Flemington’s business district offers a mix of stores, along with restaurants, bakeries and other eateries.
Photos courtesy of Flemington Community Partnership

Flemington is poised for a spring renewal that promises to enrich the already plentiful retail, restaurant and cultural scenes in this historic Hunterdon County town.

With three distinct business districts — historic Main Street, the Stangl Arts and Cultural Center and the circle corridor along Routes 31, 12 and 202, Flemington and the surrounding area are home to historical and agricultural attractions, a growing array of eateries and plenty of shopping, making it easy to spend a fulfilling 24 hours here.

“We’re really polishing the trophy, getting everything ready for the public to come and spend more than 24 hours with us,’’ said Robin Lapidus, executive director, Flemington Community Partnership. “We are planning to welcome several new businesses that will fundamentally change the look and feel of Main Street.’’

Millie’s Bruncheonette, 144 Main St., is one of the new establishments coming this spring. Local restaurateurs Skylar Bird and Kate Attinello have transformed a defunct gas station into a vintage-style eatery that specializes in scratch-made breakfast and lunch dishes with hints of their Pennsylvania Dutch and German heritage.

This vibrant mural brings art to life, celebrating community, culture, and creativity.

At D’Serve, also expected to open this spring, gourmet doughnuts take center stage during the day. At night, the cozy eatery will serve up meals with a dinner party atmosphere. And visitors will again be able to enjoy lunch and afternoon tea in the English tradition at the beloved Teaberry’s, set to reopen at 171 Main St.

Flemington’s crown jewel — the Union Hotel redevelopment project — is marrying old and new, with the restoration of the historic Main Street hotel, coupled with the construction of new hotel rooms, retail and restaurants, some operated by celebrity chefs.

The project includes the reconstruction of neighboring buildings, transforming The Potting Shed into a steakhouse and repurposing other locations for parking and a spacious courtyard with retail on both sides.

In between shopping and dining, visitors have plenty of options to keep them busy.

“We anticipate that the three David Burke restaurants will start to open between spring and the end of the year,’’ Lapidus said. “You will marvel at the incredibly gorgeous plaza being built adjacent to the hotel with restaurants and shops. You can see the bones of it now and it looks amazing.’’

Just across the street is the Hunterdon County Historic Court House, best known for the famous Lindbergh case where Bruno Richard Hauptmann was tried and convicted of kidnapping Charles Lindbergh’s 20-month-old son in 1932.

The courthouse recently underwent a total restoration and is now home to the Cultural & Heritage Commission, exhibit and performance space. The original cellblock has also been preserved. The courthouse is open to the public for special events and by appointment. Call 908-237-2010.

In the Stangl Arts and Cultural District, visitors can try their hand at molding clay at Kissimmee River Pottery, enjoy a craft cocktail at Skunktown Distillery or sample tap and bottled beer at Lone Eagle Brewery.

At Stangl Stage, entertainment is on the menu, spanning everything from rock concerts to comedy shows. Bring your own food and drink and settle in to enjoy the show.

In April, a new tradition came to Stangl with Sip and Stroll when folks can grab an adult beverage and stroll along the Stangl block to enjoy art, crafts and entertainment.

Flemington’s circle business district, which spans Routes 31, 12 and 101, offers a mix of stores that range from big box retailers to mom-and-pop shops, along with more restaurants, bakeries and other eateries. In between shopping and dining, visitors have plenty to keep them busy.

Northlandz, billed as the world’s largest miniature wonderland, is located just outside of Flemington on Route 202. Photo courtesy of Northlandz

Hop aboard the Black River and Western Railroad’s historic steam locomotive for a scenic journey from Flemington to Ringoes. A Hunterdon County fixture, the Black River and Western Railroad has been in continuous operation for more than 160 years. Budget enough time for a visit to the railroad’s museum, housed at the Ringoes Station, where displays and artifacts tell the story of the railroad and the dedicated volunteers who have kept it alive.

Hunterdon is arguably one of New Jersey’s most prolific agricultural regions, with many farms dotting its rolling hills. One of the standouts is Schaefer Farms, family-operated for four generations.

Located just outside Flemington in Readington Township, the farm stand offers milk, butter, cheese, farm eggs and meats from its own livestock. Soy candles, jellies, jams, local honey and ice cream are also for sale. This is the spot to get your spring flowers, perennials, vegetable plants and hanging baskets.

While there, visit with Schaefer’s many animals, including turkeys, goats, sheep, ducks, horses, pigs, cows and alpacas. Baby chicks hatch in late February through June. Visit schaeferfarms.com.

Another outdoor gem is the Hunterdon County Arboretum, a living museum of trees, shrubs and plants, with groves of ornamental and native species, just a few miles north of Flemington. With display gardens, trails and picnic groves, this is the perfect spot for a spring and summer outing.

A showcase of classic beauties and modern marvels, where horsepower meets history can be found at the Flemington Car Show.

Northlandz, billed as the world’s largest miniature wonderland, is located just outside of Flemington on Route 202. With over 8 miles of perfectly scaled model trains and locomotives, the fully operational railroad winds through miniature mountains, forests, tunnels and past replicas of iconic landmarks.

Children love the Kids Play Area where they can engage in a scavenger hunt, color train portraits, play with train toys and enjoy hands-on learning in a space designed just for them. Five private rooms are available for parties of all sizes. Visit northlandz.com.

For baseball lovers, Diamond Nation is a must-visit. Home to the nationally renowned Jack Cust Baseball Academy, the 65-acre facility is billed as the largest amateur sports dome in the country. With four full size batting cages, equipped with pitching mounds and L-screens, Diamond Nation is the place for players to improve their skills as the baseball season kicks off.

“We’re looking forward to our spring renewal,’’ Lapidus said, “and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from far and wide.’’

Visit loveflemington.com.

This article originally appeared in the Spring  2025 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.