Here
in the Pine Barrens, shopping is a different experience than in large
cities and other urban areas. Towns and villages provide many
unique shops owned by local residents, and they offer a variety of
special items unique to this area. Antique stores abound, as do craft
shops and of course, sporting and outdoor related shops. It's reported
that over one-hundred antique shops alone can be found on or near
Route 9 (which runs North-South along the coastal area) from Barnegat
to Tuckerton! Some towns have no grocery stores nearby; travelling
10 or more miles for milk is not uncommon in some areas of the Pine
Barrens! The
Pine Barrens has some wonderful towns with small shops and antique
centers crammed with treasures. Seafood, blueberry and cranberry
festivals, jamborees and more are run each year in many of these towns,
celebrating the rich heritage of the Pinelands and coastal areas.
CHATSWORTH (Woodland Township)
(central)
Often
called "the capital of the Pine Barrens", Chatsworth
is a village nestled amongst pines, cranberries and blueberries.
One of its most well known structures is the old Buzby
House, located at the intersection of Routes 532 and 563.
This house was recently renovated and now houses "The
Cheshire Cat", a gift shop crammed with things of
the Pine Barrens, such as books (many written by owner Marilyn
Schmidt), crafts, maps, home accessories, and more. Marilyn
is a wonderful lady who knows the Pine Barrens well and is
happy to answer questions about them.
Chatsworth
is home to the Ocean Spray cranberry receiving station. Tons and
tons of cranberries are brought here each autumn by cranberry
farmers throughout the Pine Barrens.
Some
of the largest cranberry farms can be seen from Route 563 south
of Chatsworth. This photo was taken from the road.
Route
532 west leads past Chatsworth lake, once the location of a mansion
built by Italian Prince Mario Ruspoli, an attache at the Italian
Embassy in Washington, a summer destination of the rich and famous
of the era. Built in the late 1800's, It burned to the ground
many years ago. It is also the site of the former Chatsworth House,
a luxurious playground for the rich and famous in the early 20th
century, including the Astors, Vanderbilts and others.
Barnegat
Township, located on the western shore of the Barnegat Bay,
and extending Westward for several miles into the Pine Barrens,
is an eclectic combination of old and new. Just East of
Garden State Parkway exit 67 on West Bay Avenue are mini-malls
with grocery stores, gift shops, hair salons, delis, pizzerias
and other convenience shops. Many modern housing developments
are scattered throughout the area. The real treasure,
however, is about a mile East at the Route 9 intersection.
Here, a number of shops offer hours of browsing pleasure, especially
for those who love antiques.
Gallery-type
shops such as The Gold Duster are
located here as well, giving tourists a great opportunity to
purchase that perfect oil,watercolor or other momento of their
stay in Ocean County! Severalrestaurants
are also nearby, offering a perfect respite from a day of shopping,
antiquing and sightseeing!
With
its proximity to the Barnegat Bay, Barnegat Township has many
old "sea captain's" homes, some of which are rumored to be haunted..
Probably the best-known is the Cox House, located on the Northwest
corner of Route 9 and West Bay Avenue. It is now the home
of the Barnegat Cultural Center. Many of these homes have "Widow's
Walks", where wives of ship captains anxiously searched
to see the ship's safe arrival.
Further
East on Bay Avenue are many more examples of this classic architecture.
Many historical buildings still stand, such as the Quaker Meeting
House and the old Barber Shop.
As
one nears the Barnegat Bay, the style and mood changes to a nautical
one. Vessels of all types are docked in lagoons or marinas;
most of the bayfront
omes and
condos are built on pilings for protection
from rare but damaging storm tides. The public dock and
boardwalk offer a beautiful vista of Long Beach Island just across
the Barnegat Bay.
This
area of Barnegat
is well-known for its many Summer festivities, such as flea
markets, concerts, fireworks on the Fourth, Pirate's Day, and
much more. The Barnegat Public Dock is the scene of many
of these activities. Be sure to visit Barnegat
Township's website for local news of Barnegat Township!
Coming soon:
www.VisitBarnegat.com
- a website devoted entirely to Barnegat Township!
