Wildwood
Wonderful New Jersey
Step Back in Time in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ: A Quaint Escape Near NYC
Just 17 miles from the bustle of midtown Manhattan lies the serene and historic borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.
Tucked away in Bergen County, this charming community of just over 4,000 residents offers a peaceful retreat and a fascinating glimpse into America's past, all within a compact, walkable square mile.
A Name Shrouded in Mystery
The journey to Ho-Ho-Kus begins with its name, a point of local pride and enduring mystery. Residents are particular about its pronunciation and form, preferring the hyphenated "Ho-Ho-Kus" over single-word variations. The most likely origin traces back to the Lenape Native Americans, who originally inhabited the land. While the exact meaning is debated, theories range from a Lenape word for "running water" to a Dutch interpretation meaning "high oaks" or a reference to the gray fox. This ambiguity adds to the town's unique character, inviting visitors to ponder its history from the moment they arrive.
Exploring the Heart of the Borough
The town’s growth was spurred by the arrival of the railroad in the 20th century, and today, the historic train station remains the centerpiece of a delightful, walkable business district. A self-guided walking tour is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
- The Hermitage: A visit to Ho-Ho-Kus is incomplete without exploring The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark and one of the nation's finest examples of domestic Gothic Revival architecture. This historic home is famously known for hosting General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, offering a tangible connection to the founding of the United States.
- Charming Shops & Dining: The tree-lined streets around the station are home to a collection of unique shops and inviting local restaurants, perfect for a leisurely browse and a delicious meal. For a wider array of dining and shopping options, the neighboring town of Ridgewood is just a short drive away.
- A Picturesque Setting: Beyond the business district, the residential areas fan out to the north, west, and south. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved and pristinely maintained homes, showcasing a range of architectural styles and reflecting the town's quiet prosperity. It's a lovely area for a stroll to admire the classic American suburb.
Planning Your Visit
- Getting There: Ho-Ho-Kus is easily accessible by car via major highways and is served by NJ Transit rail lines, making it a simple and scenic day trip from New York City.
- Where to Stay: As a small, residential borough, Ho-Ho-Kus has no hotels. Visitors will find a variety of lodging options in the neighboring town of Paramus, known for its extensive shopping malls and hotels.
- Beyond the Borough: Its prime location in Bergen County makes Ho-Ho-Kus an excellent base for exploring the region. You can easily venture to the upscale shops and restaurants of Ridgewood or the retail mecca of Paramus.
Ho-Ho-Kus may be small, but it offers a rich tapestry of history, architectural beauty, and small-town charm. It's a perfect detour for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a tranquil escape just a stone's throw from the energy of New York City.
Discovering Wildwood: A New Jersey Hidden Gem
While the Jersey Shore is known for its crowded vacation spots, The Wildwoods stand out as a vibrant, must-visit resort, where the energy is part of the appeal.
Much of this classic beach community blossomed in the 1950s, fueled by new access from the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. Today, that retro charm remains vividly alive. Dozens of hotels and motels still celebrate mid-century style, echoing an era of tail fins, big hair, and Elvis, making a trip here not just a beach getaway, but a nostalgic escape into Americana.
These aging beachfront hotels wear their years with a certain proud, unabashed tackiness, their neon signs flicker with a bygone charm, their lobbies might smell faintly of salt and decades-old carpet, and their decor is a glorious, unapologetic time capsule. Yet, this is precisely where they derive their fun and character, making them a delightful place to check out for a dose of nostalgic Americana. Just steps away, the bustling boardwalk unfurls as a two-mile sensory pilgrimage, a vibrant artery laced with a dizzying array of stores.
Here, the air grows thick with the sweet scent of melting sugar as shops endlessly pull saltwater taffy, while neighboring stalls overflow with souvenir t-shirts, gleaming trinkets, arcade games, and every form of irresistible junk food imaginable. For those who wish to soak in the scene without the stroll, iconic tram cars clatter along the planks, offering a breezy shuttle service to the far end or to any tempting point in between, ensuring the boardwalk’s delights are accessible to every visitor.
Soon, you will hear the familiar "watch the tram car" recording emanating from the cars and all you have to do is flag one down, hop on, and you're off. The beach is free, by the way. And, it is very wide particularly by NJ standards.
Most people familiar with the Jersey Shore know that many beaches are razor thin. This beach has sand added to it constantly and naturally by compliant tidal waters; it is at least 1/4 mile from boardwalk to surf [in low tide, that is]. Wildwood now boasts a convention center built on the beach and new rides jutting out from its piers.
Historic Cape May, home to more than 600 Victorian houses, is only four miles to the South and a great place to visit when you get tired of the boardwalk scene. Atlantic City is one hour to the north and is a frequent side trip destination, especially on rainy days.
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Alternatively, you can also escape to the county zoo for the day in the town of Cape May Court House. The best time to go to the Wildwoods is during July and August as the water temperatures can be too cold before that time. Still, most hotels have outdoor heated pools which you may prefer to salt water.
The resort is changing as many old buildings are being torn down and replaced by condos. Preservationists are attempting to maintain the family welcoming theme of the resort, so it remains to be seen what the resort's future will be. In the meantime, grab a beach towel and your sunblock and head over to wonderful, Wildwood, NJ!
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