New Jersey often feels like it’s going a mile a minute, with new businesses coming and going all the time and towns modernizing every year. New developments can bring great things – but sometimes, you just want to step back to a simpler time. To spend a day in a town that celebrates the past, head to Merchantville only a few miles away from the Pennsylvania border. This charming Philly suburb is home to just under 4,000 people – and it has many businesses and destinations that make it the most retro small town in NJ. Spending a day here, you’ll be able to dine at a charming cafe, engage in some old-fashioned recreation at a bowling alley, and visit historic buildings. You could get some world-famous candy – or if you’re here at the right time, you might find an outdoor market. No matter when you arrive, a day in Merchantville is a day to remember.

Merchantville is a charming town where the old ways are still in full force - as you'll see as you walk through the town's Cattell Tract Historic District, dating back to the 1800s.
Jerrye & Roy Klotz/Wikipedia
The town has an active market scene, and every May the main street is taken over for an outdoor produce market.
Borough of Merchantville/Facebook
But there are unique things to do no matter when you're here - including the acclaimed brewery Eclipse Brewing.
Eclipse Brewing/Google Local
The classic wooden tasting room gets you in the perfect mood to sample some of the 18 brews on tap here!
Eclipse Brewing/Google Local
Probably the most famous spot here is Aunt Charlotte's Candies, which just celebrated 100 years in business in 2020.
Linda Pacheco/Google Local

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This classic candy shop still makes its own chocolates, and you can taste the difference. Come hungry!
Nikkinizz/Google Local
For dinner, you'll want to head to Park Place, a charming French-American cafe using high-quality ingredients for beautifully composed dishes.
Joseph/Google Local
The specials change all the time, so make sure to check what's on the menu when you're in town.
David Crowell/Google Local
Remember bowling the night away at an old-school bowling alley? You don't have to be nostalgic thanks to Pinsetter Bar & Bowl.
Pinsetter Bar & Bowl/Google Local
This classic bowling alley also has a full bar and is open until 11 most nights and 12 on Friday and Saturday. It's the perfect finish to a day in Merchantville.
Pinsetter Bar & Bowl/Google Local

Have you visited Merchantville near the Pennsylvania border? Let us know about your day at this charmingly retro small town in NJ in the comments section. You can find out more about Merchantville on the official website, and make sure to visit the official website of Aunt Charlotte’s Candies to see what they’re cooking up now. For another look into New Jersey’s retro past, why not head down the shore to stay at this historic doo-wop motel?

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Featured Addresses
Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA
Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA
Aunt Charlotte's Candies, 5 W Maple Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA
Park Place, 7 E Park Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA