Bergen County is packed with romantic + cozy spots for a classic dinner date. But sometimes, it’s all about switching things up with experiences that are anything but basic. From farmers’ markets and movie nights to hands-on cooking classes and cozy couples’ massages, there’s no shortage of fun ways to spend time together. This lineup of BG-approved date activities in Bergen County is here to keep things fresh, fun, and full of good vibes. Read on for a list of fun date ideas in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Enjoy Brunch at Willow + Whisk | 319 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff
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This modern, upscale eatery in Wyckoff serves an impressive brunch daily from 8AM to 3PM, which means diners can indulge in a Sunday-style brunch spread any day of the week. Known for its flavorful dishes and effortlessly trendy vibe, this spot is basically made for Instagram. While classic brunch staples are available, the menu also features creative dishes like Cacio e Pepe Scrambled Eggs—made with pecorino romano, parmesan, and cracked black pepper, and served with rustic sourdough. Another must-try is the So-Cal Breakfast Bowl, featuring a sunny-side-up egg, breakfast potatoes, black beans, pico de gallo, sharp Wisconsin cheddar, and roasted tomato aioli, all paired with a side of sourdough. BG insider tip: This spot has been all over our FYP lately, and for good reason. So be sure to plan and book your reservation well in advance — there’s almost always a wait.
Read More: 12 Alcohol-Free Things to Do in Bergen County, New Jersey
Take a Hands-On Cooking Class at Ridgewood Culinary Studio | 223 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood
For couples who enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, a cooking class is a great way to bond with your boo. Whether learning to roll fresh pasta, or mastering the art of French pastries, hands-on culinary experiences create lasting memories—and a delicious meal to share. We recommend checking out Ridgewood Culinary Studio, which provies a variety of adult cooking classes each month. For more information on the classes available, click here.
Get Creative at Clay Paper Scissors | 380 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
Clay Paper Scissors hosts fun, hands-on events that create a notable + nonchalant date experience. Even if most of the time is spent laughing over silly and messy mistakes, it’s a great way to bond and unleash those creative sides.
Cruise Through the Thielke Arboretum | 460 Doremus Avenue, Glen Rock
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Snuggled in Glen Rock, the Thielke Arboretum is a serene getaway featuring a wetland forest. This spot is great for enjoying a quiet walk together — especially with the weather warming up.
Hit the Greens for a Golf Date at Darlington Golf Course | 277 Campgaw Road, Mahwah
As soon as spring rolls in, golf season is on. For those perfecting that swing or just enjoying cruising in the cart, spending time on a beautiful course like Darlington Golf Course is a great way to connect. BG pro-tip: After a day on the green, swing by Bar Boutique located at 110 East Main Street in Ramsey for celebratory cocktails or mocktails.
Unwind with a Couples Massage at Olive Tree Spa | 33 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs
For absolute relaxation, Olive Tree Spa has a “Couple Special Body Massage” that is available for 60 or 90 minutes. This treatment includes a full-body massage using essential oils and hot stones.
Pick Up a Gourmet Charcuterie Box at Graze Craze | 88 East Main Street, Ramsey
For a cozy night in with pajamas on and a movie marathon playing in the background (maybe a Harry Potter binge), grab a beautifully arranged charcuterie box from Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards + Boxes. The Grazing Boxes are suitable for two, with four styles to choose from: Gone Grazey, Grazey for Keto, Sweet + Grazey, and Vegegrazian. These curated boxes make for a simple date-night spread at home.
Embark on a Food Tour of Main Street in Fort Lee | 212 Main Street + 249 Main Street + 242 Main Street + 244 Main Street
Fort Lee has a thriving food scene, and Main Street is where the magic happens. For a mini food tour, start with a classic slice at Baggio’s, grab some pan-fried dumplings from Dumpling Den, make a boba stop at Q Tea Tapas, and finish with a decadent Nutella-filled crepe from T Swirl Crepe.
BG’s Fort Lee Main Street foodie lineup:
- Margherita slice (classic + cheesy perfection with a great crisp)
- Vegan soup dumplings (super flavorful)
- Passion fruit tea + tapioca bubbles (refreshing and super sweet)
- Banana-strawberry Nutella crepe (when sweet treat o’clock calls)
Explore The African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers | 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly
This museum — founded in 1980 — is one of the few in the U.S. dedicated entirely to African art. Open daily from 8AM to 5PM, it offers free admission and guided group tours by appointment, making it a budget-friendly date idea.
Wander Through a Local Farmers’ Market | 2 West Main Street, Ramsey
A stroll through the Ramsey Farmers Market makes for a sweet weekend date. The market has a ton of fresh produce, cool snacks, incredible baked goods, and even homemade dog treats. Open year-round on Sundays, hours run from 9AM to 2PM (May to November) and 10AM to 1PM (December to April).
