At the start of the second chapter, Silvia picks up Cosmo, and they’re ready to begin their journey—or so he thinks. Silvia realizes she forgot her phone at their father’s house in New Jersey, forcing them to return there before hitting the road. Cosmo dreads stopping at the house where he grew up, anticipating an uncomfortable encounter with his father.
The town in which the Grecos grew up is unnamed in the books, though it is closely modeled after Hammonton, New Jersey, in South Jersey. Hammonton is a small town with a population just over 14,000 and proudly carries the title of “Blueberry Capital of the World.” Positioned midway between Atlantic City and Philadelphia, Hammonton is far from a commuter town. Instead, it exists in a world of its own, with a downtown that has preserved its character, charm, and historic traditions—qualities that so many American towns have lost over the years.
One of the town’s standout features is a large, vibrant Victorian building at the entrance of Bellevue Avenue, a personal favorite of the narrator. Its colorful architecture reflects the town’s enduring spirit and serves as a charming welcome to visitors exploring South Jersey travel and its unique local culture.
This post is from my blog series on the places visited in the road trip story, “Discovery of an Eagle.”
Grace Mattioli is the author of the Greco Family Trilogy books, including Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. These books are available from all major online book sellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
