According to the rankings, these are the eight “oldest” cities in New Jersey

When you think of New Jersey, “old world” isn’t often the first word that comes to mind.

The term generally refers to a simpler, more rustic lifestyle of earlier centuries. For the most densely populated state in the country, which is often associated – rightly or wrongly – with heavy traffic on busy highways, “simple” and “quaint” are mostly foreign words.

But not all areas of New Jersey have the same makeup, as WorldAtlas.com noted in its recent list of “Old World” cities. The travel website compiled a group of eight Garden State communities described as “the living, breathing centers of America’s living history,” from Revolutionary War battlefields to Victorian resorts along the Jersey Shore.

“Perfect for history buffs and families alike,” the website says, “these towns offer a quiet yet enlightening retreat from the usual hustle and bustle of major cities in the Northeast.”

Here is WorldAtlas.com’s list of eight old-world towns in New Jersey, the perfect day-trip destinations for locals looking to glimpse a bygone era.

Old World Cities in New Jersey (according to WorldAtlas)

• Cape May: The seaside resort at the lowest tip of New Jersey has a layout that encourages strolling, be it along the beach or through streets lined with shops and restaurants. Attractions include the Cape May Lighthouse, the World War II Lookout Tower and the Harriet Tubman Museum.

• Lambertville: Known as the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” Hunterdon County is home to several relics of bygone eras, including a hand-dug canal, a train depot, and historic homes and townhouses.

• Clinton: Another town in Hunterdon County, this town is best known for its Red Mill, which now serves as a museum. Clinton’s colorful storefronts and a waterfall along the Raritan River offer visitors beautiful views.

• Haddonfield: Camden County is home to the Kings Highway, which was named one of the top 10 major highways in the country by USA TODAY earlier this year. It also hosts numerous cultural and social events, including the Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival every July.

• Ocean Grove: Visitors to this Monmouth County resort can tour the beach and boardwalk areas as well as Tent City, a collection of tent homes that date back to the town’s founding in 1869.

• Allentown: Monmouth County is home to Conines Millpond, a facility with an 1855 mill that symbolizes its agricultural roots. Allentown is home to more than 200 homes listed on the state and national historic registers.

• Smithville: A timely addition to the list, the Atlantic County community of Galloway Township transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season with music, lights and seasonal treats.

• Medford: Located in Burlington County, the community contributed to population growth in the most recent census in 2020 due to its historic architecture and preservation of its past.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com Old towns in New Jersey include Cape May, Lambertville and more