Visit New Jersey's Historic Villages

Okay, so for one reason or another you have ended up in New Jersey and you have nothing to do. You may not be a gambler, so Atlantic City is out or maybe it's winter and to cold for the shore. Well, if you like history you are in luck. New Jersey is full of preserved historic villages and towns. Take a day or two and explore just how interesting New Jersey can be.

Wheaton Village
This preserved village is a favorite amongst New Jersey locals for many reasons. If you grew up in New Jersey chances are you went to Wheaton Village on a field trip at some point in your academic career. Its glass museum is the largest of its kind in the United States and houses beautifully preserved glass pieces of all kinds. The glass factory has glass blowers on display shaping artistic glass pieces right before your eyes. This historic village is truly unique and is not to be missed. Wheaton Village is located in Millville, New Jersey on Glasstown Road and is open to the public year round.

Smithville
Tucked away in New Jersey this quaint little shopping village is reminiscent of an old fashioned town square. All the shops are located in old colonial style buildings built back in the 1700s. With everything from antiques to eats, Smithville provides a quiet and relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle. Smithville is open daily from 11-am to 6 p.m., and is of course located in Smithville on Route 9 and Moss Mill Road.

Batso
This small town was initially established in the 1700s as a bog iron and glass making village. Toward the late 19th century its industry was more agricultural and commercial. Tour the homes, general store, mills, and stables set up as they were hundreds of years earlier. The museum and gift shop cap off your visit nicely with standard souvenirs and original glass and iron products. Batso is another New Jersey field trip favorite and is an excellent day trip for children. The village is located in Wharton Sate Forest on Route 543 in Batso.

Cold Spring Village
If you enjoy a good reenactment, Cold Spring Village is for you. They have live demonstrations daily and special demonstrations on weekends. This live village gives you the feel of what life was like in the late 1800's and offers numerous other activities for children and families. Cold Spring Village is open during the summer season and is located on route 9 in Cape May.

Tuckerton Seaport
This unique historic village takes you back in time and shows you what is was like to be a fisherman in the waters of New Jersey. A visit to the Tuckerton Seaport will teach you about lighthouses and their keepers, maritime history and research and how local industry contributed to commercial fishing. They also have excellent seafood eateries on site and unique little gift shops. The Tuckerton Seaport is open daily and is located on West Main Street in Tuckerton.

Of course these are only a few of the historic villages that you can visit while you are in New Jersey. New Jersey is filled with quaint little places like these that have been preserved for our benefit. So if your interested in history or you want to take your kids somewhere educational, take your pick and take a day trip.