Category Archives: Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods

My Life as a Fireman: The Holiday Parade in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ November 26th, 2021

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Hackensack, NJ, Exploring Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Exploring Lodi, New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan at the Christmas Holidays, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Walking Downtown Hasbrouck Heights, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It has been one busy year for me at work with online classes and live work and very little time for volunteer work. I was lucky that we sold out of Christmas trees for the Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Christmas Tree sale in a record 11 days!

Welcome to Hasbrouck Heights during the Christmas holiday season!

Hasbrouck Heights Engine One in the Hasbrouck Heights Christmas Parade

My last shift we sold the final tree and I was able to attend the fire department’s room cleaning that night. Needless to say, I have not been that active as a fire fighter this year due to work.

Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Parade

The HH Marching Band

Video on the parade:

IMG_0111Download

Santa Arrives in the parade

Video on the Parade:

IMG_0109Download

Still, I managed to finish everything and was able to assist the Rescue Truck as we set up the sound system and lights for the Annual Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on November 26th, 2021. The parade takes place on the Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ the day after Thanksgiving and we draw a nice crowd for the Parade and then the Tree Lighting. It was really cold that evening and we had about 150 residents for the tree lighting.

The Christmas Tree at the Circle is always a welcome site at the holidays

Firemen’s Park in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

Firemen’s Bell Memorial decorated for the holidays

We participated in the parade with all the equipment following Santa down the Boulevard, handled the sound system and the lights for the ceremony and kept the town safe that evening. It was a wonderful to usher in the holiday season.

The Brothers of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department at the 2021 Christmas Tree Lighting

The decorations on the Boulevard

The Gazebo at Firemen’s Park in Hasbrouck Heights at Christmas time

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Old Hook Farm 650 Old Hook Road Emerson, NJ 07630

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bakeries for the budget minded, Exploring Emerson, NJ, Exploring Farms and Farm Stands, Exploring Hillsdale NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring the Farms of Bergen County, NJ, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan at the Christmas Holidays, MywalkinManhattan at the Halloween Holidays, MywalkinManhattan Experiences, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Old Hook Farm

650 Old Hook Road

Emerson, NJ 07630

(201) 265-4835

http://www.oldhookfarm.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Farm/Old-Hook-Farm-254262633465/

Open: Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm/Monday Closed/Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46418-d23048831-r815902376-Old_Hook_Farm-Emerson_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is old-hook-farm-iv.jpg

Old Hook Farm Farmhouse Homestead at 650 Old Hook Road



One of the nice things about Bergen County, NJ is the small farms that remain in the area showcasing our Counties agricultural past. There are only about six left and located mostly up in the upper parts of Bergen County where the bulk of the farms were located up until the 1980’s. Land prices and development have made some disappear and with others a lack of an heir to continue the tradition on going forward.



The entrance to Old Hook Farm

The Old Hook Farm is a throwback to a combination of the old-fashioned General Store and Farm Stand that used to dot small towns in Bergen County. The outside of the store has a greenhouse full of decorative plants for both the house and for the gardens. In the Holiday months, the greenhouse is filled with hot house flowers for the holidays and outside there are Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations for sale. When it snows, it looks like a picture out of Currier & Ives.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is old-hook-farm-vii.jpg

The flowers and decorative products of the greenhouse

During the Fall months, the farm was ablaze with colors in the background while the front of the greenhouse was filled with gourds, pumpkins and corns of different colors. There were all sorts of Halloween related merchandise for decorating the inside and outside of the house.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is old-hook-farm-v.jpg

Blogger Justin Watrel in front of the Fall display of products at Old Hook Farm

The inside of the Farmers Market has all sorts of fresh produce with seasonal fruits and vegetables, freshly baked pies, cakes and scones and loaves of bread from a local vendor.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is old-hook-farm-vi.jpg

The fresh produce is beautifully displayed in the inside of the market



The old fashioned feel of Old Hook Farm

There are candies from Conrad’s in Westwood, NJ (see blog on that store on this site), milk from a local dairy farm with no artificial ingredients, gluten free products and a lot of non-GMO grocery products and all natural snacks. There is an array of grocery items that are good for you.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is old-hook-farm-ii.jpg

The refrigerated cases are filled with all natural dairy products like ice cream, eggs and milk

There are natural cleaners for the home and cleaning supplies that are good for the environment. There is a small section of cosmetic and home products that are all natural.

The Old Hook Farm is a place of sights and smells and the beauty of the seasons in the trees and woods that surround the picturesque acreage. It is also a nice place to stock up on gifts and farm products for any social visit. It is special place especially during the holiday seasons.



History of the Old Hook Farm:

(From the Farm’s website)

The town of Emerson did not exist during the Native American origin. The name ‘Old Hook’ on the east side of the town came from the Dutch word ‘Hoek’ meaning ‘angle’ or ‘corner’. The angle of the land was created by the three connecting water ways, the Hackensack River, the Pascack Brook and the Musquapsink Brook. The first person to make their home here was William Rutan, who settled on a parcel of land just west of today’s ‘Old Hook Farm’ sometime around 1748 (Emerson Town History).

The fields behind the farm stand

The current ‘Old Hook Farm’ was bought by current owner, Bruce Marek’s grandfather in 1925 as a weekend getaway. He rented the farm and the farm house to a local resident for 35 years and the family had a large garden on the property until about 1948. Then his father took over the land and cleared the fields and had Soil Conservation come in and do contours and started to grow in the greenhouse. When his father died in 1973, he took over the farm and within eight years, reopened the garden store and started to experiment and grow organic crops (Bruce Marek’s interview with ‘Bergen Save the Watershed Action Network’).

