Remember the 2010 biographical romantic drama Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts? Her character, Liz Gilbert, leaves behind a painful divorce and an empty-feeling life to embark on a year-long quest for self-rediscovery across Italy, India and Bali. But sometimes the journey toward joy, balance, and self-compassion is much closer than you think—no passport or pilgrimage required. Sometimes all it takes is choosing a place that invites you to slow down, savor, and reconnect with yourself. Next stop—Montclair, NJ.
History and Soul
This idyllic North Jersey suburb is known for its green spaces, vibrant arts scene, and eclectic culinary landscape. Its name—“clear mountain” in French—reflects its perch along the Watchung Mountains. The region was initially home to the Lenape people and later a rural hamlet visited by George Washington. Montclair has evolved into a cultural haven: quiet yet creative, historic yet full of life. With New York City just 20 miles east, it attracts those seeking charm, character, and soul.
Deep Social Connectedness
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Montclair’s identity—its storytellers, culture keepers, and everyday connectors. Beyond the 200 eateries, boutiques, and tree-lined streets, the town hums with creative energy from well-known artists and media voices who call it home. And with cultural anchors like the Montclair Art Museum, the Wellmont Theater, the Montclair Film Festival (MFF), the Montclair Jazz Festival, and Montclair Pride, it’s clear that here, culture isn’t an accessory—it’s a lifestyle.
Community Pride
The magic of a town lives in its gathering places. Over the years, I’ve built real relationships with shop owners who know their customers by name—creating trust, warmth, and a sense of being rooted.
Here are a few of my favorite small business hubs to experience during your Montclair getaway:
EAT — Kai Yang Restaurant
Kai Yang delivers clean, organic Thai street-market flavors and gluten-free options that make indulgence guilt free. Their signature kai yang (grilled chicken) is marinated in lemongrass, garlic, palm sugar, and fish sauce, then slow roasted to perfection. The papaya salad with jumbo prawns is delectable, and their Thai iced tea with coconut milk is my go-to. Female owner Sheree Sarabhaya infuses her mother’s Sunday-inspired recipes into every dish. www.kaiyangnj.com.
PRAY — Blu Lotus Metaphysical Center
Blu Lotus is a sanctuary for peace, meditation, and spiritual healing. For 30 years, it has remained a beloved community pillar. Whether you’re seeking a psychic reading, Reiki, a holistic massage, or grounding energy from a hand-selected crystal, tranquility meets you at the door. This past year, as I became a Certified Life and Health Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher, I was honored when co-owner Craig Sloan invited me to join the staff as a resident practitioner. I now curate monthly workshops rooted in Yogic self-healing modalities. www.blulotuscenter.com.
LOVE — The Xperience
The Xperience offers empowering workouts designed to elevate mind, body, and spirit. Founded by Kennyata Bell, this female-owned studio hooked me from my first Beach Booty Burn class. I returned for boxing and yoga, each time benefiting from small-group training led by dedicated instructors. With classes ranging from Barre and Boxing to Hot HIIT, Yoga, and personal training, it’s a space where you strengthen your body and open your heart to a new relationship—with yourself. www.xperiencestudionj.com.
Whether you’re a local or visiting, Montclair transforms the ordinary into a place filled with diversity, inclusion, culture, and genuine love. And unlike Liz Gilbert, it won’t take a year to discover your inner joy and balance. If you’re planning a staycation, book right in town at The George or The MC, Autograph Collection. Discover more about Montclair, NJ at www.montclaircenter.com. You may even find a new kind of self-love along the way. Cheers!
Photo: Courtesy of The George.
