How to Spend a Day in South Orange, New Jersey

Sometimes it can be easy to forget how much Essex County has to offer. There are so many restaurants, cute shopping spots, and fun things to do in the area. While many have busy lives, sometimes it’s nice to have a daycation and explore a nearby neighborhood. Those who aren’t familiar with the South Orange area are missing out. Keep reading for more information about eateries, things to do, and places to shop in South Orange.

History

The history of South Orange dates back to as early as 1666 when Connecticut soldiers landed on the shores of the Passaic River. Families wishing to farm moved toward South Orange and its surrounding areas. South Orange Avenue was once an Indian trail that served as the main pathway (funny how history repeats itself as South Orange Avenue is arguably still the main drag in town).

South Orange’s transition from farmland to residential community is largely in part by John Gorham Vose. Vose purchased a home on Scotland Road in 1858. Four years later he began buying large plots of land to create a conversion. In a few years, Scotland Road and Center Street were complete. Other successful businessmen followed a similar path of buying and building. As the city continued to build, the Village Hall (built in 1894) originally housed the fire department. The town’s First U.S. post office (opened in 1841) was at 71 South Orange Avenue.

South Orange was originally part of Newark until 1806. The name Orange came into play in the second half of the 18th century. The name South Orange first appeared in a newspaper advertisement in 1793. It replaced older names like Chestnut Hill + Mountain Plantation.

Where to Shop

The Co-Lab | 57 South Orange Avenue

Located in Downtown South Orange, The Co-Lab is a space where people can shop small. It’s a non-profit organization that serves as a space where small businesses can begin to launch brick-and-mortar locations. When visitors walk in they will see pop-up shops on the right side that change every weekend. On the left side are more permanent stores that have leased a space in the building. Some of these include Grā, Daily Greatness, Noble Hungers, Cereal Dreams, and Soma Wheelhouse. The Co-Lab is open from Thursday through Sunday.

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