The Old Hook Farm in the early Fall

Hot Dog Johnny’s 333 Route 46 West Belvidere, NJ 07823

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Budd Lake NJ, Exploring Farms and Farm Stands, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Route 46 West in NJ, Exploring the Delaware Water Gap, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Hot Dog Johnny's, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan at the Halloween Holidays, MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hot Dog Johnny’s

333 Route 46 West

Belvidere, NJ 07823

(908) 453-2882

Open: Sunday-Saturday 9:00am-10:00pm

https://hotdogjohnny.com/store/embed/#?secret=bbV5y3wxpJ

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46336-d833526-Reviews-Hot_Dog_Johnny_s-Buttzville_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

Hot Dog Johnny’s at 333 Route 46 West in Buttzville, NJ

I have been coming to Hot Dog Johnny’s since 1975 when I made my first trip to the Delaware Water Gap with my family. My father always enjoyed taking the back roads and he remembered this hot dog stand that sold buttermilk with their hot dogs.

My lunch there on a recent afternoon: A hot dog, French Fries and a Birch Beer.

Hot Dog Johnny’s has kept the same limited menu since it was founded in the 1940’s, hot dogs, fries and drinks. It has been CASH ONLY all this time as well so don’t come with the fancy credit cards and they post that they are cash only right when you order.

The sign is famous on its own

You place your order at the take-out window and there are picnic tables just outside the building and down by the tributary of the Pequest River. The views of the river and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking and on a nice day, it is a pleasure to eat outside on the picnic tables by the water. You could not ask for better views in the Spring and Fall.

The river view from Hot Dog Johnny’s

The food is really good and very reasonable. The hot dogs are deep fried and they are served on soft buns with a limited number of toppings: mustard, ketchup, pickles and onions ($2.25). There is no chili or items like that to top them. They have a nice snap to them when you bite into hot dog.

Their deep fried hot dog with mustard and relish.

The French Fries I believe are freshly cut and deep fried to perfection. They are always hot, crisp and golden brown ($1.80). They are lightly salted and you can get packs of ketchup for them (due to COVID).

Their French Fries

There is a limited number of beverages including Buttermilk, Birch Beer, Coke, Diet Coke, and Lemon/Lime Soda. The small drinks are $1.00 with larger sizes available.

The whole meal cost me $5.72 for a hot dog with mustard and a pickle, French Fries and a small ice-cold Birch Beer (the meal I have always ordered here). It is a good deal to me.



I love the food here.

The History of Hot Dog Johnny’s:

(From their website)

Since 1944:

Across the nation the words “Hot Dog Johnny’s” trigger visions of a nostalgic roadside stand known as much for its food as for its atmosphere. With the Pequest River flowing in the background, Hot Dog Johnny’s is a landmark to anyone having traveled Route 46 through Buttzville, NJ.

Family owned and operated since 1944, John Kovalsky founded Hot Dog Johnny’s thus earning himself the new nickname. John and his wife, Louise, ran Hot Dog Johnny’s in its early days from a small modest stand to its current state as a sixties independent roadside stand.

Although both John and Louise have passed on, their legacy lives on. A very hard working man, who believed the only way to make an honest living was to work hard for it, stood behind his words as he worked in the Dover mines in the day and the Hot Dog stand at night. He strongly believed anything was possible with the right kind of support which he always credited his wife Louise with.

Hot Dog Johnny’s opened its doors on Palm Sunday, 1944 sharing space with a gas station at the intersection of Route 46 and 31 in Warren County, NJ. It was not long before John Kovalsky knew he outgrew the space he occupied thus leading him to buy land along the Pequest River on Route 46 not far from the original location. A man with great vision, he built a hot dog stand not only to provide the best food services possible but also to provide an atmosphere for families to meet and enjoy for years to come.

The original stand for Hot Dog Johnny’s.

The testimonies of customers over the years prove Hot Dog Johnny’s visions were on target as they tell stories of coming to the stand as kids with their parents and now come as parents themselves with their own children. It’s a meeting place for family and friends, a fun place for kids to ride on the swings and whether you’re having your meal at the tables on the patio or on the grass by the river one thing is for sure, your experience at Hot Dog Johnny’s will be a memorable on for years to come.

The original stand is still displayed with pride on the grounds of the present Hot Dog Johnny’s property.

The business is currently being operated by Hot Dog Johnny’s daughter, Patricia Fotopoulos, who has been involved with the business since it opened in 1944. At age 8, Pat stood on the crates handing out sodas. Today, she stands proudly handing out the best Hot Dog’s ever to the most loyal customers ever.

Hot Dog Johnny’s has been cited by the Travel Channel as being one of the most popular roadsides stands across the country and has also been featured in many major newspapers across the country.

The view from Hot Dog Johnny’s.

Day Two Hundred and Five Halloween Returns Part II: The Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association “Halloween House Decorating Contest” & The NYC Halloween Parade October 31st, 2021

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, exploring Chelsea, Exploring Greenwich Village, Exploring Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Lower Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Chelsea Neighborhood in Manhattan, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Hasbrouck Heights Men's Association, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historic New York City neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan at the Halloween Holidays, MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Visiting a Museum in New York City, Walking in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We held the Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association First Annual ‘ Halloween House Decorating Contest’ on Halloween morning. I had come up with the idea last year but because there was not time to put it together, I brought the idea up to the Men’s Association at our October meeting. I had another volunteer help me out with the assistance of his daughter and in a three day period we canvased the town and came up with about ten houses each.

We then narrowed it down to five each, four of which we had picked the same houses. So on the Monday night before Halloween, we visited each of the five houses and chose the winner. We narrowed it down to three houses and then the three of us with the help of our President and his wife, picked the top house. It was a difficult decision until the final night when we visited 253 Henry Street last and saw all the ghosts and ghouls coming out of graves, vampire children playing on a swing and things that go bump in the night crawling around. This was the home of Scott and Logan Vicario.

When I knocked on his door later that evening, he was really excited about winning. Scott Vicario had told me that, “We love Halloween and we love decorating the house for the holidays.” Some of the pieces he had on the lawn looked like film set pieces and he said he ordered these items online and kept adding to his collection. What won it for him was all the ghouls trying to escape from the graves that actually moved around. It was creepy and fascinating at the same time.

