Zimmerli Art Museum: A Gem for Art-Lovers

Part of Rutgers University, the Zimmerli Art Museum features a permanent collection of over 60,000 pieces of art along with several ever-changing galleries of contemporary and classic art from varied mediums. Included in the permanent collection is an impressive array of Russian and Soviet nonconformist art, French late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century prints and posters, and contemporary American prints. The visiting exhibitions frequently reflect similar themes to the permanent collections, including illustrations from children’s literature, contemporary Soviet photography, work by women artists, and retrospectives on famous photographers. The collections at ZAM are accessible for all, with $6 admission for adults and free admission for Rutgers students and faculty, members, and children under 18. ZAM is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekends from noon to 5 p.m., and is closed on Mondays, major holidays, and during the month of August.

Zimmerli Art Museum
71 Hamilton Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 932-7237

Amber Lion Antiques: Lion’s Hunt

Tucked away behind a bus strop, Amber Lion Antiques appeals to people willing to search a little bit for a good find. In business for over 23 years, the antique store has had plenty of time to acquire a wide range of one-of-a-kind vintage furniture, interior decorations, clothing, and more. Within the slightly cramped and musty interior, you can wander through gems such as animal hair upholstered furniture, vintage hats, dark wooden spindles, classic books, and old collections of stamps, and preserved butterflies. 

The selection may be geared towards an older clientele, with homes to decorate and specific taste, but younger crowds can sift through vintage clothes and rock n’ roll records. Prices vary depending on the item’s age and rarity. Amber Lion is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offers free, walk-in appraisals.

Amber Lion Antiques
356 George Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 214-9090

Rutgers Garden: A Garden Oasis in New Jersey

Students may already be in on this secret oasis but even townies are welcome to stroll through Rutgers Garden. With free admission and open 365 days a year, Rutgers Garden provides a wooded sanctuary from city life from 8:30 a.m. until dusk. Rutgers Garden features over ten areas to meander through, have a picnic in, or enjoy time with your family. One particularly unique area lets you wonder through a Bamboo Forest where evergreen bamboo towers above your head. Other areas include the Rhododendron and Azalea, the Shade Tree Collection, and American Hollies. The Rain Garden, featuring plentiful fountains, highlights the Garden’s commitment to conscience horticulture while creating a tranquil environment. Rutgers Gardens holds educational programming including gardening classes for adults and field trips for youths. Throughout the year, the Gardens also hosts events such as season-long farmers’ markets, wine tastings, and festivals for families.

Rutgers Garden
112 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 932-8451

Andy’s Corner Bar: Brew Masters

Andy’s Corner Bar – okay, it’s on the middle of the block, but who cares? – is a beer aficionado’s paradise. They serve over a hundred different brews from all over the world, plus the bartender/owner George is by all accounts is a virtual encyclopedia of beer lore and one of the friendliest and nicest guys around. The only food on the menu is pretzels and popcorn, but their BYOF – bring your own food – policy means you can bring something in to nosh on while you snuggle up to one of their fantastic craft beers. A great jukebox, chill vibe, and friendly, untrendy atmosphere are why Andy’s fans say this is the best bar in the area, if not the world!

Andy’s Corner Bar
257 Queen Anne Road
Bogota, NJ 07603
(201) 342-9887

New Jersey Children’s Museum: Where Kids Explore And Learn

Is there anything better than watching a kid go wild in a well-stocked science museum? Experiential learning is widely being regarded as an essential aspect of brain development, and the hands-on activities at the New Jersey Children’s Museum are awesome for kids with a variety of interests. Some of the more popular attractions include an authentic, life-size fire truck and helicopter for kids to explore and play on, as well as an awesome fossil cave that tantalizes young dinosaur lovers. The more performance-oriented will love to make use of the play ballet studio and stage. A huge indoor sandbox offers tons of digging fun. The sheer variety of exhibits and activities here can keep kids busy all day, despite the somewhat small size of the museum. They also host a variety of events and parties throughout the year.

