Downtown Freehold has lots of charm, and the best way to experience it is aboard a trolley at holiday time.
The Jolly Trolley is a popular attraction where you board an old-time trolley and drive through the streets, learning about the history of the borough, especially at holiday time. The driver will share lots of fun facts, but the real treat is when you make stops along the way and costumed actors give you a real-life experience of life in the 1900s. The teens are talented members of the Howell High School Drama Club, who put on skits from a winter night about 100 years ago; they hop on and off the train in the persona of the character they are portraying. Last year we “met” Molly Pitcher, a factory worker from Nestle, Martha Washington, the Dutchess of Earl, and special guest Santa Claus.
We also learned that Bruce Springsteen lived in three different homes in Freehold and that there used to be a widow’s watch near 75 South St. for women waiting for soldiers to come home during the Revolutionary War. Fun fact: Did you know that the daughters of Mrs. Nestle – Kit and Kat – had Rice Krispies explode in their hot chocolate, and that’s how the first Nestle Crunch bar came about?
We passed by the Carnegie Library, Old Monmouth County, the reportedly haunted houses of Brinkerhoff Avenue, Especially For You Florist, and the Covenhavenhouse where General George Washington slept. A bonus is seeing all the charming Victorian homes decorated in lights and garland.
The 45-minute trolley ride is super fun, as you’ll hear jokes, sing along to holiday music, and learn which kids on board are on Santa’s Nice List.
This year’s Jolly Trolley will take place on Friday, December 13, from 5-8 pm; and Saturday, December 14, from 3-9 pm, with tours taking off every hour on the hour. Arrive 15 minutes before your arrival time to check in at The American Hotel, 18 E. Main St. Tickets are $25 each and go on sale at 8 am Monday, November 4 – set an alarm because they sell out quickly every year.
It’s warm on board but layer up anyway, and then after you’ll get to meet the actors, take a picture with Santa, and get a ticket for hot chocolate and snacks.
See the Jolly Trolley en route on our Instagram page.
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