If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Cherry Hill, NJ, consider taking a stroll during in the last two weeks of April when two miles of Chapel Avenue and other areas throughout the township come into full bloom with cherry blossoms. The rest of the year, this small city outside of Philadelphia offers no shortage of fun day- and nighttime activities for couples—whether that’s exploring historic Cherry Hill from days of yore, throwing axes, learning to paddleboard, reorganizing your storage unit or opting for a more traditional dinner for two. Also, with the city just a short car or train ride away, be sure to check out our roundup of Philly date ideas.
If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Cherry Hill, NJ, consider taking a stroll during in the last two weeks of April when two miles of Chapel Avenue and other areas throughout the township come into full bloom with cherry blossoms. The rest of the year, this small city outside of Philadelphia offers no shortage of fun day- and nighttime activities for couples—whether that’s exploring historic Cherry Hill from days of yore, throwing axes, learning to paddleboard, reorganizing your storage unit or opting for a more traditional dinner for two. Also, with the city just a short car or train ride away, be sure to check out our roundup of Philly date ideas.
Nostalgic Dates
1. Barclay Farmstead
One of the last holdouts of Cherry Hill’s rural past, this 19th-century Quaker farm and living museum is listed on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places. Tour the Federal=style 16-room house to learn about life back in the day and then explore the nature trails and (over 100!) community garden plots.
2. Battleship New Jersey
It’s not everyone’s idea of romance, but for those interested in military, engineering or maritime endeavors, the most decorated battleship in U.S. history can make for an intriguing outing together. If possible, opt for one of the occasionally offered Twilight Adult tours, which include more risqué sailor art, naughty storytelling and a complimentary glass of beer or wine.
3. Indian King Tavern Museum
In nearby Haddonfield, the Indian King Tavern draws American history enthusiasts. This is the site where New Jersey officials drew up the documents to transition from colony to statehood. The state’s first government-owned museum, it’s now open to the public and hosts special events.
4. Walt Whitman House
Book ahead for a tour of poet Whitman’s Greek Revival home in Camden. The very site where he penned Leaves of Grass is now designated as a New Jersey State Historic Site and National Historic Landmark and you can see his letters, personal effects and some rare photos of the man himself.
Sampling Dates
5. Area Farmers Markets
If you’re at a certain point in your relationship, you just might be ready to stroll through a producer’s market together, catch a live musical act, sample locally made kombucha or brownies and support area farms. Luckily, there are several great ones in the area to choose from: in Westmont, Haddonfield and Collingswood, for starters. Check seasonal times and hours.
6. Eclipse Brewing
At Merchantville’s quirky craft brewery, you can take advantage of eclectic beer-related events you won’t find elsewhere, like Birds and Beer, which does not refer to the Eagles, but instead to birdwatching with a pint in hand. (Also, pilates with beer!) For $6, the sample flight is a steal.
7. Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing
Summer lives on at this hidden away Cherry Hill brewpub where the namesake selections include Funnel Cake Nitro cream ale and What the Butler Saw witbier and the seasonal bottles are named for sideshow characters. Tasting room hours are weekend only, snacks are BYO and there are board games and skeeball to keep you amused between rounds.
8. Train Wreck Distillery
Mt. Holly’s Train Wreck, the first legal distillery in Burlington County since the days of Prohibition, invites imbibers to its tasting room, which is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The onetime train station offers tours and samplings of gin, rum, vodka and whiskey, with occasional live music and food trucks.
Learning Dates
9. Board and Brush
If painting pottery seems too predictable, this workshop, part of a national chain, offers another alternative for your date night: DIY personalized wood signs. You’ll learn how to distress and sand the wood, then stain and paint it to create a decorative or functional craft. Count on three hours total from start to finish.
10. Candlelight Dance Club
Even if you’re not preparing for a wedding, getting some professional dance instruction is never a bad idea. At this club you can take a free first lesson—anything from the fox trot to the hustle—and learn how to move in sync with your partner.
11. Crosswater SUP
Take your sweetheart to learn something new at this stand-up paddleboard school on the Cooper River. Lessons are held on Saturdays and Sundays and equipment is provided. Or have a seat and rent a kayak to explore the water.
