Diamond Nation – Area Bucket List

Diamond Nation, a modern and expansive training complex, is one of the premier venues in the greater Flemington, New Jersey area. This training complex spans 65 acres and can host up to 10 games simultaneously. Diamond Nation features 700,000 square feet of turf fields and 250,000 square feet of indoor facilities. For this reason, the venue hosts numerous events all year round.

Diamond Nation is nestled in the small town of Flemington, which strikes a balance between historic and new, rural and developed. While you’re there, you may want to explore all there is to see in Flemington, which was thrust into the national spotlight when the Lindbergh trial took place there in 1935. There’s more that this small town has to offer, so follow the bucket list below to learn more about the main sites to see in Flemington during your visit to Diamond Nation.

Northlandz

You can’t spend a weekend in Flemington, especially with kids, without checking out Northlandz, the largest model railroad in the world. This Guinness Book of World Records holder features a seemingly endless amount of trains, landscape scenes, bridges, and tunnels. Guests, especially train enthusiasts, can spend hours strolling through the 16-acre attraction and admiring every detail of Northlandz.

In addition to the model trains, Northlandz contains 200 dolls, a 94-room dollhouse, art galleries, a short film, and a 2,000-pipe organ that the founder plays himself. A self-guided tour throughout the building usually lasts two to three hours, as there is so much to see. On the weekends, guests can also take a ride on an actual train outside Northlandz.

This nationally recognized destination is only six minutes from Diamond Nation, so check it out while you’re in Flemington.

Liberty Village

Those who love shopping are in luck, as Flemington has its own outlet stores just six minutes from Diamond Nation. Liberty Village is a low-key series of shops ideal for any shopper to casually explore. Its lack of overwhelming crowds and surplus of parking sets it apart from many other outlets.

At Liberty Village you’ll find recognizable names like Calvin Klein, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, American Eagle, Nautica, and Coach. Walking around the outlets on a sunny day is an ideal Flemington activity, as the area is quiet and peaceful, with a fountain and pond in the center. Liberty Village is worth stopping by just to see what deals you can get while in Flemington.

Black River & Western Railroad

While visiting the Liberty Village outlets, you may notice a train station and tracks. This is the site of Black River & Western Railroad, a company that offers the unique experience of riding a steam-powered freight train. Their excursions are kid-friendly and usually have unique themes sure to pique any visitor’s interest.

Historic tours celebrate the 70th anniversary of the train by taking guests to Bowne Station, where they’ll see a historical presentation and receive a commemorative keychain. Autumn journeys bring guests to a pumpkin patch, and around the holidays kids can meet Santa on board as they enjoy sugar cookies and hot chocolate.

The excursions offered by Black River & Western Railroad are always changing, so be sure to check out their schedule before you visit Diamond Nation. The station is right beside Liberty Village, and only seven minutes or so from Diamond Nation.

Stangl Factory

Walking distance from the outlets and train station is Stangl Factory, Flemington’s community gathering place. Stangl Factory, built in 1814, was once the home of the widely successful company Hill Pottery. Stangl has since transformed into the home of restaurants, a coffee bar, outstanding galleries, a pottery studio, spiritual medium, and yoga studio.

Every Saturday, year-round, Stangl hosts a farmer’s market to bring together the agrarian and artisan communities of Flemington. Stangl Factory also hosts a bi-monthly music series, called Stangl Stage, that brings local, regional, and even national talent to the community. On certain weekends in the summer, spotless vintage cars surround Stangl for guests to admire. No matter when you’re visiting Diamond Nation, make sure to swing by Stangl Factory to see what’s happening.

Main Street

Flemington rose to national fame in 1935 when the Lindbergh baby trial took place in the town’s Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse. During the month-long trial, the town was overrun with media outlets and curious citizens who wanted to experience what was called “The Trial of the Century.” Main Street was in the center of the action, as the stately Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse is located right on the small street. The white structure with its regal, white columns towers above the rest of the quaint buildings.

Right across from the courthouse is the Union Hotel, which was constructed in 1814. In its time, the Union Hotel was an upscale gathering place for the upper class citizens and socialites of the area, as well as travelers and stagecoach passengers. During the trial, the hotel hosted the jurors, press, lawyers, and just about everyone else involved in the Lindbergh trial.

You can easily visit the beautiful Main Street area, featuring the Union Hotel and Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse, as its only seven minutes away from Diamond Nation.

Lone Eagle Brewing

Nearby Main Street, and less than 10 minutes from Diamond Nation, is Lone Eagle Brewing. This craft brewery opened in 2016 and is a popular spot among locals. Within a few years of opening, Lone Eagle’s beer started winning statewide awards. Flemington visitors can see where Lone Eagle brews their beer and find out what all the hype is about.

Upon arrival, guests are given an informational tour to learn a bit about the brewing process. Next, taste one of Lone Eagle’s 12 beers on tap, or order a flight to sample a few.

The atmosphere at this local watering hole is bright and open, with high ceilings, an outdoor patio, and a back lawn area. Dogs and children are welcome, and guests can bring their own food to enjoy along with some craft beers. So after an event at Diamond Nation, stop by to enjoy some drinks in a friendly atmosphere.

Dutch Country Farmers Market

Every Thursday through Saturday, Dutch Country Farmers Market in Flemington is bustling with activity and hungry shoppers. Even though the market is only open four days a week, it’s incredibly popular and hugely successful.

Here you can watch Amish bakers create, by hand, some of the most delicious pretzels on the planet. Those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth can also get some freshly made donuts, cakes, pies, and smoothies. Enjoy some outstanding pickles, rich cheeses, soft bread, fresh produce, and meats, or pick out a prepared meal to enjoy.

After you’ve gotten your fill, peruse the selection of Amish-made candles, home decor, furniture, and gifts. This experience is a perfect outing for the entire family, and a must-see for any Flemington visitor. The charming Dutch Country Farmers Market is only 10 minutes from Diamond Nation, so don’t miss out!

Flemington has a lot to offer, so after a visit to Diamond Nation, make sure to enjoy its small-town charm. One of the best parts of Flemington is that many of the main sites are walking distance from one another. Visitors can walk from Main Street to Stangl, down the street to Lone Eagle, then across the parking lot to Liberty Village and Black River & Western Railroad. Slow down and explore Flemington; you never know what you’ll find.