Halloween Morning:

In the early morning, I met my aunt for breakfast in Wood Ridge, NJ and we planned the whole morning out. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast Halloween breakfast at Blue Café at 273 Valley Boulevard in Wood Ridge, NJ.

Over a platter of French Toast and a Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich on a roll and her ordering an omelet (See my review on TripAdvisor and DiningonaShoeStringinNYC@Wordpress.com), we plotted our day of picture taking and showcasing the winners homes for the contest. You have to try their French Toast. It is amazing with all the cinnamon.

Blue Café is the former “Lucky Larry’s” at 273 Valley Boulevard in Wood Ridge, NJ

https://www.facebook.com/happyhealthycafe/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46937-d23716548-r815895779-Blue_Cafe-Wood_Ridge_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

My review on DiningonaShoeStringinNYC@Wordpress.com:

https://wordpress.com/post/diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/615

Breakfast at Blue Café is delicious. After we ate, it was off to present the awards.

On Halloween morning, we presented all the Honorary awards to the runners up and then presented the main plaque to Scott and Logan at noon. They were very excited and turned on all the props so that we could see them one last time. It was pretty amazing.

The winners:

Scott and Logan Vicario of 253 Henry Street in front of their lawn of horror

Justin Watrel, Chairman of the Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association “Halloween House Decorating Contest”, Scott and Logan Vicario and Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Member and Judge, Pat Fass. We presented the award at noon on Halloween afternoon.

253 Henry Street was place of Ghouls and Zombie’s and things that scare you!

The decorations on the Vicario’s front yard are quite terrifying

After I finished presenting the award to the winners, I had to revisit the runners up so that we could take their pictures as well. It amazed me that so many people were not up at 11:00am in the morning. I had some time before I had to leave for Manhattan to volunteer for the Halloween Parade and I presented these awards with my aunt who was helping me take pictures that morning.

The runners up were 510 Henry Street, 85 Woodside Avenue, 82 Burton Avenue and 257 Central Avenue. The homeowners at 82 Burton Avenue and 257 Central Avenue were not home that afternoon and I returned to drop off those awards another day.

510 Henry Street in Hasbrouck Heights

510 Henry Street is owned by Mary Rose and Henry Blunda who were thrilled when they were Honorary Runners-up in the contest. Their front lawn was covered with displays of phantom riders, zombie’s and ghosts covering their lawn. “We love the holiday,” Mary Rose said. “We do this for kids,” her husband Frank added.

Mary Rose and Frank Blunda in front of 510 Henry Street in Hasbrouck Heights

Over at 85 Woodside Avenue, there was a large display of the undead walking all over the front lawn and crawling up the sides of the house. This fascinating display was creating by Lisa and Matt Fiduccia who were thrilled to be Honorary Runners-up in the contest well. Them and their two children who were preparing for an afternoon of Trick or Treating when they found out about the award.

85 Woodside Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights

The family very proudly took a picture in front of their creation. “We have a lot of fun with this on Halloween,” the couple said. The lawn seemed to come alive on Halloween morning as the sun shined on zombies and other undead walking the property.

Lisa and Matt Fiduccia and their family outside 85 Woodside Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights

The two Honorary winners were 257 Central Avenue with its interesting display of skeletons and undead crawling out of graves. The most interesting part of the display was the skeleton lemonade stand.

257 Central Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights

The home is owned by Barbara Donaigo, who we were able to give her award a few days after Halloween when she was home. “I love Halloween and decorating for it,” she told me when I presented her the award for her home.

The macabre skeletons in front of 257 Central Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights

The last home in Hasbrouck Heights to be awarded for its creative design was 82 Burton Avenue. Although the house was not decorated from head to toe, it was the displays that it did showcase plus the way the house was lit in the evening. The house had side windows similar to the “Amityville Horror” house with red lights shining through them.

82 Burton Avenue pays homage to the “Amityville Horror”. Notice the side windows

82 Burton Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights during the day

The witches outside 82 Burton Avenue guard the door and bubble, bubble

The family who owned the house were never home in the three tries so I left their award at the door. During the day, you would not have noticed it but at night the house had a mysteries glow to it.

After we finished handed out the awards with a little ceremony for each, I left for New York City to work at the Halloween Parade which I have been doing since 2014. I have been Marshalling the Performers Gate with my ‘cousin’ Mark (our families both have Colonial roots and our families had married into each others about four times 150 years ago so I tease him and call us ‘cousins’) for six years (we did not have the parade last year because of COVID-See Halloween Night 2020 on this blog).

‘Cousin’ Mark and I (the ‘Aristocrats’ at the gate of the Halloween Parade at Dominick Street) in the West Village

The weather could have not been nicer that day as it was about 68 degrees when I arrived at the parade route at 4:00pm. It started out very quiet as the volunteers arrived to check in but progressively got busier as the performers arrived for band and float assignments.

The Halloween Parade was a lot of fun this year. It was so nice to see the City come back to life for at least a day. People really came out for the parade since it was a beautiful day in the high 60’s. I was wearing a short sleeved polo until about 8:00pm. It ended up being 68 degrees that night, Not quite the 71 degrees of two years ago but still a warm night to be outside enjoying a parade.

The band plays on Halloween Night

We did not have any real problems at the gate and were finished with our assignment by 8:00pm. As we closed the gate and left the police in charge, I walked into the staging area and watched the last of the floats head uptown. It is so exciting to watch as the parade comes to life at this location. It is always so chaotic.

The beginning of the Halloween Parade is the best with the Skeletons

What made this Halloween really special is that everyone was so happy to have a good time. All over New York City and the island of Manhattan, people felt they were allowed to go outside and enjoy the day.

More Skeletons on Halloween night

People flooded cafes, restaurants and bars all over Lower Manhattan and Midtown and everything was so busy with people enjoying outdoor dining even at 9:00pm and mobbed every fast food restaurant and pizzeria. I have never seen so many smiles and so much joy in people’s faces as they enjoyed the warm weather and comradery on Halloween night.

