In the shadow of New York City, Trenton, New Jersey often gets overlooked as just another dull suburb. While the town does have its fair share of chain restaurants and cookie-cutter housing developments, it also has quite a few surprisingly unique things to do, especially if you’re willing to go off the beaten path. If you ever find yourself in Trenton, check out these five underrated things to do in Trenton. You won’t regret it!

1) Visit the Mercer County Historical Society The Mercer County Historical Society is a great way to discover more about Trenton’s fascinating past. For over 100 years, it has been preserving and displaying documents, photos, and other historical objects that trace Trenton’s growth from a humble settlement on Assunpink Creek into New Jersey’s capital city. Not only does it offer a great glimpse into Mercer County history—it also offers free admission! To get there, hop on NJ Transit bus number 8 at Penn Station or West Trenton Station; you can reach both of these by taking NJ Transit train service from New York City. Bus route 8 then travels north along Broad Street before turning east on Pennington Avenue. Upon arriving at its destination, you can get off just steps away from the museum itself. Get the cheapest ticket possible. booking for JetBlue Airlines reservations.

2) Take a Hike

The most underrated thing to do in Trenton is go on a hike. With 80 miles of trails, 2 state parks and a national wildlife refuge all within an hour from downtown, there’s no shortage of hiking options. Each season brings new sights and smells – from evergreen forests in springtime, to brilliantly colored leaves at fall, and browning grasses with animal tracks during winter. Make sure you check out Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for its breathtaking views as well as Mine Hill Preserve for its wide variety of flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else.

3) Go to an Art Gallery

If you’re looking for an activity that doesn’t cost a thing, check out your local gallery. The art will be free and you might find something you like enough to buy. Even if not, it’s a great way to spend some time with friends or on your own, appreciate some creative talent and learn more about your surroundings. You can often find local art galleries through Meetup groups, art festivals and weekend strolls around town; alternatively, there are online directories such as ArtFinder and ArtFlix where you can browse galleries by city or state.

4) See a Movie at the Capitol Theater* The Capitol Theater is one of New Jersey’s most famous landmarks. It’s one of America’s last remaining atmospheric theaters, which means it has a gilded ceiling, Moorish arches and a painted sunset on its interior walls. Located near downtown Trenton, it's easily accessible by public transportation. And if you're visiting from out of town or from out of state, then seeing a movie at The Capitol is a great way to see just how cool our city really is. If you have time after seeing your film, be sure to stop by Rulloff's Restaurant—the theater's attached restaurant—for dinner. The Capitol Theater serves as an event venue and restaurant with an extensive menu that includes pizza, burgers and milkshakes!

5) Have Brunch at Peppercorns Bistro

The place is small, but Peppercorns Bistro has its own charm. Some of their more popular menu items include crab cakes and steak frites. Their three-course brunch is a real steal at only $14 per person. And you really can’t go wrong with their cinnamon roll pancakes for dessert! This quaint bistro is also pet friendly and has outdoor seating, so feel free to bring your fur baby along for breakfast or brunch.

If you need more reasons, here are four: 1) They have an amazing lobster benedict 2) Their blueberry muffins have won awards 3) You can get some of their famous house-made chai tea with honey 4) It’s open until midnight most nights. How great is that?