Dr. Thea Zunick 
At the heart of Oak Hills Farms is a family-run business rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, a love for the local community, and a whole lot of care. Tucked in the suburbs of Holmdel, New Jersey, this farm and market blends small batch homemade goods, artisan coffee, farm animals, and year-round experiences all in one stop. Co-owners Rich and Carla built Oak Hill Farms in August 2020, turning their shared skills into a place that feels warm and deeply connected to the region around them, with a special nod to Carla’s Peruvian heritage here and there. Keep reading to learn more about this Holmdel staple and what makes it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
All About The Beginnings of Oak Hill Farm
The business opened in August 2020, a time when the community was craving connection and outdoor experiences, and the farm quickly became a bright spot during a challenging season. Soon after their opening, they hired additional staff who are still with them to this day. Andrea has been part of the Oak Hill Farms team since day one, and Joanna joined shortly after , both adding to the friendly, close-knit feel that regular customers love.
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Carla, originally from Peru and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, sought to ensure that her knowledge weaves among the products the store offers, overseeing every detail, including designing the labels of each item. She formulates each balm, roller oil, and skincare product available in the market. Rich, an avid beekeeper, handles the hives and honey operation from which the goods made from the honey are available in the market year-round, including his hot honey, which can even be found in the lattes at the coffee bar.
Learning at the Farm
Education is a big part of the mission. Oak Hill Farms features sample hives for guests to see up close, and runs a summer camp where kids learn about bees, pollination, and the importance of local agriculture. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that reinforces the Farm’s commitment to sustainability and community learning.
Oak Hill Farms is also happy to welcome groups for educational and fun farm tours. It can welcome groups of up to 18 people at a time. Information about reservations for a tour can be found on the website.
Coffee Bar + Treats
Inside the market, Oak Hill Farms operates a full-service coffee bar with espresso sourced from a local roaster, and Peruvian coffee for the drip offerings, which is a sign that Carla is always present. Guests can enjoy baked goods, ice pops sweetened with the honey made by Rich the “bee-keeper”, and seasonal treats while exploring the shop or relaxing outdoors. It’s a popular morning stop among locals looking for a quick pick-me-up. A customer favorite is the Bee Fiery Hot Honey Latte made with Oak Hill Farms’ own hot honey, which is a blend of the Farm’s honey and chili peppers, mixed into a coffee with a little chocolate sauce.
The Great Outdoors
Just off the back of the market is a deck with several spots to enjoy the outdoors, pose for a photo, or visit the resident animals, which perhaps is one of the most charming parts of the farm. During the day, guests can meet the goats, alpacas, mini donkeys, chickens, and the farm’s lone male resident, a vibrant peacock. Families often stop by simply to spend time with the animals, creating a friendly, open-air environment that adds to the farm’s appeal. In the summer, visitors can pick flowers grown right on the farm, and in the winter, that space is replaced by rows of hand-cut Christmas trees grown in Canada.
What to Know Before a Visit
The farm is open year-round, with offerings that shift seasonally. Visitors can explore the market, meet the animals, enjoy coffee and baked goods, and browse all of the handmade products. Markets vary from season to season; the best place to be in the know is by following the Instagram or checking the website. Many guests end up becoming familiar faces, and the team often jokes that if they don’t see someone for a while, they start to worry; that’s how strong the sense of community has become.
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