Holmdel, New Jersey's history started with the Baptist and Quaker settlers who set up shop in the area to escape religious persecution. Its official name changed multiple times in its history. It was known as the Middletown Township in 1693 but was then referred to as Middletown in 1840 and Raritan ten years later. Another decade after that, the permanent name Holmdel was chosen. At one time, it was primarily a farming community, but now its 16,600 residents find themselves in suburbia.
The community has a rich military history, being a location that soldiers passed through during the war with Great Britain and the Civil War. Holmdel also has a Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and museum dedicated to those who served in that war. It was the very first Vietnam war museum in the United States, teaching visitors about what led to the war and conflicts at home surrounding the fight.
The first supportive evidence of the big bang theory is attributed to Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson. The radio astronomers worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories. By using the Holmdel Horn Antenna, they detected microwave radiation. In collaboration with Princeton astrophysicist Robert Dicke, they theorized that microwaves were remnants of the big bang. In 1978, the Bell Lab employees were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics.
If you're looking for something to do outdoors, check out the David C. Shaw Arboretum at Holmdel Park. The goal of the 22-acre park is to give homeowners ideas about what they can do with their landscapes. It's located within a larger park with fishing, ice skating, sledding, playground facilities, and ten miles of trails. The horticultural display shows off many different trees and explains the culture surrounding them.
If you're looking for a good date night spot or place to visit with friends, go to Fox Hollow Vineyards and try a chocolate pairing with your wine tasting. The place is run by a family whose members take on different roles, from planting to pruning to processing the grapes. The winery also has live music on occasion.
Patricia's of Holmdel is an Italian joint that lets you bring your own beer. It's situated within a strip mall, but the restaurant delivers much better food than its location would suggest. Try any of the classics, indulge in a seafood salad or wood-fired octopus, or go on Sunday to get a meat sauce from Nonna's secret recipe.
For a fantastic happy hour, check out Houlihan's, a restaurant and bar with a great selection of American fare, plus a seasonal menu that brings fresh ingredients and unique flavors.
The list of things to love about Holmdel is endless. Unfortunately, the area isn't immune to insect and wildlife infestations. If pests have become a problem, there is Elite Pest Control. As a locally-owned company, we care about this community's well-being. We're here to serve our customers so they can enjoy all Holmdel has to offer. We work with our clients to find the best solution for them and tailor our plans to your specific needs. Contact us today for a free estimate.
