Tag Archives: writing

Day Three Hundred and Eighty One Bergecco-Parc Consulting presents “Breakfast at Primo Pizza at Bergen Community College (Early Morning) April 29th, 2026

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Projects, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Paramus NJ, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, MywalkinManhattan-Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc., Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Every semester for my Business Marketing, Management and Communications classes, I create one big Team assignment for my students. In a Commuter College, it is a lot tougher for students to get to know one another between their studies and their jobs, so I create these projects to foster learning, creativity and especially Teamwork.

This semester I taught two sections of Business 101-Introduction to Business, which is the entry level course to the Business/Hotel Management School. This is a tough course to teach as you always have students of various age groups and various levels of industry experience. The Spring semester was no different. This makes the class more interesting yet more challenging to teach. I still challenge them and test them to see what type of future executives they will become.

In the past, I have created these projects under the Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. banner, the main consulting company, the Orion Malls banner, a Mall design company and the Buscomonzefi.com banner, my Tech Division. Each business does its best to be creative, forward thinking and have a thought producing presentations. I also challenge the students to top on another in their presentations and build on what they have seen others do in the past.

The Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. concept is an acronym for Bergen Community College Paramus Campus where I work. I came up with it one night at three in the morning when I needed an idea for a project for my students.

Professor Justin Watrel, CEO Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc.

Our Corporate site (created my one of my former President’s:

Additional Resources

In the Spring of 2026, I partnered with American Dining Creations, our on-campus leasee of our dining outlets with both the main cafeteria on the second floor and the coffee shop and pizzeria on the first floor.

We created a project three years ago in my Spring 2023 class entitled ‘Feasting at Bergen Community College-Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner’ when they were finding that the students did not know we had a cafeteria. The project was a huge success and gave the company insights to the identity problems the students had on on-campus dining.

The project ‘Feasting at Bergen Community College’ Spring 2023:

Day Two Hundred and Sixty-Five Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. presents: “Feasting at Bergen Community College-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner” April 26th, 2023

The Video Presentation:

This semester we tackled the issue of options for early morning quick dining. The coffee shop offered two options, egg bites and breakfast sandwiches plus pastries and bagels.

I thought it could offer more by opening the pizzeria three hours early and offering a selection of breakfast themed pizzas, calzones and desserts that could transition to lunch. So I partnered with Jack, the manager, again and had the students create a new menu, set up the Social Media, create a new logo for the breakfast menu and plan an Opening Party to promote the new menu. The results were very interesting.

The Project Presentation Proposal:

BCC-Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. 2026 Primo Pizza ProjectDownload

Next I had a mandatory field trip to the pizzeria where Jack described the current business and sales of Primo Pizza, our pizzeria on the Bergen Community College campus.

So in early March, we had an in class field trip to the pizzeria and arranged for Jack to tell us about the business. It was an eye opener on how the company’s contract works with the college and the perimeters you have to work with space and menu.

Jack, the manager of American Dining Creations, on the morning of our tour

My 8:00am class on their on-campus field trip

The field trip to Primo Pizzeria

The morning field trip to Primo Pizza

The Teams on our field trip

My 8:00am class Team Picture

My 8:00 am Team picture

I broke the class up into five teams and for the next six weeks we worked on the Team project, creating a new breakfast concept that would work for the college.

Being in Corporate does come with its difficulties. Teams disagreed, team members disappeared and balances were shifted throughout the six weeks. It is amazing how much of the true Corporate experience they really have on this project.

On April 29th, 2026, the students presented their ideas to Jack and myself. There were some very interesting ideas on how to grow the business at an earlier hour and how to transition breakfast items into the early lunch menu.

I really liked some of the creative ideas that the groups came up with pizzas topped with eggs and various meats and vegetable toppings, the variety of cheeses and sausages and their use of spices. Some came up with Korean, Spanish and Italian themed flavors both as toppings and fillings. The parties they planned for the Opening went from simple to a little to elaborate with budgets that went into the thousands (this would not work). I liked all of their logos and though their ideas for the menu were very clever.

Below is the PowerPoint and Presentation of the project ‘Breakfast at Primo Pizza‘:

The PowerPoint created by the Executive Team:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DaAvfDAIdjbhL2CaYc41g2RqZA93fUk9tKoLK4_i37o/edit?pli=1&slide=id.g3978197ed10_2_75#slide=id.g3978197ed10_2_75

The Website created by the Executive Team:

https://lladerach.wixsite.com/bergecco-parc-cons-8

The YouTube Presentation of the Project:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13RgKO_LhCpeqmJI_WF7GzBwaxRk5rEbM/view?ts=69f7cdeb

Each Executive Team has to find our Divisional Corporate Headquarters, and plan the Division’s Corporate party. One of the items of the party is the Corporate gift which is given to each Team Member at the party. This is the item the morning Team chose, a Beach combo with a beach towel, water bottle and sun glasses. I thought it was very clever.

The Corporate Present proposal

After the Presentation was over, we had a Q& A on the ideas the students had and Jack seemed very impressed with what the students had to say. This was a great way to get feedback from the audience the company was trying to reach.

The Presentation Reception

After every Presentation, I have a reception for my students with homemade cookies and brownies that I bake for the students, chips, waters and sodas. I do this after every presentation for a job well done.

Our Presentation Team Picture

We finish each Presentation with our Team Corporate picture. My well dressed and polished future executives ready to conquer the big city. Then the final exam and then they move on to the next class.

Another successful project and another semester complete.

