A Stroll and a Sandwich: Fall in Montclair
Montclair in the fall. Image courtesy of Ayah Talavera
By Maya Polton
The month of September can bring about mixed emotions. The start of school and the end of summer are usually sad times for kids but can be a joyous time for parents. The sun is still shining, the greenery around Montclair is still in bloom, and the hum of the school buses in the morning and afternoon makes for a lovely September backdrop.
Since many parents are still working full-time, part-time, or occasionally from home, it’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate the start of school and the nice weather. A simple way to live it up is by treating yourself to a sandwich and a stroll. There are so many delicious places for lunch and beautiful parks all around Montclair. Check these off your list and enjoy the time alone (or with a friend).
Anderson Park. Image courtesy of Frank Reder
Start off in downtown Montclair and order a custom salad, sandwich, wrap, or soup from The Salad House. Located on South Fullerton Avenue, The Salad House exclusively takes out so grab your food and continue walking to the exquisite jewel box, the Avis Campbell Garden. Nestled behind the main branch of the Montclair Public Library and the former United Way building, the gardens are located on 60 South Fullerton Ave. The pride and joy of The Garden Club of Montclair, this gem is a wonderful place to enjoy some peace and quiet among the amazing seasonal flowers. Framed by a brick wall and boasting a bubbling fountain, the perennial garden and rose bushes were established in 1952 and are ever-changing based on what’s in bloom.
Sandwiches and wraps from The Salad House. Image courtesy of The Salad House
Moving South, another stop is Cafe Moso or Mosoria, their comfort food Italian take-out spot. The Southern-inspired eatery has quickly become a South End staple so it’s no surprise that Mosoria is a hit as well. Grab a sandwich, salad, or personal pizza and head South on Orange Road toward Canterbury Park. Another secret spot in Montclair, the 8+ acre park has beautiful cherry blossom trees, an enclosed playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a wonderful walking path through the majestic trees. If you’ve never been to this park, it’s worth checking out.
Roasted red pepper, burrata, and cheese sandwich from Cade Moso. Image courtesy of Cafe Moso
For a third option, head all the way uptown. Stop on Bellevue Ave and make the toughest decision of the day: do you prefer an Italian deli or a Mediterranean one? Either choice is right! For tasty Italian sandwiches and the thinnest chicken cutlets around, choose Sparo’s Deli & Catering. If you’re leaning more towards Mediterranean delights, wraps, and sandwiches, go for Bro’s Sandwiches. Grab your food, get back in the car (or bike) and head to the Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve. A small path on Riverview Drive opens up into a 19+ acre preserve that boasts a bridge, water, woods, paths, beautiful plants, and the chance to spot local animals like deer, frogs, fish, salamanders, and tons of birds. Eat your lunch on a bench or on a picnic blanket in a clearing and enjoy the silence and beauty surrounding you.
Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve. Image courtesy of Jon Grove
Wherever you go and whatever you eat, enjoy the wonderful weather and time alone. As we all know too well, winter is coming...
