130 Farmers' Market

 

    Tuesday, July 12, 2022: After being at the Robbinsville Farmers’ Market earlier that day, I went to another Mercer County, New Jersey farmers’ market: 130 Farmers’ Market, 370 US-130, Town Center Shopping Center, East Windsor (near Hightstown) (609-308-2654). Unlike the earlier open-air farmers’ market in Robbinsville, this market looked like a mid-sized food store in a modern shopping plaza along busy Route 130. Inside, instead of vendors, the store management sold different foods on consignment, and it reminded me of typical supermarket—at first glance. On its 9,520 square feet, I noticed plenty of fresh produce, dairy, and meats. I also viewed jarred foods, packaged foods, baked goods, etc. In addition, I even found certain foods that I couldn’t find in my local supermarkets! While this market didn’t appear as quaint as the earlier farmers’ market, the foods seemed just as fresh. 

Robbinsville Farmers' Market

     Tuesday, July 12, 2022: If you read some of my past blogs, you would know that I enjoyed visiting farmers’ markets! On the date above, I visited one in Mercer County, New Jersey: Robbinsville Farmers’ Market, 66 Sharon Road, Robbinsville (609-259-3600). Although it wasn’t a large market, there were over 20 profit vendors selling mostly edible merchandise: produce, baked goods, and dairy, as well as jarred foods, packaged foods, and snacks. The non-edible items for sale included candles, crafts, soaps, and so forth. I also noticed a few non-profit vendors promoting their causes. Meanwhile, the market was located on a former golf course that has now been parkland containing a butterfly garden, a community garden, and walking paths. It made for a pleasant hour for me.  

Huber Woods Park

     Wednesday, July 6, 2022: After doing the scenic tour of Ocean Grove, New Jersey earlier that day, I visited another place in Monmouth County, NJ: Huber Woods Park, 25 Brown’s Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Township) (732-872-2670). The Huber Family donated this house and grounds to the Monmouth County Parks system in 1974. This 103-acre land has grown through the years to 390 acres, thanks to other nearby land donations. Meanwhile, this park contained over eight miles of trails: some for walking and others for both walking & riding horses. Those trails ranged from easy, to moderate, to challenging hiking. Because I was still tired and aching from my walk in Ocean Grove, I mainly visited first, the reptile house that showed cases of live snakes and turtles as well as frogs (amphibians). Afterward, I spent most of my time in the environmental center. Here, I found myself drawn to one of the rooms exhibiting text, pictures, and some items that explained more about the Huber Family and about the flora & fauna of the surrounding woods. Nevertheless, my favorite room gave a detailed account about the history and lifestyles of NJ’s first people: the Lenni-Lenapes! Besides texts, pictures, and items to look at, this area also contained plenty of “hands-on” exhibits that looked like it would be popular with children. This place even had areas where children could sit down and read books written for them about the Lenapes as well as about the nearby animal and plant life. Another room I liked presented cases of models of animals, both wood carved and taxidermy while another side of the room provided a big window with bird feeders outside where I could sit and watch different birds eating. If nothing else, a visit here could make you more aware of the environment around you and about the people who first lived here.        

Ocean Grove

           Wednesday, July 6, 2022: I took two scenic tours of Ocean Grove, New Jersey: the first by car through the downtown business district on Main Avenue, and the second on foot in this Monmouth County town. Originally, Ocean Grove started as a Methodist camp-meeting seaside town in 1869. Nowadays, the influence here could still be felt by the Methodist Church, and they currently have laws against selling alcoholic beverages. (Yes, you can bring in your own alcoholic drinks that you bought elsewhere.)  Nevertheless, the other laws against driving and riding bikes in town have been lifted years ago. For my part, on the driving tour though the commercial area of Main Avenue, I saw about two blocks, on both sides of the street, of many retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses housed in very colorful Victorian-Gothic buildings. After this, we parked near the non-commercial boardwalk. Then, we walked along part of the boardwalk until we crossed the street and entered a park called “Ocean Pathway” that led to the 1894 Great Auditorium. While it wasn’t open that day, I did hear bells ringing different tunes at noontime. I also glanced at their nearby “Tent City.” These have been tents connected to a shed containing a kitchen and bathroom that people, who have been approved by the Ocean Grove Camp Association, may rent from May to September. They have been so popular that there has been a 10-year waiting list. I did step inside one place in town: The Hub, 27 Pilgrim Pathway (732-774-9262). This building would be a good first place to visit in Ocean Grove because besides being a book store and gift shop, they also included an information center about the town. In addition, they also had a coffee room and a play area for children. Later as I walked on the way back to the car, I also noticed the many lovely Victorian buildings that were in this town—or at least along Ocean Pathway. While staying in Ocean Grove for days, weeks, or the summer season may appeal to some people, for many of us, I highly recommend visiting for a day because seeing all that fancy Victorian architecture was well worth it! (Get there early, preferably on a weekday, if you want to get a good parking space.)