Love visiting Rutgers Gardens through the seasons! If you come in fall, don't expect much in bloom, but this place is wonderful to hike and stroll through with its various paths. If you visit in spring or summer, get ready for stunning flora and fauna that is cared for by Rutgers staff and students. I adore the lilacs that's smell delicious and envelope a walkway like a natural ceiling. So amazing! Also, I adore the wide open fields and spaces that lend themselves perfectly for a picnic or spot to lay down a blanket and enjoy a nap out in the open. PS. Very romantic spot- if you're coming here for a date, you will not be disappointed! read more

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Rutgers Gardens, located on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University, is a botanical garden that is free and open to the public. I was looking for a new dog friendly park and Rutgers Gardens fit the bill. Visitors can explore the themed gardens like the Rain Garden, Herb Garden, Bamboo Forest, and Heylar Woods. The gardens host educational programs, a farmers market, and workshops throughout the year. There are a lot of glowing reviews here and I'm not sure if maybe my timing was off or most people don't venture off the main areas here. We parked near Heylar Woods and chose the blue trail which is along the water. The one major thing both me and my daughter noted immediately was the sound of traffic from Route 1 and Route 18. The non-stop buzz of cars and trucks takes away from the beauty of the surrounding nature. Further into the trail the trash all along the water is crazy. Aside from the trash and weird foam along the edges of the river, we ran into some kind of big dead animal in the water. We decided to turn back and check out the Bamboo Forest. It was a little cool out so we decided to skip the short walk and hop in the car. We parked near the field lab. Tucked away behind the building is the small but very cool Bamboo Forest. One big thing to note here, which they do warn about on signs, is the ticks. Me and my daughter came out unscathed but my poor pup ended up with a few ticks (despite the cold temps). read more

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Really this should be a 4.5 but I rounded up to five to encourage people to come. Really worth it! So let me tell you the negatives first, some of which were covered by some other reviewers. First, there are ticks and you should spray before you start. Second, the directions to get off Route 1 to the gardens is confusing, even for someone from New Jersey who is used to jug handles, but you'll get there eventually. Third, you can hear the traffic from route 1 as you walk through various parts of the gardens and the adjacent woods. And fourth, some toilets are in sad shape. To me, no showstoppers but more you should be aware. Best thing is to print out a map of Rutgers Gardens and Helyar Woods first. It's good to have with you as you walk about although signs are about. This is a really a beautiful garden set out in a very approachable way. Well documented and you can use those maps so you can find and explore the Asian Hill garden, Holly Collection, the Succulent Gardens and, my favorite, the Bamboo Grove. All in all there are 23 gardens and 8 structures, most of which are research sites. The gardens are adjacent to the Helyar Woods. The woods has 7 viewpoint spots and 5 marked trails ranging in length from 0.4 MI to 1.6 MI. Within the forest is a forested wetland, a meadows, a pine grove and just plain old Forest. Most of the trees are old-growth beech, birch, maple and oak trees. It's really wonderful. Note the gardens are closed on Mondays. read more

We stumbled on this place by accident as we were on the hunt for cherry blossoms and didn't want to trek up to Newark to do so due to time constraints. A quick Google Search brought us here. To be honest, I've passed Rutgers Gardens way too many times while driving across Ryders Lane. It's often the last thought on our minds, but we ended up arriving here on a bright and sunny weekend. One thing worth keeping in mind is that the location is as such where it isn't the easiest to access when coming off Route 1. They don't allow U-Turns on Ryders Lane and you're somewhat forced to make a U-Turn either in one of the residential complexes or in one of the shopping plazas. A bit annoying because you literally see it when getting off Rt. 1 However, once you arrive, you're somewhat delighted. We did catch some Cherry Blossoms. More importantly, this was a nice and peaceful area to walk around. It's very dog friendly and we found our dog enjoying the different grass areas. They have a decent area to host picnics or other group events too. I think this is a fun place to come and visit. They'll also have fresh fruits and veggies on sale in the summer! read more

Rutgers Gardens quickly became our pups favorite park so we've been frequenting here for years! Regardless of the season, it's well taken care of all year around, but our ultimate favorite time is when the flowers bloom around August. Here you can walk around the gardens, check out the fruit and vegetable gardens, take a hike on the adjoining trails, picnic, and more... it's a little piece of serenity located right off the hustle and bustle of Rt 1. Hours vary depending on season, but typically morning to dusk, closed Fridays in the colder months and Mondays in the warmer months. There's ample parking, but in the rare occurrence that there's no parking, it's advised that you come back when there are spots open. This typically only happens when there's an event going on. read more

If you're local, this is an excellent FREE resource for outdoor fun, and horticultural curiosity. If you're not local, make sure to plan other things to do along your trip, because the gardens aren't big enough to fill more than 1-2 hours. They have various themes of gardens, with many school dedications (plaques, benches, dedicated trees) to friends of the Rutgers Horticulture program. There are also sponsored (or dedicated) ornaments, and other thoughtful garden fascinators to add interest here and there. I was sad that not everything was maintained. There definitely had been work, pruning, lawn mowing, etc., but it wasn't meticulously done, which is easily noticed in a garden. Various trees had vines, some areas needed weeding, the hollies had some tall grasses up against their lowest boughs, etc. I understand this is an educational facility, and experimental gardens make up most of the acreage (that area is not open to the public), but it is an unfortunate fact that some of these pants/trees/flowers could use a bit more TLC. That said, I was really impressed that the bamboo garden was very well-maintained, and it looks like they are expanding more. That was the highlight of the experience (as mentioned by many others). MUST SEE! But according to signage, do look out for bears!!! Yikes!!! I had heard about Rutgers Gardens from horticultural "holly-phile" people I know. They raved about the Rutgers holly orchard. I was told hollies grow so well in NJ's sandy soil, etc. Having grown up on my grandfather's holly orchard, I appreciated what Rutgers does, and saw a variety of species. As mentioned above, there were vines choking some of the hollies, double trunks (that hadn't been pruned when the trees were young), and overgrown grass at their skirts. I'm glad they don't mow over the branches, but a trimmer will do the trick. It was just kind of personal to me because I took care of 400 hollies with my grandfather for decades. Lol, it's totally personal. All in all, this really is a great place to visit. The gardens are sandwiched between two highways, so road noise is present throughout much of the visitor area. But there is tranquility nonetheless. Fridays they have a farm market at the main entrance. read more

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Awesome, peaceful, beautiful ughhh words cannot explain! This place is truly a gem. Besides the fact i went on a blazing hot day and was sweating my butt off, it was great! I enjoyed every minute in this well maintained garden. read more

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Hello Adventurers! I absolutely ADORE this place. It is such a nice place to just relax for a picnic, stroll, or light hiking. I usually come here to snap a few photos for my photography work. I was finally able to come here when the flowers were just blooming so being able to play with the macro settings were great! The best feature is the large tree that you can sit on a branch and read a book as if you were set in the south. I also like that it's really kept up by the staff. They are always creating new features to explore from parts that have died or changed. this place is also a great location for a wedding since they do have the open areas to explore! I wish they'd put better signage for the plants because sometimes I go to look and find nothing. read more

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This is a rather large piece of land adjacent to New Brunswick that has gardens and a forest. Its a very nice place to walk around with an abundance of flowering trees . I think I only skimmed the surface. In one part of the forest there's a sign telling you what to do if you see a bear. Leaving that aside, a cautionary note, the parking lot is small. Also worth considering, starting at some point there is a pretty good farmers market right near the entrance that I believe runs through the summer. read more

The small bamboo forest is definitely worth a look-see, and unlike the seasonal flowering plants is readily enjoyable all year round. Other than that (maybe it's just the time of year), Rutgers Gardens is due for some post-winter maintenance: the grass could use some mowing; the trees and shrubs need pruning; and many of the tags or plaques identifying the different types of plant life in the gardens are visibly faded, rusted, or missing. At least two gazebos and five benches are scattered along the main garden area. If you come here during lunchtime on a weekday like I do, take note that the Holly House parking lot is frequently full, probably with the vehicles of the students attending class inside. (The Rutgers NB bus system doesn't extend to Rutgers Gardens, sadly.) Curbside parking is available along the very narrow one-way part of Log Cabin Road and in the uncomfortably cramped parking lot at the end of the road leading to the log cabin. (K-turning is mandatory to get out.) The cabin and the neighboring pavilion overlook the Westons Mill Pond and are often booked by Rutgers faculty or staff for department retreats, conferences, and luncheons. read more

