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Why visit just one restaurant in a day when New Jersey has so many culinary gems to explore? That’s the inspiration behind the New Jersey Food Tour Trail, a collaboration between the state’s most popular food tour organizers.

For those thinking food tours are some sort of tourist activity, consider this: Each tour allows guests to explore a town’s most interesting eateries, while meeting the men and women who own these local establishments. It’s a great way for nearby residents to support their community; and get to know the local business owners who live in their area and cook their food!

In particular, there are seven different Food Tour operators that make up the New Jersey Food Tour Trail. All of them suggest having a light breakfast, but expect guests to be full for the duration of the day after their tour. A description of each tour, as well as the areas they operate in and the foods they showcase, is below:

Beyond the Plate Food Tours

Beyond the Plate offers food tours throughout Jersey City, Somerville, and Red Bank. Owner Alessia Aron personally oversees the tours taking place in Jersey City (offering both a Downtown and Heights tour). Beyond the Plate has been operating since 2013, allowing Alessia to develop a personal connection to many local restaurant owners. Each tour offers a curated selection of restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots. For instance, the popular Jersey City Downtown tour features 3-4 tasting locations, plus dessert and 2-3 alcoholic beverages. Current restaurant partners for this tour include Better Days Restaurant, Luna, Departed Soles Brewery (w/ food from Ghost Truck Kitchen), The Archer, and Bang Cookies. Tours can accommodate groups as small as couples and as large as over 100 people for corporate and custom events.

Chow Town Food Tours

Chow Town allows guests to tour some of the hottest, up-and-coming food destinations in Northern NJ. Their regular tours of South Orange and Montclair cover an array of cuisines. Think everything from Mexican street tacos and small-batch, baked goods to global fusion and Neapolitan pizza. Cuisine varies by tour, with Latin American food in Elizabeth and Iberian desserts in Morristown and Madison. The summer is busy season, so they recommend booking for spring or fall to enjoy milder weather and smaller crowds. Tours are perfect for couples planning their next day trip, friends groups and families looking for the next food obsession, and HR managers and corporate professionals who organize team building adventures.

Have You Met Newark Tours

Have You Met Newark curates two main tours. The Downtown tour covers long-time restaurants like Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant and newer local businesses like Black Swan Espresso. Meanwhile, their Ironbound tour includes Brazilian and Portuguese cuisines as well as newer restaurants. Participants on food tours have ranged from international visitors to New Jersey-based social organizations like alumni groups. It’s also a great idea for friend meetups and company events. Tours run throughout the year, but the busiest seasons are spring and fall.

On the Town Food Tours

On the Town Food Tours partners with locally-owned restaurants and food businesses in each town. Guests can expect to visit about five to seven establishments per tour, which includes three restaurant visits. These include cafés, gourmet eateries, artisanal sweet shops, culturally-inspired restaurants, and general retail shops. In total, nine walking food tours are available throughout South Jersey. Each tour offers a range of cuisine, from French or Indian to Mediterranean and Italian. Most tours don’t have a theme, but that’s part of the experience. Instead, they showcase the culinary diversity of each neighborhood. Spring and fall are especially popular seasons, attracting couples, friend groups, and families.

Sister Cities Food and Shop Tours

Sister Cities Tours visits a variety of restaurants and specialty shops throughout Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA. Restaurants change based on availability, but Lambertville staples typically include Savour Cheese and Provisions, Under the Moon, El Tule, and La Chocolate Box. Likewise, New Hope tours include The Ferry Market, Nina’s Waffles, The Burgerly, Magikava, and The Greenhouse. The tour simulates a full course meal, complete with appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. Fall is the best time of year to book a tour. Tours are suited for all kinds but ideally 21+, and groups of four to 10 guests are ideal. It’s a great activity for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions, and corporate outings.

Taste of Asbury Food Tours

On the Taste of Asbury Food Tours, guests stop at a variety of restaurants. Options include a European-inspired gastropub, a Korean fusion tacos spot, and even a rock music-themed bakery. Other highlights include Asbury Distilling Co, Asbury Park Brewery, Crust & Crumble, and Cookman Creamery. This food tour focuses on diverse, locally owned, and creative foods, emphasizing fusion, indulgent treats, and regional flair. Taste of Asbury is great for anyone, but perfect for couples, friend groups, and families vacationing near Asbury Park. They host everything from birthday celebrations to corporate events, charity fundraisers, and custom private tours. The year-round experience can also be tailored to fit special occasions.

Cape May Food Tours

Cape May Food Tours offers two tours. The Historic Downtown Food Tour is their signature tour, while the West Cape May Food Tour showcases new restaurants. Both tours feature foods from six restaurants. The Historic Downtown Food Tour is in the heart of the historic district and highlights many styles of Victorian architecture. Meanwhile, the West Cape May tour is just a few blocks away and features the area’s newest restaurant concepts. For both tourists and Cape May residents alike, it’s a great way to experience the town in a fresh way.

