Englewood combines theater history, sites commemorating the American Revolutionary War, and nature and park offerings. If you’re looking for a hotel in Englewood, consider which side of the city you want to shape your stay: culture, local history, or time in the parks.
Theater History in Englewood
The theater that became the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) opened on November 22, 1926, as the Englewood Plaza movie theater. In fall 2004, bergenPAC reopened in the former John Harms Center, with 1,367 seats. bergenPAC is a community theater that contributes to improving quality of life through the arts. The timeline traces the journey from its beginnings as a movie theater to the theater’s reopening, highlighting different stages in its history.
Traces of Local History
The Liberty Pole Tavern was the center of economic, political, and social life in 1776. During the American Revolutionary War, General Washington led his army from Fort Lee to the Liberty Pole Tavern. Leaders of the Continental Army also held consultations at Liberty Pole. At a conference on July 16, 1779, General Anthony Wayne planned the capture of Stony Point. Thus, the tavern’s role in community life in 1776 is connected with a specific military consultation three years later.
Englewood House lies along the historic route of George Washington’s retreat. In 2023, the Taylor-Bliss House was moved from its original location at the northeast corner of Engle Street and East Hudson Avenue to the city-owned Eleanor Harvey Park. These places reflect different historical connections: Washington’s retreat and the relocation of a house to a new site.
Nature and Parks
Flat Rock Brook is a 150-acre nature preserve and environmental education center in Englewood; it includes a Nature Playground. Mackay Park covers 28.6 acres in central Englewood, directly south of downtown. It is home to the Mackay, also known as the John T. Wright Ice Skating Arena, and a public swimming pool. The parks offer different experiences: Flat Rock Brook combines nature conservation and environmental education, while Mackay Park features an ice rink and swimming pool. The operating status and seasonal availability of municipal facilities may change, so check what is currently open before visiting.
Worship, Concerts and Getting There
In its historic sanctuary, Saint Paul’s Church offers a choral service with communion at 10:30 a.m. and hosts free concerts throughout the year. Service times and concert programs may change; check current schedules before your visit. Music and worship add another cultural focus to the theater and local history.
A bus connection is also available for Flat Rock Brook: New Jersey Transit routes 171, 175, 178, and 186 serve the nature preserve via the stop at Route 4 and Jones Road in Englewood. Check the routes before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Ridgewood, Little Ferry, Saddle River, Palisades Park, Fair Lawn, East Rutherford, Ramsey, Saddle Brook.
For the broader travel overview: Bergen.
