Best Towns for Day Trips: New Brunswick

Any local in New Brunswick is probably thinking, “A day trip to New Brunswick, really?” And the answer to the question is: Yes, really! There are so many things that people in the area take for granted, but this town in Central Jersey is the best place for any family wanting to spend the day with great food and activities that might even need a week.

In the heart of New Brunswick (and what you could say the city is most known for) is Rutgers University. You can dive into college life on campus and get a taste of the food. It might not be what the university is known for, but the different food places on campus are the perfect pit stop for any craving — RU Hungry, Honeygrow, El Jefe’s Taqueria, and the newest food place, the Atrium.

Once you’re full from what you’ve eaten, take a stroll throughout the College Avenue campus, especially as the fall weather approaches, because it’ll be a sight to see with the changes in the trees.

For any of the athletic fans out there, make sure to get into Rutgers’ athletics and the different sports games people can attend, even if you don‘t attend the university. After all, it’s football season, and if you attend the game or want to just try the food instead of attending, check out all of the food trucks on the Rutgers Boardwalk. The boardwalk includes trucks that focus on wings, coffee, egg rolls, lobster, grilled cheese, rice balls, barbecued food, Latino American food, pizza, burritos, vegan options, and so much more. On top of food, there is a day full of activities for families, including a balloon artist, face painting for the kids, carnival games, a Ferris wheel, and a caricature artist.

One thing that makes any town a great place to visit is the food. A classic New Brunswick restaurant is Stuff Yer Face. It’s been serving strombolis since 1977 and has only grown in the different kinds you can order. There are many variations of this calzone-like sandwich stuffed with meats, vegetables or seafood, along with cheese and sauce. There are also regulart sandwiches, burgers and pizza on the menu.

Right next to Stuff Yer Face is Thomas Sweet Ice Cream, which is the best way to end your meal. Both the ice cream and the chocolates have been handmade since 1983. People line up year-round for a cup, cone or cake.

On Dennis Street is The Frog and The Peach, one of New Jersey’s most acclaimed restaurants. From Sunday brunch to happy hour to offering private events and a vast menu, this restaurant is for any foodie out there. For the adults, there is a huge wine list to choose from, as if there is a different wine selection for every entree. Whether the lunch menu or dinner menu is the one that’ll be chosen, make sure to make a reservation as it can get quite popular.

If these won’t satisfy your taste buds, try Fritz’s. With all-day breakfast and prices that won’t break the bank, this diner-like restaurant is perfect for those who have very different preferences on what to eat.

And lastly, for those who like ramen but want an upgrade, try Ramen Nagomi. This place isn’t for the picky eaters out there, because the ramen has an upscale fancy side compared to the stereotypical dorm room meal.

Once everyone’s stomachs are full, make sure to try out some of the day-filled activities New Brunswick has to offer. A free option is visiting the Zimmerli Art Museum, which is located on Rutgers’ College Avenue campus. There are thousands of different artworks from different time periods to be viewed, and before heading to the museum, check out its calendar of events to see if there will be any when you go.

George Street Playhouse is another way to spend hours of your time, but in this instance, it’s for plays instead of pieces of art on display. Currently, the playhouse is showing “The Pianist,” “Having Our Say,” “Tick, Tick… Boom!,” and a few others to check out as well.

Similar to George Street Playhouse, the State Theater New Jersey hosts Broadway shows, concerts, comedy series, family series, and more. It’s the perfect way to relax with the family while getting some entertainment and getting to know the area, as it’s right near a ton of restaurants. In October, the State Theater will be showing, “Pretty Women: The Musical,” “A Live Conversation with John Cusack,” multiple films played with a live orchestra, and an endless amount of other events to attend.

Are you in the mood for some comedy? Stress Factory Comedy Club is where all your laughs will be met. With numerous comedic talent taking the stage, there is sure to be a joke or two that’ll wipe away all the stress in life. Keep in mind, most shows are not for kids under 16.

If you want to go somewhere that doesn’t require any cents to leave your wallet and don’t need to reserve a specific time for it, go to the free parks in New Brunswick. Boyd Park, located at Memorial Parkway in the town, is a 20-acre park that offers walking trails for people to walk along the Raritan River. It is a perfect location for a family picnic or to relax in the sun. Another free park for any outdoors fan is Buccleuch Park, located on Easton Avenue. This park is more than twice the size of Boyd Park, being more than 70 acres, with Buccleuch Mansion being located inside the park — one of New Brunswick’s oldest and historic landmarks and a sight to see.

Another spot that’ll let you be more immersed in nature is Rutgers Garden. Open year-round with free admission, Rutgers Garden is a botanical garden that offers a “living museum” for families to see and walk through the different gardens and plant collections — perfect for a picnic or a family photo for some greeting cards. Although it’s technically in North Brunswick, it’s just a short drive over the border.