THE SOMERSET COUNTY SEAT SHINES ANEW
BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI
Count Somerville, the Somerset County seat, among the growing number of venerable Garden State communities experiencing a resurgence. Originally formed as a town in 1863 within Bridgewater Township, it’s now a community of 12,098 residents. Led by a vibrant entertainment and dining scene, enhanced by historic sites and scenic surroundings, this enlivened borough compels rediscovery.
Things to do
LET’S GO
DIVISION STREET PLAZA
A spacious pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown offering dining, shopping, and special seasonal events. Starlit Cinema is its terrific summer night outdoor film series.
GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Enjoy a spring evening of “celeb treatment” shopping, dining, entertainment, and surprises designed by the Downtown Somerville Glam Squad. Tickets required. Info will be available at down townsomerville.com/event.
HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Walking Somerville’s Main, Bridge, and Grove Streets affords opportunities to appreciate their distinctive Victorian architecture. The Courthouse Green, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes the Alabama marble courthouse designed by architect James Reilly Gordon, the stone English Country Church by architect William Appleton Potter, and a stately marble fountain designed by John Russell Pope, the architect of The USGA Museum in Far Hills and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.
MUNICIPAL EVENTS
2018 programs and events were being planned at press time. Learn more at somervillenj.org and visitsomersetnj.org.
ALREADY SCHEDULED
March 11 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
May 28 – Tour of Somerville Bicycle Race
OTHER EVENTS
Summer: Craft Beer Fest Central Jersey Jazz Fest
Cruise Night: Memorial Day to Labor Day on Friday nights
Shop ‘TIL YOU DROP
ASHES N EMBERS
Tobacco, pipes, accessories, and events. 11 Division St., 908.393.4062, ahesnembers.com
BENEATH IT ALL
Women’s fine lingerie and intimates. 15 Division St., 908.722.3622, beneathitallbras.com
CANDYLAND CRAFTS INC.
Everything to create cakes, candies, and confections. 201 W. Main St., 908.685.0410, candylandcrafts.com
CAROL’S CREATIVE CHOCOLATEZ
Artisan chocolate maker offering custom selections, classes, and events. 24 Division St., 908.725.5500, carolscreativechocolatez.com
CRYSTAL PALACE
Gifts and collectibles from Swarovski, Waterford, Radko, Hummel, Disney, and more. 65 W. Main St., 908.707.0202, crystalpalacenj.com
DESIGN STUDIO OF SOMERVILLE
Residential and commercial interior design firm and retail boutique. 67 W. Main St., 908.685.1921, designsos.com
DISCOVER WINE
Wine of the Month Club, special vintages, and craft beers. 66 W. Main St., 908.707.9463, discoverwine.biz
EVOLVE CLOTHING GALLERY
Men’s apparel, footwear, and accessories boutique. 80 W. Main St., 908.231.8933, evolveclothinggallery.com
ISABELLE’S BRIDAL & EVENING WEAR
Designer dresses and gowns. Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award winner. 14 Division St., 908.864.4000, isabellesondivision.com
BOULEVARD SEAFOOD COMPANY
Popular location for fresh fish specialties from the New Fulton Fish Market. 49 W. Main St., 908.722.3300, boulevardseafood.com
CASA LUNA MEXICAN GRILL
Fresh ingredients, indoor/outdoor dining, catering, BYOB. 30 S. Doughty Ave., 908.526.3300, casalunamexican.com
DA FILIPPO’S RISTORANTE
Master Chef Filippo Russo has been renowned for his dishes since 1988. 132 E. Main St., 908.218.0110, dafilippos.com
KUAY TIEW NOODLES & MORE
Charming BYO recently named one of NJ’s hottest new dining spots. 42 W. Main St., 908.393.9555, ktsomerville.com
KYMA GREEK CUISINE
Mediterranean and fresh seafood specialties in a Greek island atmosphere. 24 E. Main St., 908.864.4730, kymacuisine.com
MANNION’S IRISH PUB & CLUBHOUSE SPORTS BAR
Authentic vibe, food, and music. 105 W. Main St., 908.2-3.0700, mannionsirishpub.com
ORIGIN FRENCH THAI
Imported ingredients celebrate Thailand’s culinary history. 25 Division St., 908.685.1344, originthai.com
SAVOR
Voted “Best Fine Dining,” one of “Best BYOB,” and granted a Trip Advisor “Certificate of Excellence” for its cuisine and homemade pastas. 18 W. Main St., 908.685.1975, savornjrestaurant.com
TAPASTRE
Tapas, craft brews, and the coolest basement in town. 1 W. High St., 908.526.0505, tapastre.com
THE SALAD HOUSE
Fans of Springfield’s Cioffi’s Deli crave the next generation’s freshness. Other locations in Millburn, Morristown, and Westfield. 58 W. Main St., 201.618.0500, thesaladhouse.com
VERVE
An historic landmark with elevated bistro fare, top mixologists, and Prohibition ambiance. 18 E. Main St., 908.707.8655, vervestyle.com
VILLAGE BREWING CO.
Generating buzz is summer’s scheduled opening of this brewpub, restaurant, and event space in the former Antiques Center. 34 W. Main St., villagebrewing.com
WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE BY WOLFGANG ZWIENER
Wolfgang Zweiner, a former headwaiter at NYC’s Peter Luger Steak House, has created a culinary oasis in the heart of downtown. Elegance flows from the ceiling down to diners’ stunning palate pleasing plates. Enjoy unforgettable culinary experiences. Worldwide locations, including 119 W. Main St., 908.541.0344, wolfgangssteakhouse.net
YUTAKA HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Teppanyaki tables, a VIP Party Room, authentic décor, and a sizzling menu. 90 W. Main St., 908.218.5523, yutakanj.com
Lights Out WHERE TO STAY
BRIDGEWATER MARRIOTT
A well appointed hotel with an indoor pool and fitness center, and the Booker & Zinc American Restaurant and Lounge. 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater, 908.927.9300, marriott.com
HOTEL SOMERSET BRIDGE WATER
Originally opened in 1978 as a Marriott Hotel, a recent renovation means chic and modern upgrades, renovations, and additions throughout, including restaurant, lounge, and conference spaces. Indoor and outdoor pools, full service bar and restaurant. 110 Davidson Ave., Somerset, 732.560.0500, hotelsomersetbr.com
HYATT HOUSE, BRANCHBURG
Extended stay and business travelers enjoy suites, an outdoor pool/patio/BBQ area, omelet breakfast bar and the H Bar. 3141 Rt. 22, Branchburg, 908.704.2191, branchburg.house.hyatt.com
RADISSON PISCATAWAY SOMERSET
Situated in the business district, and offering proximity to the companies and corporate offices on Centennial Avenue, including American Standard and Johnson & Johnson. 24 hour business center, indoor pool, and award winning Fulton’s restaurant. 21 Kingsbridge Rd., Piscataway, 732.980.0400, radisson.com