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My Momma loves nature so on Mom's day we ventured to one of her fave spots- Rutgers Gardens. I should've known better then to wear sandals here, I could have done some more exploring with proper footwear. Nonetheless, it's a beautiful and serene spot - every time I'm here I discover something new to check out amongst the garden's winding twists and turns. They hold a bunch of special events like pop up farmers markets and flower fairs. When we got there I was pleased to see that there was a plant festival going on. Too bad I don't have any outdoor gardening space because I would have loved to stock up on some fresh fruit and veggie plants to grow during summer. Maybe one day...dare to dream. It was too hot and sunny to walk around the open field areas so we spent most of our time in the shade of the bamboo gardens. The bamboo plants are beautiful and there are hidden gems scattered throughout the trails like streams, bridges, rock gardens and fuzzy caterpillar friends. This is a great spot if you are looking to spend some weekend time outside and not at a restaurant or shopping mall. Don't be a fool like me- it can get hot in the less shady areas and there are lots of pebbly dirt paths around the park. Bring sneaks, water and a hat - you'll need it! read more

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What a great place to pick up plants for the season! The plants are nice and the pickup system is flawless! Highly recommend going online to order your plants here! Prices can't be beat! read more

I've been coming here for 25 years. I've been a tourist here, a volunteer, a spectator of a walking Shakespeare play...you name it! The gardens are ever changing but forever beautiful and a peaceful place to escape to. It is beautiful every season and my personal favorite places are the Bamboo forest and pine forest. You even catch a glimpse of a wedding every now and then. I will always love this place. Bathrooms are limited to he event space (not always open) and porta potties every now and then. read more

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Super cute place, ideal for walks and picnics and just to spend some time in nature. Beautiful and well maintained gardens and plants. I'm giving a 4 star instead of 5 because the directions and instructions could be provided better - only the map at the front is helpful. read more

Met a lot of nice vendors here although I could have done without the weird guitarist. Got a great deal on some filet mignon steaks that I will cook up for Memorial Day weekend. All of the vendors I spoke to accepted cards and there was a great variety of items for sale. Some things available included: jams, cheeses, wines, coffee, fresh produce, seafood, pastries, and pies. There is plenty of free parking and they will be here most of the summer so there is really no excuse to not check this place out once or twice over the summer. Jams by Kim and Southtown Farms were definitely my favorite. read more

Rutgers Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

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Rutgers Gardens is an unbelievable little oasis tucked away along the edge of East Brunswick that borders Route 1 North. Accessible only from Ryders Lane, Rutgers Garden is a place you've probably driven past a million times, but never thought to check out. Summers are the best. Every Friday, there's a farmer's market that sells everything from fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, to responsibly raised meats and seafood. Definitely get yourself a quart of homemade vodka sauce from Camella Sauces, or sample one of many delicious treats du jour offered up by the girls from the Farmer & the Chickpea. There's so many awesome things to discover here. And although it's probably good to have cash on hand, most vendors now take credit cards. (Thank you, Square!) My only beef with the Farmer's Market is that there isn't a single picnic table or chair to sit down and enjoy your food. That's a big fail on the part of the organizers. I also miss the live music that I had seen at previous events. But all in all, it's one of my favorite places to go on summer Fridays when I have off. For year-round activities though, it's the gardens themselves that are worth experiencing. Whether you're looking to kill a few hours with the family, or just want to experience some solo peace and quiet, there's a ton of things to do at Rutgers Gardens. Start by walking through the bamboo forest, which follows a small creek with tiny little waterfalls along the way. Then head up to the main field which will lead you to several botanical gardens, all with ample seating for small groups or individuals just looking to find some zen. Beyond there you'll be able to enter wooded nature trails and other open fields, where you'll sometimes see people gathered for a wedding. I grew up in East Brunswick before returning home 4 or so years ago, and I had no idea this was here until recently. If you're a resident and haven't checked this place out, then you're really in for a treat. read more

