Destination: Morristown
By Taylor Smith
Located in Northern New Jersey’s Morris County, Morristown has been called “the military capital of the American Revolution” for its strategic role in the war for independence from Great Britain. According to British records, the first permanent settlement of Morristown occurred in 1715.
The town has evolved into one of New Jersey’s top dining destinations, with a vibrant stretch of sidewalk known as “Restaurant Row” and a strong craft beer scene. Located in the Westin Governor Morris Hotel, Blue Morel offers upscale New American food and a raw bar. Burgers are king at the Committed Pig, which also offers egg dishes and pancakes as well as pork roll and other sandwiches. A Friday night favorite, Famished Frog is known for its craft beer, live music, and flatbreads. Grasshopper off the Green is a classic Irish pub serving up fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and more. Occupying the renovated 1918 Vail Mansion, Jockey Hollow is devoted to exceptional pasta and seafood. Find ramen bowls brimming with fresh ingredients and high-quality noodles at Inspiration Roll. Lastly, Pierogies House is the dream child of chef/owner Evelina Berc. Berc offers plump pierogies, comforting soups, and kielbasa inspired by her native home of Poland.
Committed Pig
Morristown is situated 30 miles west of Manhattan making it a popular commuter town. New Jersey Transit offers daily service to New York’s Penn Station, Newark Airport, and Hoboken, as well as Dover and Hackettstown.
Shops, restaurants, condominiums, and offices surround Morristown Green, which is ringed by North, South, East, and West Park Place. The Green is the site of seasonal community festivals such as the Festival on the Green in September and the Christmas Festival. Many political rallies have also taken place on the Green. Another attraction is the Mayo Performing Arts Center, which regularly features nationally-known singers, actors, musicians, and musical performances. The former Epstein’s Department Store next to the Green was converted into luxury condominiums known as the Metropolitan at 40 Park.
In terms of outdoor recreation, Seaton Hackney Stables offers horseback riding lessons for all levels. The county’s William G. Mennen Sports Arena has public ice skating all week long. Summertime community fun can be found at the swimming pool at Burnham Park.
The Morris School District includes eight elementary schools and one preschool. The public school for grades six through eight is Freilinghuysen Middle School. Grades nine through 12 attend the highly-ranked Morristown High School.
Morristown Medical Center is a Magnet Hospital for Excellence in Nursing. In 2017, it was voted one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades.
To learn more about this popular Northern New Jersey town, visit https://www.townofmorristown.org.