12. In My Grandmother’s Kitchen
A couple that makes pasta together, eats pasta together, and these classes, held in two South Jersey locations, pass on the owner’s family secrets for hand-rolled noodles and stuffed pastas of all shapes. Small groups also gather here for lessons on traditional Italian sweets like pizzelles, strudel, and cannoli.
13. The Wine Room of Cherry Hill
If your oenophilia goes beyond tasting and into the DIY realm, this local resource should be the next stop on your dating itinerary. Winemaking classes last over four sessions where you can learn to de-stem and crush grapes, press them in authentic Italian presses, set them in barrels to age, rack them to remove sediment and finally, bottle the wine with personalized labels to share with impressed friends.
Entertainment Dates
14. Challenge Grove Park
This recreational community hub sets the stage for your most active dates, whether that’s a tennis match, a round of bocce, a run around the track or a spin on the bike path. Pack a picnic for two and make a longer day out of it. On the grounds is the old Croft Farmstead, currently being renovated to make more room for recreational arts activities.
15. Chopper’s Hatchet House
When your relationship could use an injection of excitement, book a session of competitive axe-throwing at this fun hotspot. A digital scoreboard and professional regulator will make you both feel like experts in no time. In case tossing large heavy objects gets to be too much, there are pool tables, video games and other diversions, too.
16. Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium
One of the jewels of nearby Collingswood, this historic theater hosts a serious lineup of musical acts and also hosts the local community theater troupe. Check the changing schedule for the latest lineup but expect an intimate performance experience.
17. The Great Escape Room Challenge
The escape room craze shows no signs of letting up and this chain of South Jersey game venues offers a high-quality experience. With convincing décor and several themed rooms (Bank Heist, Mission to Mars, Runaway Train and the menacing Unknown, to name just a few), you and your partner can learn how you operate under (self-imposed) pressure.
18. Grooveground Coffeebar
If one or both of you are music lovers, you’ll want to check out Grooveground in Collingswood. This coffee bar and café hosts live music events and also serves as a record store with new and used vinyl, CDs and DVDs for sale. You can even BYOV (bring your own vinyl) on monthly nights and hear your own collection on the sound system.
19. Pinsetter Bar and Bowl
A mod bowling alley with a midcentury vibe but 21st century amenities makes for a timeless date spot. The 34 lanes come with food and beverage service, or you can sit at the sports bar and order your cocktails and cheesesteak-loaded fries from there. Light shows, an onsite DJ and video projections complete the experience.
20. Tilt Studio
It’s always playtime at the Voorhees Town Center Mall where this 20,000 square foot outpost of a national chain keeps the attractions coming. Play a round of blacklight mini-golf, laser tag or mini bowling or crush your competition at dozens of arcade games.
Dinner Dates
21. The Farm and the Fisherman Tavern
An acclaimed chef prepares local food at this easygoing but excellent restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you can order PA trout with herb salad while your partner chows down on a brisket burger with onion jam and everyone leaves happy.
22. Hearthside
The titular hearth refers to the wood-fired oven, which provides both a cozy atmosphere and the necessary heat for delicious fare. Bring a bottle of wine or some beer to accompany the homey but sophisticated eats like handmade pastas, flatiron steak and blondies with ice cream.
23. La Cita
It’s called “a date,” and given that this Mexican BYOB serves both lunch and dinner, there’s very little excuse not to bring your significant other here. Specialties of the house include molcajetes, huarache and a five-taco sampler that could be shared—if you have that kind of relationship.
24. Porch and Proper
Slightly more adventuresome eaters will want to check out this bistro, set in a century-old building with a picturesque porch. The menu mixes and matches elements and influences with surprising wit and savvy. Bring your own beverages and choose the tasting menu for the most romantic results.
25. The Pub
Hearkening back to the 1930s, The Pub is more of a South Jersey tradition than a typical date night eatery. For the right date, however, this retro steakhouse with Knights of the Round Table décor can be lots of fun and a great value, with hefty portions of timeless eats like prime rib and twice-baked potatoes, not to mention an endless salad bar.
