Ho-Ho-Kus

 

Ho-Ho-Kus is a charming small town of around 4,000 residents in Bergen County, New Jersey. This peaceful community is nestled between the borough of Saddle River and the village of Ridgewood around 21 miles northwest of Manhattan. Settled in 1698, Ho-Ho-Kus is dotted with historic landmarks such as the Hermitage Estate, which was visited by Founding Fathers George Washington and Alexander Hamilton during the Revolutionary War. The town is bisected by Route 17. Ho-Ho-Kus’ schools and vibrant historic downtown are located on the west side of Route 17 while the east side is characterized by grand properties on lush acreage lots. Ho-Ho-Kus’ housing options include elegant 19th century Gothic Revival manors, 1930s brick-and-stucco Colonials and Tudors, and mid-century modern masterpieces.

 

Ho-Ho-Kus is a tight-knit but welcoming community. Local residents include prominent corporate executives and sports stars alongside families who have lived in the borough for generations. Frequent community events foster a strong sense of belonging. Local women’s group the Contemporary Club is a big driver of social life in Ho-Ho-Kus, organizing family-friendly activities such as fun runs, Easter egg hunts, and charity fundraisers.

 

The streets surrounding the Franklin Turnpike to the east of the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station feature an enticing variety of chic eateries and independent boutiques. Ho-Ho-Kus Inn serves sophisticated seafood, steaks, and small plates in a historic tavern constructed in 1796. The Inn underwent a $1.5 million renovation in 2009 and has won Wine Spectator, Diner’s Choice, and Bergen Magazine awards for its inspired seasonal dishes.

 

Albert’s Café Amici is a trendy bistro offering sumptuous Italian entrées and elevated takes on classic American fare. Café Amici has a cool minimalist interior and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

 

St. Eve’s serves handmade pasta and artisanal meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes prepared with organic local ingredients. The unique décor at St. Eve’s adds to the dining experience with crystal and twig chandeliers, handcrafted tables, antique French mirrors, exposed natural wood beams, and specially commissioned artworks.

 

Catchy Café is a favorite local spot for flavorful lunch dishes, fresh-roasted coffee, and cups of handmade ice cream. Janice A. Bistro is an unpretentious neighborhood eatery with a menu of lovingly prepared Italian-American classics. 

 

Shopping in Ho-Ho-Kus eschews chain stores in favor of boutiques with delightful selections of carefully curated items. Little Nikki’s specializes in luxuries for both baby and child. The store is packed with upscale apparel, gifts, and accessories for young children. BB Clover sells stylish womenswear and accessories from a variety of fashion brands. Eurica Home in neighboring Waldwick offers a great choice of furnishings and home décor items.

 

The Hermitage is a striking historic landmark built in the 1840s in a dramatic Gothic Revival style. The Hermitage is steeped in history and was visited during the Revolutionary War by prominent figures such as James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr, who was married at the Hermitage and briefly lived there. A museum housed within the Hermitage has diverse historic exhibitions with guided tours available four days a week.

 

The Annual Holiday Craft Show is held at the Hermitage every year in late October with many vendors offering unique decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas. In July, the Touch of England Motorcar Show features classic British automobiles and motorbikes. The Hermitage also hosts a Food Truck Festival with gourmet foodstuffs, craft beer, and live music in July and an outdoor craft show in August.

 

The Saddle River and its Ho-Ho-Kus Brook tributary are beautiful scenic spots to explore. The Saddle River is popular among fly fishers and is kept well-stocked with trout by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Game.

 

Ho-Ho-Kus has its own school district at the elementary and middle school level, with the Northern Highlands Regional High School district providing the local high school.