retail space to downtown Bernardsville, emphasizing creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. “Our goal would be to widening the sidewalks and creating more outdoor dining spaces,” Ribeiro explains.“It’s about making downtown more walkable while also enhancing safety.” A CULINARY RENAISSANCE One of the most exciting aspects of Bernardsville’s recent revitalization is its emergence as a dining destination. “We’ve become known for our restaurants,” Canose says, proudly pointing out several new establishments that have opened in the last few years. Among them is MV, a restaurant housed in a building that has served various roles over the decades, from a stable to a brewery. “The owner is someone who had a restaurant in Brooklyn, but he saw this beautiful historic building in Bernardsville and decided to open his new place here,” Canose explains. Another culinary star in Bernardsville is Red Horse by David Burke, a high-end restaurant in the historic Bernard’s Inn. “David Burke has brought a lot of energy to the town,” Canose says. “He’s maintained the inn’s historic charm but added a modern dining experience.” The revitalized Bernard’s Inn has become a hotspot for both residents and visitors, offering fine dining and a speakeasy and jazz club in the basement. “We’ve seen this place come alive,” Ribeiro adds. “It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a community hub.” CREATING SENSE OF PLACE Beyond its growing restaurant scene, Bernardsville offers a variety of activities and events that draw people downtown. The town boasts one of the few remaining downtown movie theaters in New Jersey, a historic gem that has survived the closure of so many small theaters in recent years. “During COVID, they rented the theater out to families for private showings, which helped keep it open,” Canose explains.“Now, with a new manager in place, they’re showing first-run films and hosting film festivals.” The town hosts regular events, from farmer’s markets to holiday parades and car shows. Bernardsville’s recent designation as a Main Street community has brought additional support for these initiatives. “We’ve done a lot to bring people downtown, whether through events like ladies’ night out or our Halloween trunk-or-treat event,” Malool says.“It’s all about creating a sense of place.” ROADMAP FOR FUTURE GROWTH Looking ahead, Bernardsville’s leadership is focused 39 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 BERNARDSVILLE, NJ
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