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Hamburg, New Jersey: Gingerbread Castle

An old, castle-shaped kids attraction. Currently abandoned and fenced off, but still perched on a hillside, easily seen, and recently repainted.

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Gingerbread Castle

According to a news article in the paper for that area, the castle was first on EBay for $649,000 and did not sell. What a summer house that could have been! A local developer bought it about a year and a half ago and promised to restore it.

As a child I had gone several times with family, plus on a class trip in the first grade. Small children are not raised on those nursery rhyme characters any longer as prior generations were, so they don't connect as we did. I think with any sort of restoration promise fulfilled, small kids today would still find it exciting, not to mention the parents.

[Bill Woodier, 07/24/2008]

Castle at night, with orb problem.

Gingerbread Castle - Orbs

My husband and I just visited this area, and we found that no renovations have been made to the Gingerbread Castle or to the house next to it. The factories are also in disrepair. However, we found something very interesting. We had been out earlier taking photos of different things and animals, but when we took the digital photo of the Gingerbread Castle...we found a very large amount of Orbs covering the photo. We checked every other photo, all 208 that we had taken that day and none had come up with what we caught.

[Beverly Vriesema, 07/15/2008]

Those damnable orbs!

Gingerbread Castle

The Gingerbread Castle and fairy tale land in Hamburg, New Jersey are being put up for sale by their owner, Frank Hinger. He's asking for $636,0000 and is hoping to sell it to someone who will restore it, so if you have ever wanted to own a classic roadside attraction, now is your chance.

[Dominic Ryan, 04/06/2006]

Yow... we'd heard from Frank a few years back about his efforts to raise money, but apparently the restoration costs were too high. He's also selling the Castle Grill restaurant/bar.

Fairy Tales grilled to perfection.

Gingerbread Castle

Gingerbread Castle has a new owner who desires to restore the castle and surrounding property. The following information is quoted from his site. I am not affiliated with Gingerbread Castle in any way. I recall visiting the Castle as a boy and was delighted with the attraction. I am pleased and delighted that Mr. Hinger is attempting to preserve and reopen a beautiful attraction.

"Hi folks, my name is Frank Hinger. I am the new owner of The Gingerbread Castle in Hamburg, NJ. My dream is to restore and expand The Gingerbread Castle. To bring you back to one of your fondest childhood memories. Not only you, but to create a place for new memories for you, your children and grandchildren. This is my dream. Unfortunately, the cost of this kind of restoration and maintenance is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Gingerbread Castle was built in 1928 by the world famous architect, artist and stage designer Joseph Urban -- at the cost of $250,000. So you can just imagine in [today] how costly this job is going to be."

"The building across the street which was the original reception area for The Gingerbread Castle has been renovated and is now operating as a family restaurant and entertainment center. I am making every effort to make this a success. I know in time the dream will come true. I'm asking for your help. For you and I to work together to bring this dream forth. I am currently accepting donations for the complete restoration and maintenance of The Gingerbread Castle. So generations to come can enjoy what you once enjoyed as a child. If you feel inspired to help, feel free to contact me.

By Mail:Frank's Castle Grille/ Gingerbread Castle, P.O. Box 175, Hamburg, N.J. 07419. By e-mail : frankscastlegrille @ earthlink.net .

[Clint, 06/06/2004]

Gingerbread Castle

Address:
50 Gingerbread Castle Rd, Hamburg, NJ
Directions:
I-80 to Hwy 23. North to Hamburg. Hang a sharp left at the railroad overpass onto Gingerbread Castle Rd. The Castle is a short way on the left. Private property; visible from pull-off.
Hours:
Closed, but still visible. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
973-827-1617
Save to My Sights

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