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Rutgers Garden is a botanical garden that is open to the public, admission free 365 days a year. it is located on Ryder's Lane in New Brunswick, NJ, near Cook College, Rutgers University's agricultural school. It is a great place to picnic or just stroll around. There are many different gardens, along with tons and tons of flowers, shrubs, bushes, trees and so forth. There's a gift shop, pavillion, and farmers market every saturday and lots of other things to do. You can become a member and sponsor the garden, or volunteer. They offer gardening classes to children as well as organized tours for groups. This is a carry in, carry out facility (no trash cans), has limited parking and also doesnt have public restrooms. Open year round 8:30 - dusk. http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/pdfs/finalmapbw2008.pdf read more

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We love to go to the flower festival at Rutger's Garden. They did a great job organizing the festival. All the volunteers were very friendly and helpful. The experts also provided us with valuable tips and explanations on the plants. read more

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Excellent. 1) I love the giant green chairs. 2) The garden is beautiful. 3) The bamboo forest is a nice walk. 4) The garden is free to enter. read more

Rutgers Gardens - The garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

Beautiful park to picnic, take pictures, hike, walk, enjoy, walk, relax and more! Rutgers Gardens is very big, and every time I come here, I am doing something different. The first time I came here, my roommate and I wanted to take a study break. We decided to go get some fresh air and take a light jog here. Another time, my friends and I came here to explore the bamboos and take pictures. This summer, we had a picnic on the green luscious grass and played ball and frisbee! It's so easy to spend hours or even a full day here! read more

I had heard of Rutgers gardens but never went in the four years I completed at Rutgers. Finally me and my girlfriend decided to go today and it was a great trip! It's all totally free and so is the parking which is rare anywhere near Rutgers. The plants were all bloomed and the trees were incredible at the start of spring. All of the leaves were fresh and the flowers were amazing. There was a little pond with benches and a sign explaining what it was. Also all of the trees has plaques telling what they were so it was a very well done garden especially considering it was free. read more

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I've been going to Rutgers Gardens since I was a student at RU. It's such a wonderful spot to get some fresh air and have a picnic lunch. Honestly, it's one of my favorite places to go when I need a little solitude - the bamboo forest, especially. But my review is actually not just about having a wedding there - this is a great place to have any event.. I worked with Nancy to secure our date (book early - they only have space for one event at a time). She was such a pleasure to work with. She answered emails promptly, gave us tons of information, and seemed genuinely excited to help us plan our big day. The entire process was quick and seamless - from putting down our deposit to making our final payment to getting our deposit back, they handled everything with superb professionalism. With the venue rental, you get the choice of two locations for the ceremony - the smaller Sun & Shade Garden or the larger Evergreen Garden. We only had 75 guests, so the Sun & Shade Garden was a perfect fit for us. It provided such a lovely backdrop for our ceremony, and the trees provided plenty of shade from the summer sun. For the reception, you'll have use of the Log Cabin and the Alumni Pavilion. One of the reasons we chose this venue is because there are actual bathrooms in the cabin, eliminating the need for porta-potty rentals. The cabin also has space for tables to put your gifts/card box, escort cards, and guest book. There are also seats inside if anyone wants to take a breather from your party. The beautiful porch is the perfect place to set up the cocktail hour nibble and for you to take a peek at your guests before your big entrance. The pavilion has a concrete floor, pillars to hold up the roof, and lighting - the open walls allow your guests to take in the gorgeous scenery and enjoy the light breezes the flow through. Other things included are the photo permit (very important since who doesn't want to have pictures of their event), rehearsal time, tables and folding chairs, and weather-sides should you need them. Alumni also receive a discount on the rate. They have three preferred caterers, but you can also use an outside caterer for a fee. There is ample parking in a paved lot and in the field adjacent to it. I attended a large wedding there a few years ago, and there was plenty of room for all our vehicles. For us, using Rutgers Gardens was a no-brainer. We got so much bang for our buck, and can't recommend it enough for anyone looking for a picturesque outdoor wedding venue. We have gorgeous pictures from our wedding, and our guests have all expressed how beautiful the pavilion looked even though there was minimal decoration. read more

