Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Somerset, NJ

  • Published 2023/02/07

Something is enchanting about small communities.

Even if you’re only planning to try some of the best things to do in Somerset for a few days, you’ll immediately fall in love with the area.

There are so many things to do and see here that you may not want to leave!

Somerset is a census-designated place (CDP) in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, an unincorporated community.

Somerset is home to one of the first Marconi Radio Stations in the country, which enabled the first transatlantic wireless communication between Europe and the United States.

Meet the locals and immerse yourself in the unique experiences this community offers.

Discover what makes Somerset, New Jersey tick by taking advantage of the city’s top attractions.

Cycle Through Six Mile Run Reservoir Site

The grounds of Six Mile Run Reservoir Site

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Six Mile Run Reservoir Site is located in central New Jersey and is called for the stream that runs through the area.

It’s a great place to take in the world’s natural beauty.

You may try biking, hiking, birding, and horseback riding on the 13.5 miles of defined paths on the 3,037 acres of the protected area, which was formerly scheduled to create a reservoir.

View of Six Mile Run Reservoir Site

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

It has maintained an enclave of farmland and woodland in an otherwise crowded metropolitan area.

A variety of woodland types, huge farm fields, and stunning views of Six Mile Run can be found along each trail.

Early colonial settlements in central New Jersey may be glimpsed via the ruins of 18th and 19th-century agricultural buildings, including windmills and silos and Dutch-framed barns built in the 1700s.

Sign of Six Mile Run Reservoir Site

Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Go Birdviewing at Negri-Napote Native Grassland Preserve

The 4.7-kilometer Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Loop in Somerset, New Jersey, has a lake suitable for hikers of all levels.

The track is ideal for bird viewing, hiking, and environmental excursions from March through December.

The majority of the path runs across open fields and meadows, with a few stretches in the forests thrown in for good measure.

Birdwatching and seeing wildflowers are two of the many things you may do here.

In addition to a wide variety of birds, the Preserve has been home to several other species of birds, including the red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, and Northern Harrier.

The grasshopper sparrow, which is on the endangered species list because of its dwindling population, also has a home.

Have a Picnic at Colonial Park

Wooden bench at Colonial Park

Lee O / Shutterstock.com

Colonial Park in Franklin Township has many attractions and things to do.

Historic Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Millstone River are visible from this 685-acre property purchased in 1965.

Recreational amenities, horticultural exhibits, and pure natural areas are scattered across this Somerset County park’s expansive lawns and ponds.

For groups of 20 or more, Colonial Park’s two picnic spaces can be reserved in advance.

A tree at Colonial Park

Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com

In addition, there is a playground and other family-friendly attractions.

A popular paved walkway with walkers, runners, and cyclists has been converted into a 1.4-mile fitness parcourse.

The NJ State Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife stocks three ponds with fish every year, making them ideal fishing spots for people of all ages.

There’s also a softball field there.

The grounds of Colonial Park

Ekem, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Buy Fresh Produce from Suydam Farms

More than a century and 13 generations later, Suydam Farms is still going strong.

More than 300 acres of farmland provide Somerset residents with a broad variety of well-maintained fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

It also offers a friendly, authentic farm experience nearly unaffected by its metropolitan environment.

Everything it sells is grown right here on the farm, so you get the freshest possible harvest every day, harvested at the pinnacle of ripeness and taste for the finest of Central Jersey.

At Suydam Farms, you can visit a real family farm without going far.

Discover Ukrainian Culture at Ukrainian History and Education Center of NJ

Did you know that Somerset is home to a facility that preserves Ukrainian-American heritage?

Ukrainian History and Education Center (UHEC) Museum, Archive, and Library aim to provide access to permanent collections for researchers and educators to further their knowledge or develop curriculum for other educational institutions.

The UHEC offers educational programming and exhibitions, workshops, and conferences.

More than 15,000 pieces in the UHEC museum’s permanent collection chronicles Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American cultural, religious, and political history and artifacts of Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American folklore and fine art.

Hundreds of Ukrainian and Ukrainian American people, families, groups, and parishes are documented in the UHEC Archives.

Visit the Marconi Memorial Park

Marconi Memorial Park honors the life and works of the Italian scientist Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937), who invented the wireless telegraph and later the radio.

It’s a lovely little park, featuring a flower garden along the north and east sides.

A solitary park seat with a dedication plaque on the back is surrounded by lush grass and towering trees.

At the entrance, you’ll find the flagpole and a little gazebo.

The park highlights the massive rough-hewn stone memorial.

