With its lively nightlife and easy access to the “city that never sleeps,” Bergen County has it all — yet sometimes, there are moments when a break from the party life is necessary for a reset. For those living a sober lifestyle, taking a break from alcohol, or just looking for something different, Bergen County has a variety of alcohol-free activities that guarantee fun without the need for a drink in hand. From outdoor adventures to relaxing spa days, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Read on for a list of 12 alcohol-free activities in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Channel Your Inner Rory Gilmore in a Vibey Bookstore
Bookends | 211 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Brier Rose Books | 450 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Solato Books + Records | 15 Sylvan Street, Rutherford
Certain bookstores have a way of tapping into that inner Rory Gilmore, providing the proper atmosphere for book lovers. Some of these Bergen County bookstore gems include Bookends in Ridgewood, Brier Rose Books in Teaneck, and Solato Books + Records in Rutherford. Each spot transports one into a world of literary magic and Stars Hollow vibes.
Read More: 10 Must-Try Movie Theater Experiences in Northern New Jersey
Head to the Bergen PAC | 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
The Bergen PAC provides exciting and diverse entertainment, from live music and comedy shows to captivating psychic mediums. See the lineup of events here.
Get Crafty at Board + Brush | 119 East Main Street, Ramsey
Board and Brush Studios is a DIY shop that sits on Ramsey’s main street and is a place where customers can create personalized wooden signs. The team at Board + Brush provides all the materials and designs needed to craft beautiful, custom signs that reflect each individual’s taste. Board + Brush has in-person/virtual workshops or private events that cater to various preferences + occasions.
Go on a Burger Tour
Marty’s | 2024 Center Avenue, Fort Lee + 137 1/2 Main Street, Hackensack
Jackson Hole | 362 Grand Avenue, Englewood
Mashed | 652 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park
Steves | 506 US-46, Garfield
Bun N Done | 1030 River Road, Edgewater
There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy burger. Whether you’re craving a smash-style patty or a thick juicy burger, Bergen County has them all. BG’s favorites include Marty’s in Fort Lee or Hackensack, Jackson Hole in Englewood, Mashed in Cliffside Park, Steves in Garfield, and Bun N Done in Edgewater.
Explore the Shops in Downtown Englewood
Portage | 17 North Dean Street, Englewood
Jessica Bara | 22 North Dean Street, Englewood
Thrift of Hope | 79 West Palisade Avenue, Englewood
We suggest a stroll through Englewood’s charming downtown boutique shops, where one can find everything from stylish apparel to trendy jewelry. Pop into Portage for everyday earrings, visit Jessica Bara for on-trend women’s dresses, or hunt for hidden treasures at Thrift of Hope, a must-visit for budget-friendly finds — especially in the shoe section.
Browse The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus | 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
This Ho-Ho-Kus spot connects visitors to local history. The Hermitage is a preserved two-story stone farmhouse from the mid-1700s, which provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about 250+ years of American History. The grounds are open daily from 9AM to 5PM, guided tours are available on weekends at 1:15PM, 2:15PM, and 3:15PM, and private tours are available on request.
Get a Revitalizing Treatment at Kaie Head Salon | 1550 Lemoine Avenue Suite # 202, Fort Lee
Kaie Salon boldly states: “Life is too short to have boring hair,” and we couldn’t agree more. Kaie Salon presents many premium hair services, such as cuts, treatments, coloring, and perms. The scalp treatment is a particularly noteworthy service. This rejuvenating treatment promotes scalp health + relaxation for both men and women.
- Men’s Scalp Treatment: 20 minutes + haircut for $50
- Women’s Scalp Treatment: 30 minutes + blowout for $80
Visit Padel United Sports Club | 160 Broadway, Cresskill
Padel United Sports Club is a recent addition to Cresskill. Padel United Sports Club combines fitness + fun in an upscale environment with state-of-the-art padel courts and a fully equipped wellness center. This club provides various engaging activities, including classes, tournaments, and community events, making it a suitable spot for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
Join Palisades Running Club | Demarest-Based
To jumpstart a new running routine with group motivation, consider joining the Palisades Running Club. Open to all ages and skill levels, the PRC organizes scenic group runs each Sunday at 8AM, and also hosts special runs and social gatherings to build connections.
