A Jersey town embraced as part of the greater Philadelphia region is still a Jersey town — and Haddonfield ranks among Jersey’s Best. One of the state’s oldest communities, Haddonfield dates back to the early 1700s when “West Jersey” was claimed and renamed by Elizabeth Haddon; but one can argue, rightly, that Hadrosaurus foulkii got here first. Make no bones about it: Haddie’s prehistoric skeleton was a landmark discovery in Haddonfield in 1858, proof of life long before the American Revolution and the Quakers came along.
Haddonfield is awash in history and overflowing with all the contemporary charms you can pour into 48 hours. Photo by Joana McDonnell
Today’s Haddonfield is both revolutionary and evolutionary; seen through the eyes of its exuberant (volunteer) Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich, the town is a sight to behold and the future looks bright.
“First and foremost, we welcome everyone from the region and beyond to come spend a few days in the most beautiful borough in New Jersey,” gushed the mayor. “We have an incredibly vibrant and historic downtown that is not to be missed, full of fantastic places to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner!”
That’s just for starters. An escape to this modern slice of Americana on our side of the Delaware River is awash in history and overflowing with all the contemporary charms you can pour into 48 hours.
When it comes to cuisine, Haddonfield offers an eclectic selection. Photo by Getty Images
Downtown Haddonfield — Eats, Arts and Accouterments
With a vibe described as “colonial, but cool and chic,” Haddonfield’s under 2 miles of downtown thoroughfares, anchored by Kings Highway, are easily walkable. Its restaurants, galleries, art installations, and array of unique boutiques make for more than a couple days’ worth of pleasant pastimes.
The Eats
“Downtown you’ll find global cuisines from Indian, Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, Israeli and beyond,” Mayor Bezich said. “Get into town early, make reservations, and start your day with one of our great breakfasts.”
Haddonfield is a dry town, but you can BYO anywhere — perhaps tote a bottle of prosecco and mix up a mimosa to go with all-day-every-day brunch at Café Lift to start. Try the Bistro at Haddonfield for breakfast, lunch or dinner and add a side of upgraded fries — truffle parmesan, you say? — or wrap your tentacles around the grilled Greek style octopus. Among other great options for dinner are Italian at Mare Monte, Verona, or Tre Famiglia; Mediterranean at Zaffron; Indian at Cross Culture; authentic British cuisine at The British Chip Shop; and creative plates at bistros like Gass and Main and Gouldsburger’s. Treat yourself at Sweet T’s Bakeshop, Downtown Cookies or Gracie’s Water Ice and Ice Cream Parlour.
If you’re into libations, you can still wet your whistle (dry town notwithstanding). Visit the beautiful new tasting room at William Heritage Winery to sample its award-winning local wines, the Kings Road Brewing Co.’s tasting room and beer garden for craft beer and ales, or the cocktail bars at Wildfether Distilling for small batch vodka, gin, rye whiskey and bourbon.
The Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust (HOST) is credited with the installation of rotating public art throughout Haddonfield. Photo by Joana McDonnell
The Arts
Art is alive, well, and on display indoors and out in Haddonfield, thanks to a pair of nonprofits — the Markeim Art Center and the Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust.
“Markeim offers rotating gallery exhibits year-round, showcasing a variety of mediums by appointment in our art gallery, located just one block from downtown,” said Megan York Parker, who sits on the Markeim Board of Directors. “Please call before you visit, as hours are largely by appointment outside of gallery and ceramic course space usage.”
Consult markeimartscenter.org for information about current exhibits, classes, and programs.
The Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust (HOST) is credited with the installation of rotating public art throughout Haddonfield. A downloadable interactive Outdoor Sculpture Map, available on the HOST website, offers a suggested walking tour so you don’t miss a thing. The kiddos will surely not want to miss the Children’s Sculpture Zoo, where they’ll be enchanted by life-size animal sculptures. The Artwalk on Mechanic Street, reminiscent of the open-air exhibitions of Paris, puts the work of artists on display for locals and visitors to admire and purchase.
Infinite options await in the abundant locally owned shops that dot the downtown Haddonfield map, attracting discriminating shoppers from all over South Jersey and Philly, too. Photo by Joana McDonnell
The Accouterments
Speaking of things to admire and purchase, infinite options await in the abundant locally owned shops that dot the downtown Haddonfield map, attracting discriminating shoppers from all over South Jersey and Philly, too. Fashionistas will find unique, on trend, and carefully curated collections at such boutiques as Joey’s Unique Boutique, Just Bella, Lunachick, and The Boutique Bar. Savvy shoppers will discover luxury and vintage consignments at Maison Marcelle Boutique, Caroline’s Luxuries, and Raks Thrift Avenue. Fine jewelry, home accessories, books, stationary, bridal, gourmet food, kids’ clothes and toys, and all manner of buyable treasures can be found in nearly 200 downtown specialty stores.
Infinite options await in the abundant locally owned shops that dot the downtown Haddonfield map, attracting discriminating shoppers from all over South Jersey and Philly, too. Photo by Joana McDonnell
If You Host It, They Will Come
Haddonfield welcomes thousands of visitors regularly, but those numbers multiply when there’s a special event on the calendar. Following are some of the community and regional events held throughout the year that you might want to add to your schedule:
Restaurant Week/Taste of Haddonfield — February/March
A six-day event showcasing the specialty cuisine of participating restaurants offering curated menus, special hours and exclusive offers.
Health & Wellness Festival — May
Following the success of the inaugural event, the Health & Wellness Festival returns each May bringing practitioners, non-profits, fitness studios and more to share information, conduct health screenings, and lead fitness workouts.
Every Saturday from May through October, visit the Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, local honey and more — plus local vendors and special events. Photo by Joana McDonnell
Haddonfield Farmers Market — Saturdays, May through October
This weekly event features all you’d expect — fresh produce, baked goods, local honey and more — plus local vendors and special events. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Skirmish — June
This widely popular historical reenactment of the British Invasion and challenge by Continental Troops commemorates the 1778 conflict. Held outside the historic Indian King Tavern Museum — another landmark attraction to visit — The Skirmish draws cheering crowds along the sidewalk to witness the battle as well as other fun Colonial activities such as a Yelling Contest, Colonial Dancing and Pillory Prisoners.
Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Arts Festival — July
A free, two-day event showcasing more than 200 artists and crafters from all over the region exhibiting a wide range of work, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, fiber, paper, drawings, paintings, photography and wearable art.
Summer Street Feast — August
An evening event of food trucks, music and more to kick off the four-day Summer Sidewalk Sale through the weekend to follow.
Summer Sidewalk Sale — August
Local businesses spill their wares out onto the sidewalks with special hours and summer markdowns for three days of shopping al fresco.
Halloween Night Market — Last Friday in October
The town that inspired the fictitious “Haddonfield, Illinois” and the hometown Debra Hill, co-writer of the horror film “Halloween,” captures the spirit of the holiday with a night of vendors, artists, DJ music and more.
From Black Friday until Christmas, the downtown area takes on the holidays Dickensian-style, with twinkling light displays, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday shopping throughout. Photo by Joana McDonnell
Candlelight Shopping — Fridays from Black Friday until Christmas
Downtown Haddonfield takes on the holidays Dickensian-style, with twinkling light displays, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday shopping throughout. Held every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. with special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Haddonfield Plays and Players — Year Round
A community theater founded in 1934, the non-profit Haddonfield Plays and Players has a long history of providing quality, affordable theater produced and performed by non-professional creatives. Consult haddonfieldplayers.com for seasonal performances and to purchase tickets. The 2023 season wraps with “Something Rotten!” In September/October and “An American in Paris” in December.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Hopkins Pond offers a .6-mile beginner’s hiking trail. Photo by Joana McDonnell
Outside Chances
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Crows Wood Nature Area features ball fields, hiking trails passing through woodland and streamside, and opportunities for birding and wildlife observations — you might be surprised by a beaver in the early morning hours. Hopkins Pond offers a .6-mile beginner’s trail, and the Cooper River Historic Trail passes through Haddonfield — winding past Haddie the dinosaur’s excavation site.
At the suggestion of Mayor Bezich, “Get some fresh air and be one with nature. There are so many trees and greenery; and the Haddon Culinary Market features delicious grab-and-go as well as a full chef-curated menu, so you can have a picnic.”
48 Hours, But Not in a Row
For all its quaint hospitality, Haddonfield is short on hotels. Thankfully, it’s just a swift slip out of town for some shuteye in neighboring Cherry Hill or Mount Laurel before you’re back to brunching, munching, browsing, and beholding the best of Haddonfield once again.
Credit: Source link