Isn’t this what Halloween should be about even in the era of COVID? Still have safe fun?

The full Halloween Parade in 2021 in Greenwich Village

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum 500 Forrestal Road Cape May Airport, Rio Grande, NJ 08242

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Avalon, NJ, Exploring Cape May NJ, Exploring Historic Cape May Country, NJ, Exploring Long Beach Island NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Ocean City NJ, Exploring Sea Isle City NJ, Exploring Stone Harbor, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Exploring Wildwood, NJ, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Interesting Parks and Zoos in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Don’t miss this historical museum and its role in WWII. It showcases the accomplishments of the people of New Jersey and the soldiers who trained here.

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/aviation-museum-front.jpg?w=640

The front of the museum

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/aviation-museum-front-i.jpg?w=640

The front of the museum

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/aviation-museum-main-gallery-iv.jpg?w=640

The Main gallery inside the hanger

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/aviation-museum-wasp.jpg?w=640

The WWII WASP Aviation Program for women pilots

jwatrel's avatarVisiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

500 Forrestal Road

Cape May Airport

Rio Grande, NJ 08242

(609) 886-8787

Open: Sunday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Take Flight

https://www.facebook.com/aviationmuseum/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46341-d1881607-Reviews-Naval_Air_Station_Wildwood_Aviation_Museum-Cape_May_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html

The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located at the back of the Cape May Airport. Just follow the road to the back of the airport at 500 Forrestal Road in Hangar #1.

This interesting museum is a treasure trove of artifacts from WWII to today from jeeps to cars and trucks to airplanes. Some of the vehicles you can step into and see what it was like to ride these pieces of aviation history.

The displays are very interactive

There are several airplanes that with the assistance of the staff you can enter and see what air travel was like for these pilots. All the planes have been carefully restored and displayed for viewing and use by tourists. There…

View original post 796 more words

Avalon History Center 215 39th Street Avalon, NJ 08202

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Exploring Avalon NJ, Exploring Avalon, NJ, Exploring Beach Haven NJ, Exploring Cape May NJ, Exploring Long Beach Island NJ, Exploring Ocean City NJ, Exploring Sea Isle City NJ, Exploring Stone Harbor, NJ, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring Wildwood, NJ, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Don’t miss this little gem of a museum in the heart of Avalon, NJ that tells the town’s story.

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/avalon-history-center-e1632262624979-1.jpg?w=167

The Avalon Museum and Historical Society is an interesting part of the New Jersey shore history.

jwatrel's avatarVisiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical

Avalon History Center

215 39th Street

Avalon, NJ 08202

(609) 967-0090

Open: Sunday Closed/ Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm/Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm

http://www.avalonhistoricalsociety.org/

https://www.facebook.com/avalonhistorycenter/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29754-d8096123-Reviews-Avalon_History_Center-Avalon_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html

The Avalon History Center is at 215 39th Street in Downtown Avalon, NJ

Recently I took a tour of small Jersey shore towns and their historical societies. These interesting little museums are packed with information on the history and development of these towns. The progress of these towns from fishing and hunting villages for the Native Americans to the modern day resorts and permanent residence’s have a fascinating history.

The Avalon History Center was the last museum on my visit to the shore that day and it had become very gloomy outside. The town was relatively quiet when I got there on a late Thursday night. I ended up having the whole museum to myself to tour. The curator came out and greeted me nicely and…

View original post 976 more words

Ocean City Historical Museum 1735 Simpson Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Beach Haven NJ, Exploring Historic Ocean County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Long Beach Island NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Ocean City NJ, Exploring Sea Isle City NJ, Exploring Stone Harbor, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Walking the Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Don’t miss this interesting museum tucked in the back of the Ocean City Library. The Grace Kelly exhibition is really interesting.

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ocean-city-museum-front-of-the-museum.jpg?w=640

The front of the museum

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ocean-city-museum-princess-grace-display-i.jpg?w=640

The Grace Kelly exhibition

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ocean-city-museum-princess-grace-display.jpg?w=640

Grace Kelly exhibit

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ocean-city-museum-gallery.jpg?w=640

The main gallery of the museum

jwatrel's avatarVisiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical

Ocean City Historical Museum

1735 Simpson Avenue

Ocean City, MD 08226

(609) 339-1801

https://www.ocnjmuseum.org/

https://www.facebook.com/ocnjmuseum/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46696-d15122158-Reviews-Ocean_City_Historical_Museum-Ocean_City_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html

The entrance to the museum is inside the Municipal Building and Library 1735 Simpson Avenue

I made a trip to many of the beach towns at the Jersey Shore recently visiting the small historical societies that explain the history and development of these small towns. It is amazing to see how they have developed in just 150 years from Native American fishing villages to thriving vacation spots and permanent residential districts. Ocean City, NJ itself has an interesting history.

As you enter the museum from the back of the library, you are warmly greeted by a docent who will explain the museum to you. Then you will follow a semicircle through the exhibitions in a genealogical order from when the town was founded to modern times and events.

The first…

View original post 674 more words

Sea Isle City Historical Museum 4800 Central Avenue Sea Isle, NJ 08243

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Beach Haven NJ, Exploring Cape May NJ, Exploring Historic Cape May Country, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Long Beach Island NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Ocean City NJ, Exploring Sea Isle City NJ, Exploring Stone Harbor, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Exploring Wildwood, NJ, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sea Isle City Historical Museum

4800 Central Avenue

Sea Isle, NJ 08243

(609) 263-2992

https://www.facebook.com/Sea-Isle-City-Historical-Museum-326332320746077/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46807-d10452863-Reviews-Sea_Isle_City_Historical_Museum-Sea_Isle_City_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-library-museum-2477514729-e1723043053832.jpg?w=639

The Sea Isle City Historical Museum is located inside the Sea Isle Library at 4800 Central Avenue just off Downtown Sea Isle City, NJ

