Main Street NJ: Scotch Plains

On Nov 21, 2023

Scotch Plains is a vibrant suburban community with a charming downtown featuring many “mom-and-pop” small businesses, restaurants, boutique, and specialty shops. Scotch Plains is also rich in history with many historic buildings and sites located around town. Downtown is the center of many free events and recreational opportunities such as street fairs, performing arts, and the famous farmers market which all bring the community together to celebrate its history and diversity. “It’s Happening” in Downtown Scotch Plains!

Popular Culture

Got Music? Scotch Plains is known as the home of several members of the 1960s band The Critters and of Pat Dinizo, lead singer & songwriter of the Smithereens, one of the biggest alternative rock bands of the 1980s.

World renowned bands including The Who, Cream, Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Black Sabbath all performed at Union Catholic High School between 1967-1971.

Did you know?

The Shady Rest Country Club, the first African American country club in the nation, is located in Scotch Plains. It’s golf pro, John Shippen, was the first American born professional golfer to enter the U.S. Open Championship. The club also hosted jazz and blues legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

About Scotch Plains

Founded: 1684

Population: 24,500

Mayor: Joshua G. Losardo

County: Union

Main Shopping District: Park Avenue & East Second Street

# of stores downtown: 180

Town Favorites

Restaurants: Stage House Tavern, Darby Road Public House & Restaurant, Massa Roman Square Pizza & Italian Specialties, Hung’s Shanghai Restaurant, Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern, Soul Bowls

Popular Shops: Apple Blossom Flower Shop, John’s Meat Market, Black Drop Coffee, Swiss Pastry Shoppe, Scoops Ice Creamery, Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League Thrift Shop

Other Attractions? Osborne Cannonball House, Shady Rest Golf & Country Club, The Aunt Betty Frazee House, Alan M. Augustine Village Green, Scotch Plains Baptist Church, Watchung Reservation, Ash Brook Golf Course

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