East Brunswick, NJ: A Suburban Gem with Easy NYC Access

Run by a band of enthusiastic volunteers, Playhouse 22 is an East Brunswick community theatre which has been entertaining the community for more than 60 years. Originally housed in an eclectic collection of buildings, Playhouse 22 found a permanent home in 2009 when the company moved into a state of the art Community Arts Center. Today locals and visitors can anticipate being entertained by a variety of theatrical arts including musicals, dramas and comedy shows. To encourage local talent the theatre also hosts their Third Thursday Play Reading, when budding playwrights get the chance to present their work to live audiences. Other entertainment includes music concerts, festivals and Children’s Theatre.

East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, Phone: 732-254-3939

Brunswick Square Mall is a popular indoor shopping mall which offers a wide selection of retail stores, eateries and entertainment. The mall has seen several renovations and additions since it originally opened in 1970 and today’s visitors can expect to find an inviting bright and modern shopping mall. The ever-popular JC Penney and Macy’s are the anchor tenants, supported by a long list of outfitters, shoe shops, home and décor outlets and much more. When you need a break from the shopping you can relax over a meal or coffee at one of several restaurants. Just about every service you need is covered including pampering spa treatments, electronics repairs and a 13-screen movie complex.

Brunswick Square Mall, Rues Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, Phone: 732-238-3601

Attractions for Couples

The performing arts scene is alive and thriving in New Jersey. Budding young performers can have the time of their lives learning how to become stars at the Center Stage Dance and Theatre School in East Brunswick. The theatre school brings together some of the best theatre and dance artists who dedicate their professional lives to teaching the next generation of New Jersey performing artists. This is great news for both locals and visitors to the town, who can anticipate enjoying a full calendar of stellar stage performances each year. The school produces modern and innovative dance performances, classical ballet shows, professional Broadway musicals and children’s dance performances. Check their website to see what’s on.

Center Stage Dance and Theatre School, 10 Alvin Court, Suite 104, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, Phone: 732-238-7890

Rutgers Gardens cover 180 acres of ground belonging to Rutgers University, where it offers all garden enthusiasts and nature lovers a wonderful botanical garden to explore free of charge. 60 acres of the gardens contain beautifully designed flower beds, themed gardens, tree and shrub collections and walking paths. A further large section of the gardens encompasses the beautiful Frank G. Helyar Woods where you can follow a number of scenic trails along the river and through a bamboo forest. Highlights of your visit will include the Display Garden, the serenely beautiful Shade Garden and the flower-filled bee and butterfly friendly Pollinator Garden. On Fridays you can visit the thriving Cook’s Garden to stock up on freshly picked farm produce.

Rutgers Gardens, 130 Log Cabin Rd, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Phone: 848-932-7000