Hackettstown: Small Town Charm and Local Flavor
With its small town charm and local flavor, Hackettstown is booming on the food and drink front.
Tucked away in northwest Jersey, Hackettstown has quietly grown into a vibrant hub of culinary experiences and entrepreneurial energy. As you drive into town, the scenic countryside gives way to quaint streets lined with historic brick buildings—homes, boutique shops, and busy cafés, giving the area a nostalgic yet lively feel.
Here, the businesses flourish by working together and tapping into the area’s farm-fresh bounty.
The community’s tight knit, collaborative spirit creates an experience for visitors, where locally sourced ingredients are paramount, history is honored, and culture is celebrated.
“Hackettstown has something for everyone and truly is a hidden treasure,” says Laurie Rapisardi, executive director of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District. “Our little town has amazing multi-cultural restaurants with cuisine that will tempt any palate, wonderful breweries, and unique specialty shops and boutiques.”
With its blend of small-town charm and local flavor, Hackettstown is the perfect spot for a day trip or winter weekend getaway. Here’s a taste.
Everitt House Bed & Breakfast
8 am
Wake Up Back in Time
Where you rest your head plays a key role in shaping your experience of a new town, and at the Everitt House Bed and Breakfast, the atmosphere is anything but ordinary. Unlike the cookie-cutter routine of chain hotels, this boutique B&B offers a unique and intimate experience tailored to each guest’s needs.
From the moment you arrive you are greeted personally, as the staff takes the time to learn a bit about your background, where you might be traveling from, and any occasions being celebrated.
Guests are often seen mingling in the sunroom, enjoying freshly prepared breakfasts. Every detail is thoughtful, like the parfaits made with local ingredients and edible flowers or tea blends provided by the nearby Greene’s Beans Café.
Beyond its bespoke hospitality, the Everitt House stands out for preserving its historical significance. The home, dating back to 1875, maintains its 19th-century charm through carefully curated décor. The furniture, much of it sourced from the 1800s, tells a story of the past, while mismatched china from England, France, and Switzerland adds a whimsical yet authentic touch.
“This attention to detail makes people feel as though they are in a small museum, as they wander around admiring the furniture in the foyer or the cabinets in the parlor,” says Everitt House owner Ricardo Alvarado. “We may manage the place, but the Everitt House truly belongs to the community; therefore, we feel a responsibility to keep the house looking its authentic best.”
To celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2025, Everitt House is partnering with local Czig Meister Brewing on a special brew that you won’t want to miss.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: Coffee at Greene’s Beans Café, Donaldson Farms, Stella G’s, merchandise at Greene’s Beans
10 am
Coffee & Brunch
If you’re not staying at Everitt House, plan to start your day at Greene’s Beans Café with a cup of their fresh-roasted single-origin coffee or a hot chocolate. Then head over for brunch at Stella G’s, the locals’ go-to breakfast spot, thanks to its delicious homemade dishes and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Arrive early to beat the crowd. This neighborhood restaurant is relatively small, but if you get stuck in line the wait is worth it.
You’ll find popular items like stuffed French toast, goat cheese omelets, and the breakfast skillet casserole on the menu, but the seasonal specials take this place over the top.
The winter seasonal specials at Stella G’s are inspired by holiday flavors. Known for their motto “always seasonal, always local, always fresh,” the restaurant highlights winter produce in creative ways: You can expect dishes featuring hearty ingredients like root vegetables, squash, and Brussels sprouts.
All of the baking is done on-site daily, and scones are their standout item. Customers crave their unforgettable flaky texture and variety of seasonal flavors.
noon
Wintertime Fun
Winter at Donaldson Farms offers a festive experience filled with holiday treats and seasonal shopping. Explore the Farm Market, which features fresh apple cider, baked goods, homemade jams, and the largest selection of John Deere toys in the area, which make for great gift baskets.
Then travel down the country farm lane to Donaldson’s Greenhouse & Nursery where, depending on the weekend, you might hitch a ride on a horse-drawn wagon.
“Horse-drawn carriage rides became part of our holiday experience 10 years ago,” says Denise Stevenson, retail sales and marketing manager of Donaldson’s Greenhouse & Nursery. “We know that the holidays are a special time for families and wanted to create a space for our community to have fun memories.” Donaldson’s will be offering rides on Novmber 30, December 1, 14, and 15.
At the Greenhouse & Nursery, the winter season is a virtual sea of red and green—a gorgeous scene for a photo op—as they grow over 10,000 poinsettias each year and have hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees.
The trees are each drilled with a hole so they can be used in tree stands and given a fresh cut before putting them on their pegs. “It’s best to bring a tape measure with you when tree shopping to get a sense of the overall height and width to be sure it will fit into your space,” advises Stevenson.
To further indulge your hankering for farm-fresh baked goods, stop into Just Made Bakery. Tucked into the Riverside Plaza, this shop is the retail partner of nearby Treelicious Orchards. So, it’s no surprise that their treats—from pumpkin and apple pies to cider doughnuts to zucchini muffins—are all made using the freshest produce from the farm.
LEFT: Aroma Horno y Café; TOP RIGHT: Mazur Café & Chocolate Lab; BOTTOM RIGHT: Dishes at Pandan Room
2 pm
Let’s Lunch
Aroma Horno y Café draws you in with its charming storefront, but it’s what happens inside that will keep you coming back. As soon as you step through the door, the warm and cozy ambiance wraps around you, enhanced by the irresistible smell of freshly brewed Colombian coffee.
With deep roots in Latin American traditions, the café proudly serves a range of authentic baked goods and dishes that showcase their culinary heritage.
The real stars of the menu are the empanadas. These golden puffed pastries are packed with bold flavors and come in both savory and sweet varieties. Whether you go for the Beef & Cheese or Spicy Chicken, or opt for the sweet Guava & Cheese, each empanada is a perfect harmony of well-seasoned fillings and flaky crust.
But these aren’t just tasty snacks: At Aroma, empanadas symbolize culture, love, and the dedication to crafting food that’s more than just a meal.
Each flavor is clearly labeled, so choosing your favorite is a breeze, but no matter which one you try, you’ll surely be satisfied every time.
If you’re hankering for international flavors with an Asian twist, stop into the Pandan Room (Edible Jersey, Summer 2024 issue) for delicious Thai and Indonesian specialties.
Meanwhile, for diners with dietary sensitivities, specific preferences, or those embracing the plant-based approach, Mama’s Café Baci has you covered with a diverse selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Indulge in plant-based takes on classic Italian favorites like lasagna or eggplant parmesan, or enjoy a gluten-free, hand-tossed personal pizza that delivers all the flavor without any of the worry.
3 pm
Curb Your Chocolate Craving
When driving through Hackettstown, you might catch the sweet scent of chocolate wafting through the air.
Known as the “Home of the M&M,” Hackettstown has been home to Mars, Inc., since the 1950s, where M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, and other iconic candy brands are produced. Last year Mars made a significant investment to enhance the facility’s production capabilities, strengthening its presence in the town.
In celebration of this bond, Hackettstown hosts the M&M’s Lentil Drop on New Year’s Eve (its version of the famous ball drop) welcoming the year with local flair. Hackettstown’s Second Annual New Year’s Eve Blast featuring the M&M’s Lentil Drop, with its more than 1,000 LED lights, will take place at midnight on Decmber 31, 2024, until 2am on Thursday, Janary 1, 2025.
While there are no tours available to the public at Mars Inc., visitors are sure to get their chocolate fix at Mazur Café & Chocolate Lab.
Since opening in 2023 Mazur, has become a locals’ favorite, thanks to their premium quality and artisanal craftmanship of chocolates from all around the world (Edible Jersey, Fall 2024) as well as hosted events like Open Mic night happening every Friday 6–10pm. The chocolate-making magic starts with carefully selected cacao beans, which are then roasted and molded to create chocolates bursting with rich, complex flavors.
At the café, you can watch chocolatiers in action through a large observation window, seeing the care and precision behind each creation. Don’t forget to grab a sample—whether it’s a dark chocolate bite from Ghana or Belize, Mazur’s treats are perfect for indulging, especially with a cup of hot chocolate in hand!
After that, head over to Fromage for the perfect savory complement to your afternoon. Pair the rich chocolates you just enjoyed with some of Fromage’s finely curated cheeses, crackers, and spreads and discover the shop’s unique French-inspired charm.
BEING PART OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT, CZIG MEISTER BREWING NOT ONLY MAINTAINED MANY OF ITS ORIGINAL FEATURES (HAVING FORMERLY BEEN A CARRIAGE HOUSE AND FORD REPAIR SHOP IN THE 1900S) BUT ALSO RESTORED ITS ORIGINAL BRICKS TO REFLECT THE OLDE WORLD STYLE OF ITS BEERS
TOP TO BOTTOM: Mars Wrigley, Fromage, Strand Studios Learning Center for Music, Film, and Acting at Hackettstown Center for the Arts
4 pm
Show off your Talents
The Hackettstown Center for the Arts is a nonprofit cultural venue that hosts a number of artistic events, including concerts, theater productions, photography exhibits, and film festivals.
The space holds about 60 people and, similar to a black box theater, there is no stage, the seats are movable, but there are lights, curtains, and a whole lot of talent which creates for an intimate experience with the performers and audience.
It’s also home to Strand Studios Learning Center for Music, Film, and Acting, where both beginners and those pursuing professional entertainment careers come to further their skills.
“The students who enroll here truly want to be here,” says Chris Lance, founder of the Strand Learning Center. Lance is a New Jersey–certified music teacher and has spent many years in the school system. “Unlike general music class in schools, or even parents pushing their kids to take up an instrument, our students are enthusiastic about their craft.”
Weather permitting, the Strand String and Wind Ensemble traditionally performs holiday music around 8pm in front of the Strand Theater for the Hackettstown annual tree lighting ceremony.
