Discover Flemington: A Hidden Historic Treasure
Flemington is a quaint, historic town with a colorful main street boasting both old and new businesses, Victorian homes, antique shops and even a 1700’s castle and museum.
Photo Credit: Emma Seiwell
Stroll down Main Street to find a wide range of 19th century architectural styles, the courthouse where the famous 1935 Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial took place, a lovely public library, and a number of places to stop for coffee. Adirondack chairs with whimsical designs hand-painted by local artists are scattered down main street in front of shops. Multiple Little Free Library boxes can be found around town. Leave a book and take one to take part in a community book sharing movement.
For lunch, hit one of Flemington’s newer cafe’s, Aunt Dee Dee’s Old Fashioned Oven Baked Goodness on the corner of Main Street and Bloomfield Avenue. Located in the historic 1874 Town Clock Building, the original tin ceiling is quite impressive. The original clock still sits in the tower above. The cafe uses simple, local and fresh ingredients. You can’t go wrong with one of their many “sammiches” as they call them or with their delicious mac & cheese.
If you’re looking for a more historical lunch experience, stop by Teaberry’s Tea Room located on Main Street. The classic Victorian home turned restaurant transports their customers to the nineteenth century through the food, decor, and overall atmosphere. They serve lunch and afternoon tea Wednesdays through Sundays and offer over 100 different types of tea. The decor inside is charmingly mismatched, with special attention to detail. They also have a boutique inside the old carriage house that sells crafts, tea memorabilia, food items and more.
Photo Credit: Emma Seiwell
For any bookworms out there, Flemington has a few choices for browsing new, used and rare books. Check out Twice Told Tales on Bloomfield Street for a great selection of new and used books. For rare fine bindings and first editions of literature, history and Americana books, head to Act 2 Rare and Used Books in the shopping village of Turntable Junction.
More than 10 antique stores are sprinkled throughout the town. Two notable shops that come to mind are LadyLike Antiques and Camp Flemington Antiques, both just a short walk from each other on Main Street. Be prepared to search through an abundance of old magazines, books, postcards and photographs, cigar boxes, collectibles, records and vintage clothing.
As seen in the window of LadyLike Antiques on Main St.
Photo Credit: Emma Seiwell
This summer, the Flemington Community Partnership is hosting a Beer Garden with live music, food vendors and family games at “The Patio” which stands in place of the former Hineline Towing property. It is located on the corner of Main Street and Williams Street. Thanks to a makeover done by local volunteers, the space has been transformed into a lively community gathering spot. They are open every Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. until September 1.
Right near the Liberty Village Outlet Marketplace off of Mine Street, the historic Stangl Factory stands in its original form. Established in 1814, this factory sold the very first open stock solid-color dinnerware created by ceramic engineer Martin Stangl.
The Stangl Factory’s pottery showroom became an essential stop on every north-east American road trip from the 1930s until the factory's closure in 1978. People traveled from all over to browse the towering stacks of unique high-quality ceramic dinnerware.
An eclectic variety of galleries, shops, businesses and restaurants now reside in the historic factory.
Photo Credit: Emma Seiwell
Photo Credit: Emma Seiwell
Drop by Factory Fuel Co. for their brewed Counter Culture coffees inside the historic pottery factory. Choose from a variety of fresh-baked pastries and eat it off of a rock slate. It is a spacious, mellow environment perfect for getting work done or reading a book. It retains the history of the pottery factory with the brick kiln which has been repurposed as a seating area for customers.
Photo Credit: Emma Seiwell
Also, inside the Stangl Factory is a Farmers Market held every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Enjoy live music while browsing the tables of 30 plus artisanal vendor’s offering a diverse selection of local produce and crafts.
Carrying on the traditions of the factory’s historical roots, pottery artist John Fulwood sells his unique pottery and stoneware in Kissimmee River Pottery Gallery. He also offers tours and pottery classes in this space.
One might not think it, but Flemington has many hidden gems that bring out the town’s historical significance and local color.