This historic riverside town is one of NJ’s best-kept secrets and it is only 18 miles from NYC
Need a quick escape from the concrete jungle? We’ve got just the spot. Located a mere 18 miles southwest of New York City, Cranford is a picturesque township in Union County, New Jersey.
It is routinely rated as one of the top 50 best places to live in NJ. With its gorgeous historic homes, vibrant downtown, and stunning waterways, it is the absolute perfect destination for your next day trip.
A riverside paradise with deep historical roots
Cranford is basically a living postcard. The town was officially established in 1871 and spans just under five square miles. The township’s name actually comes from the local Crane family. Back in 1720, John Crane built a mill right along the winding Rahway River.
Today, that river is still the beating heart of the community. You can head over to the Cranford Canoe Club, which was built way back in 1908. They still offer canoes and kayaks for rent, so you can easily paddle down the scenic waters yourself.
The preservation of this beautiful greenway, known as the Rahway River Parkway, was championed by local historical figures. Former sheriff James E. Warner and engineer Charles Hansel both fought hard to protect the pristine parkland and waterways from pollution in the 1920s.
Bustling downtown vibes and local legends
You certainly won’t go hungry here. Downtown Cranford is famous for its fantastic restaurants and unique specialty shops. The area has seen a ton of exciting growth recently. You can also explore smaller, revitalized neighborhood shopping areas like Centennial Village.
When you aren’t eating or shopping, you can soak up some serious local culture. Check out the Crane-Phillips House, a fascinating historic museum from around 1845 maintained by the Cranford Historical Society in Hanson Park.
The township is also home to some incredibly compelling history. It is the resting place of Joshua Bryant, Cranford’s first Black law enforcement officer and first Black elected official. It was also home to William P. Westervelt, who famously thwarted the Baltimore Plot—an assassination attempt on President-elect Abraham Lincoln—by bravely cutting the assassins’ telegraph wires!
How to get there from the city
You don’t even need a car to visit this riverside gem. Cranford is easily accessible via the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line.
Just hop on a train and enjoy the Midtown Direct service straight from New York Penn Station. You will be stepping off at the Cranford station and right into the heart of town before you know it.