There’s no better way to experience a town’s culture and cuisine than through a guided food tour. For South Jersey residents and visitors alike, On the Town Food Tours provide immersive, walkable food tours through popular destinations. These three-hour tours are thoughtfully paced and engaging from start to finish.

Bordentown includes a visit to a well-known Steakhouse; In Collingswood, sample diverse food options with various ethnic cuisines and visit an innovative sandwich shop. Then, step into a nostalgic candy store for a sweet throwback. In Atlantic City, pop into restaurants that have existed in the Ducktown District since the early 1900s.

A Unique Bonding Experience

But On the Town Food Tours aren’t just about eating diverse and high-quality dishes. During the trip, guests form connections with each other, the town itself, and local business owners. Each tour is a curated, shared experience that brings joy and discovery to everyone involved.

In addition to the stops at various restaurants, guests enjoy time to explore shops, soak in scenery, and savor samples. The food, which features portion sizes between an appetizer and an entrée, is spaced out between walking and storytelling segments; this creates a natural flow that keeps the tour fun and manageable.

Guests often meet the local business owners behind the food and can ask them questions. These face-to-face interactions add depth to the experience. “Meeting the owners makes people feel like insiders, giving them a behind-the-scenes look,” says Audrey Wiggins, Owner and Tour Guide Operator for On the Town Food Tours. “It creates lasting memories beyond just tasting food.”

Every Town Has A Story

Between munching and chatting, fun-facts are often uncovered along the tour. Audrey loves how people are always amazed by the hidden histories that lie within each community. For instance, many are surprised to learn about former King of Spain Joseph Bonaparte’s connection to Bordentown. In other stops, guests discover long-standing family-run businesses and local legends they’ve never heard before.

Audrey personally leads every tour. She feels that leading the tours herself ensures each experience is consistent, personal, and full passion. “Guests get to hear the stories directly from me, and I love being fully present to guide the entire journey.”

Even before starting On the Town Food Tours, Audrey spent years exploring South Jersey towns. She loves visiting restaurants, studying local history, and truly immersing herself. “It’s taken time, but each connection is built on mutual support and a shared love for showcasing what makes these towns so special,” she says about the businesses that are part of her tours.

On the Town Food Tours Booking Info

On the Town Food Tours accommodates both public and private tours. Public tours average 8 people, with a max of 12 and range from $80-$85 per person. Meanwhile, private tours can host up to 24 guests.

Tours focus on having a great time, discovering new places, and enjoying the afternoon at a relaxed pace. Audrey recommends dressing comfortably and wearing walking shoes. Most tours run from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, so a light breakfast is also a good idea. Bringing a water bottle and checking the weather are helpful tips, too.

BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media

MOUNT HOLLY — Audrey Wiggins believes in the power of networking and coming together, whether it is over a meal or within the synergy of an organization.

As the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners South Jersey Chapter (NAWBO SJ), Wiggins said she has found a true connection with female business owners from around the region — including their hopes, dreams, struggles, and successes.

As a business owner of On the Town Food Tours, Wiggins, a native of North Jersey, has learned what makes this end of the state special for so many and the importance of sharing it with others, one meal and special occasion at a time.

It was 2005 when Wiggins discovered her future occupation while working in South Jersey.

“In my last corporate job, I was introduced to walking food tours,” Wiggins said. “I saw how much fun everyone had trying new foods. I thought that starting my own food tour business would be an enjoyable thing to do on the side and for retirement. While most walking food tours are held in large cities, I wanted to do something here in South Jersey because the tours would benefit small businesses in the region.”

Wiggins said she started her walking food tours in 2014 while working full-time in corporate America. “By 2019, I was working full-time on my food tour business, but the COVID-19 pandemic struck the following year, essentially closing restaurants to customers and groups.

“In 2021, the tours started again but only for small private groups,” Wiggins said. “Now, here we are in 2024. I really want to help people discover the diversity of food and not settle on a dish because they are familiar with it.

“Walking food tours in towns like Collingswood, Haddonfield, Bordentown, Mount Holly, Burlington City, Hammonton, Medford and the Ducktown district of Atlantic City can all give you a different taste of South Jersey.”

Wiggins said, as a single-member small business owner, it made sense for her to join NAWBO.

NAWBO SJ was granted local chapter status in 2003 and provides education, support and mentoring along with networking opportunities for women business owners and their associates throughout the region.

The chapter covers Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem counties and parts of Mercer County.

“I needed to talk with other women business owners and be part of a tribe,” Wiggins said. “I wanted to speak with other business owners going through the same challenges I was experiencing.”

Wiggins said she was impressed with how accommodating everyone was at her first networking event and felt that she made the right decision by joining.