Historical Society of Boonton Township/Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History 591 Powerville Road Boonton Township, NJ 07005

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Farms of Morris County, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Morris County NJ "Pathways to History" Tour, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pathways Tour of Morris County, Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Historical Society of Boonton Township/Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History

591 Powerville Road

Boonton Township, NJ 07005

https://historicalsocietyofboontontownship.org/

Open: For Special Events and Pathways Tours only

Admission: Free on the Pathways Tour

My Review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/14296162?m=19905

The Historical Society of Boonton Township

One of the last places I visited in the 2026 Pathways tour of Morris County was the Historical Society of Boonton Township which is located in the former Oscar Kincaid Farm Homestead. The house and what was left of the acreage of the farm was part of the current museum. The museum was an example of early New Jersey farming that dated from the 1800’s to the Twenty-First century. There was not much in the way of period furniture or farm equipment (items of the home were sold off since Mr. Kincaid’s passing), but the new historical society is buying artifacts and bringing them back to the farm. This includes one of Mr. Kincaid’s tractors. His roll up desk is also still in the display room which was once the Living Room of the home.

The Kincaid Homestead

History of Oscar Kincaid and Homestead:

(From the Morris County Historical Society website)

Originally a part of the extensive tract belonging to William Penn, the earliest portion of the home was constructed in 1785 by Adam Miller and Anna DeMouth Miller. Just over a decade later, they sold the property to Adam’s cousin, Sarah Miller Parlimen (of the Miller/Dixon homestead) and her husband, John, who built a sawmill there. After a brief ownership by William Scott of Powerville, a Miller relative, the land was sold to John Decker in 1828. An industrious man, Decker operated both a farm and successful forge, shipping his goods to New York via the Morris Canal. By 1837, he expanded the home, adding a distinctive folk-art painting of a face and unique plasterwork that can still be seen today (MCHS website).

The homestead passed through generations of Decker’s family, ultimately being inherited by Oscar Kincaid Sr. in the early 20th century. Kincaid ran a popular ice cream stand and dairy business throughout the 1920s and 30s. Following World War II, the family opened Valley Farm on the site, which continued until the death of Oscar Kincaid Jr. in 2000. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, the Decker-Kincaid Homestead today operates as a museum and headquarters of the Historical Society of Boonton Township (MCHS website).

The Kincaid House

The historical marker for the house

The front yard

The entrance to the house

The main foyer of the house

The house is a small farmhouse built in two sections. The original part of the house dates back to the late 1700’s and the newer part in the early 1800’s. The once furnished rooms now hold displays of Morris County and the farming industry of the time plus community artifacts.

The former Living Room

Oscar Kincaid’s desk

There were not much left in the way of family furnishings and heirlooms but this desk was Oscar Kinkaid’s.

The back bedroom

The Flag display for the ‘250th Anniversary’

Story of Oscar Kincaid’s life: Oscar Kincaid was a farmer/businessman, a politician and a conservationist.

On Community:

(From the museum website)

Oscar’s commitment to his community transcended farming. He served as a member of  the Boonton Township Committee for 30 years and was mayor for two terms. He was also a founding member of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board, on which he served for 17 years, six as board chairman. Oscar led the charge for farmland preservation in Morris County. His efforts resulted in the preservation of 41 farms covering 3,100 acres spanning several municipalities throughout the county. As one person put it: “Oscar had more impact on preserving the character of Boonton than any single individual.”

But to Oscar: “Farming and being active in local politics was simply a way of life.” Oscar passed away November 11, 2000

The contractor’s face on the wall

The face came about when Oscar Kincaid did not want to pay a contractor for his work. He created this face so that he would have to live with it for the rest of his life. It can not be planted over.

The ‘Mr. Face’ in Weird NJ

On Farming:

(From the Museum website)

Oscar Kincaid, Jr., was born into farm life. It was 1824 when the Kincaid family purchased 30 acres in Boonton Township, Morris  County and began farming. More than a century later, a young Oscar took over the operation, working alongside his father as they raised dairy cows, grew vegetables and developed a poultry business.  For years, they delivered eggs to retail establishments and sold vegetables from their roadside stand. Over time, Oscar moved away from the dairy and poultry business and focused his efforts on vegetable and hay production. 

The Kincaid house from the side

After the short tour around the house, I walked around the farm grounds. The house was set on a beautiful piece of land that sloped down to the old farmstand. There was also a swimming pond which was once part of the farm which is now private property.

The farm property from the side with the barn

The barn across the street

The property was about ten acres at the time of his death and parts have been developed. It still has some of the most wonderful views of the area.

The view of the old farm from the front porch

The farm land stretches over different sections of the road and the property is very picturesque. It is a very beautiful homestead.

The view of the farm from the lawn

The swimming pond on the edge of the property

The old farm stand that had been used for eighty years

The old Farm stand was used into the mid 2000’s

The full view of the farm

Since the house was just recently bought, there is still some design and artifacts that need to be collected to complete the look of a Jersey farm.

The Historical Society of Boonton Township is still expanding the collection of farm equipment for property and finding furniture for the home. The property is a beautiful and picturesque and shows how the traditional farm has adapted to modern times. Mr. Kincaid only passed a few years ago but kept the farm traditional and that worked for him. He left a legacy for us to appreciate the independent Jersey farmer.

Harding Township Historical Society/Tunis-Ellicks House 16 Village Road New Vernon, NJ 07976

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Vernon NJ, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Morris County NJ "Pathways to History" Tour, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pathways Tour of Morris County, Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Harding Township Historical Society/Tunis-Ellicks House

16 Village Road

New Vernon, NJ 07976

(973) 272-3661

https://www.hths.org/museum

Open: Special Events and Pathways Tours

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46670-d24085125-r1058924664-Tunis_ellicks_House_Museum-New_Vernon_Morris_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

I visited the Tunis-Ellicks House on the Morris County ‘Pathways’ tour of historical sites throughout the County and enjoyed the self-guided tour of this well maintained and displayed home. Unlike many sites I have visited over the years where things are left out and jumbled on tables, the Tunis-Ellicks House offers a look at small family farms from before the Civil War. The displays depict and discuss the life of a farming family in Central New Jersey.

