Hammonton as a summer destination

by Julie Fink, Gazette Staff Writer

HAMMONTON—Travelers from Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey and the New York area pass through Hammonton on their way to their summer vacation destinations, whether it be to the beaches of Atlantic City or the hiking trails of the Wharton State Forest.
In their travels, many of them mark Hammonton as a “way point” on their maps or global positioning systems (GPS).
The major thoroughfares of Route 54 and Central Avenue, Black and White Horse Pikes and the Atlantic City Expressway can take travelers toward Historic Batsto Village in the Wharton State Forest or toward Sweetwater for canoeing or camping or toward many favorable shore points, according to Jim Austin of The Blueberry Factory, located at 218 Bellevue Avenue.
Austin attributes some of the height in consumer traffic to the new look of the downtown.
“We finally look like a true downtown. People see that on their travels,” he said.
Austin takes advantage of his location on Bellevue Avenue (Route 54) with attractive signs guiding the “passer by” to stop for his one-of-a-kind blueberry fudge, chocolate covered blueberries or blueberry iced tea.
Evelyn Penza of Red Barn Farm Market, Route 206, believes Hammonton has certain things to offer people that they do not have access to elsewhere.
“I hear from people all the time that they do not have access to totally homemade pies, specialty imported cheeses and Jersey fresh produce,” she said.
Red Barn offers complete homemade pies made fresh with whatever ingredient is in season at the time, including tomatoes, blueberries and peaches, according to Penza.
In business for more than 35 years, the Red Barn has become a weekend highlight for many travelers stopping for their famous homemade pies, she continued.
Hammonton’s reputation as a place to stop spreads through word of mouth from friends, families, neighbors and coworkers of those who travel to and from the shore, according to A.J. Bagliani of Bagliani’s Food Market, located at 417 12th Street.
“Its reputation for consistency and quality of product gets people to stop for what they like on their way to the shore,” he said.
Manager MaryAnn Rizzotte of Glossy Fruit Farm Market, located on Route 206, finds that most travelers stop for their share of fresh Jersey produce including corn, tomatoes and blueberries.
“They seem to like buying their produce from traditional mom and pop roadside stands,” she said.
Rizzotte notes that most of the farms clientele are transient customers rather than local. She believes it is due to its location on Route 206.
With Glossy Fruit Farms’ history dating back to 1887, Rizzotte believes it is the reputation of what is offered in Hammonton that draws people to the town.
“The farm has been here since 1887. The farm market was established 18 years ago; I think it is a family tradition for some to stop on their travels. First it was something their grandparents did, then their parents and now them,” she said.
Hammonton becomes a stopping point for people on their way to their vacation spot, she continued.
Jean Bradley of Pro Pedals Bike Shop, located at 682 S. White Horse Pike, sees an influx of traffic with travelers who take the Pike to avoid the Expressway.
This sometimes gets people to come in and window shop, which can lead to potential future sales, Bradley said.
Bagliani sees an apparent increase in business during the summer months from Thursday to Sunday from Pennsylvania travelers.
“Sales increase for fresh meats, specialty items and cheeses. We notice that those shoppers stock up on these items and take them to their summer homes,” he said.
Bagliani has noticed some “out-of-towners” bring in their own coolers and buy bags of ice to keep the items chilled for the remainder of their drive to the shore.
With Bagliani’s imported cheeses and variety of homemade sausages, its name is well-known within inner circles of family and friends who travel through Hammonton, according to Bagliani.
He also believes that along with its reputation, its close proximity to the Atlantic City Expressway helps business.
Bagliani’s has found a way to cater to these clients by offering a barbeque package including its homemade sausage, ribs and hot dogs ready to be cooked on the grill and enjoyed.
Bagliani believes a combination of freshness, quality and price is what gets travelers to stop.
Although Austin agrees that it is through word-of-mouth that contributes to the many people who stop in Hammonton on their way to other destinations, he enhances his visibility with advertising in publications down at the shore and at campgrounds.
In addition, The Blueberry Factory is offering blueberry farm tours this summer to further attract tourists in an effort to highlight Hammonton’s unique offerings.
“We are a unique store. We are the only one around. Our hope is to draw customers to that uniqueness,” he said.