Monmouth Junction, NJ On September 3, 2026, Second Bloom Antiques opened its doors in Monmouth Junction NJ, welcoming more than 150 people during its opening day events. Second Bloom is more than an antique store. It is a part of a growing shift toward destination shopping. Places that offer not only things to buy, but an experience worth spending time in.

 

Located inside the historical barn at Carrefour Gardens, 981 Georges Rd in Monmouth Junction, Second Bloom sits within a beautiful nursery filled with gardens, waterfalls and winding spaces to explore. Visitors can stroll the tranquil grounds, stop for a game of outdoor chess, browse antiques and collectibles, discover the bookshop nook, shop at the farmers market, view work by local artists, take an art class, or wander the variety of unique plants and seasonal offerings. The space also hosts events, lectures and classes as well as food trucks.

 

“It’s a place to wander. To discover something old, something growing, something handmade, something unexpected” Maureen Bodnar expressed! Joe & Maureen Bodnar of Bodnar’s Auction are a part of this vision. “We’re still growing into what Second Bloom will become, but the idea has always been simple, create a place that feels intentional, interesting and a little different every time you come”.  South Brunswick is full of history and this vision for Second Bloom is a community-based business that can have a positive impact on the residents. Their connection with Carrefour Gardens began simply. Every year the Bodnar’s would visit the nursery for seasonal outdoor plants. At checkout customers would enter the barn that operated as a gift shop many years ago. After the owner of Crossroads Nursery passed about 5 years ago the inside of the barn had been in transition.

 

The Bodnar’s eventually approached the new owner, Joe Polito and after many conversations and brainstorming together, they began a collaboration. Thus, Second Bloom began to grow.

We are still planting seeds, and new things are happening every week! New ideas, displays and events are being added. Bodnar’s Auction recently hosted the first of many appraisal days that drew a large gathering of members from the community.  Small local businesses became part of the experience providing refreshments from Pierre’s Bakery, Terhune Orchards and Pink Little Cake.

 

The store is filled with antiques, collectibles, jewelry, toys, unique finds and hidden treasures picked from local estates and auctions. Seasonal displays and items bring another layer to the experience with vintage and crafted Halloween collectibles currently filling the shop. Christmas will follow in the same spirit, blending nostalgia, history and tradition. Plans are underway for an interactive Christmas display visitors can walk through and explore the changing sights.

 

October continues with a full calendar of events. Upcoming events include a Pumpkin Carving Contest; Authors, Writers & Book Club Organizers Meetup; Wear the Art, a live heat pressing session; a Dot Painting Mini-Workshop with Eva; an Antique Appraisal Day sponsored by Bodnar’s Auction; Twilight in the Garden, an Unofficial Twilight-Inspired evening celebrating the books and films; and Disco Dance Night at the Garden.