 973-744-7177

Da Pepo

What is Da Pepo?
- Da Pepo is a delightful Italian comfort fare joint in Montclair, owned and operated by Pasquale Orrico.
What type of cuisine does Da Pepo serve?
- The restaurant is known for its high-quality Southern Italian fare, crafted with fresh ingredients according to longstanding Orrico family recipes.
Where is Da Pepo located?
- Da Pepo is located within the popular local bookstore Watchung Booksellers, showcasing a rustic, family-friendly dining space with comfortable decor.
What are some popular dishes at Da Pepo?
- Hearty pasta selections include penne puttanesca, gnocchi telefono, orecchiette barese, and ravioli funghi trifolati, available with vegan mozzarella cheese upon request.
Does Da Pepo serve sandwiches?
- Yes, panini sandwiches are also served, stuffed with delicious ingredients like pears, fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken, and pesto mayo.
When is Da Pepo open?
- The restaurant is open for dinner service Mondays through Saturdays.
What is the address and contact information for Da Pepo?
- 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07042, Phone: 973-655-8825

Best Time to Visit	Places to Stay	Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.	The George – A stylish boutique hotel in a historic mansion.	Explore Van Vleck House & Gardens – Walk through beautifully maintained botanical gardens.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for outdoor dining and festivals.	Residence Inn by Marriott West Orange – A comfortable stay near Montclair attractions.	Attend the Montclair Jazz Festival – Enjoy world-class jazz performances in a lively atmosphere.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cultural events.	The MC Hotel, Autograph Collection – A trendy hotel with a rooftop bar and city views.	Visit the Montclair Art Museum – Discover an impressive collection of American and Native American art.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and cozy with holiday charm.	The Wilshire Grand Hotel – A convenient and cozy option for winter visitors.	Stroll through Downtown Montclair – Shop at unique boutiques and enjoy top-rated restaurants.

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Van Vleck House & Gardens
2. Montclair Art Museum (MAM)
3. Wellmont Theater
4. Montclair Historical Society
5. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
6. Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center
7. Brookdale Park
8. Montclair Film Festival
9. Watchung Booksellers
10. Da Pepo