An often overlooked tourist attraction, New Brunswick is proof that you don’t always have to travel to big cities to find entertainment, cultural activities, world-class art displays or fine dining. From listening to live music to visiting museums and walking down trails in a gorgeous botanical garden, here are the best things to do in New Brunswick, New Jersey, a charming small town worth discovering.
1. Go to a Jazz Concert. New Brunswick is proof that great things happen in small towns too! The New Brunswick Jazz Project is an NPO dedicated to bringing world class jazz performance in New Brunswick and the surrounding areas. They offer free year-round shows, so don’t miss your chance at listening to some good music in what was voted as one of the best small cities in the U.S., with music being a deciding factor for this title.To see a live jazz concert in New Brunswick, you can check out the events at the Garden State Ale House on 378 George St, New Brunswick, NJ.
2. Tour the Buccleuch Mansion The Buccleuch Mansion is a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1739 by Anthony White, son-in-law of colonial Governor Lewis Morris. The mansion was previously called The White House Farm but was later renamed Buccleuch. The mansion was deed to the City of New Brunswick in 1911 and is now administered by The Jersey Blue Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution that also administer tours. With such a rich history behind it, it would be a shame not to visit the mansion and learn more about its past.The Buccleuch Mansion is located at 200 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ, in the Buccleuch Park.
3. Read a Book at the Gardner A. Sage Library The Gardner A. Sage Library is an elegant example of Romanesque style and basilica design. Its round-arched design and clerestory windows deserve more visitors than just students studying for their finals. Be sure to step inside, enjoy the peace and quiet, and admire its architecture.To visit the library, just go to 21 Seminary Pl, New Brunswick, NJ.
4. Visit the New Brunswick Fire Department Museum The New Brunswick Fire Department Museum includes memorabilia and artifacts of the bravest men in the history of New Brunswick. Visitors can look at photographs of fire fights who served the city in the past and admire antique equipment. The museum offers guided tours to anyone interested in learning more about the history of fire fighting in New Brunswick.Visitors can find the New Brunswick Fire Department Museum at 93 Joyce Kilmer Ave, New Brunswick, NJ.
5. Stroll through Rutgers Gardens Rutgers Gardens are a hidden gem, a wonder to walk through and offers some great photo-taking opportunities as well. There are lots of trails, a lake, and even a pine forest. It’s a great way to get away from the city… within the city.