On a recent trip of touring the small towns of the Jersey shore, I set out to visiting many of the historical societies that tell the histories of these towns and how they have progressed from small Native American fishing villages to the resort and residential towns of today. Each of these museum has their own unique focus to how they tell their story.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-entrance.jpg?w=640

The entrance of the museum from the hallway of the library

The Sea Isle City Historical Museum at 4800 Central Avenue is located in the back of the Municipal Building right next to the Sea Isle City Library. This small museum that is manned by volunteers is packed with local historical artifacts, pictures and exhibitions of the items in the museum. You have to walk to the back of the building to find the museum just off the library entrance.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-gallery.jpg?w=640

The entrance of the museum

When you walk into the museum, you are greeted by an exhibition of ‘Wedding Dresses through the Ages’, created by curator the late Marie Thompson Stafford, which shows various styles of wedding dresses from 1880 until current day that were worn by brides from Sea Isle City, NJ. Each dress was accompanied in most cases by the owner on her wedding day and gives a unique view of the changing of styles over the last century.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-wedding-dress-exhibit.jpg?w=640

“Wedding Dresses through the Ages”

The back part of the museum is broken down into sections. Part of the museum is an on-going library of the history of the families have lived in town over the generations. What I thought was interesting about this was that each family had their own notebook binder to contribute family history and pictures of the family events. They could update their notebook by coming into the Historical Society and personally adding to the book. There have been 30 years of donations to the museum according to the volunteers.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-gallery-of-the-museum.jpg?w=640

The main gallery of the museum

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-hat-collection.jpg?w=640

The family history binders and the hat collection of the museum

There were also shelves of books on the Sea Isle City School district, the fire department, the police department and the Municipal departments of the town. These featured old pictures of the departments, artifacts over the years and documents of what happened in the town.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-police-exhibit.jpg?w=640

The Sea Isle City Police Department history

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-fire-department.jpg?w=640

The Sea Isle City Fire Department history

There was a section on the old hotels and restaurants of Sea Isle City at the turn of the last century until today. Various clapboard Victorian hotels used to line the shores here but many had succumbed to either fires or beach erosion. Several of the old restaurants like Cronecker’s Restaurant had just closed over time.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-croneckers-founders.jpg?w=640

The founders of the Croneckers Hotel

There was an interesting exhibition on the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol and the members who made up the squad. This is a very important part of the culture of the shore towns and their competitions are a very big deal. You can see the bragging rights of the towns over decades of summers. These lifeguards take their jobs very seriously.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-lifeguard-display.jpg?w=640

The Beach Patrol display

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-lifeguard-uniform.jpg?w=640

The Beach Patrol exhibit

Another exhibition was the “Armed Forces in Sea Isle City” and the EMS Armed Patrol. This small exhibition showed the uniforms and items used by the squads who lived in Sea Isle City. It showed the contributions of a small town.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-military-collection.jpg?w=640

The Military display at the museum

In one corner, there was a display of kitchen wares from the turn of the last century featuring all sorts of kitchen gadgets, an old oven and stove and various household items like an old washing machine that show how things have changed over the year but not by much. We have just modernized what was once considered old.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-kitchen-of-the-past.jpg?w=640

The kitchen of the past exhibition

There was an interesting exhibition on Toys through time with all sorts of games, books and dolls that children used up until the 1960’s. It still resonates with me the idea of ‘creative play’ when I see these old dolls and how mature they looked. The board games also challenged the mind the way no cellphone will to a young person.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-gallery-of-toys.jpg?w=640

The Toy display

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-dolls.jpg?w=640

The toy collection at the museum

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-doll-and-crib.jpg?w=640

The dolls of the museum’s collection

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-baby-doll.jpg?w=640

This cute baby doll stood out in the museum

The last exhibit I looked at was the town history of Sea Isle City by founder Charles K Landis, who the main street of the town is named after who helped create the town in 1882. He also founded Vineland, NJ. This was a small display of pictures and artifacts of the early settlement.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-front-gallery.jpg?w=640

The history of the town of Sea Isle City, NJ

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-carousel-horse.jpg?w=640

The Carousel Horse on display

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-bathing-beauty-picture.jpg?w=640

The 1924 Bathing Beauty Contest reminded me of the last scene of ‘The Shining’

Outside the museum is a protected area for the Diamondback Terrapin Turtle as their Nesting Grounds. According to one of the docents, they breed during the Spring and lay their eggs by the shore so the area has to be protected from humans and other wild animals.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-turtle-sign.jpg?w=640

The Terrapin preserve outside the museum

Also outside to the side of the building is the Memorial Garden with its seasonal plantings, small waterfall and statue of Neptune. The Garden is located adjacent to the Historical Museum and offers a quiet and relaxing place to enjoy the natural area that surrounds it. You can purchase a paver to help support the museum and to proudly display your family or loved one’s name on our “Memory Lane Walkway”.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-memorial-garden.jpg?w=640

The Sea Isle Historical Museum Memorial Garden located to the side of the museum

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-memorial-garden-fountain-i.jpg?w=640

The Garden in the Summer of 2024

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-memorial-garden-fountain.jpg?w=640

The gardens in full bloom in the Summer of 2024

This wonderful little gem of museum is open during the week and is free to the public. They are always docents and volunteers around to answer questions.

History of the Sea Isle Historical Society:

(from the Sea Isle City Historical Museum website)

In 1982, Sea Isle City celebrated the 100th Anniversary of its founding, an occasion which led to the creation of the Sea Isle City Historical Society and Museum. The museum formally opened on January 26th, 1983 in a temporary space in the city public school and moved 17 months later to a building behind the former City Hall. Harriet Reardon Bailey was elected first president and also served as its Curator for thirty years.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-stained-glass-windows.jpg?w=640

One of the stained glass windows from a local church

In 1990, Michael Stafford was elected President. Mike guided the museum through its next 25 years of growth and recognition in the community, resulting in the many displays and programs described throughout the website. The museum moved to larger quarters at 4208 Landis Avenue in 1995 and subsequently in 2011 to its present modern facility as part of the Sea Isle City Library building. Since his retirement in 2014, Mike Stafford has been succeeded by Mike McHale and then by our current President, Abby Powell.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-church-stained-glass-display.jpg?w=640

One of the stained glass windows from a local church in the Judeo-Christian theme

Our Facility:

The museum is designed with an open floor plan to allow easy access as you move from exhibit to exhibit. We also provide an area to sit and conduct research, take notes or simply browse through our many articles, books and thousands of photographs. The museum features a unique bridal gown display, more than 200 family albums generated by the families themselves as well as an abundance of artifacts related to Sea Isle and the surrounding area.

