Discover Picturesque Somerset Hills

Come to Bernardsville, one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s unique vacation spots. The quaint country town is located in the center of New Jersey’s picturesque Somerset Hills and just steps away from the town’s delightful turn-of-the-century train station.

With Manhattan just an hour's train-ride away, The Bernards Inn has been the delight of weary New Yorkers and other travelers s in search of a tranquil haven for over a century. www.njtransit.com Select one of our unforgettable Vacation Packages or create your own customized getaway with our personalized concierge services. With popular local attractions and events year round, The Bernards Inn is a perfect nearby getaway any time of year.

During your visit with us we encourage you to explore our unique hamlet and discover some of the unique and exceptional shops that are just a stroll away and create the flavor of Olcott Square.

AREA EVENTS

"Masters of Illusion", Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, February 2, 2013

"From New York with Love", Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, February 14, 2013, 8:00pm

The Bernards Inn, Valentine's Day Hotel Package & Dinner, Bernardsville, February 14, 2013

The Big Apple Circus, LEGENDARIUM, TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater, February 28 - March 17, 2013

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, Garden State Exhibit Center, Somerset, March 8-10, 2013, 10:00am-5:00pm

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

USGA Museum, Far Hills NJ

A recent $200 million expansion poises this museum to be the “Cooperstown of golf”.

USET Foundation, Gladstone NJ

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is a non-profit organization which is primarily funded by individual contributors like you who want to support our country’s international horses and athletes.

The Somerset Patriots, Bridgewater NJ

Experience the excitement created by our local minor league baseball team.

The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, Morristown NJ

This intimate theatre showcases the finest in nationally known acts.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison NJ

One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, they illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

Clearview Cinemas, Bernardsville NJ, Chester NJ, Morristown NJ

Step back in time before the days of the megaplex and enjoy first run films in our cozy theater.

J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art, Bernardsville NJ

A gallery of quality and tradition showcasing the finest in art.

The Burnt Mills Gallery, Bernardsville NJ

This gallery has been providing fine art, custom framing, restoration and art curation services to the Bedminster/Far Hills area for 10 years.

Griffin & Howe, Bernardsville NJ

Outfitting the professional game shooter along with custom crafting the finest in firearms since 1923.

Butler's of Far Hills Interior Design and Decoration, Far Hills NJ

Studio of Jeffrey B. Haines, The Bernards Inn designer. A showroom like no other, where you’ll always be welcome: to browse, to shop, to chat or simply inquire.

Base Camp Adventure Outfitters, Bernardsville NJ

Basking Ridge based retailer offering outdoor clothing and gear as well as activities.

The Sports People, Far Hills NJ

Far Hills Retail storeoffering ski, bike, and fly fishing clothing and gear The Bike Shop boasts a substantial tri-athlete collection,(bikes, clothing, wetsuits) Fly Fishing Shop not only sells fly fishing merchandise but offers trips and lessons. The Ski Shop has ski and snowboards for purchase, rentals, or leasing.

Morris Museum, Morristown NJ

The Morris Museum collection currently consists of approximately 48,700 objects. Individual areas of the museum's distinguished collection include costumes and textiles, fine art, decorative art, dolls and toys, natural science, geology and paleontology, and anthropology.

Leonard J. Buck Gardens, Far Hills NJ

The Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States.

Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary New Jersey Audubon Society, Bernardsville NJ

276 acres of Well-maintained and marked trails traverse the Sanctuary, ranging in length from 0.3 miles to 1.3 miles and passing through upland deciduous forest, fields, woodland, and the floodplain along the headwaters of the Passaic River. The Sanctuary is home to more than 60 species of nesting birds, and over 175 species have been sighted at the Sanctuary, including as many as 25 species of warblers during spring migration.

Lord Stirling Stables, Basking Ridge
Lord Stirling Stable offers a full complement of riding activities for riders of most ages and abilities.

The Mall at Short Hills, Short Hills NJ

The region's preeminent shopping destination includes 160 specialty stores and restaurants

Hike Mendham

Most of these hikes are just walks in beautiful areas for fun and mild exercise outdoors, but some will have some focus on the environmental or historic aspects in the area.

Duke Farms, Hillsborough NJ
A 2,700-acre estate in Hillsborough, New Jersey, was developed by tobacco and hydropower magnate James Buchanan Duke beginning in 1893. The Duke Farms Foundation was created in 1998 to own and operate the property. Today, the property is being transformed into a regional center for environmental stewardship.

Alstede Farms, Chester NJ

Local farm where guests can pick their own fruit, vegetables, enjoy hayrides, etc.

Great Swamp, Basking Ridge

7,768 acres of varied habitats, the refuge has become a resting and feeding area for more than 244 species of birds. Fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants also call the refuge "home".

