New Jersey is a state filled with history and many small towns that are often overlooked. Clinton in New Jersey may be a small town but it is rich with history and things to do. With a quick one-hour drive from Montclair, Clinton is decorated with stunning Victorian homes to house the tiny population that makes up the town. From places to eat like Designer Dawgs to Juniper Hill, from shopping at Karen’s Dollhouse Shop to Greens and Beans, there is much to do in Clinton. Read on for a complete itinerary when visiting Clinton, New Jersey.
History of Clinton
Built along the South Branch of the Raritan River, Clinton is a picturesque hamlet with Victorian-style houses, sleepy charm, and a tiny population of under 3,000 people. The town was officially founded on April 5th, 1865. The area was best known for its two prominent mills that used the flowing water using water wheels. The Red Mill dates back to 1810 and is the site of a historic village, while the Stone Mill was a reconstruction built in 1836 and then used to mill continuously until 1952. In 1891, an incident known as The Great Fire swept through Downtown Clinton, destroying 23 buildings and 17 businesses on Main Street.
Clinton’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly the historical Red Mill that sits across the river from the downtown promenade. It was built by Ralph Hunt sometime around 1810, originally to be used in processing wool. Mills were the centers of the industry during this time, so it was no surprise that the town’s name mimicked The Mill and came to be called Hunt’s Mill. However, when the market for domestic cloth took a downturn, the property was purchased by the Taylors, a merchant family who dominated the local region. They renamed the town Clinton, after the popular New York governor, DeWitt Clinton. While The Mill continued to process wool, the Taylors expanded the business to grind feed, flour, and stone plaster. As industry and demand changed, so did The Mill. It was bought and sold for its milling ability, as well as the property’s mining potential. For a short time, it was even called “Black Mill.”
Because of its importance to the town’s history, locals took it upon themselves to fund the restoration of The Red Mill. Five, community-minded men, known as the Red Mill Five, purchased the building in order to restore it as Museum. It is thanks to them that the waterwheel still spins vigorously after so many years. The Stone Mill, another important building in the town’s history, is on the downtown side of the river and is now home to the Hunterdon Art Museum.
Today, the Clinton Historic District encompasses much of the town, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Here visitors will find significant architecture, history, and commerce in the great state of New Jersey.
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Things to Do
This should be the first stop on any trip to Clinton because it is the center of historical importance within the town. Inside The Red Mill, guests can learn about the history of milling, how the waterwheel functions (even seeing it up close), and wander the historic village to see examples of an early American way of life. The village includes a schoolhouse, log cabin, various storage facilities that supported the mill, and even a dynamite shed for storing the old quarry’s TNT. The Red Mill is open most Saturdays and Sundays during the year from 12PM to 6PM. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 12, and free for children under six, along with active and retired military families. However, during the month of October, The Mill celebrates Halloween with the Haunted Red Mill, decorating the entire property as a haunted house. It’s a big local attraction and visitors need to buy tickets online here in order to attend.
The Mill also hosts a Holiday craft fair and festival of trees during the last weekend of November which should not be missed.
Located across the river from The Red Mill is the Hunterdon Art Museum. The museum is on the site of The Stone Mill, a grist mill dating back to 1763 when it supposedly ground wheat for General George Washington’s army during its encampment in Morristown. After grinding wheat for more than a century, the mill was closed. The owner at the time was Joseph Kreisler, a man well into his 80s. After a brief talk of converting the mill into a pencil factory, he became interested in a local discussion for turning it into an arts center where studios could be rented and exhibitions hosted. By the time it sold in 1952, the consensus was for the mill to be converted into a museum.
Today, the museum contains important 20th-century art prints from renowned artists, like Salvador Dali, and hosts the works of locally significant artists. The Hunterdon Art Museum showcases contemporary arts and acts as a center for craft and design. It also hosts more than 300 classes and workshops for children and adults, including painting, drawing, history of art, embroidery, and even printmaking. There is even a summer camp on offer if you’re interested in an art experience for your children. Book a poetry or crafting workshop when you visit and enjoy!
The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday with tickets for adults costing $7.
There are so many beautiful streets in Clinton that it is an absolute must to pick a road and walk it. Downtown’s historical storefronts as beautiful, while the nearby homes are detailed with fine wood porches, lush with landscaping, and decorated with classic Americana. Leigh Street, in particular, is known for its prevalence of Victorian buildings, however, there is also a rich history of Folkstyle, Greek Revival themes, and even Italianate-style houses.
Along Center Street, an 1880’s mansion, located at No. 93, is said to have been built by a member of Clinton’s “aristocracy” at the time. Further down the block, visitors will find examples of Colonial Revival houses, along with homes in the Dutch Colonial style at 125 & 130 Center Street. Read here for a more detailed analysis of the homes in Clinton.
Historic churches can sometimes be straight out of a Tim Burton movie, but the steepled houses of worship in Clinton are old and iconic. Make sure you take a wander around the old cemeteries too.
Where To Eat
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Classic coffee drinks and a hip selection of food make Scout’s a great place to grab a snack — or an avocado toast. The cute storefront is just a short stop outside of Clinton in High Bridge, NJ. With a variety of steel-cut oats, delicious toasts, and freshly baked pastries, you eat light or have your fill.
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A family-friendly tapas and cocktail bar, Juniper Hill is a trendy local hot spot. From grilled octopus to pork cheek, there is a fresh dish for every kind of eater. The menu changes depending on what is available and in season, making sure that guests are always served the best offerings from local farms and carefully chosen vendors.
You don’t see gourmet hot dogs on offer everywhere you go (though it would be nice!). The selection is vast, as are the dogs — they even come with a side of yummy popcorn. One hotdog will leave you stuffed, so be prepared to share with friends. And don’t worry, it’s supposed to be served in a doggy dish — hence the “Dawg” in the name.
Where To Shop
This cheese shop carries a wonderful selection of kitchen condiments, oils, bottles of vinegar, honey, and other accouterments for your next charcuterie board. With the variety of high-quality products, there are so many items to choose from. Stop in for cheese and handcrafted home decor items for your next dinner party.
A highly favored spot for locals, Heartstrings is an excellent weekend stop for those that love jewelry and gifts. With high-quality products with vintage 1920s styling, you are bound to find something for yourself or a friend. Check out the selection of home decor to find old-world inspiration or snag a handmade figurine or two. Even if you’re not in the market for anything, stop by to have a peek at the delightfully creative displays.
A whole shop dedicated to pickles? Yep, that’s Kilhaney’s. With rows of local pickles in every kind of flavor, this shop is a must-stop. Grab some salsa, uniquely flavored cotton candy, and a jar of housewarming pickles, and your holiday shopping will be done in one store. Mama Pickles says, “be sure to stop on by.”
A magical plant store and flower shop, the storefront will stop you in your tracks. It’s worth peeking inside the beautifully decorated shop and picking up a weekend bouquet with a plant on the side. Just be sure not to let the shop kitties out when entering.
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Collecting dolls isn’t exactly a modern pastime, but trust us, you do not want to miss this shop. Miniature objects and houses are a treasure, and you will find yourself feeling like a kid. Take notice of all the handmade buildings throughout the store and all the fantastic accessories. Everything is so tiny and expertly handcrafted.
While it’s a little bit of a drive, Clinton, New Jersey, is the perfect town for a day trip. Be sure to visit to see all that it has to offer!
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