Reasons to Visit Hammonton – The Blueberry Capitol of the World
Tomorrow is “National Blueberry Day” (July is National Blueberry Month) and in New Jersey, we have no shortage of fresh, Jersey grown blueberries. However there is one town in NJ that is known as being the “Blueberry Capitol of the World” – Hammonton.
Located in Atlantic County, the town of Hammonton is situated in the Pine Barrens where the soil is largely sandy…making it ideal for growing blueberries! Blueberry Bill Farms, DiMeo Blueberry Farms and Atlantic Blueberry Company are just a few places you can get blueberries this month.
Not only is the town great for blueberries, but it’s a perfect place for a day trip! Here are some things in Hammonton that I enjoy:
Festivals: Hammonton does a lot of events throughout the year which attracts many visitors. Their most popular event is their annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival, which celebrated it’s 30th year back in June. Other events that go on include their (newer) Hammonton Food Truck Festival, their Annual Downtown Trick or Treat, and parades like the Kiwanis Annual Halloween Parade and the Independence Day Celebration on July 4th just to name a few. And I can’t forgot their annual Jersey Fringe Festival, a 3-day event featuring multiple theatrical productions at 16 venues happening in August.
Downtown: Hammonton has a fun downtown area that has lots of independent restaurants and shops. It’s a one stop shop! They also hold lots of events in the downtown area, including “Third Thursday”. Downtown has their own website for happenings and information, which you can check out here
Getting Outside: My personal recommendations for doing something outside are – Basto Village, Wharton State Forest, and Hammonton Lake Park.
Vineyards: Hammonton is home to not one, but FOUR NJ vineyards! And they’re all amazing! (Plus, the best Blueberry wine will come from one of these four;
DiMatteo Vineyards (Atlantic County) *Read my Review
951 8th Street; (609)704-1414
Plagido’s Winery (Atlantic County) *Read my Review
570 N. First Rd; (609)567-4633
Sharrott Winery (Atlantic County)
370 S. Egg Harbor Rd. (Rt. 561); (609)567-WINE (9463)
Tomasello Winery (Atlantic County) *Read my Review
225 North White Horse Pike, (Route 30) (800) 666-9463
Breweries: Not only does Hammonton currently have two breweries, but they’re a minute apart!
Three 3’s Brewing Co, 50 13th St *Read my Review
(856) 524-0848
Tomfoolery Brewing, 334 Washington Street North, Unit 24B
(609) 561-1762
The Art Scene: I love catching a show at the Eagle Theatre, plus Hammonton is also home to the Noyes Museum (which has a great gift shop as well). The mART is an open air night market every Third Thursday which features local vendors and artists.
Diners and Ice Cream: Hammonton is home to the Silver Coin Diner, which I very much enjoyed. So much chrome! Very retro.
I couldn’t do this post without mentioning Royal Crowne Homemade Ice Cream and Grille (1051 S White Horse Pike; (609) 561-4423) which has been around since 1953! I LOVE this place! Who can resist a homemade ice cream joint which a great throwback vibe. Try their Maple Walnut Fudge!
The amount of places to eat is endless, so if you spend the day there be sure to eat at a local business!
I look forward to my next trip to Hammonton! There is always something new to discover. Let me know your favorite things to do in the comments.
