New Brunswick: A Us East Coast Gem

New Brunswick is a city in the United States, located in the state of New Jersey. It is the seat of Middlesex County and lies on the southern banks of the Raritan River. New Brunswick is known for being a college town, home to Rutgers University, the state's largest university. It is also a commuter town for residents travelling to New York City. The city has a diverse population and is known for its arts, culture, and nightlife.

New Brunswick's history

New Brunswick, Canada, was first inhabited by First Nations groups, including the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy. The first European exploration of the area was conducted by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that the French began to settle the region as part of the colony of Acadia.

In the early 18th century, Acadia experienced an influx of refugees after the French surrendered their claim to Nova Scotia in 1713. This was short-lived, as many Acadians were later forcibly expelled from the region by the British during the Seven Years' War. The French ceded their remaining claims to continental North America, including present-day New Brunswick, to the British.

In 1784, the western portions of Nova Scotia were severed to form the new colony of New Brunswick, partly in response to the influx of Loyalists fleeing the American Revolutionary War. This new colony was named in honour of King George III, who was descended from the House of Brunswick. The first governor of New Brunswick was Thomas Carleton, and the provincial capital was established in Fredericton.

During the 19th century, New Brunswick saw an influx of settlers, including formerly deported Acadians, Welsh migrants, and a large number of Irish migrants. Efforts to establish a Maritime Union in the 1860s eventually resulted in Canadian Confederation, with New Brunswick uniting with Nova Scotia and the Province of Canada to form a single federation in July 1867.

New Brunswick experienced an economic downturn in the late 19th century but began to expand again in the early 20th century. The government also embarked on an equal opportunity program to address inequities faced by the province's French-speaking population. In 1969, New Brunswick was officially designated as a bilingual English and French province under the New Brunswick Official Languages Act.

New Brunswick's healthcare industry

New Brunswick has a publicly funded healthcare system, with the provincial government providing healthcare coverage for most medically required services. This includes access to family doctors and hospitals, with no charge for regular visits. New residents to the province are entitled to this coverage, and can register for a Medicare card, which is a key piece of identification for accessing healthcare services.

The province is divided into two healthcare regions: Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network. The region of service is determined by where an individual settles. New Brunswick also has a patient registry for those without a primary healthcare provider, called Patient Connect NB, which anyone eligible for a New Brunswick Medicare card can register for.

There are a variety of career opportunities in the healthcare sector in New Brunswick, with almost 23,000 job openings expected in the healthcare and social assistance sector between 2018 and 2027. Roles include dental assistants, pharmacy technicians, rehabilitation assistants, and home health care workers.

The New Brunswick Health Council provides an overview of health expenditure in the province, as well as key indicators on the accessibility and experiences of using healthcare services. The Council also offers surveys on primary care, student wellness, and mental health.

New Brunswick's entertainment and nightlife

New Brunswick has a vibrant and diverse entertainment and nightlife scene, offering something for everyone. From bars and pubs to live music and performing arts, the city comes alive after dark.

For those who enjoy a lively bar scene, there are plenty of options to choose from. Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe, for example, offers craft beers, trivia nights, and live music. Other popular bars include Barca City Cafe & Bar, Clydz Creative Food and Drink, George St. Ale House, and Hopscotch Whisky Bar.

If you're looking for a fun night out, New Brunswick has no shortage of clubs and lounges. Christopher's Lounge & Bar, Glo Ultra Lounge, and The Twenty/20 Club are known for their lively atmosphere, DJs, and dancing. The Brunswick, a dual-environment entertainment venue, features live bands, a sports bar, a restaurant, and a nightclub-style lounge with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

For a more cultural experience, New Brunswick is home to several performing arts venues and theatres. The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), George Street Playhouse, and Crossroads Theatre Company offer a range of performances throughout the year. The city also boasts its own jazz project, showcasing local and international talent.