The lighting of the Franklin Township’s holiday tree takes place here each year.

Swing Your Club at Quail Brook Golf Course

Located in the heart of Central New Jersey, Quail Brook Golf Course is a premier public facility.

Local golfers rave about the course’s difficulty.

The course features a variety of holes, some open and vast and others narrow and undulating.

The golf course appears small at only 6,630 yards from the back tees, but don’t be misled.

Because of the rough terrain, the race may seem longer than it is.

The course is difficult to walk since the first nine holes have gentler undulations, but the second nine holes are very mountainous.

The undulating fairways of Quail Brook Golf Course lead to sloping greens flanked by cleverly placed bunkers.

The driving chances are few and far between, but your game will be tested.

There is also a golf shop and a snack bar at the facility.

Grab a Bottle of Beer at Jersey Cyclone Brewing Company

A year after Irene devastated his family’s small store in New Jersey, Jan dedicated his time and energy to help it rebuild.

Meanwhile, Brian Teel was preparing for the CPA test in his Rocky Hill house, completely submerged by floodwaters.

It was believed that if they were able to go through this, they would be able to persist through anything.

They began homebrewing as pleasant leisure and exploratory hobby due to the difficulties they encountered in the wake of the historic storm.

There will be a public grand opening for Jersey Cyclone Brewing Company in May 2019.

This microbrewery has all the ingredients for success.

To begin with, they serve some delicious beer.

Despite its small size, it has pleasant bartenders and a few charming elements in its interior design.

Have a Hearty Meal at Sophie’s Bistro

An excellent, filling lunch at a reasonable price is possible at Sophie’s Bistro.

They intend to create a setting where customers could drop by for lunch, a complete meal, a late snack, a glass of red wine, or a cup of coffee and feel welcome and at home.

Incorporating French country antiques, wide-shuttered windows, gentle pastel hues, and walls covered in family photos, Sophie’s is decorated in traditional French bistros.

Everybody can find something they like on the menu, yet it’s still straightforward enough for the typical person not to feel overrun by options.

Sophie’s Bistro offers high-quality cuisine and courteous service in a casual setting for a reasonable price.

Shop till you Drop at Village Plaza

Do you want to snack, have your nails done, or get fashionable new clothing?

With a fantastic position in a long-established retail neighborhood and a ton of exciting activity, Village Plaza is what you need.

Explore any of their 26 retail establishments, restaurants, or countless workplaces, and you’ll undoubtedly want to come back!

Village Plaza contains everything you need, from cosmetic procedures to auto maintenance.

Discover the many professional offices accessible to fulfill your needs.

Come and visit Village Plaza to pick up everything you need for a leisurely day of shopping and relaxation.

Get your Nails Done at UFO Salon & Spa

The mission of UFO Salon & Spa is to provide clients with high-quality service in a welcoming environment.

They have given the greatest customer service and the best possible salon and spa experience for more than 40 years thanks to their staff of hair, nail, and beauty experts.

Enter a cozy, intimate salon and take advantage of its numerous services.

Certified, licensed professionals professionally deliver all services.

Waxing, manicures, pedicures, facials, and other services are available.

The professional products used at UFO Salon and Spa are proudly made available for purchase and can be applied to maintain your skin, nails, and hair.

Spend your Weekend Stay at Sonesta ES Suites Somerset

Sonesta ES Suites Somerset serves as one of New Jersey’s most well-liked recreation regions and a bustling commercial district, welcoming guests who travel for business and pleasure.

Whatever brought you to their door, you’ll discover that spacious suites are the most adaptable accommodation available.

The one- and two-bedroom large suites include all the thoughtful extras of a compact apartment, such as a desk and a fully furnished kitchen.

With complimentary breakfast each day, free parking, accessible Wifi, and on-site laundry, you’ll find the services convenient and above your expectations.

Enjoy and unravel in the sports court or seasonal pool.

Sonesta ES Suites Somerset is also pleased to welcome your dogs and to provide them with special amenities at check-in, such as bowls, waterproof mats, and snacks.

Stroll around Rutgers Plaza

Somerset County’s Rutgers Plaza at JFK Boulevard has more than 260,000 square feet of retail space, dining options, and shopping.

It is the ideal location to share quality time with friends and family and unwind after a long day of outdoor activities.

Enjoy a day of strolling, munching, and shopping while here.

A strong portfolio of national and local businesses compliment the center’s high-volume Stop & Shop anchor.