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Decent farmers market with local farms and food vendors. Chickadee and Fruitwood have a nice selection of local fruits and veggies. Rutgers farms offer meat and vegetables for sale. All in all nice options. My complaint about this market is where it is setup. It is right off the road on a grass field which makes it difficult to go with children or the disabled. The paved lot by the cabin is a much better option for setup. I don't think people would mind walking a bit to get there. read more

I come here once a year for an Rutgers Alumni event for the AYCE and All you can drink experience with my friend. Makes me look forward to Summer and get drunk in the Gardens and pass out in the lawn for a couple of hours. read more

Quite a beautiful place to walk with your family or your significant other. It's free, ample parking if you come on a day that is not too busy. Pet friendly, which is always nice for dog lovers. Gorgeous flowers, chairs and gazebos, where you can sit and eat. You can definitely walk around for a couple of hours and be entertained with the beauty of nature. Could definitely be considered a nice romantic walking place! read more

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A favorite lunchtime walking spot! There is always something to discover, no matter the season. The bamboo gardens is a fun maze-like experience (but not big enough to get lost in!) anytime of year, with a stream running along one edge. It's a very zen setting. There's a another "maze" of rhododendrons clear across the Gardens that's fun for little ones to explore. It's next to a tranquil area with a gazebo that is adjacent to a circular area with two giant chairs. And I mean GIANT. Fun photo op! Behind is a neat clearing with a small water feature, seating and a statue of children playing. The Gardens hosts the largest collection of hollies in the northeast (I think this is correct -- someone fact check me!). In the spring, you must check out the lilac grove - it smells like heaven! There's lots of fantastic climbing trees and huge bushes that you can get lost in. Speaking getting "lost," exploring the winding paths of Helyar Woods is good for the soul, but it covers a large area so you need to keep your bearings. There are delightful finds (random benches, bridges, bodies of water) throughout the woods. One of my faves can be found by heading towards Rt 1 and turning right at the clearing. In 100 or so feet on your right, you'll stumble upon a low rock wall that acts as an entry to a grove of perfectly planted 50-60 foot tall evergreens. Even though the trees are in neat, orderly rows (planted as part of a New Deal era (PWA? WPA?) project), when you step inside, it feels like you're in a mystical, enchanted world. Don't miss the farmers market on Fridays through the summer and fall, but get there early. Vendors start running out of things by 3pm. read more

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Love this place. I've been coming to RG since I was about 14 with my older brother and friends. I've shown this place to tons of people over the years. It's a good spot to just take a walk on a nice day. You can lay around in the field, throw around a football, and walk through the woods or the bamboo garden. Tons of people bring their dogs here and some may be off leash. Most dog owners know if they have a good dog so I have no problem with them being off leash. People are also pretty good about picking up their dogs left behinds. Recently in the Mortal Kombat woods (go deep enough into the woods and you'll know what I'm talking about) people have been building shelters out of the fallen trees. The only problem with these shelters are that less considerate people have been hanging out in them and leaving behind trash. (Dutch wrappers and soda bottles) CARRY YOUR SH!T OUT WITH YOU TRASH CANS ARE AT THE ENTRANCE! Advice: Do not bring people who do not like nature, and don't bring girls in flip flops the terrain can get a little rough. RG often has a farmers market on weekends and random other events in the summer. read more

This place to me is quite boring, but it's great for nature lovers. People can walk their dogs, and let them run around. They have a rocky path, with a stream, but that's about it. Nothing really much else to see or do. It's a nice place to sit and relax and to read a book, maybe. That's a plus! It's more of a place to relax. Not really do anything else! I'll bring a book next time! read more

The bamboo forest is a must see as well as the pine forest. I remember seeing several owls there during the fall which was pretty cool. It's a great location to walk your dog and just for relaxation. read more

Rutgers Gardens - Bamboo Forest - Botanical Gardens Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

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Came here with the family today. We wanted to hike without straying too far from home. Helyar woods was just what we needed. The entrance to the Helyar nature trail is deep in the gardens close to the log cabin. There is so much to see on the trail. There is a garden maze to walk through, an old Christmas tree farm that is so cool and spooky. The Raritan river is about a mile in. Just a ton of fun for the kids. I can not wait to get back there to explore the rest of the park. read more

