It's
All About the Pine Barrens!
Welcome
to Waretown, NJ!
Located along the Barnegat
bay within the Pinelands National Reserve, and partially in the State-designated
Pinelands area lies a town steeped in history.
It has grown immensely over the past decade, especially with the
addition of the Greenbriar Oceanaire Adult Community with 1,400 homes,
a large clubhouse with indoor pool, and a private 18-hole golf course.
A new shopping plaza opened on Route 9 in 2008. The anchor store is
a Shop-Rite, and a number of smaller shops continue to open.
Waretown, or more politically
correct, Ocean Township, is made up of several neighborhoods.
But some things DO remain the same! I wonder
how many remember the long-gone "Ranch House", where Sunday
morning diners often had friendly but sometimes heated political discussions...those
were the days! Now the local WaWa sits in its place, and the actual building
that once was home to the Ranch House is a private residence a block away.
Here are a few of my personal favorites
that are still around:
 |
HERBERT'S
MARKET
From spring to late autumn, and through
the Christmas season for trees, this farm market along Route 9 just
south of Barnegat Beach Drive, is a regular stop for many locals
and weekend visitors alike. I have been shopping here over 25 years!
The current owners, Christine, Judith and Pamela, are the granddaughters
of Helen Herbert, who owned this farm market, originally located
in Lanoka Harbor, since the 1950's. She moved to Waretown in 1967.
|
| You'll
find lots of fresh fruits and vegetables here at reasonable prices.
|
 |
 |
Pamela
told me she personally tastes the corn before she buys it. Every time
I've purhased corn here, it's been delicious! It's always white corn;
they believe that is Jersey's finest, and so do I! |
| Of
course, Jersey tomatoes are the best! My favorite deal is the ripe,
"eat tonight" Jersey tomatoes that are 49 cents a pound!
(They're in the rear row in this photo.) |
 |
 |
AHEARN'S
SEAFOOD MARKET
Located on Route
532 just past the elementary school, Ahearns is another Waretown
constant, in business since 1965.. The seafood is always ALWAYS
fresh.
|
| Clams,
crabs, oysters, scallops, flounder.....it's all here, complete with
the trimmings - seasonings, salads, soups and more. |
 |
 |
Weekends
will find visitors and locals alike here loading their coolers with
clams or crabs for the family picnic. Everyone working here is knowledgable
about seafood, so feel free to ask for cooking or storing advice! |
|
Another local feature in Waretown
is the Lighthouse Tavern & Restaurant, located on Route
9 across from Barnegat Beach Drive. It was a stage coach stop in
the late 1800's, and gradually transitioned to its current-day status
as a restaurant and sports bar, as well as a late-night hot spot
with bands on weekends and holidays. Old photos line the walls near
the bar, while paintings of lighthouses add to the decor in the
paneled dining room. It's a comfortable, casual place where all
are welcome!
|
|
Waretown/Ocean Township is made
up a number of developments and neighborhoods: Pebble Beach, Barnegat
Beach, Bay Haven, Bayview, Holiday Beach, Sands Point, and Skipper's
Cove, all waterfront communities adjacent to the Barnegat Bay.
Inland are Woods at Oceana, Royal Oaks, Tall Oaks, Laurelwyck,
Dogtown, and my personal favorite, the Village of Brookville.
|
|
|
Driving
through Waretown via Route 9, the casual passer-by will miss the many
waterfront communities. This is one of several lagoons in Skippers
Cove. From here, it's just a short ride to the Barnegat Bay, and almost
directly across from Barnegat Lighthouse and inlet to open ocean. |
| Holiday
Harbor Marina is well-known by anglers. Here you'll find boats of
all sizes, from small Boston Whalers to large fishing boats that can
be privately chartered for overnight ocean fishing. I've had the privilege
of tasting yellowfin tuna sashimi "right off the boat" and
there's nothing like it! |
 |
 |
Wells
Mills Park is located about five miles west of Route 9 on
Route 532. This 1800-acre park is a great example of the many ecosystems
of the Pinelands - uplands, wetlands, pine and oak. For the hiker,
it contains miles of beautiful marked trails. Canoeists will enjoy
a peaceful float on the beautiful Wells Mills Lake. Wells Mills County
Park is home to the wonderful Pine Barrens
Jamboree, held each October. |
| Of
course, Waretown is home to the famous "Albert
Music Hall," home of the Pinelands Cultural Society,
where country and bluegrass musicians from all over the region (and
sometimes farther!) gather each and every Saturday night for jammin'
and a public concert! |
 |
|
|
Waretown (Ocean Township)
is located between Lacey Township and Barnegat Township, in the
southern half of Ocean County. It has easy access to the Garden
State Parkway both north and southbound, exit 69. If you'd like
more information on homes currently for sale in Waretown, please
email Catherine AT (use @) pineypower.com.
|
View
Larger Map
© 1998-2017
PineyPower.com
Barnegat NJ 08005
Owner-Webmaster: Cathy Antener
Please
note: Unless
otherwise noted, all articles and photographs on this site are the property
of PineyPower, and as such, may not be reproduced without written permission.
Thank you.
|
|
CHARTER
SPONSORS
Thanks for Your Support!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
