Watchung Advice (& IP trades?)

I don't really have store recommendations, but the nearest brewery is Trap Rock in Berkeley Heights. High-end restaurant with a decent brewery.
A place that's more low key and has a pretty great beer selection is The Stirling Hotel in Stirling. Food is great there, too.
Other nearby spots are The Tap Room at The Somerset Hills Hotel and Chimney Rock Inn, either location but Stirling is closer. (If I only had time for one of these, it would be The Stirling Hotel).

 

Bottle Shops (within 15 minutes drive)
Buy Rite in North Plainfield
Super Saver in Somerville
Gary's in Madison
Breweries (within 45 minute drive)
Kane in Ocean
Carton in Atlantic Highlands
Weyerbacher in Easton PA
Bars/Brewpubs (as mentioned)
The Stirling Hotel in Stirling/Gillette
Trap Rock in Berkley Heights
The Tap Room in Warren

Buy Rite in N. Plainfield does growler fills also and always has Kane Head High on tap which is a must try. They also get Carton Boat & 077XX cans often so if you can't make it to Kane and Carton that is a good stop to make. And if you are taking the trip west on 78 to Weyerbacher, stop at Abes in Bethlehem for some PA distribution you can't find in NJ.... Bells, Russian River (excl. their IPA's), Deschutes, Cigar City, and others.

And if that suitcase is filled with Half Acre, Revolution and Three Floyds let me know what time your flight arrives so I can pick you up at EWR.

 

Couldn't have said it better than @GoGators

Let us know what you can get from those breweries, and I am sure you will find some IP trades.

 

Delicious Heights in Berkley Heights and Hat Tavern in Summit are also good choices for restaurants...but agree with the above that Stirling Hotel is best in the area.