In between meetings at work I was able to stop by. I was pleasantly surprised!!! Not all the vendors were set up but I was impressed with what I saw. Super fresh veggies for very reasonable, plantable plants, prepared meals, organic handmade soaps, amazingly tasty baked good by Sweets by Lovey, the Bites and Bowls food truck.... I cannot wait to stop back during the summer and really spend time shopping each vendor. Opens at 11 and I got there at 10:45. read more

Haiku: On a beautiful day, There is nothing as pleasant As laying in shade With the one you love. Rutgers garden gives just that-- A shaded respite. read more

The Garden is absolutely beautiful in the spring when all the trees and flowers are blooming. There's a bamboo forest (yes, a bamboo forest in Central NJ!) and a few creeks, streams, whatever you want to call them. If you go a bit into the forest, you'll find some trees on which past Rutgers students and visitors have etched their names and/or the names of their loved ones. While the landscape of the actual garden is great, I happen to find the sights off the beaten path more charming and interesting. Admission is free. You just park your car and walk off. There is a gift shop but it always appears to be closed when I'm there. There is a farmer's market that runs well into early Fall. I would encourage visitors to go! There is a vendor that sells the most amazing pumpkin roll I've ever tasted. All the vendors are local farmers, bakers, etc. so everything is fresh. read more

This place is cool. There are hiking trails, one of which goes along the river and the other through a bamboo forest. There are areas that are designed and there are more natural places as well. They have a plant sale in the spring with lots of interesting things to pick up for your garden, and a farmers market in the warmer months, not sure what day. In early spring there is a huge area and variety of lilac plants in bloom. It was overwhelming to my nose and as we walked up and down the rows of lilacs it got to be too much we ran back to the car to escape the heady aroma for a minute and recoup. This place is cool. The variety of areas, plantings and the random things that go on there make it interesting I just want it to be farther from the noise in parts and there to be some kind of scenic vista or cool sculpture somewhere. This place gets a 4.25 from me it's great just not epic. read more

One of New Brunswick's hidden gems and by all means the most natural and peaceful place in the city. Nice trails, forest, river and gardens. A hop and a skip away from Rutgers' Douglass campus. Worth a visit whether you're a student or just happen to be in the area! read more

Not just produce here! Of course all your fruits and veggies are available, but that's just where this local farmers market begins. Multiple varying product booths await your arrival. Grab some kettle corn as you browse the trinkets. A quick slice of pizza or some soup and wash it down with some herbal tea or coco or fresh juice. The soap booth for you dirty sorts. Pick a pickle. Grab some cookies and a apple cider and a container of sauce or premade delight's. Go nuts. Meat options And don't forget a fresh maple syrup container along with maple sugar cotton candy. For the full list of frequent vendors check their website. Keep in mind that they they do change and will not all be in attendance every week. Stay green with Rutger red at the farmers market. read more

What a great find for a corporate or family event! The staff at RU was wonderful to work with and the recommended caterer Twin Oaks was terrific as well. The Log Cabin & Pavilion provide a great venue for a group of 100 or so. The Log Cabin alone for about 30. Guests can take a break and stroll through the Botanical Gardens as well. A little slice of serenity among the craziness of NJ. read more

Always a fun trip walking through these trails. I usually go with other people who know their way around. But Everytime I go I find something new like a new path,stream , or picnic area. They have some picturesque areas if you want some Instagram-worthy shots. There are easy trails to get light work out, some open gras area for picnics, just a variety of things. On weekends they host a farmers market as well. Along the trails you'll come across a giant hut/house people have worked on throughout the years. It gets more and more intricate each time I visited. Ipersonally like the trails behind the giant chairs. But the bamboo garden is also a must see. read more

I love this market! I head there every Friday morning to grab some strawberries, cherries, pastries and vegetables. There's also a fair trade coffee stand, honey stand, hot sauce stand and much much more. read more

Rutgers Gardens - Lots of goodies from Rutgers Garden Farm Market. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - New Brunswick, New Jersey

This garden is I think the most awsome place. I never knew a place like this could be found right here in New Brunswick, until my aunt brought me here once for my birthday. It's filled with bambo, 10 or more feet high. Pathways take you throughout the forest. It is hard to find, you have to know where to pull in on Riders lane. There is no sign telling you where it is. Get picnic spot in the summer. read more