Posted on August 31, 2022 by Hunter Hulbert - Community

If you haven’t driven through Flemington lately, we don’t recommend that you do; because, well, Flemington is not a drive-through town. This historic Hunterdon County hamlet, just under a mile-and-a-half square, is as inviting as a swing on a painted porch — so you’re going to want to stay a while.

And, like a cozy porch swing, Flemington’s momentum is sure and steady, always something new popping up, year upon year.

“We will continue to add approximately 20 new businesses a year, as we have every year for the past few years — even during COVID,” said Robin Lapidus, executive director of the Flemington Community Partnership.

A self-described crossroads for shopping, agriculture and the arts, Flemington is all of that and more. It’s latest distinction? Jersey’s Best 2023 Destination of the Year finalist. Here’s just some of what you’ll find in Flemington.

Quaint and historic buildings and shops await along Main Street. Photo courtesy of Teaberry’s Tea Room

Lovely Victorian architecture is on display throughout Flemington, a showcase rivaled only by Cape May. There’s a hint of yesteryear around every corner, and at Teaberry’s Tea Room you can drink it all in with a true taste of the past over high tea and scones.

Quaint and unique shops abound, like The Corner, a “lifestyle portrait business” where you can get a professional headshot and home décor all in one store. Into tabletop wargames and all the accoutrements? Koros Wargames stocks them all. Or you can choose permanent jewelry at Attachments & Sage, a sister-owned boutique for everything from clothing and accessories to housewares and essential oils. It seems everything from the ordinary to the most uncommon is stocked on the shelves of Flemington’s Main Street retailers.

Just a hop across Route 202, The Shoppes at Flemington feature national chains, like J. Jill, Loft and Talbots, alongside the homegrown Addicted Chic boutique.

Now a hub for artists, crafters, entertainment, wellness and more, Stangl Factory is a destination within the destination of Flemington. Photo courtesy of Factory Fuel Co.

A burgeoning creative community has found a home in Flemington’s historic Stangl Factory, where America’s first open-stock solid color dinnerware was produced in the 1920s. Now a hub for artists, crafters, entertainment, wellness and more, Stangl Factory is a destination within the destination of Flemington.

The year-round weekly farmer’s market, with healthy produce, meats, crafts and gifts, is a popular stop for locals and Saturday visitors. Kissimmee River Pottery, the studio and gallery of master potter John Fulwood, also offers beginner and advanced classes. The Stangl Stage, in partnership with Flemington Rocks, hosts live music events for intimate crowds who can bring their own food and beverages to enjoy at the show. Also among the factory residents is the Blue Fish Grill, considered a local landmark and featuring an “innovative, So Cal-inspired menu.” Blue Fish is BYO, but also sells local Jersey wines by the bottle. There’s also Factory Fuel Co., a coffee house that hosts open mic nights, storytelling and other creative community events.

Flemington’s Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival is one of many events hosted by the town annually. Photo courtesy of Flemington Community Partnership

While summertime brings car shows to town every other Saturday and the Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival in August, fall brings the Hunterdon Harvest Festival with live music, farm-to-festival local foods, New Jersey craft brews and family fun. This year, Flemington kicks off the 2022 Central Jersey Jazz Festival as the first of four locations to feature all-star performances.

Currently a BYOB town with the hoppin’ Lone Eagle Brewing on tap for local ales and IPAs, the Skunktown Distillery is a welcome addition for liquor-lovers near and far.

Courthouse Square is a multiuse anchor development with a 100-room boutique hotel that will feature the original and historic façade of the Union Hotel. Rendering courtesy of Flemington Urban Renewal

Steeped in the past but in step with the times, Flemington has a few more attractions up its sleeves.

A one-of-a-kind in Hunterdon County, this project is a multiuse anchor development with a 100-room boutique hotel that will feature the original and historic façade of the Union Hotel, painstakingly restored, along with beautiful porches for dining and people watching. The project also includes a restaurant with event space, 250 new apartments, and first-floor retail along a beautifully landscaped plaza. A tavern and additional restaurant will introduce the town’s first liquor licenses.

The former outlet mall — the first in America — is slated to become a tree-lined neighborhood on 23 acres and will include integrated bike paths that will lead to Historic Main Street and the Stangl Arts and Cultural District.

Millie’s Bruncheonette will  transform the abandoned, 1950s gas station on Main Street into a coffee and brunch destination. Rendering courtesy of Flemington Community Partnership

The former Main Street Gas Station, which had been a summertime outdoor beer garden with picnic tables and corn hole, will be repurposed as a new dining establishment, Millie’s Bruncheonette on Main Street.

Also look for a new daily farmers market on Main Street.

Stay tuned for more closed-street events on Stangl Street, where the newly approved “Open Container” law is an open invitation for community fun.

“Flemington is a creative community that finds a way to spark joy and creativity in unusual places,” Lapidus said. But will Flemington spark victory and earn first place?

Susan  Kronberg  is a freelance writer and Jersey girl. A married mother of two, she’s worked in insurance, transportation, marketing, newspapers and private education. Writing is but one thread that connects the patchwork of her professions.

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