FLEMINGTON BOROUGH

BY DANA FIORI

In the heart of Hunterdon County, surrounded by Raritan Township, lies the Borough of Flemington. Named after Samuel Fleming, who built the first real home in Felmington in 1756, this 1.077 square mile town packs a lot of history and culture. The courthouse, which still stands on Main Street, was built after the previous burnt down in 1826.

Across the street stands the famous Union Hotel, built in 1814. It closed its doors for good in 2008, but progress is being made to transform the hotel back into a place Flemington residents and visitors can enjoy. The courthouse, Union Hotel, and the home of Samuel Fleming, which is now a museum, are just a few places in Flemington with long, interesting history behind them. In fact, by 1980, 65 percent of Flemington Borough was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Beyond the history, Flemington is also known and sought-after for the surrounding ample and fertile farmland. According to loveflemington.com, Flemington’s Community Partnership organization, “Flemington is minutes from the best of country life— roadside and pick-your-own farms, dairy and buffalo farms, hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, Christmas tree farms, and beautiful vineyards.” On Saturdays throughout the year, Flemington residents enjoy the locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, artisan breads, local honey and more at the Stangl Factory Farmers Market.

According to New Jersey Realtors® Monthly Housing Data, the median sales price for a single-family home was $485,000 in April 2021. With Victorian-style homes in the heart of downtown to new builds and Colonials in the countryside, there is truly something for everyone in this charming small town.

Flemington is also known for its variety of small businesses from tea shops to breweries to mom-and-pop shops where everyone knows one another.

Running a business in Flemington has been a great experience,” said Todd Becker, owner of Lone Eagle Brewing. “As the first brewery in historic Flemington, the community has rallied around Lone Eagle and it is now the place to meet and hang out with friends. Around the holiday season when families come back together, we hear from customers that their child or parents are in town for the holidays, and they had to bring them to Lone Eagle.

Since opening its doors in 2016, this award-winning brewery has opened a second location with the help and support of the community. “Flemington is built around small businesses and we receive a lot of support from the Mayor and Flemington Community Partnership,” said Becker.

Along with Lone Eagle Brewing, in downtown Flemington there are countless shops, restaurants, cafes, and even premium outlet stores.

There is loads of foot traffic up and down the streets of Flemington,” said Danielle Hardy, co-owner of Hardy’s Coffee Bar. “It’s very refreshing to see everyone pop in for their daily caffeine fix getting to know us and one another. Bloomfield Avenue is where our businesses are located along with some other hotspots that everyone frequents.

According to Hardy, all summer long Flemington hosts car shows, music nights, and other fun festivals to bring the people together.

Although it is small, Flemington proves to offer an array of opportunities, activities and atmospheres for the community and its visitors. Enjoy the shops and eats of downtown or the scenic rolling hills of the countryside—Flemington Borough is the perfect destination for anyone.

Photo Courtesy of Hardy's Coffee Bar.