Don’t ask us to pick our favorite South Jersey small town – that’s impossible. But here are some stops you’ll definitely want to make this fall for a can’t-miss small town experience.
Pitman
From the iconic Broadway Theatre of Pitman to the newest coffee shops, the charm of Pitman is felt all around. With events like Pitman Porchfest (Oct. 3), the Brews Cruise (Oct. 10) and Chowdown Uptown Food Truck Festival (Nov. 7), the town has the perfect activity for your family. Explore Pitman Grove, home of the Pitman Historical Museum, and stroll down Broadway to grab a bite at local favorites like Milkweed Table + Market and Merryman’s Pub. As it says on their water tower, “Everybody Likes Pitman.”
Medford
Walking the streets of Medford can feel like walking through your favorite fairytale story – one set in a log cabin-filled forest with some delicious food, tasty sweets, prime shopping and fresh coffee to pair with your next adventure. Make sure you hit the highlights: Lakes Coffee, Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, The Shoppes at Medford Mill, In Dietro Caffé. And mark your calendars for the Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival (Sept. 18 & 19) and Food Truck Third Thursdays on every third Thursday of the month.
Collingswood
Feel like walking through a Hallmark movie? We’ve got the town for you. Streets lined with trees and blocks booming with small businesses, Collingswood has enough to keep you “running errands” all day long. Grab a bite on Restaurant Row – the main street that boasts dozens of eateries like Jersey Kebab, Haddon Culinary and Il Fiore. Stroll around the picturesque Cooper River Park to watch the rowers, stop by the famous Farmers Market on Saturdays and keep an eye out for the many events hosted in town, like the upcoming Clover Market (Sept. 20) and Second Saturdays.
Haddonfield
Historic Haddonfield is bursting with infamous moments from the past, but has just as many modern touches to keep visitors and residents coming back each weekend. Start on Kings Highway to fit in some shopping, grab a bite and say hi to “Haddy,” a bronze dinosaur paying homage to the world’s first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton found ( right here in Haddonfield). Celebrate our country’s 250th birthday with historic events happening around town, get a taste of the town during the inaugural Fall Restaurant Week (Sept. 23-27) and do some spooky shopping during the Halloween Night Market (Oct. 23).
Cape May
Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean we have to go down the Shore (and not just because we’ll probably still have some sweltering days in September). Cape May has the fall vibes down, when the Victorian charm of the resort town is in full swing. Admire the Victorian architecture and pastels of the historic homes, spend a day at Historic Cold Spring Village to learn what it was like to live by the sea in the 19th Century and head down for events like the Harvest Brew Festival (Sept. 19), Victorian Weekend (Oct. 9-12) and Crafts and Collectibles Shows (Sept. 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 7) . Keep the relaxation going with afternoons at the Cape May Brewing Co. or Cape May Winery, and take in the beauty of Beach Plum Farm.
