5 Ways That Morristown Has Reopened This Spring

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The pandemic isn't over yet. But in many ways, Morristown took major steps to reopen.

New Jersey took its most drastic reopening step yet Wednesday, dropping capacity limits in spaces such as restaurants, houses of worship and stores — people and groups must retain 6 feet apart.

And now, there's more you can do in Morristown than there has been in a long time. Here are five ways the town has reopened this spring.

1. The Dining Scene

Restaurants went months adhering to 50 percent capacity for indoor dining. Gov. Phil Murphy lifted the restriction Wednesday.

And now, even some restaurants that closed themselves to dining are welcoming people back. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen reopens its oyster bar and patio Wednesday.

Additionally, some restaurants that had to relocate because of redevelopment may reopen soon. Cluck U Morristown — previously part of the Midtown Shopping Plaza — hopes to reopen next month at 162 South St., according to its Facebook page.

2. Businesses Reopening Doors

While many businesses were able to reopen doors at some point last year, others chose to wait. BeWell, a wellness center and yoga studio, remained closed until earlier this month. Read more: Morristown Wellness, Yoga Center Back After Over A Year Closed

The pandemic forced many companies to rethink how many of their jobs could stay remote. But that hasn't stopped office development in Morristown.

M Station — a major redevelopment project replacing the strip mall and parking lot by the train station — found a tenant to fill out several floors of office space. Professional services firm Deloitte plans to relocate to Morristown in the third quarter of this year. Read more: Morristown Redevelopment: First Tenants Prepare Move To M Station

3. Welcoming Tourists Back

The Morris County Tourism Bureau wants to welcome people back, and they have a new activity for residents and visitors. The bureau developed a free app — "Morristown Walking Tour and Beyond" — that brings people to 27 historic sites throughout downtown Morristown and around Morris County.

Here are links to access the app through Apple, Google Play Store and your browser. Read more: Free App Provides Walking Tour Of Historic Morristown Sites

4. Public Bathrooms

OK, hear me out. Remember April 2020, when there wasn't much to do outside home besides go to the park? You had to go — no pun intended — with the expectation that you wouldn't be able to use a public bathroom.

That's no longer an issue at the Jockey Hollow historic site. Morristown National Historic Park reopened the Jockey Hollow restrooms Friday. Masks must be worn, and no more than four people at a time.

5. The Nightlife

Morristown went a long time without an important aspect of its economy: the nightlife. But it's beginning to return, with capacity limits stricken and bar seating now allowed.

Iron Bar is celebrating with what they call "normal for now." People must remain seated, but the weekend atmosphere is returning.

Laundromat Bar, Morristown's "speakeasy," also looked forward to returning to full capacity.

Are you a business owner or do you have a favorite business that's reopening? Tell Patch in the comments below or email josh.bakan@patch.com. We may include it in a future roundup.

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