New Jersey Children’s Museum
599 Valley Health Plaza
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 262-5151
www.njcm.com

Check Out Inman Sports Club For Indoor Sports and Recreation

This fantastic family-owned business has been giving central New Jersey residents a great place to pursue their fitness goals in a safe, comfortable environment since 1972. With over 41,000 square feet of usable space spread over two levels, the club wins raves from regulars. There are two tremendous playing fields covered with a revolutionary synthetic material that expertly mimics natural grass, as well as a roller hockey rink that boasts a pro scoreboard and a high-tech light and sound system. The exercise room boasts a selection of treadmills, Nautilus equipment, and free weights to target specific muscle groups. Ten indoor tennis courts and six outdoor courts provide a great venue to work on your game. Golfers can practice their swing on the club’s 300 yard driving range, and pros are available for you to polish the finer points of your game. If you need a little short game practice, take it to the 19-hole miniature course. Seriously, there isn't much you can't do here.

Inman Sports Club
990 Inman Avenue
Edison, NJ 08820
(908) 756-8100
www.inmansportsclub.com

Grounds for Sculpture: Explore Art in the Great Outdoors

Trenton’s gorgeous Grounds for Sculpture is one of the most unique outdoor art experiences in America. Featuring over 240 works by modern artists, this astounding year-round exhibition located on the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds was opened to the public in 2000 and has been an incredibly popular destination for art lovers and dilettantes alike for over a decade. Regulars recommend not going with any particular goal in mind. Just wander the sprawling grounds exploring the myriad paths that snake through groves of trees, encounter the occasional wild peacock, and feast your eyes on some truly astounding artwork. Equal attention is given to the plant life on the grounds, making this one of the best places to just lazily explore on a nice day. See if you can find the hidden hammocks by the side of the pond for an afternoon nap. The park also features a world-class restaurant in Rat’s, a spectacular eatery that launched the career of Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga.

Grounds for Sculpture
18 Fairgrounds Road
Trenton, NJ 08619
(609) 586-0616
www.groundsforsculpture.org

Brunswick Zone: Bowling and Fun For Everyone

If you haven’t been bowling in a while, maybe you should reacquaint yourself with the satisfying crack of the perfect strike. A great family fun destination, Brunswick Zone boasts a staggering 82 lanes of play in a gigantic alley. Kept scrupulously clean and well-maintained, this is widely regarded as one of the best bowling centers in New Jersey. There is virtually never a wait for a lane, even on league night or during one of the many tournaments hosted at Brunswick Zone. Early in the week, dollar game specials make a trip here very affordable, and every Friday night sees Cosmic Bowling with a laser light show and DJ playing the latest Top 40 hits. If you feel like taking a break from the lanes, three billiards tables and a wide variety of arcade games will keep you busy. The attached bar area makes a variety of appetizers and strong, cheap drinks.

Brunswick Zone
790 U.S. 1
North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
(732) 846-2424
www.bowlbrunswick.com

Pine Creek Miniature Golf: A Scenic Spot For Mini Golf

If miniature golf makes you think of silly statues and shrunken dioramas, it's time for a visit to Pine Creek Miniature Golf. The 28-acre facility features trees, flowers, ponds, fountains, and waterfalls in place of most course's typically tacky accoutrements, inviting visitors to take the game seriously without getting too serious about it. Winner of New Jersey Monthly's 2010 Reader's Choice award, Pine Creek is a great place to refine your game on a smaller scale or enjoy a sunny outing with friends.

Pine Creek Miniature Golf
394 Route 31 North
Ringoes, NJ 08551
(609) 466-3803
www.pinecreekgolf.com

McCarter Theatre Center: The Place for Performing Arts in Princeton

McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts was originally built for the Princeton Triangle Club in 1930. Eighty years later, the Triangle Club is still performing and McCarter Theatre Center is now recognized as one of the leading theaters in America.  While it was originally built for the purpose of housing theatrical performances, it now lends itself as a concert hall, presenting a large variety of performance art.  Some of the artists who have performed at McCarter Theatre Center in the past include Bob Dylan, Herbie Hancock, the Flying Karamazov Brothers, James Taylor, Joan Baez, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Bill Cosby.  The event calendar for the theatre is always booked with shows that are performed several times a week. McCarter Theatre Center’s mission is to make the arts accessible to all people, which is why they have established programs to educate children and adults throughout the nearby community.

McCarter Theatre Center
91 University Place
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 258-2787
www.mccarter.org

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