Things to See and Do in Plainfield NJ: Explore Great Places & Attractions

We love being both local residents and a local business residing in Plainfield, NJ.  The vibrant Queen City area is a bustling hub of arts, culture, community, and food that you just can’t find anywhere else.  There’s always something to see, experience, and explore in our amazing city.  We adore living in an area that prompts community involvement in the arts through public murals, art installations, socially conscious events, and more.  On today’s blog, we’re sharing some of our favorite things to see and do around Plainfield!  Come and get to know our city as well as we do, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with her, too.

Take a Mural Tour of Plainfield: “Birds of Bloom” mural by Mr. Mustard, “Queen City Mural” on Queen City Dispensary, “Richmond Ave/North Ave” mural featuring Muhammad Ali and Bob Marley, “Folklore of America” and “Quilting Bee” Murals on Plainfield Post Office, “Floral Mural” on Gavett Place in Downtown Plainfield, Greenbrook Road + West End Ave has a utility box mural!  Each year the city also hosts the annual Queen City Station Festival, Plainfield Arts Festival, Arts in Bloom Festival, and many more events connecting local creators, musicians, filmmakers, and the community together for public events and marketplaces.

Drake House Museum is a local landmark and colonial historic site, bult in 1746 for Isaac Drake’s son, Nathaniel.  This historic home is now turned into a public museum, but it was once a meetinghouse for George Washington and his officers during the Battle of Short Hills.  The farmhouse was originally a 1.5 story building and later converted to Victorian era styling.  The building was changed from 4 rooms and a kitchen, to an extended first floor hallway, additional library, music room, additional towers, and higher room.  It’s now lovingly maintained by the Historical Society of Plainfield.

Cedarbrook Park is a part of the Union County Parks network which covers 6,200 acres total!  It includes a baseball field, basketball court, cricket field, soccer field, softball field, picnic area, playground, tennis courts, spray pool, fitness trail, handball court, and even an opportunity to do some fishing!  Cedarbrook Park is also home to multiple special events and community gatherings throughout the year, offering local residents and families the opportunity to connect with one another and support local initiatives. The charming Shakespeare Garden, once run by the Plaintifeld Garden Club, is a 95+ year old recreation of an English Garden during The Bard’s historic time; the garden features plants and flowers mentioned during each of Shakespeare’s works!  Taking a walk through the Shakespeare garden provides opportunities to reconnect with nature as well as learn about the Plainfield Garden Club’s role during both the Great Depression and WWII.

Green Brook Park is a 100 acre county park with a baseball field, basketball court, picnic area, playground, soccer field, and plenty of options for running, cycling, walking, and fishing. This dog friendly location is perfect for an afternoon out with your furry best friend and your kids!

Plainfield Performing Arts Center  is part of the city’s growing initiative to cultivate the creative arts community in Plainfield.  This venue encompasses a concert hall, theater, multi-use studios, a dance studio, gallery, and an all purpose reception room.  It’s open 7 days a week and for special events.  PPAC focuses on cultivating and curating exhibitions, programming, special events, and public arts opportunities that center around connecting the local community, social justic, healing, and both self and community empowerment.  Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal programming including plays, special concert series, holiday events, movie screenings, and so much more.

Swain Galleries is a historic building and art gallery collective specializing in framing, fine arts, and restoration of art pieces.  It’s considered Plainfie’ds oldest running retail establishment, opening more than 140 years prior in a small wooden shop on a dirt road!  Philip Swain first opened his shop in 1868 as a frame maker and practical gilder, and later his son, Walter P. Swain, took over operations and expanded the business. The family run establishment survived 2 World Wars as well as the Great Depression and continues to flourish today.  In 1949, Walter P. Swain, Jr, took over for his father and grandfather, and moved the business to the historic Victorian Home in Plainfield’s Historic Crescent District where it operates today. The current owner is Ann Swain, and she is in the 4th generation of Swains to run the business within her family’s tradition.

Sleepy Hollow Historic District is a charming collective of homes in a historic section of Plainfield which aims to enhance, restore, and preserve the historic homes and neighborhood.  The Sleepy Hollow Neighbors group aims to foster interest and community engagement. A drive through the streets in this historic neighborhood is like stepping back in time!  Be sure to keep an eye out for community events in the neighborhood like community wide garage sales, garden tours, and more.

Crescent Area Historic District covers 47-acres of historic development in Plainfield, including the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Goddard House, several Victorian Houses and buildings in historic architectural styles including Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, English Gothic, Second Empire Style, and more.

Grab a Bite to Eat at some of our favorite local restaurants.  The Plainfield area has a wide array of Central and South American and Latin American Eateries, as well as restaurants featuring Portugese, Italian, Barbecue, Fisheries, and more.  Some local favorites include: Boss Hog Barbecue, Plainfield Donut Shop, Spain Inn, Flying Wings and Fish, Queen City Roasters, Mamajuana Cafe Plainfield, El Poblado Restaurant, Jessica’s Restaurant, Italian Village, just to name a few.  You’ll find many of these local restaurants as well as roving food trucks and small business caterers in attendance at local fairs and festivals including the Queen City Street Fair Annual event.

Feel free to let us know some of your favorite things to do and places to see here in Plainfield!

Pinto Carpentry is proud to have our headquarters right here in Plainfield, New Jersey!  While our shop and office are not open to the general public, you’re welcome to reach out to us and request an appointment.  Our expert team of carpenters, installers, and admin crew have more than 20 years of industry experience and knowledge. You’ll be in good hands with our staff as we create a custom quote tailored to your design and aesthetic needs and to suit your budget requirements.  Being a family-owned and operated business means we can give our clients the personal one-to-one care and attention that larger competitor corporations cannot, and we pride ourselves on our enthusiasm and connection with each of our clients.  We strive to find you the best quality materials and bring you our absolute best skill and intense passion for carpentry.  

There’s no job too large or too small for our crew, and we serve most regions of New Jersey for both residential and commercial projects.  Our schedule does fill up quickly, but rest assured we’ll slot you into the soonest appointment we’ve got!  Our expert handrail carpenters and bespoke stairbuilders are truly a cut above the rest! Reach out to Pinto Carpentry at 908-922-1778 or on any of our social media platforms to learn more.