Fair Lawn's history traces back to the Lenni-Lenape tribes and is scattered with historical sites, such as Garretson Forge and Farm, the Dutch House Tavern and the planned community of Radburn. Today, the town services commuters with two train stations and hosts three shopping districts along Broadway, River Road and Fair Lawn Avenue.
FAMILY FUN
Bowling enthusiasts take heart. The sport is alive and well, especially at the Brunswick Maple Lanes. Grab your bowling balls, spray the rented shoes and get on the lanes! And, to get started, get your balls, bags and accessories at Metro Bowl. In the summer, enjoy swimming at Memorial Pool and the Summer Concert Series in July at the Isadore Freeman Bandshell in Memorial Park.
ADDRESSING SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Fair Lawn uses a unique house-numbering system. Homes here carry hyphenated numbers; the first numbers corresponding to the block-distances from Broadway (going north) and from the Passaic River (going east); the numbers after the dash, counting mostly by fours, refer to the house number.
THESPIANS AND THEATER
One of New Jersey's oldest theater groups, the Radburn Players perform original plays as well as classics like The Prisoner of Second Avenue and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Productions are staged at The Grange Hall. St. Anne Stages, associated with St. Anne's R.C. Church, presents musical theater and comedy, including Into the Woods, Smokey Joe's Cafe and Seussical.
POPULAR EATERIES
The River Palm Terrace, The Dutch House Tavern, Oceanos, Johnny & Hanges, and Rivara's.
SHOPPING
Planning a home reno? Kuiken Brothers, a family business, has everything you need with quality service, to boot. While making your personal statement on your home, let the folks at Ricciardi Brothers choose a splash of color to give your walls some pizzazz.
This might not be for everybody, but Hot Rod Gallery, adjacent to Screamin' Ink, has a wide selection of hot rod art and artifacts. Cool stuff.
For a little TLC for your baby – your car that is – visit Elite Car Wash, specializing in hand car washing for the personal touch.
HISTORICAL SITES
Garretson Forge and Farm is one of Bergen's oldest historic sites, dating back to 1719. The west wing and the kitchen are original to the building, built between 1708 and 1730.
The Naugle House on Dunkerhook Road was built in the 18th century by Jacob Vanderbeck's son-in-law, a paymaster to General Lafayette's troops. Lafayette stayed in the house for a few nights in 1824 before heading back to France after the Revolutionary War. The Cadmus House, adjacent to the Radburn railroad station, features exhibits about Fair Lawn's history.
New to Bergen?
(201) Welcome magazine tells you the best places in the county for shopping, dining and more. For a free copy, call (201) 646-6954.
