New Jersey has over a dozen different historic villages and numerous small towns overflowing with history and charm, but Whitesbog Village stands out for several reasons. There's no place quite like it in the world.
Whitesbog encompasses 3,000 acres of abundant natural beauty.
You'll find stunning cranberry bogs, blueberry farms, forests, creeks, gardens and a wide range of wildlife.
Whitesbog Village, located in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, is a historic farming village, lovingly brought back to life.
More than 20 buildings have been restored by the Whitesbog Preservation Trust.
Five buildings have been transformed into museums, with exhibits interpreting life during the village's peak - nearly 100 years ago. These museums are open during scheduled village tours, special programs and by appointment.
The barrel warehouse, pictured, serves as an agricultural museum.
A worker's cottage has been furnished to reflect how it would have looked in the early 1900s. These buildings were originally designed for seasonal living and housed up to 4 families.
The research substation (pictured pre-restoration) and Suningive (the home of Elizabeth White) also offer displays.
Who is Elizabeth White? Oh, only the New Jersey woman who first cultivated the blueberry. The first commercial crop of blueberries was harvested and sold in Whitesbog in 1916.
You can peruse the grounds year-round, picking up informative pamphlets detailing the history of the buildings and land.
Perhaps most intriguing is the Whitesbog General Store, built in 1924. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm, from February - December.
The general store sells jams, preserves and souvenirs. It has many authentic pieces including original shelving and a butcher's block.
You can purchase cranberry and blueberry food items, local artisan crafts, Pine Barrens Books, Whitesbog memorabilia and other unique items.
Other notable features include an art gallery and immersive living history events. Pictured is the cranberry packing house, decades ago.
The calendar is always booked. Upcoming events include a family hike on the 13th, full moon hike on the 14th, Blueberry Music Jam on the 22nd and family game night on the 27th.
The biggest event is the annual blueberry festival, held in June. Enjoy food and craft vendors, live music, a pie eating contest, games, a Jersey Devil hunt and much more.
Have you been to Whitesbog Village yet? Visit at: 120 W Whites Bogs Rd. #34, Browns Mills. For more historic villages in New Jersey to check out, see my previous post: These 17 Historic Villages In New Jersey Will Transport You Into A Different Time.
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