New Jersey may be best known for its beaches, diners and proximity to New York City, but the Garden State also holds a quirkier side steeped in folklore, paranormal legends and eclectic charm.
From the haunted hallways of Cape May’s historic hotels to the mysterious stretch of asphalt in West Milford, these towns stand out for their unusual attractions and offbeat character, according to the World Atlas. That’s how they wound up on the site’s list of “most eccentric” towns in the state.
Cape May
Cape May is often called one of America’s most haunted towns. Visitors to its Victorian inns and hotels swap ghost stories and some report encounters with spirits of former guests.
Margate City
In Margate City, the six-story Lucy the Elephant — a 19th-century roadside attraction — looms as both a historic landmark and a symbol of eccentric Americana.
Mount Holly
Mount Holly draws history buffs and ghost hunters alike. The Burlington County Prison Museum, a National Historic Landmark, is rumored to be haunted by the inmates who once filled its cells.
Asbury Park
At the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park has reinvented itself as a hub for the arts and the occult. Alongside its boardwalk music venues and murals, visitors will find witchy shops, the Paranormal Tower and spiritual supply stores.
Lambertville
Lambertville, dubbed the Antiques Capital of New Jersey, tempts shoppers with vintage treasures, galleries and boutique stores.
Frenchtown
Just north, Frenchtown offers a bohemian downtown filled with eclectic shops and eateries.
West Milford
For thrill-seekers, West Milford is home to the infamous Clinton Road. The stretch is the subject of countless urban legends, including reports of a ghostly boy who appears near a bridge where he is said to have drowned.
Millville
Millville leans on its glassmaking heritage while cultivating a quirky arts community. Its WheatonArts center and downtown murals bring a creative flair to the southern New Jersey city.
Cranbury
Rounding out the list is Cranbury, where preserved colonial architecture and quiet charm mix with a reputation for unusual stories that locals and visitors alike keep alive.
Together, these nine towns highlight New Jersey’s eccentric side, offering tourists more than just boardwalks and beaches — but also mystery, history and a touch of the supernatural.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New Jersey quirkiest towns list includes these 9 spots