In addition to its nightlife, New Brunswick also offers a variety of entertainment options during the day. Boat tours, water sports, and amusement parks provide fun for all ages. The city's parks, gardens, and historic sites, such as the Buccleuch Mansion, are perfect for exploring and learning about the area's history.

New Brunswick's restaurants and eateries

New Brunswick is a restaurant hotspot, with dozens of eateries within walking distance of the Heldrich Hotel. Here are some of the best restaurants and eateries to try:

Best Restaurants Closest to the Hotel

• Tavern on George: This pub has a cozy atmosphere, elevated pub food, doughnut flights, and live jazz every Wednesday. It's located in a historic building with original wood beam ceilings and iron chandelier fixtures.
• Catherine Lombardi’s: An elegant bar and restaurant with two large fireplaces and a bird’s-eye view of the New Brunswick Theater District. The menu is Neapolitan-based and Brooklyn-influenced, inspired by one of the owner’s Italian grandmothers, Catherine Lombardi. They also have an extensive wine list and classic cocktails.
• Stage Left: Known for its wood-grilled steaks, award-winning wine list, and pioneering cocktail program. Their 11 oz burger has been named one of the best in New Jersey.

Restaurants with World Flavors

• Nagomi: A cozy ramen restaurant serving assari-style ramen made with the best possible ingredients in small batches.
• Cuzin's, Seafood & Clam Bar: A rustic yet upscale seafood restaurant. Their fish and shellfish are imported daily and are some of the freshest in town.
• Esquina Latina: A Latin American restaurant and lounge with colorful lights, authentic dishes, craft cocktails, and a lively nightlife scene.
• Delta’s: A Southern Soul Food eatery with a brick-walled interior, serving dishes like fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, collard greens, and gumbo. They also have a well-rounded cocktail menu and a sophisticated southern atmosphere.

Restaurants for a Fancy Meal

• The Frog and The Peach: A stylish restaurant with a modern American menu and an international spin. They have a swanky bar and an award-winning wine list with 400 selections.
• Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar: A hip, modern oyster bar serving a variety of fresh local oysters, seafood towers, and creative small plates. They also have a spacious rustic bar and a large selection of signature cocktails.
• Steakhouse 85: A modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse, serving dry-aged steaks rubbed with sea salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. They have a classically designed bar and an award-winning wine list.

Specialty Restaurants & Brew Pubs

• Harvest Moon Brewery: A relaxed brewpub with exposed brick walls, serving house-brewed beers and an eclectic menu.
• Destination Dogs: A gourmet hot dog spot with unique sausages inspired by global travel, including kangaroo sausage and duck bratwurst. They also have signature cocktails.
• Sophie's: A restaurant offering comfort food with a diverse yet simple menu, featuring classic French Bistro decor.

New Brunswick's universities

New Brunswick has several universities, both public and private. Here is an overview:

Public Universities:

Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Rutgers University–New Brunswick, also known as Rutgers–New Brunswick, is a top-ranked public university in New Brunswick. It has been recognised as a Top 15 public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rutgers–New Brunswick offers over 100 majors and encourages students to take 15 credits each semester to complete their degree in four years. The university has various campuses, including Busch Campus, College Avenue Campus, Douglass Campus, and Livingston Campus. Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a rich history, with classes beginning in 1771, and it became the state university of New Jersey in 1945.

University of New Brunswick (UNB)

The University of New Brunswick, often abbreviated as UNB, is a public university with campuses in Fredericton and Saint John. UNB has a long history of innovation and discovery, dating back to 1785. It offers over 100 study options and is known for its research, innovation, and experiential learning. UNB provides students with opportunities beyond the classroom, allowing them to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable experiences.

Private Universities:

In addition to the public universities, there are several private universities in New Brunswick, including:

• Mount Allison University
• St. Thomas University
• Yorkville University
• Kingswood University
• St. Stephen's University
• University of Fredericton
• Beal University Canada

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