You could say that Historic Haddonfield can hold its own with a story that travels back centuries, but it’s much more than that.
It’s a special place that’s chock full of day and nighttime fun.
With over 200 shops and restaurants, quaint spots that offer spots to take a rest such as a gazebo and the aroma of winter now in the air, it’s hard to ignore all that’s to be found on either side of King’s Highway – the main hub for downtown Haddonfield.
And nothing spells the holiday season better than the sight of the wreath-adorned light posts, the magically lit trees and the hustle and bustle of the pedestrian and vehicle traffic, all to give that holiday rush an added layer of excitement.
Earlier this year Niche named Haddonfield among the best places to live in New Jersey, with one current resident highlighting its “wonderful, walkable community, diverse downtown dining and retail, beautiful, wooded trails, unique homes of all sizes and great schools.”
It’s easy to see why. It’s also been chosen as one of the best places to live, shop or dine in the Delaware Valley by Philadelphia Magazine and the readers of the Courier Post have voted the locale as the Best Downtown Shopping Area more than once. With just a short ride from both the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges it’s easy to find, but maybe that’s because the town with so much history is simply hard to resist.
The PATCO Haddonfield Station sits in the heart of historic Haddonfield at Kings Highway West and Washington Avenue – it’s on the PATCO Speedline. It offers daily parking, bicycle racks and full ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility for its commuters, along with direct access to the downtown business district. It serves its purpose as a transportation hub.
I hopped on the Speedline for a pit stop in the city and decided to swing back to Haddonfield for some last-minute fun before the day came to an end. It wasn’t long before I stumbled across Home on Haddon, a home goods store that isn’t your ordinary home store.
Since I don’t know what to expect, my vision for Home on Haddon is that of a combination of hardware and home décor. But I’m instantly greeted by two cheery window displays on either side that can’t be missed. With fall fading away and Dec. 25 not far off, I might peek in the window to see what gadgets I could make use of before I move on, but that’s all part of the fun.
Catherine Kaplan, founder of Home on Haddon, opened her own store because she wanted to help people bring beautiful things into their house or gift to another. It’s no surprise to have discovered that she was an interior designer for more than 20 years, given that I felt like I was at home when I stepped inside. It’s easy to take what’s right in my face and imagine how it would spruce up the home, whether it’s that accent pillow that suits my style, that Christmas tree that’s already glittery and bright, the cookware that’s appropriate for any recipe, the wall fixtures that I found myself slipping away in or the candles that I can’t help but take a whiff of.
What’s stated on Home on Haddon’s website is not a joke: they strive to create one-of-a-kind décor and home accents that are curated out of the best quality items, at a reasonable price. I couldn’t help but notice that like other shops downtown, this gem follows just that. While I’m browsing through an array of jewelry, baby and kid’s accessories, pet accessories and other affordable items, I’m comforted by the thought that I won’t be breaking the bank in this place.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m just as intrigued by the treasures that I can find in the Quaker community as much as the next person, but I’m also a sucker for sweets and treats. Take for example Duffy’s Fine Chocolates. It’s a little further downtown but still within walking distance. Like Home on Haddon, I found another window display that had remnants of fall lingering when I gazed upon the orange pumpkins, but it was all too welcoming. Charles J. Duffy and his wife Elizabeth started Duffy’s Delicious Candies from their home in Gloucester City in 1922. It’s a confectionary that’s been passed down through five generations, and the candy – everything from the signature chocolates to the caramels, the confections, the candy apples, the assortments and more – is consistently handcrafted in small batches to ensure the finest quality. But suppose you know someone who likes their sweets with their treats and you want to surprise them? Well, you’re in luck because on the shop’s website lies Byers’ Choice figurines, dolls that would do just the trick. Be sure to follow Duffy’s Fine Chocolates on Facebook and Instagram for live updates and make sure not to miss this spot when you’re in town.
As someone who enjoys herself a timeless classic, I can’t help but faintly hear Petula Clark’s hit song “Downtown” in my mind when I’m reminded that Haddonfield embodies just a snippet of the lyrics: “Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty.” And while a traffic light or a stop sign doesn’t seem appealing at first sight, something about the glow feels different downtown. But before I got lost in that thought, I continued my journey and I couldn’t help but briefly catch Haddy the dinosaur, the bronze statue sculpted by artist John Giannotti that pays tribute to the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton – the Hadrosaurus foulkii – discovered in the United States in 1958. Let’s face it, Haddy’s hard to miss at 8-feet-tall by 18-feet-long.
While my mind has been on what I can find for the adults, I can’t forget about the little ones. My nephews and niece are growing faster than I could have imagined and time seems like a thief. Snuggled between The Spice and Tea Exchange of Haddonfield and nineNORTH, a men’s and women’s clothing boutique, sits a children’s consignment shop, Dandelion District. This boutique is just the ticket for reasonably priced clothing for babies, toddlers and kid, with almost everything coming in a variety of sizes, brands, styles and more. Think of that cute, little quilted bomber jacket for breezy weather. But now we’re preparing for winter and finding warm pajamas is a top priority. Or maybe a denim jacket that would keep them cozy at school? But what else goes with the clothes? It’s all about the accessories and Dandelion District has the headbands, the shoes, the hats and more that not many would have trouble mixing and matching. And for parents who want to shop without having to be distracted by their little ones – no matter how cute – there’s a safe space for the kids to play and make new friends.