Explore the Outdoors at Ramapo Reservation | 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah
Spend a sunny day at Ramapo Reservation, Bergen County‘s largest park. With a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages + skill levels, these breathtaking grounds invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its stunning landscapes and enjoy the great outdoors. BG insider tip: The reservation is dog-friendly.
See a Movie at Westwood Cinemas | 182 Center Avenue, Westwood
Catch a film at Westwood Cinemas for a laid-back outing. Nestled in a charming small-town setting, this theater is surrounded by some great eats — grab a bite at The Rolling Pin Cafe or 1950 Originals, then satisfy a sweet tooth at Milk N Cookies just up the block.
Have a Relaxing Day at SoJo Spa | 660 River Road, Edgewater
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SoJo Day Spa is where tranquility meets dazzling views of the NYC skyline. With an overload of treatments and amenities — from rejuvenating massages to relaxing saunas — it’s the ideal destination where one can locate that inner zen while experiencing a sense of luxury. Whether spending a few hours or the whole day, be sure to bring the following:
- photo ID
- bathing suit
- sandals (you can go barefoot too)
- charged phone (for the Instagram pics)
Unleash Your Inner Child at a Candy Store
World of Goodies | 198 West Englewood Avenue, Teaneck
Sugar Bear Candy Store | 1 Garden State Plaza Boulevard Space #1103, Paramus
Sometimes, reconnecting with our inner child is just the thing to boost our energy, and a sweet treat from a fun candy shop can do miracles. World of Goodies and Sugar Bear Candy Store have an impressive selection of candies — everything from soft to hard, Halal to Kosher, gluten-free to sugar-free, plus rare options like freeze-dried and spicy treats.
See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Check Out Tenafly Nature Center | 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly
The Tenafly Nature Center (TNC) is a year-round nature exploration. Open daily, TNC features exhibits like the Bellflower Trail and Pollinator Garden, plus various events posted regularly on the Center’s Instagram. The Maple Sugaring event stands out, where visitors can collect sap and make maple syrup. BG insider tip: The reservation is not dog-friendly.
Bendix Diner Closed Its Doors After 77 Years; Now the Iconic NJ Spot is Up for Sale
In January 2025, the iconic and beloved Bendix Diner, located at 464 NJ-17 in Hasbrouck Heights, closed unexpectedly. As locals rushed to news outlets to uncover the mystery behind the diner, information was slim. Recently, we've spotted some updates and received exclusive information regarding not only what caused the shutdown but what could potentially be happening with the vacant space. Read on for everything we know so far.
About The Bendix Diner
Since 1947, The Bendix Diner has been a staple in the North Jersey community, sitting at the center of a tangle of highways where Routes 17 and 46 meet. The diner has even served as the backdrop for movies like Jersey Girl, Boys on the Side, and The Many Saints of Newark. With a massive menu filled with classic diner favorites, the cozy, retro vibe here served as one of North Jersey's most authentic cozy diner experiences for several decades.
Read More: 14 New Businesses Coming to East Rutherford’s American Dream Mall
Updates
According to several local reports, The Bendix Diner was ultimately shut down by the Board of Health due to issues with the building's fire suppression system, which had been out of code since 2019. Since then, the diner's food license was sadly revoked. Since the unexpected closure earlier this year, owner John Diakakis, who has operated the diner since 1985, finally decided it is time to sell the truly iconic establishment.
Earlier today, HG received a memorandum from IPRG, a New York City-based real estate company that focuses on investment properties with an inside look at the property listing. The 2,300-square-foot building at 64 NJ-17 in Hasbrouck Heights sits on a lot of 0.36 acres in a commercial zone ideal for businesses that benefit from being near major roads. The space can encompass a list of multiple allowed uses that include restaurants, offices, retail stores, hotels, and more. The property sits between the north and south lanes of Route 17, with three easy access points and visibility to approximately 100,000 cars each day, making it a great spot for attracting roadside customers. Team HG has been in touch with IPRG and will provide further updates as details unfold. More on this coming soon.
See More: Alessio’s to Open Casa Italia Gourmet Market in Hoboken on 4/10
New Jersey's Diner Scene
If you didn't know already, New Jersey is known as the Diner Capital of the World for a good reason. With over 500 diners in the Garden State, news like this hits hard for locals. The New Jersey diner landscape is one that residents hold near and dear to their hearts, acting as a community gathering space where memories are made. The Bendix Diner, specifically has served as a core piece of North Jersey history for nearly 80 years.
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