No matter the weather, exploring a new area always brings a refreshing sense of adventure. Ridgewood, an appealing village in Bergen County just 20 miles outside of Manhattan, presents an abundance of activities within its 5.8 square miles. Ridgewood’s diverse culinary scene, stylish boutiques, and inviting coffee shops provide endless opportunities for dazzling Instagram content + a fun-filled day. Keep reading to dive into the charm of Ridgewood, a picturesque village in Bergen County, NJ.

Learn a Bit About Ridgewood’s Roots

Nestled in the heart of Bergen County, Ridgewood is a vibrant suburban town and a place bathed in history. The European settlement of Ridgewood commenced in the late 1600s when Dutch and English colonists first arrived. The area’s fertile soil and abundant natural resources made it an attractive location for agriculture, leading to rapid growth as a robust farming community.

Throughout the 19th century,  Ridgewood transitioned from primarily agricultural roots to a lively community characterized by new businesses, educational establishments, and places of worship. One architectural gem from this era is the Ridgewood Train Station, built in 1916, which remains an iconic landmark and continues to function as a vital transportation hub for commuters daily.

Ridgewood continues to flourish today, drawing in new residents and businesses and maintaining its status as a desirable family community.

Read More: Bergen County History: The Oldest Homes Still Standing Today

Best Spots to Grab a Bite

Baumgart’s Cafe | 158 Franklin Avenue

A cherished name for many Bergen County locals, Baumgart’s in Ridgewood has stood firm while its Englewood and Edgewater locations closed. This Chinese eatery offers delightful dishes, including crispy sesame chicken and savory peanut noodles.

Cafe 37 | 37 South Broad Street

Cafe 37 stands out in Ridgewood with its charming interior. This modern American restaurant presents a menu filled with flavorful options, but the Fettuccine Frutti di Mare is the star—a pasta dish featuring blue prawns, calamari, fresh PEI mussels, and a tantalizing white wine and fresh tomato sauce.

Felina | 18 Prospect Street

Felina entertains guests with its spacious, industrial-chic atmosphere, seamlessly blending sleek design with Italian-inspired cuisine. While many seek a remarkable dinner or rooftop drinks during the summer, Felina is also a stunning venue for weddings.

From Scratch | 44 East Ridgewood Avenue

From Scratch brings a slice of Italy to New Jersey with a menu teeming with authentic Italian dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara. Additionally, this location offers cooking classes, an entertaining choice for a fun night out or intimate private events.

Latour | 6 East Ridgewood Avenue

This classy BYOB French restaurant is an ideal choice for a romantic evening. The menu leans towards the upscale side, and  the $54 Beef Wellington is a must-try. Latour and its chef-owner Michael Latours have been recognized by local, national, and international publications, including The New York Times and Zagat.

Raymonds | 101 East Ridgewood Avenue

Having served the community since 1989, Raymond’s continues to satisfy guests. Whether stopping for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, the notable French toast is a must-try — it literally melts in your mouth.

Roots Steakhouse | 17 Chestnut Street

Roots stands as the peak of grace for a night out. With a sophisticated ambiance, this classic New York-style steakhouse justifies its cost with sizzling steaks and an upscale vibe.

Sushi X |  23 Chestnut Street

Experiencing all-you-can-eat sushi brings excitement, especially in a group setting with friends + family. Sushi X presents a great deal — $28.99 from Monday to Thursday and $30.99 from Friday to Sunday — with high-quality rolls and cool variations.

Steel Wheel Tavern | 51 North Broad Street

A beloved go-to for locals throughout Bergen County, Steel Wheel Tavern serves up delectable bar food staples like burgers and wings, with buffalo style being a top pick (ask for a side of ranch—because obviously). The bonus here is the live music on weekends, which contributes to its fun atmosphere.

Stella Artisan Italian | 18 East Ridgewood Avenue

Stella Artisan, founded in 2016, sits cozily in downtown Ridgewood, providing a dining experience ideal for a casual evening out. This spot is especially delightful during warmer months with outdoor dining.

White Maple Cafe | 47 East Ridgewood Avenue

This stylish BYO spot specializes in American cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients sourced locally + sustainably. Whether for brunch or dinner, diners can expect incredibly fresh food.

Local Shopping Hotspots

Bookends | 211 East Ridgewood Avenue

A beloved destination attracting visitors from across New Jersey, Bookends has an impressive selection of novels and hosts regular author meet-and-greet events.

Envy By Melissa Gorga | 7 East Ridgewood Avenue

This stylish shop in Ridgewood is a must-visit for fans of Bravo (including us here at team BG). With a trendy assortment of clothing and accessories, Envy provides customers with a chic shopping experience.