The Tunis-Ellicks House in New Vernon, NJ

The house sign

The house is located in the New Vernon Historic District

The house was located in one of the oldest sections of the community, facing other structures in the historical district of New Vernon, NJ.

The house and front garden from the road

The vegetable garden in the front of house

In front of the house was a large vegetable and fruit garden with a grape arbor for spirits on the side of the house. These items would be jarred and pickled for the winter months or sold at market.

Mission Statement:

(From the Museum website)

The Harding Township Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit corporation founded in 1977 to stimulate interest in the history of Harding Township. The Society shall support, assist in and seek to achieve the preservation of documents, buildings and sites related to Harding Township. It shall also collect, preserve, maintain and interpret original cultural material, which illuminates this history. In addition, The Society is responsible for preserving and maintaining the Tunis-Ellicks House and environs. Through use of its historic site, collections and programs, the society endeavors to document and illustrate the history of Harding Township for present and future generations (Tunis-Ellicks website).

You enter the museum from the back of the house. In the backyard of the home, there were all sorts of activities going on while you could start a self-guided tour of the house.

The back of the Tunis-Ellick’s House

The beautiful view from the back door of the home

The inside of the main part of the museum

The main part of the museum was the newer extension of the home where the living room and dining rooms were located. There were displays on the walls discussing farm life in New Jersey during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.

The Dining Room section of the house

The workings of the Dining Room

The story of ‘Country Life’ and the gentleman farmer

Pieces of the decor on display

The kitchen area of the older part of the home offers a homey fireplace for cooking and summer storage for jarred and pickled food stuffs for the winter.

The kitchen and storage areas of the home

Pottery collection in the museum

The pottery collection

The kitchen dining and cooking area of the home

The fireplace for cooking, roasting and stewing of foods

The oven for baking breads, cookies and pies and the baking equipment

The Summer storage area for canned and jarred provisions for the winter months and for cooking.

The bathrooms were on the second floor of the home/museum and I got a quick tour of the upstairs bedrooms.

Bedroom One

Bedroom Two

These were not part of the self-guided tour but I was able to see them and how they were decorated.

History of the Harding Township Historical Society:

(From the Museum website)

The Harding Township Historical Society was formed in 1977 to save the circa 1795 Tunis-Ellicks House and restore it as it appeared in the early 19th century. The society discovered an original 18th century hearth and Federal-style mantel and a water-fed cooling room besides the well.  Areas of the house were left exposed to showcase the post-and-beam construction. A permanent exhibit on 19th century farming was created as well as space for temporary exhibits. 

The Society saved a circa 1870 Tramp House from destruction when the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was created by having the building moved the Tunis-Ellicks House property.  The Harding Township Historical Society maintains an extensive archive containing records, maps, and objects since the colonial era pertaining to the town. The archive is open to researchers, genealogists and the public. Each year we provide an award  to a student at the Harding Township School that excels in the subject of history. The Society produces exhibits, lectures, tours, and interactive events to bring history to the public.

I then joined many of the other visitors to hear an historical reading on the patio of the home from a descendant of a Colonial family. He was discussing life in Colonial New Jersey.

The Colonial talks

They also had a table set up for arts and crafts. The volunteers were making corn husk dolls with some of the visitors.

They also had corn husk doll making as an activity

Then I was able to tour the grounds and visit the ‘Tramp House’ that was used for workers of these farms. This had been moved from the ‘Great Swamp’ to this location. It showed the living conditions of workers on the farm.

Walking on the grounds of the farm

The Wine Arbor on the side of the house

History of the Tunis-Ellicks House:

(From the Museum website)

The Tunis-Ellicks House was built in 1795 when George Mitchell bought it from Michael Pearce, a Minuteman in the Revolutionary War. The deed for 7 acres of land is dated April 22, 1795. Interestingly, the ledgers of Daniel Tunis, who lived down Millbrook Rd and had a store, show that, beginning May 9, 1795, Mitchell bought items consistent with building a house: a load of timber and half a bushel of hair (used for plaster).

In 1838, a local farmer named Silas Tunis bought the farm and his descendants owned the house until 1923. Eva and Lee Ellicks sold the house to the township in 1968. In 1977, the Harding Township Historical Society began to restore the home as it would have appeared in the early 19th century. The house is a post-and-beam East Jersey cottage complete with a cooling room fed by the well outside. The museum features a permanent exhibit entitled A Country Life about the workings of 18th-century farms.

The ‘Tramp House’ for farm workers

The historic sign

The inside of the small living quarters

The farm equipment used in processing crops

History of the Tramp House:

(from the Museum website)

The Tramp House is a simple stone building built about 1870 by the Morris Overseer of the Poor as a place to stay for wandering Civil War veterans searching the countryside for work.  By providing a place to stay, farmers protected their barns from accidental fires by the men trying to cook or keep warm. The men would work on the farms in exchange for a safe and warm place to sleep

The house was located in one of the oldest sections of the community, facing other structures in the historical district.

The house and front garden from the road

I really enjoyed visiting the site and got a good view how life on a New Jersey farm was before the Civil War. The museum was very nicely organized and the displays were engaging. The volunteers and docents could not have been nicer and it was a fun afternoon.

My Life as a Fireman: The Brothers of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association have began their Annual Fundraising Drive January 18th, 2026

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Walking in Downtown Boonton, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met at the Harrington Park Fire House to start the stuffing of the envelopes for the fundraising efforts of the organization. Monies raised by the fundraiser help pay for entertainment, refreshments, the food for the barbecue, gifts to the residents and for items that residents might need.

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at our 2025 Christmas Party for the residents

Santa joining us for the Annual Christmas party at the home

This fundraising effort does so much for our fellow firefighters at the home. It provides entertainment, refreshments, gifts at the holidays, special projects at the home that benefit everyone and funds for us to run our annual barbecues and Christmas parties.