Jockey Hollow/Washington's Headquarters at Morristown National Historic Park, Morristown NJ

Serving as the winter encampments of George Washington's troops in 1779-1780, Jockey Hollow merges history with some decent hiking.

Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Morris Plains NJ

One of the most significant landmarks of the American Arts and Crafts movement, and the site, which consists of 30 acres of the original 650-acre tract, has been designated a National Historic Landmark

The Cross Estate, Bernardsville NJ

The Cross Estate Gardens, a project of the New Jersey Historical Garden Foundation in cooperation with the National Park Service, located onJockey Hollow Road in Bernardsville, NJ. The Gardens comprise formal and native gardens, a wisteria-covered pergola, and a mountain laurel allee. The Cross Estate is open from dawn to dusk. Parking is free, and there are no entry fees.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township NJ

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is one of New Jersey's largest horticultural parks, owned and operated by the County of Morris. Its buildings and grounds offer a glimpse into the Gilded Age of Morristown, NJ.

Bamboo Brook, Chester Township NJ

Originally known as "Merchiston Farm," the home of William and Martha Brookes Hutcheson from 1911 to 1959. The Center's 100 acres include fields, woodlands and a formal garden designed by Mrs. Hutcheson, one of the first women to be trained as a landscape architect in the United States. The Park Commission is just embarking on an extensive restoration of the gardens at Bamboo Brook.

Hiking in Somerset County Parks

Natirar, Peapack-Gladstone NJ

A 411-acre property located in the scenic hills of Somerset County.The 2 mile picturesque loop trail awaits park visitors and passes along the scenic North Branch river corridor, through wooded areas and across open fields. It is along this trail that the splendor of this magnificent property can truly be felt.

Ninety Acres Culinary Center, Peapack NJ

Select from our wide array of exciting classes covering subjects such as ethnic cuisines, basic techniques of cooking, baking, vegetarian, and cocktail and dinner parties

COLLEGES

College of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station NJ

A community of learning in the Catholic liberal arts tradition for students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and cultures.

Fairleigh Dickenson University, Madison NJ

The largest private university in New Jersey.

Drew University, Madison NJ

The university is known for its small class sizes and personal attention to students.

Rutger's University, New Brunswick NJ

The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national public research university and the state’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education.

Centenary College, Hackettstown NJ, Long Valley NJ

A community of learners distinguished by a diverse student body, a dedicated faculty and staff, and stimulating educational opportunities

TOURISM

www.morristourism.org

www.co.somerset.nj.us

www.morrisparks.net

www.somersetcountyparks.org

www.skylandstourism.org

www.newjerseybeautiful.com

Fall Attractions

Always do your best, what you plant now you will harvest later.
-Og Mandino

Whether you planted seeds or simply good intentions, the harvest will be upon us in nearly a month.  It is time to reflect on the seasons before and gather inspiration for the season ahead!  September 23rd marks the official first day of fall this year. Crinkling leaves, cool breezes, crisp apples, spiraling wind chimes; these are the gentle reminders of the infamous autumn touches. 

How could you begin a new season without advice from your Escape Artist? I am happy to report my four favorite “fall finds” to be enjoyed in the fresh, autumn air.  Experience the sounds of the town, when Bernardsville comes alive on Friday, September 9th from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Why travel a distance when you can stroll at your leisure through local Bernardsville…  Enjoy the musical talents, shop the sidewalk sales and enjoy the best of Bernardsville.  Of course your visit would not be complete without stopping by the Inn to sample our signature caramel apples.   Join our Inn Club and you will have a chance to win a gift certificate for six guests to our Sunday Breakfast Buffet.

Just a few miles down the road, plan to visit Alstede Farms in historical Chester, for their Family Fun Days throughout September and October.  Pick your favorite pumpkin, navigate through the corn kingdom and finish the day with a moonlight hayride around the cozy campfire.   Select activities require special admission or a daily activity pass can be purchased.   

Meander to Moorland Farms, as a horse enthusiast or simply a lover of celebration, for the Far Hills Race Meeting on October 22nd.  This event is assured to create or to continue a lasting tradition. Originally the Essex Hunt, founded in Montclair state in 1870, the race has developed today into an event with a charitable center. To date, the event has raised over $17million for the Somerset Medical Center. Experience the races and the melting pot of fashion, food and fun!  

Finish the season where we began, and experience the warmth of the fireplace and the gracious hospitality of the Inn.   A signature gourmet getaway, the Fall Feast, is the perfect way to connect your palette with the flavors of fall.  Enjoy deluxe overnight accommodations, seasonal amenities of mulled apple cider and homemade pumpkin bread, along with a four course tasting dinner paired with hand selected wines.  A la carte breakfast for two concludes your escape into the Somerset Hills until the next season.  It’s never too soon to return