The UC Scoop - August 25, 2025

Bringing you eats and arts around Union County, NJ.

August 25, 2025

In partnership with

We’re riding the last waves of summer in Union County—ice cream cones in hand, music in the streets, and plenty of new spots to explore. From cozy cafés to canoe rides and concerts under the stars, this week is all about squeezing in the fun before September knocks.

Last week, we asked what you liked best about living in Union County and most of you enjoy the smal-town charm and community feel. Yay for Union County!

This week, instead of a poll, we have a quick 2-question survey on what’s your favorite restaurant or cafe in Union County. We want to hear from you!

New Openings

Almost Home General Store
719 Central Ave., Westfield

Almost Home General Store is having its soft opening. It’s at the former AlphaFit gym space on Central Avenue, bringing a cozy new café and lunch spot to town. The shop will serve coffee, light bites, and casual fare in a warm, welcoming setting designed to feel like an extension of home. With its mix of comfort and community vibe, it’s set to become a favorite gathering place for Westfield locals.

Coming Soon

Sam’s Table
377 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ

Opening September 4, 2025, Sam’s Table is a 26-seat, vegetable-forward restaurant from Montclair native Chef Sam Stymest. With an intimate setting and a menu that shifts with the seasons, the focus is on letting fresh, local produce shine in inventive ways. Reservations are now open, and with so few seats, this farm-driven spot is already generating buzz as one of the most anticipated dining experiences in town.

Fluffy Fluffy (soufflé pancake café)
100 N Union Avenue, Cranford
Part of North America’s Fuwa Fuwa brand, this Japanese-style soufflé pancake café will be serving its signature ultra‑airy pancakes and dessert beverages in a new two‑level space at 100 North Union. Expected to open later in summer/fall 2025.

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

Union County Weekly Weather Forecast (Aug 25–31, 2025)

This week looks like a true end-of-summer gem across Union County. Enjoy warm afternoons, crisp mornings—especially midweek—and a small chance of Friday showers keeping things interesting. Perfect weather for outdoor dining, local events, or taking a stroll in the sunshine.

Day	Low	High	Forecast Description
Monday	60°	85°	Variable cloudiness; less humid in the afternoon
Tuesday	60°	80°	Sunny to partly cloudy and nice
Wednesday	54°	79°	Partly sunny and pleasant (cooler start!)
Thursday	61°	80°	Sunshine with a few clouds
Friday	61°	79°	Periods of sun; a couple of afternoon showers possible
Saturday	62°	79°	Mostly sunny and lovely
Sunday	63°	82°	Sun with some clouds

Ideas for things to do outdoors to enjoy the gorgeous weather this week

Cranford Canoe Club
250 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

A true Union County gem since 1908, the Cranford Canoe Club lets you paddle the Rahway River by canoe or kayak for a peaceful outdoor escape. Rentals are available daily, and at around $30 for two hours, it’s an easy way to enjoy the water with friends or family. This season even comes with a sweet perk—on Tuesdays, every rental includes free ice cream. Whether you’re after fresh air, a touch of local history, or just a fun summer adventure, the Canoe Club delivers.

Reeves–Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue, Summit

Reeves–Reed Arboretum is a 13.5-acre public garden and historic estate listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Once the Wisner family estate, the grounds feature formal rose and azalea gardens, a sweeping daffodil bowl, and nearly six acres of shaded woodland trails shaped by noted landscape designers. Visitors can join free guided tours on Saturdays from April through mid-October or take part in volunteer horticulture sessions like Ground Force and Woodland Restoration. With its blend of history, seasonal beauty, and hands-on programs, it’s one of Union County’s most treasured green spaces.

Arts & Culture Events

Linden Summer Entertainment Series
August 26, 2025 (7:00 PM) - Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Avenue, Linden
3D Rhythm of Life will be performing this week.
Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival
August 26, 2025 (6:00 - 9:00PM) – Quimby Street & Foundation Park, Westfield
Saxsations at Quimby St. from 6-9pm and Higher Ground at Foundation Park (7-9pm)
Resisting the Spell: How Jane Austen Redefines Beauty
August 27, 2025 (7:00PM) - Scotch Plains Public Library
Discover the wit, wisdom, and subtle rebellion of Jane Austen in a talk that explores how her beloved novels challenge the concept of physical beauty.
Summer Series in Union Center
August 27, 2025 (6:30 - 9:00PM) - Stuyvesant Avenue (between Morris & Axton), Union
Stuyvesant Avenue (between Morris & Axton) will come alive with live musical performances, giant outdoor games, local vendors, restaurant specials, and much more!
Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds
August 28, 2025 (6:00 - 8:00PM) - Eastman Clock Plaza, Cranford
Burnside Manor will be performing this week.
Mayor’s Summer Concert Series
August 28, 2025 (6:30 - 8:30PM) - Outside UCPAC Main Stage, Rahway
DJ Funk Flex & DJ Nick Scalici will be bringing the music this week.
Downtown Plainfield Pop Up Concert Series
August 28, 2025 (6:30 - 8:30PM) - 107 Park Avenue (Park Plaza), Plainfield
Boyd Plus will be performing funk this week.
Mufasa: Screen on the Green
August 28, 2025 (7:00 - 9:45PM) – Village Green, Summit
Grab a blanket and enjoy a magical night under the stars with a free outdoor screening as part of Summit’s Screen on the Green series.

Farmers Markets

Scotch Plains – Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 430 Park Avenue
Summit – Sundays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 22 DeForest Avenue
Springfield – Mondays, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 66 Mountain Avenue
Roselle Park – Wednesdays, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Michael J. Mauri Park
Plainfield – Wednesdays, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Gavett Place
Union – Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM, 1980 Morris Avenue
Rahway – Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, 40 E. Milton Avenue
Roselle – Fridays, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 210 Chestnut Street

Other Events Outside of Union County

PlantCon International NYC 2025
August 30–31, 2025 - Pier 17, New York City
Calling all plant nerds! PlantCon makes its NYC debut with over 150 vendors offering rare plants, botanical art, and garden accessories. The weekend features workshops, speaker panels, plant competitions, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, it’s the ultimate green getaway.
Maplewood Village Summer Streets 2025
August 30, 2025 (5:00 - 8:00PM) - Corner of Highland Place & Maplewood Ave., Maplewood
MPack will be performing. Led by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Clarence “Groove Master” Conover, MPack fuses funk, jazz, blues, fusion, neo-soul, and R&B into a genre-defying experience that elevates mind, body, and soul.
Morris Museum – Back Deck
September 4, 2025 (7:30 - 9:00PM) - 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
Mike Davis and the New Wonders will be performing.

Know of someone else who might enjoy The UC Scoop? Send them over to theucscoop.beehiiv.com

We’d love your feedback. If you discover a new restaurant/cafe or event we should know about, email us at hey@theucscoop.com

Or if you enjoy this newsletter, let us know that too!

P.S. Want to sponsor The UC Scoop, feature an event, offer a reader’s deal? Let’s chat! Email us at hey@theucscoop.com

The UC Scoop - August 25, 2025

Subscribe to keep reading

Reply

Keep Reading

The UC Scoop