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

As the snow and cold temperatures linger, and cabin fever sets in, perhaps it is time to discover all the winter activities that Tewksbury has to offer its residents. We are blessed with parks and recreation areas that are close by and accessible. Sledding, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed at the Christie Hoffman Farm on approximately 180 acres of gently rolling hills, open fields and wooded trails. On similar acreage, the Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary on Rockaway Road, the Cold Brook Preserve on the edge of Oldwick and Pascale Farm Park each offer opportunities to hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe in the clear winter light, with scenic views and perhaps glimpses of hawks, owls, fox, pheasant and, of course, herds of white-tail deer! With our ponds and rivers well frozen by recent frigid temperatures, there are ample choices for skating and ice hockey.

After this outdoor activity, there is always a warm welcome at the Oldwick General Store or the Tewksbury Inn for delicious soup and hot chocolate. Whether you are fortunate enough to be a resident, exploring Tewksbury’s historic villages, or even contemplating a move to this beautiful and undiscovered area of New Jersey, Tewksbury has much to offer.

Posted by: Valerie Fraser

The New Year’s Day Hunt for the Essex Fox Hounds was postponed this year due to inclement weather. However, twenty five to thirty riders and their horses met at Hidden Spring Farm on Saturday, January 3rd, with trailers parked in the riding ring. After enjoying a traditional stirrup cup of spiked consommé, the hunters left with their hounds to gallop across the fields in search of fox. One fox was raised, chased, but went to ground in his den. Then a coyote was chased at great speed but, as is often the case, they lost him. After a bracing morning, all were ready for the Hunt Tea back at Hidden Spring Farm, where neighbors, local landowners and members of the Hunt enjoyed a fine repast of chili, ham and eggnog, while fires blazed in the three fireplaces. Hidden Spring Farm has hosted Hunt meets for decades, as well as the Tewksbury Foot Bassets. Situated on 43 beautiful acres in prime Essex Hunt country, just outside Oldwick, this unique horse property, with gracious five bedroom farmhouse, restored antique 8-stall barn and 25 acres of fenced pastures, is available for $3,950,000. Click here to view more details on this beautiful horse property.

Posted by: Valerie Fraser