Visit Collingswood & Haddonfield
August 3, 2016
Every summer, thousands of Philadelphians flock to the Jersey Shore to enjoy the beautiful beaches and bustling boardwalks. But New Jersey has a lot more to offer than just its seaside towns. There are many exciting things to do in Pennsylvania’s neighbor state that can be enjoyed all year round and are only a 20 minute train ride away from Center City Philly.
Collingswood, New Jersey is a lively small town with a restaurant district that has grown tremendously in recent years – prompting Inside New Jersey magazine to name it “New Jersey’s hottest new dining destination.”
From upscale Italian cuisine at Zeppoli, to the family fun 50s-themed dining at Pop Shop, there is something for everyone on Restaurant Row. You can also find many of these restaurants selling their tasty treats every Saturday morning from May through October at the Collingswood Farmers’ Market, along with farmers and vendors from all over the tri-state area.
For the sports fanatic, Collingswood’s new DePace Sports Museum is a can’t-miss stop. Opened in 2014, this museum contains some of the most treasured artifacts in sports history, including Muhammed Ali’s signed fighting trunks and the extremely rare School Sisters of Notre Dame Honus Wagner card.
Just minutes down the road from Collingswood is the historic town of Haddonfield, New Jersey. In Haddonfield you can find a picturesque main street lined with boutiques, cafes, and more. A popular destination for cooking connoisseurs is A Taste of Olive, where a variety of quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars are available to be sampled and purchased. To satisfy the sweet tooth, pop in to Gelato Dolcerio and enjoy some of the best gelato and espresso outside of Italy.
On August 4th-7th, Haddonfield will be hosting its's annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. The event will feature many of the towns shop's and boutiques setting up along the sidewalks of Downtown Haddonfield for shopping in the sun. Score some great deals on summertime staples and get a preview of fall collections to come.
While in Haddonfield, history buffs should be sure to take a free tour of Indian King Tavern. Tour guides dress in colonial garb and make you feel as if you have time traveled back to the 1700s. This 250-year old building is a premiere example of eighteenth-century colonial tavern architecture and was the site where New Jersey was legally created. Fun fact: former First Lady Dolley Madison was a frequent visitor!
With so much to do and see, why not take the quick train ride over the bridge and explore South Jersey’s charming towns? It’s easy: just hop on the PATCO Speedline eastbound from one of their four Center City stations. Tickets to Collingswood or Haddonfield are $5.20 roundtrip and can be purchased at kiosks at any PATCO stop.