Fox’s of Ridgewood | 230 East Ridgewood Avenue

Fox’s has clothing, jewelry, handbags, hats, and other accessories at reasonable prices, catering to various budgets.

The Hive | 171 East Ridgewood Avenue

The Hive is a beautifully organized store that has both stylish clothing + excellent gift options, including socks, wine glasses, and adorable knick-knacks.

Hustle + Heart | 12 South Broad Street

Catering to both men and women, Hustle + Heart specializes in trendy athletic wear, making it a favorite for those seeking quality + new designs.

Hunt + Orchard | 30 Cottage Place

This gem in Ridgewood has fashionable clothing options and provides customization on select merchandise, ideal for personalized gifts like embroidered names on sweatshirts or hats.

Pazzazed | 6 Wilsey Square

A great spot for finding gifts, Pazzazed features a varied collection that includes quirky wine glasses, coasters, bags, and stylish signs.

Ridgewood Cycle Shop | 35 North Broad Street

With cycling being popular in Bergen County, Ridgewood Cycle Shop serves the dedicated cycling community, providing a variety of bikes, apparel, and essential accessories for a smooth ride.

Suite 201 | 11 South Walnut Street

Suite 201 offers the cutest shoes, dresses, and resort wear, making it ideal for vacationers and anyone updating their closets.

Things to Do in the Area

Take a Class at Color Me Mine | 210 East Ridgewood Avenue

Color Me Mine is a ceramic painting studio that invites creativity from people of all ages. The process is simple: choose a ceramic item, select colors, and bring your vision to life.

Take a Class at MudSpinners | 580 North Maple Avenue

MudSpinners is a home-based ceramic studio in Ridgewood providing a variety of classes for everyone, from children to adults. Options include private one-on-one sessions and “Mud and Merlot” nights, where participants can bring wine, food, and friends for a fun and crafty evening.

Join a Pilates Workout

On Core Pilates Studio | 555 Goffle Road #218

GLOW Body LLC |  17 Chestnut Street 2nd floor

Corefire | 144 East Ridgewood Avenue

Pilates is an excellent low-impact workout, and many studios in Ridgewood have classes. Notable locations include On Core Pilates Studio, GLOW Body LLC, and Corefire.

Enjoy a Cup of Coffee at a Local Ridgewood Coffee Shop

Rey Sol Coffee | 22 Chestnut Street

Blue Ridge Café | 37 East Ridgewood Avenue

Ridgewood Coffee Company | 133 East Ridgewood Avenue

American Bulldog Coffee Roasters | Between Franklin + East, 31 North Broad Street, West Ridgewood Avenue

Ridgewood Station Café | 1 East Ridgewood Avenue

Sweet Kitchen  | 533 Bloomfield Avenue

For coffee enthusiasts, Ridgewood is a hub for excellent brews. Cozy spots such as Rey Sol Coffee, Blue Ridge Café, Ridgewood Coffee Company, American Bulldog Coffee Roasters, Ridgewood Station Café, and Sweet Kitchen are excellent stops for one’s daily coffee fix.

Create Your Own Pastry Tasting Experience at Sook | 24 SouthBroad Street

Sook Pastry Shop is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates French pastries, chocolates, and breads. A fun and BG-approved experience here includes selecting a variety of delicious items — such as apple turnovers, tropical tarts, and macarons — tasting each one, and rating them on a scale from 1 to 10 (they’re always a 10).

Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Spa Day

The Brightwood Skin | 11 North Broad Street

Spavia Day Spa |  379 NJ-17

Ridgewood European Day Spa | 44 Franklin Avenue

Lava Head Spa | 235 East Ridgewood Avenue Suite 16

Araya Rebirth Spa | 10 Garber Square

The Well Spa NJ | 171 East Ridgewood Avenue #207

Indulging in spa treatments is always a luxury. Ridgewood has tons of options, including Spavia Day Spa, The Brightwood Skin, Ridgewood European Day Spa, Lava Head Spa, Araya Rebirth Spa, and The Well Spa NJ.

BG recommendation: For radiant + glowing skin, get The Diamond Glow Facial at Brightwood Skin.

See More: Fun Summer Road Trips Near Northern New Jersey

Check Out What’s Happening at the YMCA | 112 Oak Street

The Ridgewood YMCA provides a wide array of activities for all ages, from children to seniors. Regular special events occur each month, such as Parents’ Night Out and ping-pong tournaments, fostering lively community engagement.

Walk Through Van Neste Square Memorial Park |  South Walnut Street

On lovely warm days, enjoying a walk outdoors can heighten one’s physical and mental well-being. Van Neste Square Memorial Park is a favored spot for strolling and frequently hosts events like live music performances during summer nights.