I also discovered A Little Whimsy, a whimsical children’s boutique that opened in 2020. Owner Halle Hird shops for the baby, children’s and gift shop and passes her finds on to the consumer. She wants her business to be a fun place for kids and moms alike, and she fills the shelves with products designed and made by other moms, Black and minority makers and designers who consider the impact their products make on our planet. A Little Whimsy stays true to its name as I felt like I stepped into something reminiscent of the board game Candy Land with the bright colors, the fun music, the variety of toys such as Dinkum Dolls and Maileg (Danish designed toys created to inspire children’s favorite playtime stories by bringing storybook whimsy to every day moments), the children’s books including “A Horse Called Now” and “Maisy Goes to the Local Bookstore” and, of course, the kid’s clothes. There’s so much more to discover through the shop’s website, where I wouldn’t have a problem browsing for just the right product for my small, loved ones.
I’d be amiss to ignore the restaurants and cafés that feature something for everyone. Saxby’s Haddonfield for coffee lovers or those looking to get their work done in a quiet hub. Mare Monte for the ones looking for Italian cuisine. Across the pond there’s The British Chip Shop. Crust N Fire for pizza lovers. Passariello’s Haddonfield – a mix of pizza and Italian. Gouldsburger’s for the good old-fashioned hamburger. But what’s a good meal without an adult beverage? King’s Road Brewing Company, originally founded in 2016 by five friends, came to a town that had been dry since 1873. King’s Road has proudly served some of the region’s freshest and finest hand-crafted ales and lagers to plenty of locals and visitors alike. But I seem to gravitate to spots that offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, and at The Bistro at Haddonfield, that’s where you’ll find a space designed for quality and comfort.
When I have the chance to wander through a boutique and discover the rarities I won’t see elsewhere, that’s always a win. Bruce Epstein, owner of Just Bella – Fashion Boutique, takes monthly shopping trips to New York City to bring the newest and brightest bags, accessories and fashion jewelry to the region. Featured handbag brands include MZ Wallace, Love Moschino, Hobo bags and more. Epstein’s jewelry fits those occasions that need an extra shine, such as weddings, special events (think of those upcoming holiday work parties) and nights out, from the diamond rings to the earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more. The shelves are aligned with the most pristine items that lock in a gaze and it wasn’t hard not to be impressed. With Just Bella, there’s something special there.
I can’t help but cherish the valuables I have that others have made just for my taste. And some of those valuables are simple items that came together with a hook and a thread. While it may be a few blocks away from downtown, Hooked Fine Yarn Boutique has just what every yarn enthusiast needs. Materials so soft, so bright and unique that instantly when I walked through the door, my mind was set at ease. And given that a few of my family members – maybe yours too – utilize crocheting to express their creativity, this place was just the spot to explore. With a wide selection of quality yarns in a variety of natural fibers, it’s a friendly shop that offers fine notions for knitting and crochet. Samples come in colors such as Pumpkin To Talk About, Be Hoppy, Born in a Barn and Yellow Submarine. Patterns like Daisy Pink and Decagon are sure to be something not found in your typical shop. But it doesn’t stop there. Hooked also offers classes for beginners to advanced level, project kits, accessories like needles and hooks, books and magazines filled with tips and tricks, gift ideas and more. And it wouldn’t be complete without the friendly staff on hand to assist you like they did me with what I had in mind. ‘Tis the season to get “hooked” on this place and if you’re looking for more, feel free to check out their online store.
Ylvia Asal came to the United States from Turkey in 2003; what she considers the start of her second life. In 2018, she was chosen as a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Folk and Traditional Artist Fellow and as one of 20 South Jersey artists to participate in the Creative Capital program. She opened her business – Ylvia Asal Studio- Anatolian Cultures and Arts – in Ventnor City in 2012. Six years later she would relocate to downtown Haddonfield, where she now teaches a range of techniques that include embroidery on paper, crochet, knitting and hand embroidery, just to name a few. Her work is deeply rooted in Oya, the intricate lace tradition of Anatolia, a centuries-old handmade craft passed through generations, and her mission is simple: to bring people together through a celebration of Anatolian arts and cultures. It’s clear to see that Asal’s studio is rich in her culture, with hand-crafted lace jewelry, bags, clothes, and art around every corner. As someone who works with mediums like clay, wax, fabric and Ebru (the traditional Turkish art of paper marbling), she hopes to one day establish a larger space for preservation, collaboration and cultural exchange. Asal is all about celebrating the labor and artistry of women. I couldn’t help but notice how apparent it was that everything she makes comes from the heart, not just from her roots. It’s a can’t-miss, colorful shop located right in the heart of Haddonfield, so be sure to put it on the list this holiday season.
It’s always the decorated window displays that get me every time. With so many businesses that focus on home décor, it’s hard to choose the one that suits you without visiting a few. But I found myself lost in Haddonfield’s Restored Antiquity, not a bad thing at all. Adorned with a sense of charm, this country-chic space, also located in uptown Pitman, has all kinds of finds from candles and soaps to floral and garden, kitchen, seasonal and Boho style. From front to back, Restored Antiquity will have the average holiday shopper walking through a winter wonderland with Christmas trees and the sprinkle of sparkly lights leading the way.
I can see why many people cannot resist Haddonfield. As we prepare for the holidays, make it a priority to slow down, take it all in and enjoy what’s left of 2025. And there’s no better place to do that than historic Haddonfield.