Town
of HAMMONTON
(south)
Many
towns across the country tout the "Blueberry Capital of the
World" title, but once you've driven by the thousands of
acres of blueberry fields, tasted some of the local blueberry
pies, muffins, pancake and other gastronimical treats, you'll
know that Hammonton NJ is THE capital when it comes to blueberries!
This region is also home to several excellent wineries.
When
the hunger pangs set in, try one of Hammonton's several Italian
restaurants or pizzerias. According to statistics, 45.9% of
this town's residents are of Italian ancestry, the second-highest
percentage of any municipality in the United States (behind
Johnston, Rhode Island), so the food is bound to be delicious!
For a sampling of this terrific
cuisine and a celebration of Italian heritage, visit The
Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, one of the oldest Italian
Festivals in the United States, in Hammonton in July each year!
This celebration in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel began in
the year of 1875 in the home of Antonio Capelli. He, along with
a small group of fellow immigrants, prayed in front of a painting
of the Virgin Mary and formed a procession in front of the home.
They prayed in thanks for their safe journey to America, their
successful farming season, and for the blessings and good fortune
found in their new home in Hammonton, NJ
308 White Horse
Pike(Route 30), Hammonton, NJ, 08037
Phone: 609-561-5700
Located
in the Bluberry capital of the world! Close
to Wharton State Forest, Batsto, wineries, 25
min. to Atlantic City, Philly. AC Airport nearby.
Near restaurants and shopping. A great location
for visiting the Pine Barrens! Map (south)
A
place to linger,
to gather,
to connect. 212
Bellevue Ave.
Hammonton, NJ
609-561-2600
casciano...
The destination for artisan coffee, distinctive
sweets,
and specialty lattes, frappes & smoothies.
Conveniently located on Route 54 in beautiful
downtown Hammonton.
"Best biscotti, blueberry crumb cake
and chocolate cupcakes in South Jersey!"
Free WiFi, plenty of parking, and comfortable
lounging.
Bikers and Bicyclists welcome!
Amalthea
Cellars Award-winning
Wines In the NJ Pine Barrens Weekly
Wine Specials; Online Coupons
Wine Tasting Events Throughout the Year
Located
just a few minutes from Hammonton off Route
30
209 Vineyard Road, Atco, NJ 08004
856-768-8585 Visit
Website Directions
"The
winemaker must follow the form of the wine as
it emerges and dance with what the wine needs
as it needs it."...Louis Caracciolo, Owner/Oenologist
370
S. Egg Harbor Rd. (C.R. 561)
Blue Anchor NJ 08037
609-567-WINE (9463) www.sharrottwinery.com Just minutes from Historic Hammonton!
Sharrott
Wineryis
a family-owned vineyard and winery located in
the beautiful New Jersey Pinelands. Our belief
is that great wines start in the vineyard in collaboration
with Mother Nature. We take great care to use
sustainable practices in our wine growing. This
care has translated into many award-winning wines,
such as our
Double Gold Unoaked Chardonnay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday,
Noon to 5PM, Friday 'til 8PM.
Directions
Each summer Hammonton
holds its "Red, White and Blueberry Festival"
on the last Sunday of June. This famous event
celebrating the harvest of the blueberry is
of the area’s most popular family fun days:
a 500-vehicle antique car show, arts & crafts,
delicious food, kiddy rides, strolling entertainers,
live music and of course, blueberries in every
form imaginable!
The Pine Barrens
is becoming a popular tourist destination. It offers history, nature, boating,
camping, fishing, swimming, and most of all, peace and tranquility. It's
important to families who live here, whether for a few years or many generations,
that our peace and tranquility be preserved.A local lawyer or doctor won't
look any different than his neighbor who works the land. Thousand dollar
suits aren't what impress people of the Pines - taking care of nature and
fellow man is what matters. To that end, it is important for you to know
that as a visitor to our precious Pine Barrens, you should show respect
for the flora and fauna, for the historical buildings or their remains,
and show respect for the "locals". Walk and drive gently. Treat
our Pine Barrens as you would want a visitor to treat your own home town
- and your own family. Thank you.
Please
note: Unless
otherwise noted, all articles and photographs on this site are the property
of PineyPower, and as such, may not be reproduced without written permission.
Thank you.
Please e-mail webmaster@pineypower.com
with questions or comments about this website.
