Discovering Montclair: A Weekend Getaway with Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown, the renowned beauty entrepreneur, invites you to explore Montclair, New Jersey, her beloved hometown. Nestled in the scenic Watchung Mountains, just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair offers a refreshing escape filled with culture, nature, and unique experiences.

The George

Bobbi Brown describes The George as a hotel that reflects the creativity and style of Montclair residents. This meticulously refurbished, 32-room inn occupies a grand 1902 mansion, originally designed by architect Joseph Van Vleck Jr. The property boasts globally sourced decor that adds to its unique charm. Despite being new to the hotel industry, Brown and her husband Plofker succeeded in creating a distinct and design-focused atmosphere that captures the essence of their community. For more information, visit thegeorgemontclair.com.

Jones Road

In Montclair, visitors can access the flagship store for Jones Road, Brown’s newest beauty venture, which focuses on clean, no-makeup makeup. Notably, the store emphasizes safety, banning over 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients. Additionally, Jones Road regularly hosts events and workshops, further enriching the community’s cultural landscape. More details can be found at jonesroadbeauty.com.

Montclair Art Museum

Brown expresses her pride in the Montclair Art Museum, a state-of-the-art institution housing over 12,000 American art pieces. Currently, the museum features From My Home to Yours, a multimedia exhibition showcasing the work of Indigenous artists Caroline Monnet and Laura Ortman. Discover the museum’s offerings at montclairartmuseum.org.

Yogi Berra Museum

Bobbi Brown fondly recalls her friendship with the legendary Yogi Berra, whose memorabilia is celebrated at the Yogi Berra Museum located on the Montclair State University campus. This museum not only showcases baseball history but also serves as a tribute to Yogi and his wife Carmen, highlighting their influence in the community. For more insights, visit yogiberramuseum.org.

Faubourg

For a delightful culinary experience, Brown recommends Faubourg, a brasserie known for its exquisite French-inspired cuisine. With dishes like coq au vin and delicious Monegasque fritters, it offers a charming outdoor space perfect for enjoying wine and cocktails. More information can be found at faubourgmontclair.com.

Boho Hair Salon & Café

Brown advocates supporting female-owned establishments, and Boho Hair Salon & Café is one of her favorites. Operated by three friends, it embodies beauty and sisterhood, offering fantastic salon services along with artisanal coffee. For a delightful experience, the combination of a blowout and a latte is hard to beat. For more information, visit thebohocafe.com and bohohairsalon.com.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2022 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “The New New Jersey.”