Chef Prince cooking at our Annual Barbecue in August 2025

The wonderful barbecue feast made for the residents of the NJ State Firemen’s Home at the August 2025 Barbecue

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association, please attend one of our meetings at the Boonton Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ. Our meetings are in February, April, June, August, October and the first weekend in December for our Annual Holiday Party.

Members enjoying breakfast at our November meeting hosted by the Wyckoff Fire Department

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association

If you would like to make a donation to our organization, please send it to:

BCFHA

C/O Jeff Parma

277 Harriott Avenue

Harrington Park, NJ 07640

Please make the checks out to the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association

Our 2026 Meeting Schedule:

All our meetings at the home start at 12:00pm at the NJ State Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ:

February 15th

April 19th

June 13th (June Barbecue)

August 15th (August Barbecue)

October 18th

December 6th (Annual Christmas Party)

A big “Thank you” from The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Executive Board 2026

Day Three Hundred and Seventy-Three My new tourism project “Smile! You’re Visiting New Jersey” January 1st, 2026

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring ' The Northwest Bergen History Coalition', Exploring Beach Haven NJ, Exploring Downtown Beach Haven NJ, Exploring Downtown Boonton, NJ, Exploring Farms and Farm Stands, Exploring Hackensack, NJ, Exploring Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Exploring Historic Atlantic County NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Cape May Country, NJ, Exploring Historic Cumberland County, NJ, Exploring Historic Essex County, Exploring Historic Gloucester County NJ, Exploring Historic Graveyards and Cemeteries, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Ocean County, NJ, Exploring Historic Passaic County, NJ, Exploring Historic Salem County, NJ, Exploring Historic Sussex County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Historic Union County, NJ, Exploring Historic Warren County NJ, Exploring Long Beach Island NJ, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Ocean City NJ, Exploring Paterson NJ, Exploring Point Pleasant Beach NJ, Exploring the Farms of Bergen County, NJ, Exploring the Farms of Morris County, NJ, Exploring the Farms of Warren County, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Exploring Woodstown, NJ, Food Products made in New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic Churches of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., Interesting Parks and Zoos in New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, Morris County NJ "Pathways to History" Tour, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, Walking in Downtown Boonton, NJ, Walking in Downtown Bridgeton, NJ, Walking in Downtown Millville NJ, Walking in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Walking the Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Walking the Point Pleasant NJ Boardwalk, Walking the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Walking the Wildwood NJ Boardwalk, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My new logo for this blog project:

My logo for “Smile! You’re Visiting New Jersey!” created my very creative nephew, Artist Kyle McFarlane

I have found that the way we market the State of New Jersey boring. Most of the tourism books created by the state tourism board and the local county tourism boards just don’t capture all the wonderful things to do and see in the State of New Jersey. From our quirky beach communities to our unique small downtown based towns, each section of the state is so different.

When most tourists think of New Jersey, they think of the opening scene of “The Soprano’s”, with the glimpses of Newark Bay and the skyline of lower Manhattan or the more urban sections of the state that have their share of problems. What we miss about our great state is that every part of the state has so much to offer. We even run into the paradox of North and South Jersey, where part of our state roots for New York teams and the other for Philadelphia teams and never the two should meet (except over the summer when I was in Cape May when Philly played the Mets to a very mixed crowd of fans).

We range from big cities, university towns and commuter townships to historical small towns and Revolutionary War era villages that rival anything in Vermont or New Hampshire with their town squares and “Greens” to the 18th century architecture with signs that read “Washington Slept here”. Don’t write off communities such as Newark or Paterson, which have a host of great things to do and experience. We have so much to offer.

So from this point, I have created this site to mirror the work I am doing on blog “MywalkinManhattan.com, which is walking every inch of the Island of Manhattan and surrounding parts of New York City, to creating this site to do the same with every corner of the State of New Jersey.

I have recategorized all my New Jersey based blogs from museums and cultural sites to festivals and special events that I have experienced and walking tours that I have enjoyed that I want to share with readers. This also includes great restaurants, delis and bakeries that dot our great state. If you have not been to New Jersey then you are missing a lot.

So join me as we explore the great State of New Jersey and say “Smile! You’re Visiting New Jersey!”

I thought this was an interesting video to describe the state. I hope you enjoy it.

Day Three Hundred and Sixty-Seven Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. “Sounds and Subs” Restaurant Concept December 10th, 2025

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Addthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Projects, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Paramus NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan-Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc., Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Executive Paramus, NJ Team December 10th, 2025

My Executive Team for ‘Sounds and Subs”

Every semester for my Business Marketing, Management and Communications classes, I create one big Team assignment for my students. In a Commuter College, it is a lot tougher for students to get to know one another between their studies and their jobs, so I create these projects to foster learning, creativity and especially Teamwork.

This semester I taught three sections of Business 101-Introduction to Business, which is the entry level course to the Business/Hotel Management School. This is a tough course to teach as you always have students of various age groups and various levels of industry experience. The Fall semester was no different. This makes the class more interesting yet more challenging to teach. I still challenge them and test them to see what type of future executives they will become.

This semester I created three restaurant concept projects for my students, “Sounds and Subs”, a music store and sub/sandwich shop concept based on Mike’s Sub Shop in Boonton, NJ, “Farmer’s Market”, a farm to table concept based on The Corner Counter in Red Hook, NY and then “Pasta and Pies”, a sweet and savory pie concept with pasta dishes based on Nobel Pies out of Beacon, NY.

My morning Business 101 class worked on the “Sounds and Subs” concept where they were challenged to create a music based restaurant concept with a menu of creative sub and sandwiches, interesting salads, a mocktail menu, an opening party, social media and a gift shop selling items from their menu plus records, CDs and musical products. They also had to pick the location and figure out all the budgets.

