Have you been to these hidden gems in the Mid-Atlantic region? One of them is in NJ

Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

Tourists often come from all around to visit New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

But what about the other towns in the region with just as much history, culture and cool vibes?

The folks at World Atlas say the major cities are "central to (the Mid-Atlantic's) cultural and economic identity. These cities, due to their size and influence, often overshadow smaller towns in the region, despite the latter's contributions to the Mid-Atlantic's overall character."

So they decided to compile a list of the most underrated towns in the region.

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Most underrated town in New Jersey

The iconic Red Mill on the South Branch of the Raritan River in Clinton, NJ.
The iconic Red Mill on the South Branch of the Raritan River in Clinton, NJ.

There's only one entry in World Atlas' Top Eight in the Garden State.

"Clinton ... is a small town situated in Hunterdon County, along the South Branch of the Raritan River, one of the longest rivers in New Jersey. Established in the early 19th century, the town's economy historically revolved around milling, which provided the necessary power for early industrial activities. Clinton's surrounding landscape, marked by rolling hills and rural beauty, typifies the region of western New Jersey," World Atlas writes.

It calls the Red Mill Museum Village in town a must-see.

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"Here, visitors get to experience 19th-century American life by exploring an old grist mill, schoolhouse, log cabin, blacksmith shop and barn."

It also suggests the Hunterdon Art Museum, "housed in a stone-clad, 19th-century grist mill. (It) is a great option for art enthusiasts interested in contemporary art exhibits." 

And it touts the fine arts and crafts festival Art in Bloom, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 14, in the historic downtown and showcases local artists.

Most underrated towns in the Mid-Atlantic

"Venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of the Mid-Atlantic's major urban centers in 2024 will lead you to the region's hidden gems," World Atlas says.

"These smaller towns encapsulate the diverse cultural, historical and natural beauty of the area, often overlooked in favor of their larger counterparts. Whether you are drawn to the historic railway in Jim Thorpe, (Pennsylvania), sea glass jewelry in Saint Michaels, (Maryland), or the white-sand beaches of Lewes, (Delaware), these towns offer a more intimate and authentic experience of the Mid-Atlantic."

The other towns on World Atlas' list are:

  • Saint Michaels, Maryland

  • Watkins Glen, New York

  • Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

  • Lewes, Delaware

  • Annapolis, Maryland

  • Saranac Lake, New York

  • Thurmont, Maryland.

Visit worldatlas.com/cities/the-mid-atlantic-s-8-most-underrated-towns-to-visit-in-2024.html to view the full report.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: World Atlas ranks underrated towns in Mid-Atlantic, Clinton, NJ