Our Mission:

To acquire, preserve, display, celebrate and promote archives and artifacts relevant to the development of our unique cultural heritage and to delight, inspire and educate present and future generations about the story of Sea Isle City, NJ. The Sea Isle City Historical Society and Museum is a certified 501C3 nonprofit organization.

Our Vision:

To be an inviting, informative, educational and innovative community resource that is recognized and respected as the place for exploring and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sea Isle City and the surrounding areas.

The Pfeiffer Memorial Garden:

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-memorial-garden.jpg?w=640

The sign in the gardens

The Memorial Garden began many years ago at the Pfeiffer’s home in Sea Isle City. In 1996, existing memorial pavers and the statue of Neptune were installed in the Sea Isle City Historical Museum’s Memorial Garden at 4208 Landis Avenue. A formal dedication of the garden tool place on July 8, 2001. In 2001, the Memorial Garden received the coveted Sea Isle Beautification Award.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-memorial-garden-fountain-i.jpg?w=640

The garden

On August 4, 2012, the garden was dedicated at its new museum home at 4800 Central Avenue. Today, a project is nearly completed to enhance the garden with new landscaping, a diamondback turtle protection station and an active water feature which represents the flow of Sea Isle’s history from the past, to the present and onto the future.

https://visitingamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sea-island-city-museum-memorial-garden-fountain.jpg?w=640

The gardens

On April 27th, 2016, the enhanced Memorial garden was formally dedicated to or past President, Mike Stafford and his late wife, Marie, both of whom did so much to nurture and grow the Historical Museum to what it is today.

jwatrel's avatarVisiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical

Sea Isle Museum

4800 Central Avenue

Sea Isle, NJ 08243

(609) 263-2992

https://www.facebook.com/Sea-Isle-City-Historical-Museum-326332320746077/

Contact us

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46807-d10452863-Reviews-Sea_Isle_City_Historical_Museum-Sea_Isle_City_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html

The Sea Isle City Museum is located inside the Sea Isle Library at 4800 Central Avenue just off Downtown Sea Isle City, NJ

On a recent trip of touring the small towns of the Jersey shore, I set out to visiting many of the historical societies that tell the histories of these towns and how they have progressed from small Native American fishing villages to the resort and residential towns of today. Each of these museum has their own unique focus to how they tell their story.

The Sea Isle City Museum at 4800 Central Avenue is located in the back of the Municipal Building right next to the Sea Isle City Library. This small museum that is manned by volunteers is packed with local historical artifacts, pictures and exhibitions…

View original post 1,254 more words

Johnson’s Popcorn 1360 Broadway Ocean City, NJ 08226

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Addthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, American Food Manufacturers, American Snack Food Companies, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Beach Haven NJ, Exploring Long Beach Island NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Ocean City NJ, Exploring Stone Harbor, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Popcorn Stores for the Budget Minded, Uncategorized, Walking the Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Don’t miss Johnson’s Popcorn at either their Ocean City, NJ or Wildwood, NJ locations for the best popcorn.

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/johnsons-popcorn-front-of-store.jpg?w=640

Both their Caramel corn and their Cheddar Cheese corn are wonderful!

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/johnsons-popcorn-chedder-and-caramel-mix-1683426955-e1722728771521.jpg?w=767

A combination of the Cheddar and Caramel popcorns are the best

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/johnsons-popcorn-gift-shop-i.jpg?w=640

The Johnson’s Popcorn Gift store next to the main store

jwatrel's avatarLittle Shop on Main Street

Johnson’s Popcorn

1360 Broadway

Ocean City, NJ 08226

(609) 368-5404

https://johnsonspopcorn.com/

https://www.facebook.com/johnsonspopcorn/

Open: Sunday-Thursday 9:30am-5:00pm/Friday-Saturday 9:30am-9:00pm

Check website for Seasonality

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46696-d4762196-Reviews-Johnson_s_Popcorn-Ocean_City_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

Johnson’s Popcorn at 1360 Boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ

Taking a trip down the Jersey Shore is always fun especially on a late summer afternoon during the week when there are not too many people around and you have the whole Boardwalk to yourself. When I arrived at the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk, it was mostly locals walking around, enjoying the sunny afternoon jogging, power walking and conversing with neighbors. You could see it was a tightknit group on the Boardwalk that day.

I have been coming to Ocean City, NJ only recently staying the night six years ago when I thought I might have a job close by. I started to explore the shore towns and made Ocean City my headquarters for that trip…

View original post 498 more words

Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante On the Corner of Oak Avenue & The Boardwalk Wildwood, NJ 08260

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Breakfast Restaurants for the Budget Minded in NJ, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Beach Haven NJ, Exploring Historic Cape May Country, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Long Beach Island NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Exploring Wildwood NJ, Exploring Wildwood, NJ, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., Interesting Pizzerias in New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pizzeria's and Italian Restaurants for the budget-minded, Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Walking the Wildwood NJ Boardwalk, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante

On the Corner of Oak Avenue & The Boardwalk

Wildwood, NJ 08260

(609) 522-2800

https://wildwood.orderfranconispizzeria.com/

Open: Please check website for Seasonality

Sunday & Monday 10:00am-10:00pm/Tuesday-Thursday 5:00pm-10:00pm/Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46931-d4441386-Reviews-Franconi_s_Pizzeria_Ristorante-Wildwood_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

*Bloggers note that the prices have gone up since COVID one or two dollars since the blog was written.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-summer-2023.jpg?w=640

Franconi’s Pizzeria is at the corner of Oak Avenue and the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ.