They also had to create a stage area for bands and local performers for ‘Open Mic nights’. The results were amazing to see and what students with a little creativity, a lot of time (six weeks) and a little push can accomplish. I also liked the bands they chose to perform at their restaurants,

In the past, I have created these projects under the Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. banner, the main consulting company, the Orion Malls banner, a Mall design company and the Buscomonzefi.com banner, my Tech Division. Each business does its best to be creative, forward thinking and have a thought producing presentations. I also challenge the students to top on another in their presentations and build on what they have seen others do in the past.

The Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. concept is an acronym for Bergen Community College Paramus campus where I work.

Professor Justin Watrel, CEO Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc.

Our Corporate site (created my one of my former President’s:

Additional Resources

This class created menus with creative subs and sandwiches, salads, soups and unique signature desserts. They had to also create a mocktail menu. Some students kept the menus safe while others really put their heart and sole into it and showed how creative they were with their menus.

Each project had to include the location of where the restaurant would in what town in Bergen County, the social media, the menu, the opening party and what would be featured in their gift shop. They had a to figure out the budget for everything as well.

The Project Proposal:

The Proposal for Sounds and Subs:

BCC-Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. 2025 Sounds and Subs Shop Fall SemesterDownload

Before we did the formal presentation, I had the students create the ‘Holiday Presentation’ where corporate requested that our Teams represent the company in creating the invitation, menu and holiday greeting for the Corporate party in the New Brunswick headquarters. This is the presentations:

The Holiday Project Proposal:

BCC-Business 101 Fall 2025 Extra Credit projectDownload

The Holiday Project PowerPoint:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KIhtOxsZc_ZBI2tliNecVSuMCaPpvCH418k3tjOP0b8/edit?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1

The Holiday Project Video:

The Holiday Project

One Wednesday morning, December 10th, the class presented their ideas to me and these are the results of the individual Teams. Each Team came up with different and unique concepts.

The PowerPoint of the Presentation:

The Website of the Presentation:

https://icuffaro.wixsite.com/my-site-6

The YouTube Video of the Presentation:

The video on the Presentation

The day of the project, I have the students dress in professional dress to present their ideas to the clients. The student executives presented their ideas on location, design, menus, social media and creating an opening party for the restaurant. They also came up with ideas for local musicians who could entertain on a nightly basis. The client was looking for a concept that would attract music lovers not just from the suburbs but from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Newark.

Here are examples of ideas of what the Student Consultants would work in the town that they chose:

Team Three making their initial pitch to the client

Team Three explaining their proposal for the floor plan of their restaurant

Team Five starting their presentation

What I found interesting what the musicians who the Student Consultants chose for both their Opening Parties to promote the restaurant and to play at the restaurant on a circulating schedule. They were some pretty sophisticated musical groups which showed me the tastes of these students in their music selections.

After the presentations were over, we had a Q & A and then we had a light reception. For each of my classes, I baked cookies, brownies and rice crispy treats along with a variety of chips, sodas and waters for all of my students to show my appreciation for their hard work.

It really was an interesting presentation and I was very proud of my students.

Best of luck in the future to all my executives.

Aux Merveilleux de Fred Midtown 1001 Sixth Avenue New York, NY 10018

Addthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Bakeries for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring Midtown Manhattan, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Garment District, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, French Cafes in Manhattan, French Cafes in New York City, Historic New York City neighborhoods, Interesting Bakeries, Interesting Bakeries in Manhattan, Interesting Bakeries in New York City, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Walking around Manhattan, Walking in the Garment District, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

-Aux Merveilleux de Fred

1001 Sixth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

(646) 590-0263

https://auxmerveilleux.com/en/pastries?city=&store_slug=new-york-midtown

Open: Sunday-Saturday 7:00am-9:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60763-d23759815-r1042403197-Aux_Merveilleux_De_Fred-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

The inside of the bakery

I came across the branch of Aux Merveilleux de Fred (I discovered there are three other branches in New York City) when I was exploring the Garment District for my blog MywalkinManhattan.com. I spied the delicious pastries in the window and this the last part of my trip that day. I saw items being made in front of me and a new batch of brioche just coming into the window.

The wonderful selection of sandwiches and brioche

The delicious pastries and meringues

I fell in love with the sugary brioche and the delicious meringues. The pastries here are such high quality and the selection of delicious treats is so different from other pastry shops in the City.

The store was beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays. A little bit of Paris transported to New York City.

The delicious Sugar Brioche and the Cherry Merveilleux

The Cherry Merveilleux is a light meringue with a sugary Cherry topping. These delightful treats are sweet and whimsical to look at and more fun to eat. The sugary brioche have a chewy and crunchy consistency to them and are the perfect afternoon treat.

The Sugar Brioche

Inside the layers of brioche dough are the sugar crystals that give the pastry its extra sweetness.

The brioche pulls apart so nicely

The are so buttery and rich. These were warm just out of the oven.

The Cherry Mini Merveilleux are wonderful

This simple Meringue is delicious

The baked goods here are high quality and delicious. The service was excellent as well, very friendly and personal. It like visiting Paris in Manhattan. You can not pass by this bakery without stopping in to try something.

The history of Aux Merveilleux de Fred:

(from the Aux Merveilleux de Fred website)

About Chef Frederic Vaucamps:

Frédéric Vaucamps is a pastry chef from the North of France. During the 1980s, his career in pastry took him back to a cake dear to his heart: The Merveilleux. He adapted the recipe to make it extremely lightweight. In 1997, he decided to name his Lille store after his flagship cake, and so “Aux Merveilleux de Fred” was born.  His version of The Merveilleux has quickly become a must-have, just like the cramiques and his Belgian waffles.  Frédéric combines know-how and tradition to offer high-quality products in stores that are the epitome of French elegance.

Artisan pastry chef Frédéric Vaucamps utilizes his unique know-how to create his recipes whilst remaining true to his signature style: lightness and deliciousness. Each cake and pastry requires artisan know-how, a mastery of the craft that imbues them with a flavor that is instantly recognizable amongst thousands of others.  

