New Jersey may be the mall capital of America but most malls are more practical than pleasant. They offer a wide range of shops and a variety of amenities including fantastic restaurants but they can feel crowded and cold. While I wouldn’t trade my malls for the world, I’ve found a unique shopping spot that’s sure to delight. Warm and welcoming, it’s tucked away inside a beautiful state park!
Allaire State Park, located in Farmingdale, has plenty to offer.
Flickr/Shawn Perez
There are hiking and biking trails, opportunities for kayaking, and a nature center.
Flickr/Shawn Perez
You’ll also find a fantastic transportation museum and operating railroad. Rides are offered daily during peak season (right now!) and there are also special themed rides like the Haunted Express in October.
Wikipedia/DCwom
Another incredible attraction at Allaire State Park is Historic Allaire Village - Formerly the Howell Iron Works, the buildings which remain today include a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop, manager’s house, foreman’s house and a church. One of the workers’ row house buildings is now the Visitor Center and Museum.
Flickr/Jazz Guy
The General Store is the star of the show!
Flickr/Jazz Guy
The Allaire General Store has been in continuous operation as a retail establishment since it was built in 1835. Now open from March-December, hours are 10-4 (4:30 on weekends).
Facebook/Allaire General Store
They offer a wide range of gifts…
Facebook/Allaire General Store
Including reproductions from the 18th and 19th centuries; toys, pottery, tinware, games, glassware, and ironware; items handmade at the village blacksmith, carpenter, fibre arts/auxiliary, and tinsmith shops; hand-made regional specialty items such as soaps, candles, art, and books; nostalgic candy and other items from a bygone era.
Facebook/Allaire General Store
They support local authors and artisans…
Facebook/Allaire General Store
And can have you feeling as if you’ve been transported to the past - a nice change from today’s big box stores.
Facebook/Allaire General Store
There’s almost always some gorgeous glassware to be found…
Facebook/Allaire General Store
And the holiday selection is sure to delight!
Facebook/Allaire General Store
Find Allaire General Store within Allaire State Park at 4263 Atlantic Avenue in Farmingdale. For more information, visit the Allaire Village website here. To discover more of New Jersey’s historic villages (some with shops, like Smithville), click here.
Flickr/Shawn Perez
Wikipedia/DCwom
Flickr/Jazz Guy
Facebook/Allaire General Store
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