“It was at a NAWBO event where business owners in attendance were very friendly and accessible. They wanted to know how they could help me.”

“I joined the NAWBO SJ marketing committee because marketing is my background. Joining a committee is a great way to get to know the other women business owners better. My role in marketing was to help promote NAWBO in the Southern New Jersey region.

Wiggins said she served as a committee member for a few years before joining the executive board of NAWBO SJ. She served as marketing chair and president-elect before taking over the reins as president this year. She is the second African American woman to serve as president of the organization.

If anyone would ask her about joining NAWBO, Wiggins said she would pitch the networking and relationship building.

“As an organization, we support members and provide mentorship, and business resources with the help of our corporate partners. I would say, join NAWBO if you want to be part of a community that could help your business grow,” she said.

NAWBO has for years been a way for Wiggins and other women business owners to introduce themselves to the community.

For more information about On the Town Food Tours, click here. For details on the NAWBO, click here.

On The Town Food Tours just made The 9 Best Sightseeing Tours in NJ! Thank you, Best Things New Jersey!!

Access the article with this link here

08.15.2022

Are you ready to mix things up? Audrey Wiggins, the owner of On the Town Food Tours, and Robin Winzinger, owner of the Robin’s Nest Mount Holly, talk about food, flavors, and being diverse in business. Get ready to learn how to stay creative and change with the times in the food industry.

Here is the direct link https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-c4j3r-129c290

Here is the embed code for my site as well

New Jersey Food Tour Trail has an article in the 2021 Spring addition of Edible Jersey Magazine.    The trail is a collaboration of seven food tour companies from Northern to Southern New Jersey.  The tour companies that make up the trail are Beyond the Plate Food Tours, Cape May Food Tours, Have You Met Newark, On the Town Food Tours, Savor and Stroll Culinary Tours, Sister Cities Food and Shop Tours, and Taste of Asbury Food Tours.  

“Whether it’s a brunch-time stroll through Cape May‘s seafood specialists and authentic international eateries or a movable feast of Somerville’s international cuisine, New Jersey food lovers and visitors can experience it all through the New Jersey Food Tour Trail, a collaboration of food tours that operate in various regions throughout the state.”

“When the effects of the coronavirus pandemic hit the hospitality industry in 2020, it not only closed restaurant dining rooms but put a stop to New Jersey’s food tours. But with restaurants up and running again, food tours are starting up, too. These tours invite food lovers to explore a town by enjoying its restaurants’ signature dishes and learning about local history.”

“There is a lot more to New Jersey’s food scene than just Taylor Ham and pizza, and seven women – each running her own food tour – realized that they’d spread the word more effectively if they banded together.

​

Pre-pandemic, the women occasionally discussed tour strategies, viewing one another as allies and mentors, rather than competitors. Then, when the pandemic hit and their tours were suspended, the ladies formed the New Jersey Food Tour Trail.”

Category – Best Food Sampling, On The Town Food Tours

Don’t know where to start checking out SJ’s food scene? Tour guides take you through tastings at some of the neighborhood’s best locally-owned restaurants so you can find your next go-to spot.

By Kristen Coppock Staff writer Burlington County Times

Local walking tours are highlighting downtown cuisine in Bordentown City and Mount Holly.
On The Town Food Tours recently debuted in Burlington and Camden counties, offering opportunities to socialize and sample on select Saturdays and Sundays. Running about three hours and led by an industry professional, the tours stop at a minimum of five restaurants and dessert spots in each location.
 
In Bordentown City, Toscano Ristorante & Steakhouse, The Vault, Under the Moon Café, Blue Moon Olive Oil & Vinegars, and Smylie’s Ice Cream Shop II are featured. Served with a side of the city’s historical sites, foods on the tour may include Spanish meats and cheeses, Italian tapas, Napoletana pizza, and an olive oil tasting.
Mount Holly’s itinerary includes Robin’s Nest Restaurant, Mug Shot Diner, Ott’s Downtown Pub & Grill, Ray’s Deli & Café, Vincent’s Homemade Ice Cream; Red, White & Brew; and Valenzano Wine Outlet at Gallery 72 Fine Art Photography. Specialty grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade soups, omelets, and pancakes are some of the menu items on the tour. Other walking tours are available in Collingswood and Haddonfield. Ticket prices are up to $55 per person and vary by location.

By Kristen Coppock Staff writer Burlington County Times

Walk through many downtown business districts and you’re sure to notice a cornucopia of cafes and restaurants.

Take a stroll with On the Town Food Tours, and you’ll sample dishes from many of those establishments. And the food is accompanied by a side of local history.

Operated by Audrey Wiggins, a marketing professional, the tours are designed to show people what local small businesses and their communities have to offer. Held on weekend afternoons, the three-hour tours highlight Bordentown City and Mount Holly, as well as Collingswood and Haddonfield.

