Downtown Mullica Hill, located in Harrison Township in Gloucester County, New Jersey, is booming with unique shops and has deep historical roots. You’ll find everything from farm-to-table restaurants and antique shops to free family-oriented events, which is why it’s the perfect little town for your next day trip!
Photo Credit: Visit South Jersey
Mullica Hill History
In the late 17th century, English and Irish Quakers first established plantations around the area now known as Mullica Hill. This Quaker community centered on the south bank of Raccoon Creek and was called Spicerville, honoring prominent landowner Jacab Spicer. Originally only the north bank of the creek was known as Mullica Hill, recalling the town’s pioneering Finnish settlers, Eric, John, Olag, and William Mullica who first began purchasing land in 1704. Two of the homes they built still stand on North Main near the creek.
The township’s first real period of growth began around 1780 and continued until the 1830’s. Commercial development occurred principally in Spicerville and four of the town’s churches were built there. Many structures from this era can still be seen today along Main Street.
A second period of growth followed the Civil War and noteworthy Victorian homes and public buildings were built throughout the village, including the Town Hall. During this period, Harrison Township established itself as one of the country’s most productive agricultural areas. A railroad spur was constructed and quickly the town became one of the nation’s most active shipping points for agricultural commodities. This period of growth is commemorated by a reenactment every fall.
In 1991, the entire village was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in honor of its historic and architectural significance.
Photo Credit: Visit South Jersey
Places to Eat in Mullica Hill
Breakfast – Village Bagels & Crescent Moon Coffee & Tea
Farm-to-Table – blueplate & Hill Creek Farms
BBQ – David & Sons 322 BBQ & Yoder’s BBQ Pit
Italian – Marino’s of Mullica Hill & Chianti Italian Restaurant
Pizza – Naples Pizza & Holy Tomato Too
Tavern – Barnsboro Inn
Seafood – Capt’n Chucky’s Crab Cake Co.
Diner – Harrison House Diner
Dessert – La Mademoiselle Macaron, The Cake Boutique, Cherry On Top Ice Cream Shoppe, The Artisan Marshmallow Co. & Reggina Gelato & Espresso Bar
Things to Do in Mullica Hill
William Heritage Winery is an award-winning family owned and operated estate vineyard and winery that’s located in the heart of the Outer Coastal Plain Wine Region. Their tasting room is open daily from 10am to 6pm and they offer guided tours of the winery every Saturday. They also host a variety of exciting events throughout the year!
Enjoy everything fresh at the Amish Market in Mullica Hill, where you can find Lancaster County delicacies right here in South Jersey! The Amish Market has a bakery and donut shop, fresh produce and smoothie stand, a fresh meat butcher, dairy and cheese, barbecue, and an Amish restaurant. The market is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Mullica Hill is also home to many farms, including Hill Creek Farms! Their idyllic 24-acre local produce farm has two huge apple orchards with over 17,000 apple trees between them, plus an orchard of plums, Asian pears, and nectarines. They offer guests a chance to experience a real working farm through a unique agritourism (or, agricultural tourism) outing. Guests can also take advantage of their u-pick orchards, stroll through the pumpkin patch, enjoy the tented picnic area, and so much more. It’s the perfect weekend activity for family fun!
Photo Credit: Visit South Jersey
Perhaps one of the things Mullica Hill is best known for is their huge selection of eclectic antique shops. Check them out: The Old Mill, The Parsonage, The Yellow Garage, Canary Row Antiques, Deeply Rooted Vintage Home, and Farm House Design. They also have many unique, artisan, and handmade shops including Country Critters Crafts and Quilts, Cynplicity Artisan Soap Co., Organic Avenue Clothing, Sisters, Flossy’s Boutique Fashion, and Home & Giftware, Mullica Hill Floral Co.
In addition to their amazing shops, Mullica Hill hosts a variety of annual family friendly events including the Fall Festival & Civil War Weekend (Oct. 12 & 13), Witches, Wizards and Wands Festival (Oct. 26), Lights on Main (Nov. 30), House & Candle Light Tour (Dec. 14), Antique and Vintage Street Fair, Art Festival, and more.
For more information about what’s going on in Mullica Hill, New Jersey visit The Mullica Hill Business Association website.