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by Karanja Gacuca
 Located on
the Raritan River in central New Jersey, New Brunswick is less than an hour from
New York City. A university town with Rutgers claiming a good portion of the city,
there is a surprising amount for the visitor to do.
Steven Lenox, public information
officer at the mayor's office, proudly proclaimed the town's theater district as
second to none. Indeed, the Crossroads Theatre won a Tony award for one of their
plays.
In addition to the town's
cultural offerings, you'll also have a number of dining, shopping and entertainment
options to choose from. Whether you're visiting Rutgers or simply looking for someplace
new to explore, New Brunswick has plenty in store for you.
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THINGS
TO DO
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See more info on activities and businesses
A 50-minute train ride
from NYC, New Brunswick's train station is dead in the heart of downtown, providing
easy access to the theater district, shopping and dining. The main exit by the ticket
office and waiting lounge opens onto the junction of Easton Avenue to the right,
Albany Street to the left and French Street straight ahead.
I walked about five minutes
to the City Hall, on Bayard Street at the top of Spring Street, where I picked
up a guide to the town with a detailed map of New Brunswick. There is no Chamber
of Commerce specific to the town, but there is a not-for‚profit organization called
City Market, which produces the aforementioned guide to local businesses.
City Market is housed in Albany Plaza, on the next block up after Spring
Street
 Walk along
George Street, past the Civil War monument, and you'll hit Livingston Street and
the theater district.
The State Theatre is a magnificently restored 1921 vaudeville palace that
presents a diversity of world-class acts. Host to New Jersey's American Repertory
Ballet, past performances have also included the Vienna Boy's Choir and Penn
and Teller. They've also had performances from two Russian companies including the
Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra and the Moscow Festival Ballet. A rather impressive lineup
for a small town theater. The George Street Playhouse (on Livingston Street,
not George) has been running since 1974. It is dedicated to the American playwright
and the presentation of American plays, musicals and contemporary classics.
The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli
Art Museum has fascinating collections like Nonconformist Art From the Soviet
Union and The Rutgers Collection of of Original Illustrations for Children's
Literature. The museum, at George and Hamilton streets, is always free for
under 18s, while everyone else gets the $3 break first Sundays of the month.
Shoppers would do well
to stroll along George and Albany streets. Esohe's African Gift Shop stocks
arts and crafts from all over Africa, including some fair trade items.
On Albany, you'll
find places like Recto & Verso, a bookstore, and Bloom's card
and gift store.
If antiques are more your
style, the Amber Lion on George Street, specializes in home furnishings plus
an eclectic selection of art and general collectibles. On French Street, you can
choose from Aaron Aardvark & Sons and French Street Antiques.
Consider a visit to the
historic Henry Guest House on Livingston Avenue. The British are said to
have used the dwelling as headquarters in 1776 and 1777. Next to the grounds, you'll
find Willow Grove Cemetery, on Morris Street. Originally a church
graveyard in the early 1800s, seven of the first Japanese students at Rutgers were
later buried there.
Settled in the 17th Century,
the Enniskellen guards took over Buccleuch Mansion (pronounced Bucc-lew)
during the British occupation of New Brunswick in 1777. The Georgian mansion, built
in 1739, was a frequent stop for George Washington. After admiring the mansion's
splendid interior, enjoy the outdoors at neighboring Buccleuch Park.
The 78-acre park offers
basketball and tennis courts, softball fields, a 1.5-mile running track as well
as an outdoor skating rink. A playground, picnic pavilion and gazebo are also on
site. The Raritan River runs along the north end of the park offering beautiful
views. The park
and mansion are a short walk from the center of town along Easton Avenue.
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LODGING
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 The Hyatt Regency is New Brunswick's main hotel. Located on
Albany Street, the hotel is only five minutes away from the train station and close
to shops and restaurants. Room rates vary, ranging in price from $135 to $199, though
promotional rates can be had for as low as $85 — be sure to inquire.
The Howard Johnson
Express Inn on Route 1 and University Inn & Conference Center at Rutgers,
are also options. Both have rates starting at under $100/night.
See more info on lodging
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DINING
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A pre-theater menu is
offered at several of the restaurants surrounding the district. Stage Left,
on Livingstone Avenue, provides fine contemporary American cuisine with a hint of
French, according to chef, Pierre. Its
wine shop is featured right alongside the restaurant, which is perhaps why Wine
Spectator magazine described Stage Left as having "one of the most
outstanding wine lists in the world." Also award-winning in the neighborhood is
The Frog and the Peach, at Hiram Square, two blocks from the
theaters.
 Just 'round
the corner, on George Street next to Esohe, is Makeda Ethiopian Restaurant.
Sleek, contemporary with a swank bar, Makeda is beautifully decorated—the
captivating artwork is an attraction unto itself. More reminiscent of an art gallery
than a restaurant, Makeda has been featured in several local publications.
Featuring $6.95 lunch specials, visitors can savor the exotic delights offered here
without breaking the bank. A more comprehensive dinner menu is available with a
whole section dedicated to vegetarian dishes. I would come back to New Brunswick
simply to visit the restaurant, which Felitia the proprietor, informed me is the
only Ethiopian restaurant in New Jersey.
If you're in the mood
for something casual, Fit For a King, on George Street, is good for quick
deli fare. And Nuebies, on Somerset Street, offers affordable food all day,
with breakfast served till 2pm on weekends.
See more info on dining
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NIGHTLIFE
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The nightlife in New Brunswick
is mainly centered around pub and bar entertainment. The Golden Rail Pub,
a favorite among students, is located on Easton Avenue, five minutes from the train
station. With 19 beers on tap, for as little as $1 during happy hour, the pub gets
a little crowded in the evenings. Tumulty's, the compulsory Irish pub on
George Street, offers live music, an open mic night on Wednesdays and a variety
of bands between Thursday and Saturday.
On Church Street, the
Stress Factory comedy club bar and grill has performances Wednesday through
Sunday. You can get dinner and a show all-in-one for $15.
See more info on nightlife
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TRANSPORTATION
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TRAIN:
NJTransit
runs from Penn Station to
New Brunswick's train station, downtown at the intersection of Albany Street (Route
27) and Easton Avenue.
Schedule: Several
times an hour.
Travel Time:
One hour.
Call 973-762-5100 for
more information.
Amtrak
also runs from
Penn Station to New Brunswick's
train station.
Schedule: Several
times a day.
Travel Time: About
50 minutes.
Call 1-800-USA-RAIL for
details.
CAR: Take the New
Jersey Turnpike South 19 miles to Exit 9. Proceed on Route 18 North 3 miles to Route
27 South.
Travel Time: About
50 minutes.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
BUS: Hub City
Local trolley bus is free and stops throughout New Brunswick. Buses run just
about every hour.
CAR RENTAL: Avis Rent
a Car is at 2 Albany Road. 732-873-8522.
TAXI: The Yellow
Cab company located in the station building has a visibly huge fleet right in
the parking lot. Fares on the yellow cabs are $3 within a 2-mile radius of the city
and $3.50 further out ($2.50 for seniors). This gives a clear indication of the
size of the town. 732-246-2222.
See more info on transportation
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TRAVEL TIPS
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Keep in mind that the
theater companies don't have shows during the summer months.
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WEATHER
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Intro photo
courtesy of New Brunswick City Market and hotel photo from Hyatt Regency.
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