6 pm
Dine Like Family
It’s one thing to go to a restaurant with your family, but visiting a restaurant that welcomes you like family elevates the dining-out experience.
“What sets us apart from other restaurants is our guest-centric approach,” says Bill Van Pelt, chef and owner of James on Main. “By treating our patrons as we would friends and family, we foster meaningful connections, ensuring they feel valued.”
James on Main’s culinary offerings are defined by robust flavors and innovative dishes, all rooted in local farm-to-table philosophy. The restaurant’s signature taste comes from its impressive wood-fired grill and dual 250-gallon stick smokers, imparting a unique character to each creation.
The winter menu features dishes like Maple-Cured Duck Confit paired with sweet potato touched with red miso and brown butter creme fraiche. If you prefer something lighter yet equally as satisfying, try the Maitake Mushrooms & Chilled Buckwheat Noodle Salad.
“My vision for James on Main was twofold: to create a direct market for small farms, fostering a mutually beneficial local economy, and to offer our community a haven where they can enjoy fresh, flavorful, and nourishing meals. We strive to provide this experience in a laid-back atmosphere, complemented by attentive and friendly service,” Van Pelt explains.
Guests can enjoy a two-, three-, or five-course tasting menu, and since James on Main is BYOB, bring your favorite wines to pair with your meal.
LEFT: Chef/owner Bill Van Pelt of James on Main; TOP RIGHT: Dish at James on Main; BOTTOM RIGHT: Czig Meister Brewin
8 pm
Grab a Brew
Cap off your Hackettstown adventure with a cold, refreshing beer at Czig Meister Brewing. Being part of the Historic District, the brewery not only maintained many of its original features (having formerly been a carriage house and Ford repair shop in the 1900s) but also restored its original bricks to reflect the olde world style of its beers.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or someone who hasn’t yet found their flavor, the welcoming team at Czig Meister is eager to guide you. “Our favorite customer is the one who doesn’t like beer,” says Matt Czigler, owner and brewmaster at Czig Meister Brewing. “With 24 varieties on tap, there’s a beer here for everyone.”
While timing can otherwise make it difficult to source ingredients for seasonal beers, Czig Meister is lucky enough to be surrounded by local farms and smart enough to use their ingredients—like they did with Jersey Roots, the Apple Ale with fruit from nearby Best’s Fruit Farm and malt from Rabbit Hill Malt House in South Jersey.
As the holidays approach, Czig Meister rolls out seasonal favorites like the award-winning Miner Black Lager, a rich but light-bodied brew, and the festive ’Tis the Season Cranberry & Orange Fruited Sour. Prefer something sweeter? Indulge in the decadent Tiramisu Milk Porter. Enjoy your drink in the cozy indoor space or brave the crisp air in the outdoor biergarten. Whichever you choose, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.
Hackettstown has become a craft brewing destination of sorts over the past decade. If you have a passion for local brews, in addition to visiting Czig Meister allow yourself time to visit Man Skirt Brewing and Jersey Girl Brewing in nearby Mt. Olive, two other leaders in the state’s craft beer movement.
Where to eat, drink, and celebrate in Hackettstown
1 Everitt House Bed and Breakfast
200 High St.
908.684.4377
everitthousebedandbreakfast.com
2 Greene’s Beans Café
313 High St., Suite 2
908.979.0022
greenesbeans.com
3 Stella G’s
186 Main St.
908.813.0625
stellags.com
4 Donaldson Farms & Farm Market
358 Allen Rd.
908.852.9122
donaldsonfarms.net
5 Donaldson Greenhouse & Nursery
178 Airport Rd.
908.852.7314
donaldsongreenhouse.com
6 Aroma Horno y Café
205 Main St.
908.452.5507
instagram.com/aromaelcafe
7 Pandan Room
100 E. Moore St.
908.850.5999
pandanroom.com
8 Mama’s Café Baci
260 Mountain Ave.
908.852.2820
mamascafebaci.com
9 M&M Mars
700 High St.
908.852.1000
mars.com
10 Mazur Café & Chocolate Lab
106 E. Moore St.
908.269.8064
mazurchocolates.com
11 Fromage
161 Main St.
908.269.8129
eatfromage.com
12 Hackettstown Center for the Arts
181 Main St., Floor 1
908.813.2626
hackettstownarts.com
13 Strand Studios
181 Main St., Floor 2
908.850.0200
strandstudios.com
14 James on Main
105 Main St.
908.852.2131
jamesonmain.net
15 Czig Meister Brewing
106 Valentine St. 908.651.5492
czigmeisterbrewing.com
16 Best’s Fruit Farm
1 Russling Rd.
908.852.3777
17 Man Skirt Brewing
144 Main St.
908.989.0286
manskirtbrewing.com
18 Jersey Girl Brewing
426 Sandshore Rd., #1
Mt. Olive/Hackettstown
908.591.4186
jerseygirlbrewing.com