Sometimes there are just establishments that don’t fit into the traditional mold of this blog but when I find one that stands out it really makes it special. There is something about the boardwalk businesses at the Jersey shore that just different.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-sign.jpg?w=640

Their welcoming Chef greets you at the entrance.

Maybe it is just the sites and smells or just the combination with the sea air and the beautiful weather with the aroma of good food. This is how Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante on the corner of Oak Avenue & the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ makes your mouth water.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-at-night.jpg?w=640

Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante at Oak Avenue and the Boardwalk going strong at night during the convention.

Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante at Oak Avenue and the Boardwalk going strong at night during the convention.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-inside.jpg

The inside of Franconi’s at the beach early in the morning

The one thing I have to say about the staff at Franconi’s is that they are ambitious. They are always handing out menus and are outside on the Boardwalk encouraging you to come in and try their food. There are also large sandwich boards outside the restaurant with prices and menu items to lure you in.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-inside-i.jpg

Inside Franconi’s at the beach early in the morning before the other diners arrived that morning

The one thing I have to say about the staff at Franconi’s is that they are ambitious. They are always handing out menus and are outside on the Boardwalk encouraging you to come in and try their food. There are also large sandwich boards outside the restaurant with prices and menu items to lure you in.

The inside of Franconi’s Pizzeria in the summer of 2025

This is how I tried it the first time in 2019. I was looking for a place for breakfast and they had a wonderful “Firemen’s Special” that was some breakfast. The breakfast platter consisted of three scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast and potatoes. It was some breakfast to finish. It was big enough for two people and everything was delicious. The eggs had been cooked in clarified butter and you could taste the flavor in the eggs.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-scrambled-egg-breakfast-4183684748-e1695008952896.jpg?w=729

The Firemen’s Special at Franconi’s.

Later that afternoon, I went for a couple of slices of pizza for the “Firemen’s Lunch Special” . The pizza is good here but I found other places on the Wildwood Boardwalk that I liked better. Still the pizza is pretty good at Franconi’s.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/cheese-pizza-ii.jpg?w=640

The pizza here is delicious.

When I returned to Wildwood two years later (the Firemen’s Convention had been cancelled in 2020) for the Convention 2021, I started visit with dinner at Franconi’s with one of their cheese steak platters with fries and pickles.

Their cheesesteaks are excellent. Since the Wildwoods cater to a largely to a Philadelphia crowd, the cheesesteaks around here had better be up to “Philly standards”. Unusually cheesesteaks in New Jersey don’t come anywhere near going to the Reading Market in downtown Philly but Franconi’s does a great job.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/cheesesteak-3648158995-e1712684435623.jpg?w=770

You don’t always have to travel to Philly for a great cheesesteak

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/cheesesteak-i-449184909-e1712684501579.jpg?w=595

The steaks were those thin little steaks that I love so much not sliced steak for a steak sandwich which so many places pass off as cheesesteak. They grill them to a caramelized perfection and then topped it all with Cheese Wiz which I am convinced is the best cheese for it. It was served on a large chewy hoagie roll that was grilled slightly with clarified butter. Each bite was heaven and you could taste the complexity of flavors.

I was looking forward to breakfast the next morning after we voting for the NJ Firemen’s Association election. I made a b-line down the boardwalk to Franconi’s for breakfast again and I ordered the #8 Breakfast special . That was a nice feast that included two pieces of French Toast, two scrambled eggs, two slices of bacon and two pieces of sausage with a side of perfectly cooked home fries. It was so big that it took up two plates.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-french-toast-breakfast.jpg?w=640

The breakfast specials at Franconi’s are always a feast.

The French Toast was cooked on the grill with a combination of a custard cinnamon mixture with clarified butter that made the dish crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The meats were cooked crisp on the grill and the potatoes were cooked with clarified butter that were nicely spiced. The breakfast filled me up for both breakfast and lunch.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-french-toast-4233238726-e1695009700966.jpg?w=682

The French Toast is excellent here.

In 2022, I attended the NJ State Firemen’s Convention again and had dinner at Franconi’s, which is now becoming a tradition. I stopped in for dinner on Saturday night and walked the boardwalk. After a long stretch, it was time for a late lunch/early dinner, and I needed something to tide me over until my dinner reservation at 8:00pm. I decided to have a Meatball Hoagie Parmesan ($9.95) for a six-inch sandwich.

It was wonderful. Their red sauce has so much flavor to it and is so well spiced. The meatballs are freshly made and have the taste of beef, pork and garlic and are perfectly cooked. It was such a nice combination of flavors. The bread was fresh and chewy as I would expect a Jersey sub to be at the shore.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/meatball-sub-371324339-e1695010442367.jpg?w=811

The meatball sandwiches are delicious.

I returned for the Convention in 2023 and ate both my breakfasts at Franconi’s and the food is consistent and wonderful everytime I eat there. The first morning I had the the Firemen’s Special which is two pancakes, two scrambled eggs, home fries and sausage. It was some breakfast.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-breakfast-i.jpg?w=640

The Firemen’s Special in Franconi’s in 2023.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-pancakes-i-3845953645-e1695010353114.jpg?w=703

The pancakes were light and fluffy and had that nice malt taste.

The second morning I ordered the #8 again with two pieces of French Toast, two scrambled eggs, two pieces of bacon and two sausage. This is enough food for two people but I always manage this breakfast on my own. It is so good!

https://littleshoponmainstreet.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/franconis-french-toast-breakfast.jpg?w=640

The second time around is wonderful.