About the Company:

We love to share and showcase our artisan know-how. Our specialties are created in front of our customers, in each of our store’s ateliers. Every day we pledge our commitment to offering high-quality products, created before your eyes and baked all day long. We make our specialties using ingredients that have been selected for their quality.

These tiny and delicate meringue treats evoke a specific period in French history: high society life during the Directory regime. The aristocratic Incroyables and Merveilleuses, as they were known at the time, would gather in salons to discuss politics and economics. But their main objective there was to see and be seen, to drink tea and eat cakes. The “Aux Merveilleux de Fred” stores with their refined, baroque decor, are generously adorned with mirrors and gilding and take inspiration from this historical period.

Frédéric Vaucamps transmits his passion for the French art of living through his cakes and pastries: the art of taking your time and appreciating good and beautiful things.

The Franklin Fountain 116 Market Street Philadelphia, PA. 19106

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Candy and Ice Cream stores for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String in Philadelphia, Exploring Historic Towns of Pennsylvania, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Pennsylvania, Exploring Philadelphia block by block, Exploring Philadelphia, PA, Exploring the City of Philadelphia, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historic towns in Pennsylvania, Interesting Bakeries, Little Shop on Main Street in Philadelphia, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Walking Downtown Philadelphia, Walking in Chinatown in Philadelphia, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Franklin Fountain

116 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 627-1899

https://www.facebook.com/thefranklinfountain/

Philadelphia Ice Cream Parlor & Soda Fountain

Open: Sunday-Saturday 11:00am-12:00am

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/Restaurant_Review-g60795-d629008-Reviews-The_Franklin_Fountain-Philadelphia_Pennsylvania.html?m=69573

The front of the Franklin Fountain at 116 Market Street

Sometimes you run across the perfect shop in looks and merchandise that just stands out. The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia is one of those places. I try to stop here when I am in Philly for their homemade ice cream and to admire the old fashioned deal of the place.

I love this section of Old Philadelphia where the city was created with its old fashioned buildings and creative signs. You can see how the city developed over time.

The front of the fountain area

All of the ice creams are homemade and are made in house. You can taste the richness in each bite of the dish of ice cream.

The menus and the specialty sundaes

The Franklin Fountain is not shop of the past but a creation of many shops to create this turn of the last century ice cream parlor in a tin ceiled building that gives it the 19th century look.

The flavors of ice creams and sundaes

They have a wonderful selection of sundaes and milkshakes to choose from and some great flavors of ice cream.

The Sundae specials

The syrups and toppings

I chose the Caramelized Banana and the Salted Caramel ice creams on both of my trips to The Franklin Fountain. I had to try them both for a second time remembering how good they were the first time.

The rich creaminess of the ice cream with the taste of the sugary caramel and the fresh bananas was a real delight as was the delicious taste of the caramel in the Salted Caramel.

The Caramelized Banana was on the top of the package

Yum!

I loved every bite of it. It can be a bit pricy but for that special indulgence, it can be a real treat.

The History of Franklin Fountain:

(From the Franklin Fountain website)

In January 2003 Eric Berley was finishing his philosophy studies at William & Mary College with no hard plans for the future. Ryan Berley, his brother, was continuing his work as an antiques trader and consultant to Freeman’s auction house, although he was feeling stagnant and ready to do something different.

Just over a year before, the Berley’s father and aunt had purchased a turn-of-the-century building in the heart of Old City in Philadelphia at 116 Market Street. It had (and has) wonderful decorative tin walls & ceilings and the original porcelain mosaic tile floor, that inspired Ryan to float the idea of building an authentic ice cream parlor and soda fountain.

The brothers have always attributed their early fondness for ice cream history to the interior design of their childhood home. Carole Berley, Ryan & Eric’s mother, began selling antiques out of their home in Media in 1976, just after Ryan was born, and
decorated the dining room with a historical ice cream parlor motif.

In Summer 2003 Eric traveled to New York state to study under an ice cream chef and mentor. When he returned to Philadelphia he and Ryan wrote a business plan for what would be called “The Franklin Fountain.”

The brothers were inspired by a marble portrait of Benjamin Franklin they had seen at an exhibition of sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon that spring. Dr. Franklin, civic businessman, thinker and experimenter, began his adult life just steps away from 116 Market Street. Following a turn-of-the-century precedent for naming businesses after the great man, Franklin’s legacy proved a worthy namesake for the soda fountain.

Months of planning followed, as did road trips to the National Ice Cream Retailer’s Convention in New Orleans, and annual the Ice Screamers Convention (an ice cream antique and memorabilia convention). As they learned, the brothers began to make connections between the values of the early soda fountains and those that Franklin advocated: craftsmanship, social responsibility and experimentation to better serve the people.

By January of 2004, construction began, and with mountains of help from family and friends the final equipment was placed as September wound down. The Franklin Fountain quietly opened the last week of the Summer 2004. The Franklin Fountain aims to serve an experience steeped in ideals, drizzled with drollery, and sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past.

The J.W. Gandy Farmstead 26 Tyler Road Greenfield, NJ 08250

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Greenfield, NJ, Exploring Historic Cape May Country, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, 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), Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The J.W. Gandy Farmstead

26 Tyler Road

Greenfield, NJ 08250

(609) 390-5656

https://theclio.com/entry/100872

Click to access Upper-Twp-History_2-page_Sep2013.pdf

Click to access gandy-house-history_copy_%2015June2008.pdf

https://capemaycountynj.gov/BusinessDirectoryii.aspx?ysnShowAll=0&lngNewPage=0&txtLetter=J&txtZipCode=&txtCity=&txtState=&txtBusinessName=&lngBusinessCategoryID=29&txtCustomField1=&txtCustomField2=&txtCustomField3=&txtCustomField4=&txtAreaCode=

Open: Sunday 1:00pm-3:00pm (Seasonal and Special Events

Admission: Free but donations accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/13884120?m=19905

The J. W. Gandy House at 26 Tyler Road

The historic marker

The historic signs

The Gandy House sign

The farm grounds

The historic sign

The historic grounds of the property in the winter

I visited the John Westley Gandy Farmstead on private walking tours both in the Winter of 2024 and the Summer of 2025 and got a glimpse of farm life in early rural Southern New Jersey. Away from the markets of New York City, I got to see how tenant farming and life was for early farmers after the Revolutionary War.

The house is decorated with artifacts from the early 1800’s to the turn of the Twentieth century and how they affected the lives of early inhabitants of the house. There is antique furniture, home made quilts and a fully stocked kitchen with a wood burning fireplace to cook meals from scratch (which was not a trend in those days, that is how they lived).

The grounds when I visited in the summer months

The grounds of the farm in the winter

The grounds of this historic homestead in the winter

When a returned for the private tour in the summer, it was a different story. The grounds were lush and in full bloom. It was really interesting to see how the farmstead was in the different seasons.

The same grounds in the summer

The history of the house

The front of the house during the summer

When you walk inside the Gandy Housr on the first floor, you are welcomed into the kitchen and pantry area plus some of public areas of the house. Here meals were prepared and guests were greeted.

The pantry area of the kitchen

Wood was stored for heat and cooking and herbs were drying for the winter months for cooking and daily use.

The fire wood and herb s drying

The pantry and larders for daily cooking and baking for the daily meals. All meals were cooked from scratch and large breakfasts and lunches were part of farm life. All meals were cooked in the open hearth so meals had to be properly timed and cooking and baking had to be coordinated for the family meals.

The larders were filled with the items that were in season

Cooking over a wood burning fire was part of everyday meals in the farm kitchen. Various pots and pans were in use to cook the family meals.

The inside of the kitchen area that heated the main room

Meals were coordinated for the day with cereals and soups cooking first, baked items going into the oven when it was warm enough followed by roasts and stews.

The days cooking over a hot stove

There were early morning breakfasts on the farm and then a late lunch/ early supper when the afternoon work was done.

The other half of the main room was used for dining and the families social space. Here meals were served and the family relaxed.

Everyday family objects of the household

The front part of the room faced the road and the comings and goings of the surrounding community.

The side bench and family objects

The most interesting part of the tour of the first floor is the view of the construction of the home. Behind the glass frame showed how the home was built and of what.

The construction of the home behind the glass frame

The family quarters on the second floor show the chores that followed during the day with spinning yarn, making and mending clothes and dying fabrics.

The spinning wheels and the making of quilts

The landing and the first floor rooms

The spinning wheels and patterns

The first bedroom was furnished with handmade quilts and sown linens. The wash basins were used before indoor plumbing.

The first bedroom upstairs

The wash basin and grooming products

Going out for a formal evening

The second bedroom on the second floor has is collection of quilts

The hand made quilts in the second bedroom

The children’s toys

The handmade quilt collection in the one bedroom

Handmade linens were part of the fabric of rural life as women were trained to sew and quilt their clothes and bed linens. Store bought linens were a rarity at this time and the quality of a woman’s homemaking skills defined her household. The handwork on these quilts were amazing.

The upstairs fireplace to keep the rooms warm

The upstairs alcove where the fireplace is located

The Morning clothing in the alcove

We then headed up the stairs to see the attic which were hard to walk up they were such small stairs.

The narrow stair’s to the attic

I got to see the attic area which visitors normally don’s see. This is where the boys of the family would sleep in the summarrr

The attic loft area

We finished the house tour back in the kitchen-living room

The full kitchen and living room room

The laundry area just off the main room

The we then toured the grounds of the estate walking through the grounds and exploring all the buildings on the property, some original to the estate and some brought here from other properties that awaited the wrecking ball. The grounds included the family well, barn, outhouse, root cellar, wood shed and a grape arbor.

The area right behind the main

The estate well which was going to be replaced

Fresh well water is still a part of the communities in Southern New Jersey. These farmsteads were pretty much self-sufficient and people grew what they needed and could barter for the rest or bring it to market.

The woodshed on the estate

The estate on a sunny day

The root cellar

The Root Cellar was used to keep Summer foods and preserves cool throughout the season. People tried to eat seasonally as much as possible and store for the Winter months.

The Ice House

The historic sign for the Ice House

The inside of the ice house and the hooks to hold meats

Ice was brought in from local lakes and ponds to keep foods well preserved during the warmer months of the Spring and Summer.

The barn that was moved here

The inside of the barn with all sorts of historic farm. These are pieces of equipment that were used over the last 100 years.

The farm equipment

The equipment that runs a farm

The storage area of the farm

The storage bins

The Outhouse

There was no indoor plumbing in those days and the use of the outhouse was placed far from the main house.

The grounds of the farm

The back of the farm

The front of the homestead in the summer of 2025

The house was warm and contained by fireplaces in the Winter months and open and airy in the Summer months with a flow of air through the open windows. The Upper Cape May Township Historical Society is open also for special events like their Strawberry and Apple festivals plus private tours.

The Gandy Farmstead Annual Apple Festival

Two weeks after my initial visit to the Gandy House during the Firemen’s Convention, I returned for the Historical Society’s Annual Apple Festival. The event reminded me of the Brinckerhoff House Strawberry Festival, a very nice family and community event that attracted everyone.

Since there were a lot of shore towns I wanted to revisit while the weather was nice, I arranged to stay at an Airbnb in Ocean City so I had plenty of time to do what I needed to do and relax afterwards.

I could not believe how crowded the roads were as so many places were having either Fall festivals or October Fest. Route 9 was like a parking lot near Smithville, NJ.

I got to the Apple Festival around noon and the parking lot was packed with people. One of the members said later that afternoon that he could not believe the consistent crowds as it was still busy at 2:15pm (the festival was over by 3:00pm). The crowds were filled with several generations of family members who I am sure were traveling from one event to another on this spectacular sunny morning.

The sign welcoming you to the event

When I arrived at the festival, the parking lot was still filling up so I had to park way in the back so I could get in and out easily. They had plenty of parking on the farm across the street.

On the Gandy family property on the other side of the home, they had an antique car show, a mini train ride around the tracks of this part of the property and a Caboose train car that you could explore.

The train tracks around the farm property

The train set up and tracks to tour around the farm

The train rides were really popular with both the small and ‘big’ kids

This small train trip had a nice sized line to it as families were really enjoying themselves

I then toured the Caboose which was set up for service and a day in the life of a conductor. Some of the volunteers were even dressed as conductors leading tour and talking to families.

The caboose on the farm property

The inside of the caboose

Getting ready for the holidays

Life of a train conductor shown in the caboose

After the tour of the car show and watching the families have fun on the trains, I headed across the street to the Gandy House for the tours and activities.

The back of the Gandy Farmstead with crafts and entertainment

Entering the Apple Festival with a Farmers Market and Apple sale

The Farmers Market of locally grown produce

They had a wonderful duo interesting the crowds that afternoon

There were all sorts of crafts stands around where the entertainment was performing

The local crafts people were really talented and included crocheted, painters, floral arrangers and jewelry markers.

One woman sold flowers from her gardens and arranged bouquets

This woman painted her own crafts and did beautiful work for both Halloween and Christmas

Here beautiful holiday crafts

I loved this Santa tree and was going to get it for my mom

This woman had the most beautiful handmade doll clothing and knit items for the holidays

What is an Apple Festival without food? I went to the concession stand for lunch and ordered a hot dog with a glass of locally made Apple cider and had an homemade Apple Shortcake, which I found out later the members had made the night before.

The concession stand where all the food was made

Enjoying my lunch. Both the hotdogs and apple cider were locally made. That’s why it tasted so good!

Hot dogs taste so good off the grill!

The delicious homemade Apple Shortcake with homemade apple topping were made by the members

I also stopped off at the apple stand where cases of apples were being sold. It looked like many people were going to make pies and sauce with these and the stand looked like they were selling out.

I managed to buy one of the Mango sweet apples they were selling individually

The apples were so hard, fresh and sweet that it made the perfect addition to dessert.

The Mango Sweet apples

Talk about delicious

After lunch I ran into the Board members who had helped me with the tour two weeks early and I took a quick tour of the first floor of the home. The laundry room was not open the day of my private tour.

Touring the outside grape arbor

The grape arbor on an early Fall day

Touring the first floor laundry room

An early washing machine

How to do laundry at the turn of the last century

After having lunch, touring the house and visiting all the vendors I relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and listened to the entertainment perform. They did a combination of 70’s hit songs, country music and some James Taylor.

The duo performing

The first part of the song “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” from the 1970’s before people walked in the way

The rest of the song performed. They did an excellent job with it

Before I left just after 2:00pm, I stayed to see who won the Apple pie contest. There were only three contributors but I wanted to get a slice before I left. They did not slice them up. Bummer!

The winners of the Apple pie contest

The Apple Festival sponsored by the Upper Township Historical Society happens every October. It is a wonderful family event and fundraiser for the Historical Society. I know I had a lot of fun and it reminded me of the events that I went to as a kid in the 1970’s.

It was funny that the only person who had a cell phone glued to his hand was me. It was just like the 1970’s all over again with families enjoying each other’s company. Try to visit in the future.

Cinnamom Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls/Cinnamom Bakery 5015 South Saginaw Street Flint, MI 48507

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Addthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, American Food Manufacturers, American Snack Food Companies, Bakeries for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Flint, MI, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Cinnamom Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls/Cinnamom Bakery 5015 South Saginaw Street. Flint, MI 48507

Cinnamom Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls/ Cinnamom Bakery

5015 South Saginaw Street

Flint, MI 48507

(810) 866-4342

The Cinnamom logo

I was at the NYC Fancy Food Show in 2025 and this is one of the vendors that stood out to me. Cinnamom produces some of the most delicious baked goods I have tasted. The giant Cinnamon buns are ooey and gooey and topped with thick icings and then more toppings. They are a Cinnamon bun on over-drive and produces the best rush of sweetness. I had to go back three times to try all the samples and indulge in these delectable treats. It is a small company that is just starting their global shipping but watch out when they do. Everyone will want to sample these delicious treats.

The products being offered at the Fsncy Food Show

The regular Cinnamon bun with white icing on it was my favorite but the one with Chocolate and White icing was another. All the products I tried were wonderful and the owner and her daughter could not have been nicer. They let me try all the samples with a big smile on their faces. They seemed happy that I was so happy!

The History of Cinnamom:

(from the company website)

The Journey started 50 years ago:

When Shirley Welch came up with the ultimate recipe for a household favorite, cinnamon rolls. For holidays and special occasions, she would roll out these one-of-kind treats for family and friends to enjoy. Early on she had a little helper in the kitchen by her side, assisting with the baking process. This little helper would grow up to be the founder and owner of CinnaMom, Rebecca Nagy.

For years people would come up to Rebecca telling her she needed to start a cinnamon roll business, as hers were the best in the world. After happily retiring from her nursing career, in 2013 she finally listened to everybody’s encouragement and officially opened the first CinnaMom location in Lapeer, Michigan. Since then, the business has grown in size and popularity, both locally and nationally.

Over the last few years CinnaMom has doubled the size of its main bakery in Grand Blanc, Michigan and is featured on QVC. CinnaMom ships to anywhere in the United States and wholesales these CinnAmazing (TM)  rolls to over 40 locations in the U.S.  CinnaMom has been featured on ABC’s Good Morning America and The View, along with several other TV networks.  What’s next?

Soon, CinnaMom will be exporting to other countries so that more customers have the opportunity to taste these delicious, ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. CinnaMom is still on a Roll!