October 31, 2016
Collingswood is a charming older town located just outside of Philadelphia and it’s filled with places you won’t be able to find within the heart of the city. From an old-fashioned theater to a retro diner featuring a milkshake bar, Collingswood offers something for everyone!
These are the top five things you must check out in Collingswood:
Looking for a throwback to the 60’s? Then The Pop Shop is the place for you! Set up like a retro diner (complete with a milkshake bar), this is your one-stop for old-school dining! This retro eatery sells breakfast all day, and the lunch and dinner menus include favorites like the Old School Burger, made out of a half pound Angus Beef, as well as chicken cheesesteaks featuring chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onion. When you’re finished, end your meal with a creamsicle milkshake or cherry coke float made the old-fashioned way. The Pop Shop is open every day and is located on Haddon Avenue.
David Crosby called it one of the coolest places he’s ever seen. The Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium is one of the largest auditoriums in South Jersey and has all the beauty and charm of an old-fashioned theater. With detailed architecture that resembles the Art Deco period, it hosts a variety of performers, from Brian Culbertson’s Funk Tour on November 4th to Wizards of Winter performing on December 10th, So mark your calendar and come on down for a one-of-a-kind experience!
Looking for a classy night out at a fancy restaurant? Then Nunzio should be your destination of choice! The menu features authentic Italian cuisine and the beautiful Italian décor of the restaurant will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Italy. For lunch, you can have Ravioli alla Aragosta, delicious lobster ravioli in a vodka sauce and for dinner an exquisite meal of Salmone alla Griglia, grilled salmon with tomato and basil. And for dessert — only one of the best Italian treats will do: Tiramisu.
But what makes Nunzio so special? The inside of the restaurant resembles a town— complete with replica building exteriors and shrubbery that you would find on the streets of Italy. Take it all in at an upcoming event. On November 5th, the restaurant will feature “Thanks Giving Italian Style” — an event where head chef Nunzio Patruno shares his favorite tips and recipes for creating the perfect dishes. Or stop by for cooking classes for any aspiring chef!
Need more greenery in your life? Then you need to take a trip to Cooper River for a dose of nature, just outside of the city. Cooper River is more than just a park — it features softball fields, volleyball courts, a playground, and even a sculpture garden! This is the perfect day getaway for the entire family — including the canines! Cooper River has a pooch park perfect for a day of play with your best friend. Bring your bike along too and ride down over five miles of scenic bike paths!
Started in 2000 by a local resident, the Collingswood Farmers’ Market offers a variety of fresh and local produce sold by local farmers between Haddon Avenue and the PATCO train station. Look for green stripes at the market to find locally-grown produce, and red stripes for produce grown in other regions. There’s something for everyone, and best of all you’ll be supporting Jersey farmers! The market runs every Saturday through November 19th from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — so hurry up, there’s still time to get your hands on the freshest produce around before the season is over!
These are only a few of the unique places that Collingswood has to offer. Only seven miles away from the city, you can have a day of nature, excellent Italian dining and enjoy a classic theater!! So come on by for a day or an entire weekend and experience this special town for yourself.