I came back in 2024 for Convention and basically ran to Franconi’s for breakfast again. I was looking forward to another feast at breakfast and was not disappointed. The first morning the breakfast at the hotel was not enough and I had to have another breakfast because of a long day of traveling ahead of me. So I had a Bacon and Cheese Omelet with a side of home fries. God that hit the spot.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-omelet-breakfast.jpg

My Bacon and Cheese Omelet breakfast with home fries and an English muffin

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/franconis-bacon-egg-cheese-omelt-e1755222499233.jpg

The Omelet must have had three eggs in it and was perfectly cooked

The second morning, I was in a rush to vote and sign in and then get to my next destination. So I checked out of the hotel early and I headed to the Boardwalk for my next delicious breakfast. I wanted to try something new on the menu, so I had the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast sandwich and on the side, a Belgian Waffle. Both were wonderful and served as my breakfast and lunch as it was going to be another long day.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-belgian-waffle-breakfast.jpg

My Belgian Waffle and Egg sandwich breakfast in 2024

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-belgian-waffle-i-e1726457656291.jpg

The Belgian Waffle was crisp and sweet

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-bacon-egg-and-cheese-sandwich-e1726457752651.jpg

Their Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich on a Brioche bun is a meal onto itself with three scrambled eggs

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-bacon-egg-and-cheese-sandwich-i.jpg

Yum!

When I returned again in 2025, I have to admit that the prices have gone up by two or three dollars for both the entrees and sandwiches but every place on the Wildwood Boardwalk has done the same. Still for the portion size and the quality of the food it is well worth it.

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-2.jpg?w=1024

I decided on a Chicken Parmesan sandwich (don’t call it a hero in South Jersey)

The sandwich was filled with freshly fried breaded chicken cutlets and topped with a delicious red sauce and lots of mozzarella cheese. The sandwich was served with pickles, which no Italian would ever do. Still it worked and the sandwich was delicious.

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1844.jpg?w=1024

The meal was so good

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1841.jpg?w=768

The sandwich was loaded with delicious chicken and gooey cheese

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-1-1.jpg?w=1024

Yum!

I enjoyed my lunch so much that I came back for lunch the next morning. I was so tired of the scrambled eggs and pancakes choices I decided to try something different and ordered some Biscuits and Sausage Gravy and a Grilled Buttered Sticky Bun. I thought this would be different.

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1907.jpg?w=1024

The Biscuits and Sausage with a Cinnamon Twist

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1910.jpg?w=1024

The main meal

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-3.jpg?w=1024

The Sausage Biscuits with gravy

The Sausage Biscuits and gravy was so decadent and rich, it was the perfect breakfast for a long day of running around the beach communities.

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-5.jpg?w=1024

They were so rich and creamy

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-1-2.jpg?w=1024

The hash browns here are well spiced and crisp

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1899.jpg?w=768

The deep fried Cinnamon Twist replaced the sticky buns that they ran out of and are not on the menu

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-2-1.jpg?w=1024

It was so decadent and sweet and it is a real winner. It is also not on the menu so you have to ask for it. What an amazing breakfast it was!

When I returned for the next convention, I stopped in for lunch after the first set of meetings. I did not want to have a huge lunch because I had plans for dinner. So I thought I will just order sausage calzone. Big mistake, the thing was huge!

When the waitress brought it out, I thought she brought me the big one

I wondered how I would finish this thing

This calzone was the size of a small pizza

It was delicious and what a lunch

The lunch was so good that I stopped in for Breakfast the next morning. I had one of the Firemen’s Special breakfast’s that had three eggs, your choice of bacon or sausage, hashbrowns and two blueberry pancakes (I paid three dollars for these but well worth it).

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-blueberry-pancakes-with-eggs-and-sausage.jpg

The Firemen’s Special of Three Eggs with Sausage and Hashbrowns and two large Blueberry pancakes

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-blueberry-pancakes-i-e1789858259293.jpg

They did not skip on the blueberries in the Blueberry Pancakes

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-scrambled-eggs-with-sausage-e1789858363339.jpg

The Scrambled eggs were excellent and everything on the plate was perfectly cooked and spiced

I don’t what it is about Franconi’s that makes it so special to eat here. Maybe it is the location on the boardwalk so close to the beach and the sea air or the sounds of the ocean and the boardwalk or just people enjoying themselves.

https://littleshoponmainstreet.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/franconis-scrambled-eggs-with-sausage-and-blue-berry-pancakes.jpg

What a breakfast!

It is also the excellent food, friendly service and maybe that “Jersey Shore” attitude during the warmer months that creates a memory. Along with Ravioli House in Wildwood, NJ, these are my two ‘go to’ places when I visit Wildwood, NJ and I highly recommend them. Friendly service, generous portions, fair prices and excellent food.

This is what the Jersey shore such a great experience.

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1918.jpg?w=1024

I took a long walk on the Boardwalk to work off the breakfast

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_1915.jpg?w=1024

All the way to the end by North Wildwood

It was such a beautiful weekend in 2025.

https://diningonashoestringinnyc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/wildwood-boardwalk.jpg

The Boardwalk works it magic at night!

jwatrel's avatarLittle Shop on Main Street

Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante

On the Corner of Oak Avenue & The Boardwalk

Wildwood, NJ 08260

(609) 522-2800

https://wildwood.orderfranconispizzeria.com/

Open: Please check website for Seaonality

Sunday & Monday 10:00am-10:00pm/Tuesday-Thursday 5:00pm-10:00pm/Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46931-d4441386-Reviews-Franconi_s_Pizzeria_Ristorante-Wildwood_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

Sometimes there are just establishments that don’t fit into the traditional mold of this blog but when I find one that stands out it really makes it special. There is something about the boardwalk businesses at the Jersey shore that just different. Maybe it is just the sites and smells or just the combination with the sea air and the beautiful weather with the aroma of good food. This is how Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante on the corner of Oak Avenue & the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ makes your mouth water.

Franconi’s Pizzeria & Ristorante at Oak Avenue and the Boardwalk

The one thing I have to say about the staff at Franconi’s is…

View original post 612 more words