photo by Reeves-Reed Arboretum Instagram
The New Jersey suburbs are full of hidden gems - like the Reeves-Reed Arboretum! This affordable activity (technically free with a $5 recommended donation) is the perfect way to spend a warm day this spring, summer or fall with your family. Enjoy tours of the grounds, activities, concerts, hikes and more. We love recommending an outdoor activity that provides safety during these cautious times to our clients. Read on to find out more about this beautiful property in the heart of Summit, New Jersey.
History
Originally farmland during the American Revolution, the 13.5 acres became the home to the Wisner family, which built a colonial revival style home on the property. It was not until the early 1900s that the owners - the Reeves family - decided to build gardens far and wide surrounding the home. The Reed family were the final owners before Summit purchased the land and property as a public arboretum.
Things to Do
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is best known for its daffodils! In April (this year the event is held on Sunday, April 18th) the Arboretum holds its annual Daffodil Day. Take in over 50,000 daffodil bulbs that are in full bloom on a beautiful spring day, and enjoy games, crafts, food trucks, goats and more!
photo by Instagrammer hk_photos_
Get your steps in by hiking one of the 4 trails across 6 acres of woodland. The trails are short - together making up a mile of terrain. After hiking, go for a stroll through the gardens where you can currently spot Eastern Redbud, Drumstick Primrose, Forget-Me-Nots, Magnolias, among others. What’s also cool about the gardens is that they are maintained the same way they were nearly a century ago. Enjoy the dedicated Rose Garden and try to spot a bird or two at the Rock Garden (Now known as Rock Pool).
photo by Instagrammer thescenic.root
The Arboretum is a great spot to spend a summer day or night. From June to October, beautiful sculptures litter the grounds for the Art on the Garden exhibit. At night, listen to beautiful jazz and blues melodies while taking in the scenery as part of the Sounds of a Summer Night series. Sign up for our activities newsletter via our homepage so we can remind you when these wonderful events are upcoming!
Summit
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is located in the beautiful city of Summit. A one-ride trip to NYC, Summit is a popular town for new families to settle in after living in NYC. It’s easy to visit the Arboretum from the city - either take a 20 minute walk from the train station or it’s a 40 minute drive from midtown. We recommend the train and walking option - that way you can see all the beautiful Summit homes and even have lunch or dinner in downtown Summit. Downtown Summit has over 100 shops, award-winning restaurants and beautiful pieces of artwork throughout for the public to enjoy.
Experience Summit and the surrounding towns with Search the Burbs! We connect you with a Community Specialist that tells you all you need to know about the New Jersey suburbs, and even beyond. Check out our trending towns, and then fill out an inquiry form to get in touch with us. Many of our clients start 1-2 years before they actually plan on moving. And the best part? Our services are FREE!