Among the tenants are Dollar Tree, Crunch Fitness, T-Mobile, Flame Kabob House, and the restaurants’ Morel’s Village Hot Pot.

Come and see why Rutgers Plaza receives over 1.4 million visitors each year.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Catch a Baseball Game at TD Bank Ballpark

Front View of TD Bank Ballpark

Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Somerset Patriots cultivate today’s most promising minor leaguers into tomorrow’s pinstriped stars at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ.

Here, minor league baseball fans of all ages and interests can enjoy the unique minor league baseball experience at the Patriots’ home games.

View of TD Bank Ballpark

Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is located 13 minutes from Somerset.

The park has themed nights, when visitors may enjoy freebies, tasty food, and high-quality souvenirs.

The Somerset County Park Commission has held concerts at TD Bank Ballpark, hosting artists including Tony Bennett, Willie Nelson, and pop phenomenon Jessica Simpson.

Get Active at Shraim’s Boxing & MMA Academy

Shraim’s Academy, a 13-minute drive from Somerset, was founded in Ahmed Shraim’s basement in 2007 and referred to as The Underground Fight Club.

It is a mixed martial art (MMA) and boxing gym.

Coach Ahmed has coached thousands of boxers and Muay Thai athletes in the United States over the last decade, mostly boxing and Muay Thai.

A couple of his young fighters have gone on to win Amateur fights and local competitions in their respective weight classes.

Coach Ahmed, who has been studying and teaching martial arts for more than 25 years, has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various disciplines.

It provides excellent training programs for adults and children, starting at five.

Play Laser Tag at Bridgewater Sports Arena

Located 15 minutes away from Somerset, this arena is a must-see.

You may enjoy various activities, from laser tag to public ice skating hours to a full arcade of games!

You may skate for free many times every day, and ice skate rentals are available.

Laser tag is a simple game for youngsters over five to enjoy.

Before anybody may fire a shot, they’re given a briefing on the game’s rules and instructed to hide and protect their base.

It also has a video gaming arcade with over 65 different games rotated regularly.

The more you earn, the more you can win!

Play Bowling at Bowlmor Lanes Green Brook

It’s no secret that Bowlmor Green Brook, located 16 minutes from Somerset, is the place to go in New Jersey for high-quality active and premium entertainment, including blacklight bowling, innovative food, and exclusive events.

In addition to bowling, Bowlmor Lanes offers a cutting-edge arcade, multi-player laser tag, and mouthwatering food.

Bowling lanes with black lights, comfortable lounge seating, and HD video walls can be found at each establishment’s location.

Menu items are globally famous and include anything from large shareable to basic hamburgers and sandwiches, and all have their unique take on the standard ingredients.

Bowling is a great way to spend a day, but don’t forget to stay for the food, activities, and enticing decor.

Play the Games of Your Childhood at YESTERcades

Reconnect with your childhood at this arcade which is just a 17-minute drive from Somerset!

Pinball machines, vintage arcade games, classic and new console games, and standard consoles for kids and adults to enjoy are all available at the arcade and video game arcade.

Your kids will learn about the games that you enjoyed when you were a youngster while also playing some of their favorites at this thrilling arcade.

YESTERcades offers consumers a place to unwind in a setting that pays homage to the glory days of arcade video gaming in the early 2000s.

All its Arcade Games and Pinball Machines are configured to “free play,” so you don’t need any cash or tokens to play them.

Learn the Art of Knitting at The Yarn Attic

Knitting lessons and seminars are available at The Yarn Attic, 17 minutes away from Somerset.

Even if you’ve never taken a class before, group classes are a great option! You may interact with other students in these classrooms and learn more engagingly.

Every class has a two-hour meeting time each week.

Spots fill up quickly, so sign up as soon as possible.

Workshops and private courses at The Yarn Attic are other options.

Please take advantage of their store, where you may get all of the supplies you’ll need for your project.

Try Quilting at Pieced Together Quilters

Bridgewater, New Jersey-based non-profit organization, Pieced Together Quilters, is dedicated to quilting education and community service.

It provides its members with numerous chances to be inspired, encouraged, educated, and socialized.

The members, sharing a passion for quilting, are committed to preserving the craft of quilting.

All levels of quilters are welcome, and newcomers are especially encouraged to participate.

The quilters also meet to work on charity and friendship quilts for various Somerset County organizations.

Final Thoughts

Our list of the best things to do in Somerset is only the beginning of what this community and its surrounding areas can offer.

Be sure to add our list to your itinerary for a holiday well-spent!

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