Cherry Hill/Haddonfield - Cherry Hill, NJ Area Guide

The area remains rife with history and culture, with Haddonfield maintaining an actively preserved historic district. The Leni-Lenape American Indians were the original inhabitants of the region, who disappeared shortly after the first settlers from England arrived. With rapid population growth after World War II, the area has blossomed into a thriving mecca for business, with Subaru of America and TD Bank housing headquarters in Cherry Hill. The Barclay Farm Museum memorializes when Southern New Jersey was primarily an agrarian society. Cherry Hill has sponsored a Plant a Patch, a where over one hundred gardeners grow and harvest their own plots and are offered a free lecture series every August in an attempt to increase agricultural literacy. Haddonfield Craft and Fine Art Festival is held every summer, drawing over 100,000 attendees and highlighting the area's most innovative artisans of everything from paintings to clothing.

Finding options to dine out in the area shouldn't pose a problem, and with so many options close by, you won't have to look far to get your nosh on. Be aware: Haddonfield residents who find themselves craving a beer after work have to find a watering hole in a nearby location — the town has been dry since the late-19th century. New Jersey gives Philadelphia a run for its money on famed Philly cheese steaks at Chick's Deli. Tucked away in an unassuming alley, this establishment serves up some of the best cheese steaks around. Suited businessmen on their lunch breaks and hungry construction workers mingle around this tiny hole in the wall joint due to the perfect cheese to meat ratios, quality ingredients and fresh rolls. For a breakfast menu packed with 200 varieties of omelettes,30 blends of pancakes and French toast, and down-home chicken and waffles, check out Amy's Omelette House in Cherry Hill. The massive menu just previews the size of the heaping plates of grub you get here, so come to this establishment hungry. Find the hidden gem Fuji, a dimly lit romantic date-night spot with an authentic Japanese atmosphere, among the fanciful little shops and throngs of boutiques in Haddonfield. Serving a full sushi menu and innovative dishes such as pan-seared Chilean sea bass and beef sukiyaki hotpot, this establishment provides succulent, fresh fare that keeps patrons returning. Take your date for a stroll around the charming town when the meal is done. A night out for drinks and bar food calls for a stop at P.J. Whelihan's. Since the bar opens at 11 a.m and doesn't close until 2 a.m., you can make this place a lunch stop for some wings and a cold one. Catch a sports broadcast on one of the many TVs, or just hang out with friends. On busy days, you can find extra parking at the Rite Aid across the street.

The quickest and easiest way into the city is The PATCO Speedline, a rapid transit system operating 24 hours a day/seven days a week directly to Philadelphia. New Jersey Transit bus system has stops throughout both Cherry Hill and Haddonfield. Boltbus has daily service to New York City. When traveling by car, the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 295 are easily accessible major thoroughfares in and out of town. Cabs are available, but you will need to call ahead for service. Uber does have service to the city, but the PATCO is a much more affordable and speedy route. Haddonfield prides itself in being a pedestrian friendly town. Since the town is within a two mile radius, all of it is accessible by foot or bike. The borough's speed limit remains at 25 mph, making it a safe spot for bikers on the road. Paid parking is available on most streets, and kiosks are available for both long- and short-term parking. Meters do not give change for cash payments.

Cherry Hill has a staggering 51 public parks. From long biking trails to nature observatories, the township is clearly interested in cultivating the local culture through nature. Most parks are free of charge and open throughout the year. Challenge Grove Park has two playgrounds for the tots, a bike trail, two basketball courts and a long jump, making it a great destination to hang with the family. An outdoor pavilion with indoor bathrooms makes it a great spot for a picnic on a nice spring day. Croft Farm comes complete with a community arts center. This historic landmark serves as a venue for concerts as well as seminars and classes related to the arts. Six trails wind through forest and meadows, making this an excellent spot to take a bike ride. Bring your binoculars, the New Jersey Audobon selected Croft Farm as one of their state-wide birding and wildlife viewing trails. Bring the dog for a run or take the kids on a hike; the scenery is quite amazing.

Life in Cherry Hill and Haddonfield carries a lower-than-average cost of living compared to the rest of the state. The purposeful placement of the town provides commuters with a fluid 30-minute drive into the city's center, making the area a tangible option for those wishing to put down roots close to Philadelphia. A bus ride to the city will run you about four bucks and a beer will set you back $8. Gas prices run about 8 percent lower than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment will cost you around $700 a month, a bit less than the state's average of $800, though certain apartments in Haddonfield can be a bit pricier.

Whether you fancy a mall housing major department stores or smaller local boutiques, plentiful options of each can be found in the region. Cherry Hill Mall is an upscale shopping mall featuring stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, Michael Kors, Urban Outfitters, Armani Exchange, and Coach. A variety of restaurants are located in and around the mall. Two hundred shops and galleries line the historic streets of Haddonfield's downtown district, earning the title "Best Downton Shopping Area" by the Courier Post. It's easy to see why, with its charming laid- back vibe and clean streets. There is an Acme Market in downtown Haddonfield and Wegmans has a location on Route 70 in Cherry Hill. Their famed market cafe, where hot sandwiches are served up alongside kung pao chicken and freshly made pizzas, is the highlight of the shopping experience. Pick up some wine and a crusty loaf of bread, and while you're at it, grab some sushi made right on premises. Springdale Farms is an indoor farmers market featuring produce harvested from Cherry Hill's last working farm. Year round, you will find an immense selection of fresh veggies, decadent baked goods, ready-to-plant flowers, and a smorgasbord of herbs. Knowledgeable and friendly associates are able to help navigate those harder questions on plants or simply how to cook up that zucchini you just bought.