Taylor Swift’s Stone Harbor, NJ: 10 Stops for a True Swiftie Pilgrimage

By Brady Jonas

When I tell people I’m a Taylor Swift fan, I usually brace for one of two reactions: a knowing nod of solidarity or a skeptical squint, as if they’re trying to reconcile my age with my enthusiasm for “All Too Well.”

But let’s be clear—I’m no casual listener. So when I found out Taylor spent her childhood summers in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, I grabbed my least-faded two-piece and headed to the beach town that helped shape one of the most influential artists of our time.

Stone Harbor is the kind of place where everything feels like a photo from a family album: small-town charm, sand-dusted streets, and the kind of boardwalk snacks that make you wonder why we don’t eat funnel cake year-round. And yet, beneath its sleepy exterior lies a town that’s been immortalized—at least for Swifties. Here’s a rundown of 10 places connected to Taylor’s summers in Stone Harbor.

Taylor in Stone Harbor

Springer's Homemade Ice Cream Stone Harbor

1. Springer’s

If there’s one thing every Stone Harbor summer needs, it’s a scoop of Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream. This century-old ice cream shop was reportedly a favorite of the Swift family, and it’s easy to see why. The lines can stretch down the block, but the payoff is worth it: creamy, generous scoops in flavors like Jersey Monkey (banana and peanut butter) and classic mint chip. Standing outside Springer’s, cone in hand, I tried to imagine a young Taylor here, debating between sprinkles and hot fudge.

2. Taylor’s Family Beach House

The Swift family’s vacation home is on Third Avenue, looking out on the untouched wilderness of the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. It’s a charming section of the island of shingled cottages with wraparound porches. Walking these streets, it’s easy to picture a pre-teen Taylor writing in her journal, maybe staring into the thick brambles and oak trees and dreaming up lyrics about love, loss, and the betrayal of her Barbie dolls.

Windrift Hotel Taylor Swift Stone Harbor

3. The Windrift Hotel

The Windrift is a beachfront hotel and restaurant is the kind of place you’d expect to see a Swift family dinner—fancy but not fussy, with sweeping ocean views. I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a crab cake sandwich, imagining Taylor perched at a window table, maybe humming a melody that would eventually become “Tim McGraw.”

4. Fred’s Tavern

Fred’s is a Stone Harbor institution, known for its no-nonsense vibe and solid pub fare. It’s also where locals say Taylor’s parents liked to grab a beer. I sat at the bar, feeling vaguely conspiratorial, and ordered a Fred Burger, which is exactly as straightforward and satisfying as its name suggests.

5. Stone Harbor Point

Stone Harbor Point remains a secluded stretch of sand at the southern tip of the island feels like a secret. It’s quiet, with dunes that look untouched and water that seems to stretch forever. I walked the shoreline and tried to channel my inner Taylor—imagining her here, maybe writing the kind of wistful, heart-wrenching song that makes you stare out the window during a thunderstorm.

The Wetlands Institute Taylor Swift Stone Harbor

6. The Wetlands Institute

Taylor’s family is known for valuing education and nature, so it’s no surprise they’d visit the Wetlands Institute. This small but fascinating center is dedicated to preserving coastal ecosystems, and it’s a great place to learn about the local wildlife. Standing on the boardwalk overlooking the marshes, I wondered if Taylor ever thought about how these same wetlands would one day become a metaphor in her songwriting.

Uncle Bill's Pancake House Stone Harbor Avalon Taylor Swift

7. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House

Uncle Bill’s is the breakfast spot in Stone Harbor, and if Taylor’s family didn’t stop here at least once during their vacations, I’d be shocked. The pancakes are the size of dinner plates and come in every variety you can imagine. I ordered the blueberry pancakes — perhaps the inspiration for “Baby Blue?”

Pottery studio Stone Harbor Taylor Swift

8. Island Studio

This DIY art studio lets you paint your own pottery, and I could see it serving as a rainy-day favorite for Taylor and her brother, Austin. I spent an afternoon painting a mug (poorly) at Island Studio and wondering if Taylor’s early visits here helped spark her famously artistic mind. The staff was thrilled to point out pieces they thought a young Taylor might have painted—though none were definitively hers.

Cape May County Zoo Taylor Swift Stone Harbor New Jersey

9. Cape May County Zoo

Just a short drive from Stone Harbor, the Cape May County Zoo is free, family-friendly, and surprisingly impressive. Taylor’s love for animals is well-documented, so it’s no stretch to imagine her strolling through here, maybe marveling at the giraffes or laughing at the antics of the red pandas. For me, it was a chance to soak in the same sense of wonder she might’ve felt.

10. Coffee Talk

This cozy café serves killer breakfast sandwiches and coffees. Coffee Talk is where a young Taylor performed during her summers in Stone Harbor, offering a glimpse into her early musical journey.