Wiggins leads diners through the downtown areas, while a historian points out places of interest.

In Mount Holly, a one-room school house and the country’s oldest firehouse are visible from High Street. And some stops are housed in landmark buildings, such as the Red White & Brew liquor store, located in a former fire station. Colonial-era Quaker buildings also are featured on both Burlington County tours, among other historical points.

The culinary experience served on each of the tours also is unique to each town.

The Vault is known for its wood-fired Napoletana-style pizza, as well as its freshly made dough and mozzarella cheese. Belardo serves tourgoers his most popular pizza, Margherita, and one of his most unique, Fig Jam. The latter pizza features imported fig jam, prosciutto di Parma, fresh homemade mozzarella cheese; imported calciocavallo, fontina, and gorgonzola cheeses; basil, olive oil and a drizzle of honey.

Two additional pizzas are typically served to tour groups, providing each diner with multiple options.

“Everyone gets a couple of slices,” said Belardo.

Gian Belardo, owner of The Vault restaurant in Bordentown City, said while many customers are reluctant to try new things, often sticking with familiar dishes, the tours allow diners to sample some unique dishes that they might not otherwise order from the menu, possibly introducing them to new favorites.

In Mount Holly, the tour begins on Washington Street at Ott’s Downtown Pub & Grill with a flatbread pizza before moving on to Ray’s Deli & Café, where specialty grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes stuffed with apples and cinnamon are served.

“The food culture here (in Mount Holly) tends to be very American,” said Wiggins. “We’re at each place for about 20 minutes.”

Next up is Robin’s Nest Restaurant on Washington Street, which features a trio of signature soups. During the summer months, the trio includes two hot soups and one cold soup. On a recent afternoon, Chilled Blueberry was on the menu, alongside Filet Mignon and Potato; and French Onion soup, which the staff said is always part of the tour.

Wiggins said she enjoys the rotating selection.

“I had a (cold) strawberry soup with whipped cream on top. It was sweet and savory,” she said.

Moving up High Street, the Mount Holly tour continues with beverage tastings at Red, White and Brew, which serves old-fashioned mead, and the Valenzano Wine Outlet inside the dual Gallery 72 Fine Art Photography and Abstract Expressions Contemporary Art Gallery.

After tasting wine, Wiggins said, diners are encouraged to walk around the gallery to view works on display.

The Mount Holly tour also stops at the Mug Shot Diner and Vincent’s Homemade Ice Cream, where diners can choose a scoop of their flavor choice.

Meanwhile, the Bordentown City tour stops at six locations in the downtown business district, including The Vault. Other participating establishments are Toscano Ristorante, Under the Moon Café, Blue Moon Olive Oil & Vinegars, The Cake Box by Neeima and Smylie’s Icre Cream Shop II.

Wiggins said guests on the Bordentown City tour can expect to sample Italian tapas and street food, Spanish meats and cheeses; and an international selection of olives oils and vinegars. And there’s homemade cupcakes and artisan ice cream for dessert.

On all tours, Wiggins said, “we can accommodate people who have (food) allergies.”

Restaurant owners are hoping the tours motivate diners to become repeat customers. In addition to food, Belardo said a memorable atmosphere can also draw people back in. The Vault’s décor, for example, pays homage to the space’s past as a bank by incorporating elements of its history, such as the walk-in vault that’s been left in place to serve as a focal point.

Upcoming tours in Bordentown City will run Saturday and Aug. 29. In Mount Holly, a tour is scheduled for Aug. 22. A complete schedule can be found on the Food Tours w5yhebsite at www.onthetownfoodtours.com

Tickets can be purchased online. The cost is $55 for the Bordentown City, Mount Holly and Haddonfield tours, which all run three hours. The two-hour Collingswood tour is $38.

Kristen Coppock: 609-871-8073; email: kcoppock@calkins.com; Twitter @kcoppockbct

Under the Lifestyle Category, Best Tour

With tours in Haddonfield, Mount Holly, Collingswood, Hammonton, and more, these three-hour excursions are much more than a trek through the neighborhood.  Not only will you sample delicious bites-and-beverages across town, you’ll also learn about the latest food trends and be treated to live demonstrations.

Article by Cyd Katz, New Jersey Isn’t Boring

The New Jersey Food Tour Trail is a collaboration of food tours that operate in various regions throughout the state. The joining of tours was developed for tourists to create their own trail in an effort to “eat their way” throughout New Jersey.    The New Jersey Food Tour Trail hopes tourists, even in their own backyards, get the chance to learn and explore all pockets of the state, while also taking a bite, or two, out of everything delicious there is to offer.

Tours that are involved are Beyond the Plate Food Tours, Cape May Food Tours, Have You Met Newark, On the Town Food Tours, Savor and Stroll Culinary Tours, Sister Cities Food and Shop Tours, and Taste of Asbury Food Tours.