Haddonfield NJ: A Dickens Christmas of a Town

Haddonfield NJ is best known as the spot where the first complete dinosaur skeleton was discovered in the USA – back in the 1800’s. But this small suburb of Philadelphia – a 20-minute drive away – is also known for its fantastic shopping and exquisite downtown.

This would most likely have thrilled its namesake, 21-year-old Quaker woman, Elizabeth Haddon, whose father, John, purchased 500 acres in New World. Due to illness, John Haddon was unable to leave England. So, in 1701, he sent his formidable daughter, Elizabeth, to New Jersey. All by herself. 

This sense of women’s independence has carried through the generations here. Many downtown establishments are Women-Owned. Unique shops line downtown streets so precious and picturesque, that they’ve been compared to a Dickens scene – especially during the holidays when the town is aglow with candlelight.

It’s a Truman Show kind of place where locals say “good morning” to strangers and engage with parents and kids on the daily “Walking School Bus.” This procession takes residents past brick storefronts and beautiful stone churches to blocks away Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.

Lately, town officials have made small adjustments to tradition to draw younger crowds – scheduling Food Truck rodeos, wine tastings, and “Girls Night Out” events. Park your car once and you can walk everywhere. There’s a fantastic Cooking School, unique shops (one owned by the son of a famous actor), history, and good restaurants. Follow along with us….

Where Is Haddonfield NJ?

Haddonfield, New Jersey, is a picturesque borough located in Camden County, in the southwestern part of the state. Nestled amidst the charming suburbs of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Haddonfield offers a blend of small-town charm and urban accessibility. It is conveniently situated just eight miles southeast of downtown Philadelphia, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore both the historic landmarks and cultural attractions of the city while enjoying the serene ambiance of a well-preserved suburban community.

Haddonfield is renowned for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and vibrant downtown district, making it a delightful place to visit for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and local charm in the Garden State.

Things To Do In Haddonfield NJ

VISIT: Indian King Tavern Museum

Named after the friendly Lenape Indians and built in 1750, this colonial tavern and the inn is the site of the signing of the NJ Constitution in 1777, when New Jersey changed from colony to State. In 1903, it was deemed New Jersey’s first State Historic Site. Now, docents lead you through the dark rooms, telling “tavern tales” and reminding visitors of those raucous and tumultuous times.

PHOTO OP: Haddy the Dinosaur Commemorative Statue

According to the history books, Haddonfield NJ is, incredibly,  “Ground Zero” for dinosaur paleontology in the Americas. The first nearly complete skeleton of a dinosaur was unearthed here in 1858, at what is now Hadrosaurus Park – east of Grove St. at the end of Maple Ave.

Hadrosaurus foulkii – a late Cretaceous duck-billed dinosaur – is rendered as the 12-foot bronze statue, Haddy, unveiled in 2003 in a little pocket park on Haddonfield’s main street. What happened to the actual Hadrosaurus skeleton? It’s on exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Haddonfield NJ Shops

“People can buy everything they want on the internet,” says Wild Violet Natural Specialties owner, John Picking. “They don’t really ‘need’ a town like this.”

But store owners here get to know customers and love it, and it shows. The following shops are Maven Picks:

SHOP: Wild Violet Natural Specialties 

Come into Wild Violet for your gluten-free vegan and healthy habit of loved ones. And, oh yes, CBD Oil. 

SHOP: Posh Pop

Speaking of Gluten-Free, Posh Pop bakes yummy cakes and cookies without any gluten at all.

Restaurants in Haddonfield NJ

EAT: Tre Famiglia

This Traditional Italian spot is as small and intimate as its portions are big. Hand-made pastas, creamy risotto, and braised short ribs shine here, but if it’s your first time, order the signature Chicken or Veal Parmesan.

I was talked into ordering it and was glad I did.  Crispy, succulent, gooey, sauce bursting with flavor – I scarfed down nearly two whole chicken breasts in one sitting. No wonder it’s won Readers Choice Awards from a variety of publications.

EAT: Zaffron

This family-owned Mediterranean restaurant (a mash-up of Israeli, Greek, Turkish, Southern France, and Sicilian cuisine) dishes out one of the best Lamb Kabobs I’ve ever had. And that’s saying a lot. I love lamb.

Zaffron specializes in Lamb Shanks. Its signature Chicken “Lula” Wrap with tzatziki and Cold Bean Salad are also outstanding. Find Warm Octopus Salad, Israeli Salad, and a host of fresh and freshly-made dishes in this Cheers-like Mediterranean-fusion eatery where everyone seems to know everyone. 

Hotels Near Haddonfield NJ

STAY: Most visitors make this a daytrip from Philadelphia. But for those coming from far away, stay at the Crowne Plaza, Cherry Hill, about 2 miles away.