New Jerseyans love our nostalgia. Rich with history, we love to be reminded of eras past! We offer countless opportunities to step back in time, from our dozens of diners to vintage arcades. The following are some favorites that I’m familiar with, feel free to add your retro picks in the comments below.
- Summit Diner, Summit
Flickr/Wally Gobetz This classic diner is one of many in our state, but it is among the oldest. Built in 1929, it’s served generations of New Jerseyans some of the best food around!
- Delsea Drive-In Theater, Vineland
Yelp/Edward G. The last remaining drive-in in New Jersey, the Delsea was first opened in 1949.
- Paul’s Bar and Bowling, Paterson
Image/http://www.pauls-bar.com/ Though it may not look like much on the outside, the bowling alley has gone relatively unchanged since 1929. Some snazzy lights and additional fixtures were added in 1967.
- Frenchtown Roller Rink, Frenchtown
Facebook/FrenchtownRollerRink Popular until the 1990s, roller rinks are shutting down throughout the state. Show your support for this classic pastime and bring the family to a local rink!
- Yestercades, Red Bank
Facebook/Yestercades This retro arcade features all your favorite games! Enjoy everything from Pac-Man to pinball! The Somerville location is scheduled to be reopened soon.
- StarLux Hotel, Wildwood
Facebook/MoreyResorts This retro-themed boutique hotel offers a variety of rooms along with Airstream Trailers! If you love classic Americana, take a trip down to Wildwood, the city is overflowing with it!
- White Manna/Mana, Hackensack/Jersey City
Facebook/WhiteMana
Wikipedia/PaulLowry These competing burger joints have gone relatively unchanged in the past 60+ years. Enjoy a delicious milkshake while you dine!
- Circus Drive-In, Wall
Facebook/CircusDriveIn Dine-in or enjoy curbside service at this classic New Jersey eatery. Built in 1954, it retains its retro charm.
- Cool Scoops, North Wildwood
Facebook/CoolScoops
Image/CoolScoops This retro ice cream parlor offers kitschy fun for the whole family. Enjoy delicious frozen treats and a working jukebox.
- Summer Nites, North Wildwood
Facebook/SummerNites
Facebook/SummerNites This 50s themed bed and breakfast is one of my favorites! It’s a ton of fun and will certainly take you back in time.
As you can see, the Wildwood area is packed with retro favorites, sure to make you feel nostalgic. Even still, the rest of the state offers some pretty great places to enjoy a blast from the past. Have you visited any of these retro spots? What others would you add?
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
This classic diner is one of many in our state, but it is among the oldest. Built in 1929, it’s served generations of New Jerseyans some of the best food around!
Yelp/Edward G.
The last remaining drive-in in New Jersey, the Delsea was first opened in 1949.
Image/http://www.pauls-bar.com/
Though it may not look like much on the outside, the bowling alley has gone relatively unchanged since 1929. Some snazzy lights and additional fixtures were added in 1967.
Facebook/FrenchtownRollerRink
Popular until the 1990s, roller rinks are shutting down throughout the state. Show your support for this classic pastime and bring the family to a local rink!
Facebook/Yestercades
This retro arcade features all your favorite games! Enjoy everything from Pac-Man to pinball! The Somerville location is scheduled to be reopened soon.
Facebook/MoreyResorts
This retro-themed boutique hotel offers a variety of rooms along with Airstream Trailers! If you love classic Americana, take a trip down to Wildwood, the city is overflowing with it!
Facebook/WhiteMana
Wikipedia/PaulLowry
These competing burger joints have gone relatively unchanged in the past 60+ years. Enjoy a delicious milkshake while you dine!
Facebook/CircusDriveIn
Dine-in or enjoy curbside service at this classic New Jersey eatery. Built in 1954, it retains its retro charm.
Facebook/CoolScoops
Image/CoolScoops
This retro ice cream parlor offers kitschy fun for the whole family. Enjoy delicious frozen treats and a working jukebox.
Facebook/SummerNites
This 50s themed bed and breakfast is one of my favorites! It’s a ton of fun and will certainly take you back in time.
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