Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal

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Here’s What to Do in Downtown Hammonton, New Jersey

Whether it’s in the center of town right next to our bridal shop or amazing places to visit just a short drive away, there's plenty do see and do in Hammonton. Get to know this wonderful town in the heart of South Jersey! Here's a glimpse at some of the top things to do in Downtown Hammonton, New Jersey.

You can find Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal on Bellevue Avenue in Downtown Hammonton!

Hammonton bakeries and markets

Need a little pick-me-up? Downtown Hammonton has a couple of great cafes where you can get your caffeine fix.

Casciano Coffee Bar: If you make it here for an early appointment, your go-to cafe will be Casciano Coffee Bar and Sweetery. Open from 7-5 on weekdays and 8-4 on weekends, Casciano's is a solid neighborhood spot serving up amazing coffee, including espresso-based drinks, smoothies, hot chocolate, hand-squeezed lemonade and much more. They also have a breakfast and lunch menu if you want to stay for a meal or pick up something to go.

Mannino’s Cannoli Express: Fun fact – did you know that Hammonton, New Jersey is home to the second largest population of Italian Americans? And with our historic Italian population YOU KNOW that homemade cannolis won't be too far away. Safe to say, you won't regret pairing your coffee with a cannoli, and some of the best in Hammonton can be found at Mannino's Cannoli Express. They import their cannoli shells directly from Sicily, and their menu features seasonal and specialty flavors like fresh blueberry and peach, and pistachio and birthday cake. Tempted yet?

Image courtesy of Mannino’s Cannoli Express

Bagliani’s Italian Market: Located on 12th Street, Bagliani's Italian Market has been a staple in the community for four generations. Find all kinds of delights here like their signature seasonal recipes, artisanal cheeses, Italian specialty food products, homemade pastas, farm fresh produce (seriously, we could go on and on).

Inferrera’s Italian Market: Another historic and a must-go market here in Downtown Hammonton is Inferrera's Italian Market. Featuring quality meats, cold cuts, homemade prepared foods, freshly baked breads, and more, the friendly staff here will make you feel right at home. Plus, the market is close to Hand-Me-Gowns so you can stop by before or after your bridal appointment :)

Best restaurants in Downtown Hammonton

Hammonton has some really great food, if we do say so ourselves! Here's a look at some of the best restaurants in Downtown Hammonton, including some of our personal favorites.

Image courtesy of Annata Wine Bar

Mary’s Cafe: Located right on Bellevue Avenue, Mary's Cafe is your local diner-style, breakfast and lunch restaurant in Downtown Hammonton that serves up classic diner dishes with a local twist. They close at 2 pm, so it's perfect for those brides with early appointments. Go full Americana-with-a-twist with their Italian Sloppy Joe if you're here for lunch. The pancakes and their famous bowl of chili are other solid choices. For some signature sweetness, don't forget to order a slice of Orange Ricotta Cheesecake! They have specials of the day, so each time you come here you can try something new.

West End Grill & Bar: "Delicious!" "An absolute must!" "100% recommend!". West End Grill & Bar is hands-down one of the best restaurants in Downtown Hammonton. They first opened in 1997 and have been serving us hungry Hammontonians ever since. