Things To Do
in Verona

Verona, United States is a small, leafy town in Essex County, New Jersey, just west of Montclair. It blends suburban charm with easy access to urban culture, making it a convenient base for day trips to New York City and the surrounding towns. The town centers on Verona Park, family-friendly eateries, and a walkable Main Street filled with local shops.

Visitors will find Italian-American heritage, welcoming neighborhoods, and plenty of green space to explore.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Verona's Historic Downtown
morning
:

Start your journey with a warm cup of coffee at a local café. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and visit the historic landmarks that capture the essence of Verona's culture. Don't forget to snap photos of the iconic 19th-century architecture that adorns the town.

afternoon
:

Head to one of Verona's delightful parks for a picnic lunch against the backdrop of nature. Afterward, visit a few boutiques and galleries that showcase the works of local artisans. End the afternoon with a visit to the Verona History Museum to learn more about the city's rich past.

evening
:

As the sun sets, wine and dine at a popular local restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, perhaps catching a live performance or musical event at a nearby venue. Finally, take a peaceful walk along the riverbanks, reflecting on your day in this picturesque town.

day 2
Adventure at Lake Koshkonong
morning
:

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to Lake Koshkonong for a day of water adventures. Rent kayaks or paddleboards and immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you navigate through the calm waters.

afternoon
:

After water activities, relax on the lakeside beach and soak up the sun while enjoying a packed picnic lunch. Explore the surrounding areas on foot or bike, discovering hidden gems and scenic viewpoints. Capture the beauty of the lake and its surroundings in photographs.

evening
:

Cook your catch of the day on the lakeside grill for an unforgettable dining experience. As night falls, gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows and share stories with fellow travelers. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake as the stars illuminate the night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
Coffee$3-5
🍝Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
🚗Gasoline per gallon$3-4
🏠One-bedroom apartment (monthly, city center)$1,800-2,600

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, family-friendly town with green spaces
  • Close to NYC with easy transit access
  • Strong Italian-American heritage and cuisine
  • Safe, walkable town center
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Smaller attractions and fewer large cultural institutions
  • Seasonal markets may be weather-dependent
  • Commuting to some destinations can take time

Places to Visit in Verona

Visit one of these nice places.

Verona Park Lake at sunrise

Calm waters, reflections, and a peaceful setting for landscape and portrait photos.

Bloomfield Avenue historic storefronts

Colorful brick facades and vintage signage provide charming street photography backdrops.

Verona Town Hall and Main Street corners

Architectural details and angles ideal for city-scape shots and candid street scenes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Verona

Verona’s cuisine blends Italian-inspired flavors with classic American staples, anchored by family-owned eateries and cozy cafes. Expect hearty pastas, brick-oven pizzas, and comforting sandwiches made with fresh local produce.

Verona Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pizza al forno (wood-fired pizza)

Thin-crust pies with crisp edges and fresh toppings, best enjoyed at a local pizzeria.

Must-Try!

Meatball Parmigiana on a hero

Savory meatballs in tomato sauce with melted cheese on a sturdy roll.

Chicken Scarpariello

Tangy, peppery chicken with sausage and peppers, a hearty Italian-American classic.

Espresso and cannoli

End your meal with a rich espresso and a crisp cannoli from a local bakery.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Verona Farmers Market (seasonal)

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and locally made treats.

Street food & delis

Casual options for Italian sandwiches, arancini, pretzels, and quick bites along town streets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Verona experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers, colorful falls, cold winters, and mild springs.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A friendly hello and a polite handshake are common in casual encounters.

Personal space

Respect personal space in public and avoid loud conversations in quiet residential areas.

Noise levels

Evenings in residential areas tend to be quieter; keep noise to a respectful level after dark.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe with standard urban precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and call 911 in emergencies.

Tipping in Verona

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, 15-20% is customary; some establishments may add a service charge for larger parties. Tipping taxi drivers 10-15% is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid days with occasional thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming trees make it ideal for walking tours and photos without heavy crowds.

Fall

Colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures; great for scenic drives and outdoor activities.

Winter

Cold with potential snow; indoor attractions and cozy eateries are appealing, and layers are essential.

Nightlife Guide

Verona at Night

Verona offers a quiet, family-friendly nightlife with cozy cafes, wine bars, and occasional live music at local venues. The focus is on conversation, quality coffee, and ambiance rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Verona

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Eagle Rock Reservation

Rugged trails with scenic overlooks and easy access from Verona; great for a half-day hike.

South Mountain Reservation

Extensive trail network with varied terrain and several lookout points; suitable for longer hikes.

Airports

How to reach Verona by plane.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Major international airport about 20-30 miles from Verona; easy access by car or NJ Transit to Newark.

Teterboro Airport (TEB)

Smaller, business-oriented airport nearby, convenient for private flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Verona has a compact town center with walkable streets, easily accessed parks, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Some hills and steep sidewalks may require care, but most amenities are within comfortable walking distance. Parking can be limited in the busiest areas, so consider walking or short drives for some spots.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many households with children; strong community networks and schools.

Young professionals

Commuters and residents connected to NYC and surrounding towns.

Italian-American community

A notable cultural presence influencing local cuisine and traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Local leagues and school teams are active; facilities available for public pickup games at parks.

Soccer

Parks and fields host youth and adult leagues; weekends see matches.

Baseball/Softball

Local little leagues and community fields in the area.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic follows typical NYC metro patterns. The town is accessible via major roads and has NJ Transit rail options in nearby towns; urban congestion can occur during rush hours, and parking in commercial corridors may be limited. Public transit is a convenient alternative to driving for trips toward Newark or NYC.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Verona.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable-forward pastas, salads, and pizzas; ask about meat-free sauces and broth ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Emergency services are available through local urgent care centers and nearby hospitals within 20-30 minutes. For non-emergency care, primary care physicians and specialists are located in Verona and neighboring towns. In case of emergency, call 911.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide