Hightstown/East Windsor - Hightstown, NJ

East Windsor and Hightstown provided thousands of acres of farmland and open country for some of the first rail tracks laid in central New Jersey. Farmed goods were able to be transported easily out of the state, causing an increase in commerce.

Both neighborhoods remain suburban, so most of the museums and activity centers can be found in surrounding towns. New Jersey residents love Halloween, and several scare houses and elaborate spook events are housed in Hightstown and East Windsor. Some stay open past Halloween and open early in the year. The performances attract thousands of people from surrounding states every year.

Hightstown holds its annual Hightstown Harvest Fair every year at the beginning of October. Thousands flock to East Windsor and Hightstown to attend. Kids enjoy face painting and balloon animals, and adults meander through the 250-plus vendors selling homemade goods and foods.

Kochi Indian Cuisine, located on Route 130 South in East Windsor, serves authentic Indian food inspired by northern and southern India as well as Kerala and the Spice Coast. The menu features meat-centric delicacies like chicken tikka masala and spicy beef curry, as well as vegetarian dishes such as vegetables cooked in spiced cream sauce or vegetables and rice with Indian spices. The food proves to be some of the best Indian fare in the area and for affordable prices.

Morgan's Island Grille, located in the heart of Hightstown on Mercer Street, features traditional Caribbean and island cuisine. Patrons enjoy dishes like spicy jerk chicken and oxtail, while vegetarians have options such as vegetable patties served with fries or salad or rice dishes. The portions tend to be large and one plate can easily feed two people. The prices are fair and considered low if two people share a meal.

While there are no nightclubs located in the East Windsor or Hightstown neighborhoods, a few bars attract locals and visitors with live music and drink and beer specials. Tavern on the Lake provides the ideal nightspot location, as it is situated on North Main Street in the center of both neighborhoods. Every Wednesday the bar has karaoke night as well as a DJ and on weekends hosts live bands or DJs. Special events are held throughout the year, including Jazz Night and Night Out Parties. The bar serves food until 11 p.m. and drink specials include $3 Monster Mug domestic beers and $5 appetizers for happy hour.

The most common way to get around both neighborhoods is by car. Most residents own and drive a vehicle and use that as their main mode of transportation. The area provides access to major roadways including Route 130, which runs north and south through central New Jersey, and Route 33, which runs east then north along the Jersey Shore. The New Jersey Turnpike runs along the east side of East Windsor and Hightstown, providing easy access to the southern and northern parts of the state as well as New York City and beyond.

No designated bike lanes exist in East Windsor or Hightstown, so bikers should be careful when traveling on the road with vehicles. Downtown Hightstown remains small, which keeps traffic slow and safe for pedestrians and bikers alike. Once outside of the downtown Hightstown area, people should be more cautious. Hightstown houses several parks near the downtown area, making walking very pleasant and a favorite activity with locals. Both East Windsor and Hightstown remain safe neighborhoods great for walking around with the family or even alone at night.

Uber car service can be used in both neighborhoods with a base price for a one-way ride starting at $5 and costing $2.70 per mile after that. Taxis cannot easily be hailed in East Windsor or Hightstown, but pickup can be scheduled. Cab rides start at $8 for drop off in a neighboring town or city.

Hightstown is home to many parks, including Memorial Park next to Peddie Lake and Peddie School. The park features a water fountain and monument erected to pay tribute to the veterans of World War II. The park also marks the center point of the neighborhood, and many restaurants and shops can be found just outside of it. The park allows leashed dogs. Peddie Lake allows for fishing and boating, and residents enjoy watching Peddie School students on the crew team use the lake for practice. The lake also allows ice skating in the winter.

Dawes Park in the middle of Hightstown provides a kid-friendly playground and basketball courts, as well as ample room for picnicking. The park allows leashed dogs.

Association Park, located on the north side of Hightstown, hosts musical performances and concerts in the spring and summer months. Plenty of picnic space and open areas provide residents and visitors with the perfect spot to play sports or have lunch. Leashed dogs can go into the park.

None of the parks in the area have fees for entry. Residents of East Windsor venture into Hightstown to enjoy the various parks and recreation areas as well as the lake.

The cost of living in the Hightstown and East Windsor area runs average compared to the rest of central New Jersey. A typical one-bedroom apartment averages $1,078.67 per month.

A beer at a local restaurant or bar starts at around $3 for a domestic beer and can go up to $7 or $8 for a specialty or craft brew. The price also depends on the establishment.

Residents in East Windsor and Hightstown tend to drive, as this method provides the quickest and easiest way to get in and out of both neighborhoods. Gas prices in both neighborhoods run about the same as the New Jersey state average and about 11 percent below the national average.

Hightstown's downtown area provides a great shopping experience for residents and visitors to both neighborhoods. The Euphemia Gallery features a museum and art gallery as well as a large gift shop full of handmade and imported goods. The shop has a cozy and inviting feel with a very friendly staff. The owners welcome patrons in with warmth and answer any questions happily. Ephemia proves to be a one-stop shop for visitors wanting to admire beautiful local art while they get a little piece of Hightstown's history and have a pleasant shopping experience.

Perrenial Home, located on West Ward Street in the heart of Hightstown, attracts residents and visitors all year long. The shop features hand-blown glass pieces for decorating and gifts. The shop also sells handmade jewelry and baby items as well as artwork and gifts like candles.

The Hightstown Farmers Market runs from June through September every year in Memorial Park on Peddie Lake near Peddie School. Many residents participate in the market, selling homemade goods such as food, soaps and candles. The market opens every Friday. East Windsor residents can go to the Hightstown market or to the 130 Farmers Market, located on Route 130, which stays open year-round.

The main grocery stores in East Windsor and Hightstown are ShopRite on Route 130 in East Windsor and Jhan's Grocery & Deli in Hightstown.