Destinations

Step back in time to 1777 during the American Revolution at Washington Rock State Park where General George Washington took advantage of the 30-mile panoramic view of the valley to direct his troops to circle behind British General Howe’s troops and stop their retreat.  

More history can be found with a guided tour of Wallage House & Dutch Parsonage once winter quarters for General Washington as well as Provincial Congress delegates who declared New Jersey’s independence.  

Take a ride back in time on the New Hope Railroad in picturesque Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Dating from 1891 the vintage railroad provides visitors with seasonal train excursions as well as special events throughout the year.  

Festivals

Experience the free fun and excitement of the Somerset County 4-H Fair in August offering classic fair food, Live music, fun activities, and shows and exhibits.  

Make it a day with the family or friends at the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning in July at Solberg Airport in Whitehouse Station with dozens of beautiful and fanciful hot-air balloons as well as entertainment, exhibits and great food.  

For an international experience, the Flemington Opa! Greek Festival in June is a weekend-long celebration of fine Greek food, dancers, and music as well as different vendors, carnival games, and a Taverna and Café.  

Celebrate culture at the New Jersey Folk Festival in April featuring a range of musicians, dance troupes, comedians, and storytellers on the campus of Rutgers University. 

Arts 

Enjoy live performances with the Somerset Valley Players community theater featuring different plays throughout the year including free senior citizen evenings.  

The Raritan Valley Symphonic Band is a local treat with formal and outdoor concerts performed by more than 100 local musicians. The Raritan Valley Chorus is featured in a variety of programs from contemporary to traditional performed throughout the year.  

For a look at times gone by, the Old Millstone Forge blacksmith shop and museum, once the longest operating blacksmith shop in the nation or the Samuel Fleming House Museum & Gardens, a restored and preserved look at life in colonial America.  

Another great option is the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University featuring diverse artworks, ongoing exhibits, a collection of more than 7,000 pieces, diverse events, films and more. Lovers of the natural world won’t want to miss the Rutgers Geology Museum, with exhibits, collections, lectures and tours. 

Learning

Keeping the mind agile with life-long learning is easy at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University with classes held online or in-person at the New Brunswick or Freehold campuses or take advantage of the Rutgers Senior Citizen Audit Program with classes on all three campuses on a space-available basis.

Restaurants

The Hillsborough area is home to many great eateries featuring diverse menus and surroundings. For casual dining try The Landing with American fare from great burgers to three-course meals, Sahara for tantalizing Mediterranean cuisine, sample authentic Italian at Café Graziella.  

For fine dining with friends and family Verve Restaurant offers top-rated French American fare in an elegant atmosphere or try Ovations for amazing Italian American choices complimented by a full cocktail menu or enjoy a luscious steak or fish entrée at Char Steakhouse.  

When just a cup of java or tea will do, relax at Eminato or CaféMerica, or enjoy a locally sourced adult beverage at Flounder Brewing Co. or Winemakers of Somerset. 

Fresh & local  

Freshness matters when it comes to eating well and there’s no better way to get fresh foods than at a local farmers market. Among the many options are Hillsborough Farm Country Market with 150 years of experience providing fresh fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods, dairy products, meats, flowers and more.  

Sample the wares of a variety of local vendors at the Montgomery Farmers’ Market open June through November with fresh and organic produce, homemade foods, flowers, coffee, soups and meats.  

Another local favorite is John H. Drake Farmers’ Market for vegetables and fruit as well as flowers, and eggs.  

For excellent beef, lamb, poultry, vegetables, fruits and wine check out Vacchiano Farm and don’t forget the homemade specialty foods and baked goods! 

Fitness & swimming  

Fitness is essential to aging well and staying independent, and the options are many in Hillsborough Township. For a complete fitness program try The Max Challenge where classes and nutrition combine to meet fitness goals or reap the health and wellness benefits of a personal trainer at Newell Strength or Fitness Elite. For a zero-impact workout, swimming can’t be beat, and the Hillsborough YMCA offers open swimming as well as water exercise classes.  

Walking trails  

Walking is one of the easiest and simplest ways to stay fit and The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a great place to walk, wander, stroll or hike. Featuring more than 70 miles of multi-use walking paths along the beautiful historic canal, visitors can also enjoy programs and activities designed for people of all ages.  

The area is also home to the Mike Merdinger Memorial Trail spanning 2.3 miles through farmlands and woodlands, Devil’s Half-Acre Trail at Sourland Mountain Preserve a 2.5-mile moderately challenging loop trail, and Natirar Park with the 1.3-mile Great Meadows Trail and the 1.0-mile Upper Field Trail which wind through meadows and fields along the North Branch of the Raritan River Corridor.  

Back to nature 

Nature offers respite from daily cares and a calm and restful place to recharge and relax. One of the best natural areas in the state is Duke Farms with more than 1,000 acres dedicated to nature, natural beauty and environmental education in the verdant Piedmont Region. Visitors can see abundant wildlife, witness the Great Falls, take a class or learn about orchids and other native plants at the Orchid Range.  

In Franklin Township’s Bunker Hill and Franklin Park Natural Areas offer more than 400 acres of raw beauty great for birdwatching and hiking in woods and meadows. Also extraordinary is the Rutgers University Ecological Preserve in New Brunswick covering 316 acres of Eco preserve dedicated to teaching but open for the public to enjoy walking, hiking and viewing wildlife.  

Golf 

Get back to nature and get some exercise on one of the local public golf courses. The three nationally ranked championship Neshanic Valley Golf Courses offer golfers the choice of 9-hole courses or a combination for 18 holes. Take a swing at Bunker Hill Golf Course with 18 holes, a café and Pro Shop, or The Ridge at Back Brook, an 18-hole course that is both challenging and beautiful.  

Volunteer opportunities

A fun and fulfilling way to live longer and better lives is to give back by volunteering. Among the many local options are teaching others to read through Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County, join Feeding Hands Pantry to help feed those in need or Community Options, Inc. an organization that helps people secure housing and employment. Another option is to search on volunteermatch.com, or call local charities or hospitals directly. 

Religious organizations

Hillsborough Township is home to diverse houses of worship including: