Guide Me Home to North Jersey

The picturesque village of Oldwick remains the historic center of Tewksbury. Located conveniently close to Interstate 78, it retains its charm and authenticity, with stately Colonial and pretty Victorian houses that are the pride and joy of their owners.

Established by English landowners in the early 1700’s, followed by settlers of German descent, the village became known as New Germantown. The Zion Lutheran church, a beautiful 1749 Greek Revival building at the crossroads of the village, became well known for its illustrious pastor for 30 years, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the patriarch of the Lutheran church in America. It is considered to be one of the oldest Lutheran churches in New Jersey. In the 20th century, the village was renamed Oldwick, due to anti-German sentiments during World War I.

Enjoy lunch at the Tewksbury Inn or the Oldwick General Store, just across the road, before indulging your inner child and/or your children and grandchildren at the Bunny Hole, Oldwick’s very special Easter tradition. Every Easter since 1949, the Magic Shop, on the main street in Oldwick, has been transformed into the Bunny Hole, a delightful and fanciful adventure for children to explore the bunnies’ den, which features vignettes loosely based on Beatrix Potter’s tales of Peter Rabbit. Usually installed four to five weeks before Easter, the Bunny Hole is open for one week to ten days afterwards. It has delighted local and not so local children of all ages for generations. This year is no exception and the magical scenes encompass children’s stories, featuring Alice in Wonderland (the central theme), Where the Wild Things Are, Hansel and Gretel and Winnie the Pooh, as well as Peter Rabbit in Mr. McGregor’s garden. All are artfully designed by loyal and talented volunteers. Come and be enchanted!

The Magic Shop is a whimsical gift shop located in an 18th century house in the center of this historic village. Featuring unique, hand-crafted, original gifts for the home, fine art, antiques, children’s clothing and toys, each room offers unique and beautiful merchandise for the discriminating shopper.

Posted by: Valerie Fraser

Easter brings a very special tradition to Oldwick. Every Easter since 1949, the Magic Shop has been transformed into the Bunny Hole, a delightful and fanciful adventure for children to the bunnies’ den, featuring vignettes loosely based on Beatrix Potter’s tales of Peter Rabbit. Usually installed four to five weeks before Easter, the Bunny Hole is open for one week to ten days afterwards. It has delighted local and not so local children of all ages for generations.

The Magic Shop was founded in 1947 by local residents, Lib Schley and Mayor Watts with a group of their friends to benefit Bonnie Brae, a residential treatment center for youth at risk. Now owned by Lib Schley’s son, Reeve and his wife, Georgie, the Magic Shop is a whimsical gift shop located in an 18th century house in the center of historic Oldwick. Featuring unique, hand-crafted, original gifts for the home, fine art, antiques, children’s clothing and toys, each room offers unique and beautiful merchandise for the discriminating shopper. To learn more about the Magic Shop, go to www.MagicShopOldwick.com.

Posted by: Valerie Fraser