Test Your Knowledge at a Trivia Night at Tommy Fox’s | 32 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield
Tommy Fox’s hosts trivia nights every Tuesday at 7PM, providing a night of playful competition + great pub food. BG’s favorite is the Fox’s Combo—a platter loaded with potato skins, mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings (ask for ranch—IYKYK), and curly fries.
Get Matching Tattoos for a Bold Bonding Experience at Lola’s Tattoo Shop | 117 East Main Street, Bogota
Lola’s Tattoo Shop in Bergen County is a well-known spot with six talented artists ready to bring your ideas to life. Whether getting something meaningful or just spontaneous, this could be an unforgettable date experience.
Experience a Luxury Movie Night at Landmark Cinemas | 130 Vervalen Street, Closter
A trip to Landmark Cinemas experience in Closter Commons makes for a chill vibe night out. This theater has plush recliners and a full-service menu, including burgers (with an Impossible option), wings, and even gluten-free cauliflower crust pizzas — all delivered right to one’s seat.
Indulge in an Omakase Dinner at Sushi Kai | 206 Main Street, Fort Lee
For an unforgettable date night, head to Sushi Kai in Fort Lee. This intimate omakase spot serves refined sushi creations prepared right in front of diners. Omakase isn’t just dinner — it’s an occasion. It’s a front-row seat to the art of sushi, where one can discover the different types of fish, and learn about how dishes are made and the chef’s creative process. While on the pricier side, the experience is well worth it for a night of high-quality dining.
Catch a Live Show at the BergenPAC | 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
BergenPAC presents an impressive lineup of live entertainment, from concerts and comedy shows to Broadway-style performances. There’s always something exciting going on. See the lineup here.
Stroll Along the Scenic Edgewater Waterfront | 1057-1165 River Road, Edgewater
For a simple and free date (which can be tough to find), take a relaxed walk along the Edgewater waterfront, soaking in breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Whether it’s a sunrise stroll or an evening under the city lights, it’s always a gorgeous view.
Sing Your Heart Out at Rock 21 | 400 Bergen Boulevard, Palisades Park
Nothing says romance like a heartfelt serenade moment. Rock 21 in Palisades Park is a top karaoke spot, delivering private rooms so you and your boo can sing your hearts out in style.
Take a Picturesque Drive Up Route 9W
Sometimes, a peaceful drive with a great playlist (we recommend anything Gracie Abrams) is all one needs for quality time together. Route 9W provides a scenic, smooth road that’s ideal for a drive, free of potholes (which we feel is very important) and city traffic.
See More: Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in the Montclair Area
Spend a Fun Day at the Van Saun Zoo | 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus
The Van Saun Zoo in Bergen County is a nostalgic BG favorite, with a variety of animals from exotic birds to colorful reptiles. Strolling through the zoo and enjoying the sights makes for a lighthearted and fun date.
Bergen County History: The Oldest Homes Still Standing Today
Bergen County has a rich and detailed history spanning back centuries. Since 1683, this county has flourished to house over 950,000 people. Historically, the homeland of the Lenape, Bergen County, was initially settled by Dutch colonists and later by English colonists. Many of these colonial-era homes inhabited by early settlers have been lost to time, but some remain and are even used as a library. We are lucky to live in such a history-filled area, and today, we are going to explore some of Bergen County’s oldest and most noteworthy historical homes. Read on to learn about 13 of the oldest surviving homes and their histories in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Abraham A. Haring House | Piermont Road Near Rockleigh Road, Rockleigh
The Abraham A. Haring House was built around 1758 by Abraham A. Haring on his 200-acre farm. Abraham served in the Revolutionary War as a captain in the Bergen County Militia. Unfortunately, he was captured by the British, imprisoned in New York City, and died in 1780. In 1805, his grandson Abraham sold the house to Moses Taylor Jr, and it stayed in the Taylor family until 1905.
Read More: 12 Activities for Your Bergen County Spring Bucket List 2025
Ackerman–Zabriskie–Steuben House | 1209 Main Street, River Edge
The Ackerman–Zabriskie–Steuben House, built in 1745, is a noted example of a Bergen Dutch sandstone home. It was confiscated by the state from Loyalist Jan Zabriskie and used as a military headquarters during the Revolutionary War. After the war, it was given to Major General Baron von Steuben, a German-born American army officer. He lived here from 1783 to 1788. Today, the Bergen County Historical Society operates the spot as part of the Historic New Bridge Landing.
