Tabernacle New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tabernacle, New Jersey.
1. Carranza Memorial
HISTORIC AVIATION MONUMENT
The Carranza Memorial is one of the top attractions in Tabernacle, commemorating the Mexican aviator Emilio Carranza who crashed in the area in 1928. This stone monument stands as a testament to international friendship between the United States and Mexico. Visitors can learn about Carranza's attempted non-stop flight from New York to Mexico City and the circumstances of his tragic accident in the Pine Barrens.
2. Tabernacle Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Tabernacle Cemetery serves as a significant historical landmark in the township, offering a glimpse into the area's past through its tombstones and memorials. The well-maintained grounds provide a peaceful setting for reflection and historical research. History enthusiasts can explore the cemetery to discover the stories of Tabernacle's early settlers and notable residents.
3. Patty Bowker Field
COMMUNITY SPORTS VENUE
Patty Bowker Field is a popular recreational area in Tabernacle where locals and visitors gather for community events and sporting activities. The well-maintained field hosts various sports leagues, community celebrations, and outdoor gatherings throughout the year. Families particularly appreciate the open space and facilities for children to play and engage in organized sports.
4. Wharton State Forest
NATURAL PINE BARRENS TREASURE
Wharton State Forest, located near Tabernacle, is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System, encompassing over 122,000 acres of pine forest. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing in the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem. Visitors can explore historic Batsto Village within the forest, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from the late 18th and 19th centuries.
5. Johnson's Corner Farm
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AGRICULTURAL ATTRACTION
Johnson's Corner Farm is a cherished destination near Tabernacle offering seasonal pick-your-own fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season. The farm features hayrides, a discovery barnyard play area, and a market filled with fresh produce and homemade treats. Families especially enjoy the fall activities including corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and festive seasonal events.
6. Nixon's General Store
HISTORIC COUNTRY STORE
Nixon's General Store stands as a nostalgic reminder of Tabernacle's rural heritage, offering a variety of everyday necessities and unique local products. The store has served as a community gathering spot for generations of local residents. Visitors appreciate the old-fashioned atmosphere and friendly service that reflects the small-town charm of Tabernacle.
7. Valenzano Winery
AWARD-WINNING LOCAL VINEYARD
Valenzano Winery, located just a short drive from Tabernacle, is one of New Jersey's largest wine producers, offering award-winning varieties crafted from locally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the production facilities and tastings of their extensive wine selection in the rustic tasting room. The winery hosts various events throughout the year including festivals, live music, and special wine release celebrations.
8. Red Lion Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN EATERY
The Red Lion Diner is a beloved local eatery near Tabernacle known for its extensive menu of American classics served in a friendly, casual atmosphere. This family-owned establishment prides itself on generous portions, homestyle cooking, and attentive service that keeps customers coming back. The diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, making it a convenient dining option for visitors exploring the Tabernacle area.
9. Indian Mills Schoolhouse
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
The Indian Mills Schoolhouse stands as an important historical landmark near Tabernacle, representing one of the earliest educational institutions in the region. This preserved schoolhouse offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century education through its period furnishings and educational displays. The site commemorates the area's Native American heritage while documenting the evolution of public education in rural New Jersey.
10. Russo's Fruit & Vegetable Farm
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Russo's Fruit & Vegetable Farm offers visitors the opportunity to purchase locally grown, fresh produce directly from the farmers who grow it in Tabernacle. The farm stand features seasonal offerings including Jersey tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness. Customers appreciate the farm's commitment to sustainable agriculture and the superior flavor of truly fresh produce.
11. Historic Smithville Park
SCENIC HISTORICAL COMPLEX
Historic Smithville Park, a short drive from Tabernacle, encompasses 312 acres of diverse landscapes including a 22-acre lake, historic industrial village, and nature trails. Visitors can explore the restored 19th-century industrial village that once housed H.B. Smith's woodworking machinery factory. The park offers recreational activities including fishing, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking alongside educational exhibits about the area's industrial heritage.
12. Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen's Museum
MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER
The Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen's Museum is a living history maritime village located within driving distance of Tabernacle, showcasing the region's rich coastal heritage. The 40-acre site features reconstructed historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and demonstrations of traditional baymen's crafts and skills. Visitors can climb the replica Tucker's Island Lighthouse, explore traditional wooden boats, and learn about the unique culture and ecology of the Jersey Shore and Pine Barrens.
13. Flying W Airport Resort
AVIATION-THEMED ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
The Flying W Airport Resort offers a unique combination of aviation activities and recreational facilities near Tabernacle. Visitors can watch small aircraft taking off and landing while enjoying the resort's swimming pool, restaurant, and various entertainment options. The resort is particularly known for its themed events and the opportunity to experience the excitement of a working airport up close.
14. Medford Village
CHARMING HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Medford Village offers a picturesque downtown area near Tabernacle filled with historic buildings, specialty shops, and diverse dining options. Visitors can stroll the tree-lined streets while exploring boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries housed in well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. The village hosts various seasonal events including street fairs, holiday celebrations, and outdoor concerts that showcase its small-town charm.
15. Atsion Recreation Area
HISTORIC LAKESIDE RETREAT
The Atsion Recreation Area, part of Wharton State Forest near Tabernacle, centers around a pristine lake with a supervised swimming beach during summer months. Visitors can explore the historic Atsion Mansion, a preserved example of Greek Revival architecture built in 1826 by industrialist Samuel Richards. The area offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, canoeing, and camping in a scenic Pine Barrens setting.