Welcome to Bernardsville, NJ
This small and affluent North Jersey community sits comfortably in Somerset County, a quiet retreat from the action of nearby Manhattan. And with an extremely low crime rate, and lower student/teacher ratio and higher per-student expenditures than the national average, it’s not hard to see why the town is so popular with families.

Bernardsville boasts a storied history. It was here that General Lee rested his troops in December of 1776, immediately before being captured by the British. In the 19th century, the local presence of the Gladstone Branch railroad shaped the development of the entire region. And the Olcott Avenue Historic District (recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places) showcases the remarkable neighborhood of the same name, which had a strong impact on local life in the 20th century.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment in Bernardsville

The charm of Bernardsville extends to its shops and restaurants. Residents can enjoy classic American fare at places like The Bernards Inn, as well as some truly magnificent international options, before grabbing a scoop at the ever-popular Penguin Ice Cream and taking a stroll. A low-key way of life is prized here, but Manhattan (less than an hour away) provides a link to the sights, sounds, shows, and shopping of the big city for those seeking more excitement.

The Center for Contemporary Art, in nearby Bedminster, serves up vibrant rotating exhibitions, as well as art classes and workshops for kids and adults alike. With instructors offering everything from drawing to watercolors to glass mosaics, there’s sure to be something here to interest the whole family.

Parks and Playgrounds in Bernardsville

Bernardsville’s Parks & Recreation Department has been hard at work establishing and maintaining the many small common areas that dot this town. Sports fields, playgrounds, and a municipal pool are all available.

Golfers will enjoy the 18 fairways of lush bentgrass at the Somerset Hills Country Club, which also offers members access to beautifully maintained tennis courts. Nature enthusiasts should be sure to visit Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, home to hundreds of species of wildlife across nearly 300 acres of fields, floodplains, and woodlands. Back in town, the flower nursery known as Peony’s Envy features magnificent gardens, with tens of thousands of plants on display.