One Afternoon in Montclair: A Food Crawl That Ends at the James Howe House and Van Vleck Gardens

SOUTH ORANGE VILLAGE FOOD TOUR FIELD GUIDE

One Afternoon in Montclair: A Food Crawl That Ends at the James Howe House and Van Vleck Gardens

A single, three-hour summer walk that blends three tastings with docent-led stops at historic homes — useful for planning the logistics and highlights of this August 1 event.

One Afternoon in Montclair: A Food Crawl That Ends at the James Howe House and Van Vleck Gardens.

Duration
3 hours
Location
South Orange Village
Operator
Chow Town Food Tours
Category
Food Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This is a concentrated summer offering from Chow Town Food Tours and the Montclair History Center: a three-hour food crawl and historic-homes walk through the Upper Mountain Avenue section of Montclair that combines three meals with guided visits to several period residences, including the James Howe House, and finishes with a stroll through the Van Vleck gardens.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE HISTORY

A Private Look at the James Howe House

The tour includes a visit and culturally curated tasting at the James Howe House, a newly listed site on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, with preservation experts providing a private presentation.

THE FLAVORS

Three Meals, Diverse Traditions

Over the course of the walk participants sample a range of flavors — from a beloved local griddle-and-breakfast destination to classic Jersey pizza — curated to reflect different periods, traditions and palates.

THE ROUTE

Upper Mountain Avenue and Van Vleck Gardens

The all-inclusive route moves on foot through the Upper Mountain Avenue corridor, with stops at several historic homes led by Montclair History Center docents and concluding with a stroll through Van Vleck gardens.

What the day feels like

What the Afternoon Feels Like

Expect a compact, sociable three-hour walk that alternates bites and context: tastings at three restaurants, a curated meal and private tour at the James Howe House, docent-led stops to unpack the architecture and stories of local homes, and a closing walk through the Van Vleck gardens.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this afternoon is best for — and who may want to sit this one out.

1
FoodiesIdeal for people who want concentrated tastings and a chance to compare a small set of signature local spots in one afternoon.
2
History BuffsWell suited to travelers interested in local history and architecture, with docent-led stops and a private presentation at the James Howe House.
3
Active StrollersA good match for visitors who enjoy walking tours and are comfortable moving between multiple on-foot stops over three hours.
4
Lifelong LearnersPerfect for those who want context and storytelling alongside tastings — the tour is designed to pair food with historical interpretation.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a single, three-hour event that runs from 1pm to 4pm on the offered date.

What to Bring

Bring an appetite and plan for several on-foot sections; dress for walking and the summer weather.

Meeting Point

The group assembles at the MC Hotel, 690 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where can I find more details and common questions about the tour?

See the FAQ on the operator's website for full details and common questions.

Is there more information about accessibility and dietary needs?

Please consult the tour FAQ on the Chow Town Food Tours website for guidance on accessibility and dietary accommodations.

How do I confirm meeting times and the exact meeting place?

Confirm meeting time and location on the tour FAQ page; the website's FAQ is the primary location for logistics updates.

Where can I read the cancellation and refund policy?

Visit the operator's FAQ on their website to review cancellation and refund policies.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions before the event?

Refer to the tour FAQ online for contact information and further inquiries.