Blanch-Haring House | Lafayette Road + Hackensack Avenue, Harrington Park
The Blanch-Haring House was the home of Isaac Blanch. Isaac was captured during a British raid in 1777 and spent several months in prison. He was released in January 1778 as part of a prisoner exchange. In 1788, the home was sold to David Haring and stayed in his family for almost a century. Harrington Park is named after the Haring family.
Cole-Allaire-Boyd House | Grand Avenue + Prospect Street, Leonia
Built around 1765, the Cole-Allaire-Boyd House is the oldest surviving house in Leonia. It was first the home of Samuel Cole, a Loyalist, who betrayed the location of many Patriots to the British. In 1916, artists Rutherford Boyd and Harriet Repplier Boyd purchased the home, and it has been in the family since.
Cornelius Lozier House | Goffle Road + Paterson Avenue, Midland Park
The Cornelius Lozier House was built around 1775 and first appeared on a map in 1780, made by Robert Erksine, who is actually buried near the house. Robert was born in Scotland and later immigrated to Colonial America.
Daniel Demarest House | 404 Washington Avenue, Dumont
Located at 404 Washington Avenue in Dumont, this home was built in 1724 by James P. Demarest. In 1850, a descendant restored the home after a fire.
Derrick Banta House | 180 Washington Avenue, Dumont
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During the Revolutionary War, Derick Banta served as a private in Bergen County Militia. He lived in Dumont when it was called Schraalenburgh, and grew up at what is now 180 Washington Avenue. In 1778, Loyalists burned his home and barn, and Derick was forced to rebuild between 1780 and 1790. In 1792, Derrick's wife, Elizabeth, sold the home to Jacob Quackenbush, and it stayed in his family until 1862, when it was sold to Isaac Dixon. Isaac’s son Robert was the fourth mayor of Dumont, and his daughter Sarah Ann left the home to the Dumont community. Thus, since 1926, this historic spot has been used as the Dixon Homestead Library, the community’s public library.
Garret Durie House | 156 Ell Road, Hillsdale
This house was built in 1767 by blacksmith and farmer Garret Durie, who also served as a Bergen County Freeholder, Justice, and Judge. During the Revolutionary War, the Durie house, farm, and blacksmith shop were plundered by both American and British troops. The stolen property included sheep, a horse, hammers, a pick iron, and much more. This home was later passed to the Terhune and Hopper families.
Henry Naugle House | 119 Hickory Lane, Closter
According to tradition, the Henry Naugle House in Closter was built in 1736, but based on architectural evidence it may have been between 1750 and 1760. The home was expanded by a two-and-one-half-story Victorian wing and again in 1951.
Issac Naugle House | 80 Hickory Lane, Closter
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According to tradition, Hendrick Naugle owned land in this area of Closter. In the 1740s, he married Catherine Blauvelt, and they had seven children. Their son Isaac most likely built the house here in 1775.
Naugle House | 42-49 Dunkerhook Road, Fair Lawn
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The Naugle House in Fair Lawn was built around 1745 on a small hillside along Saddle River. The home was built by Jacob Vanderbeck Sr., who also built the neighboring Jacob Vanderbeck Jr. House. The Marquis de Lafayette may have visited the home in 1824. The home borders the Saddle River County Park, making it simple for history and nature lovers to get a two-for-one deal. Like many colonial-era homes, the Naugle House faced the threat of time, but has been preserved. In 2010, Fair Lawn purchased the Naugle House for $1,700,000 through a combination of municipal, county, and state funds to protect the house and conserve its natural surroundings.
The Hermitage | 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
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The Hermitage is a staple in Ho-Ho-Kus history. This historic spot, built around 1760, looks very different today, but some parts of the original home remain. During the Revolutionary War, this was the home of British officer Lieutenant Colonel James Marcus Prevost and his wife, Theodosia. Theodosia was friendly to American soldiers, and in July 177,8 she extended an invitation to George Washington to use her home as a headquarters. James died in 1781 and Theodosia remarried the following year to Aaron Burr. Aaron Burr later went on to serve as the third US Vice President who later fatally (and famously) wounded Alexander Hamilton at a duel in Weehawken.
See More: A Look Into the Historic Ballantine House in Newark + Its Recent Restoration
Van Allen House | Corner of U.S. 202 + Franklin Avenue, Oakland
The Van Allen House was built around 1740 by Hendrik Van Allen, a farmer. During the Revolutionary War, it served as the headquarters for George Washington on July 14th, 1777. In 1778 and 1779, Bergen County used the house as a court. When Hendrik died, his property passed on to his children, and various families lived here for over a century. Later on, the home was owned by Edward Day Page, a dairy farmer and Oakland mayor. After Edward and some other inhabitants had left, the structure was abandoned in the 1950s and faced vandalism and demolition threats. This home was saved from demolition by the Oakland Historical Society and the Women's Club of Oakland.
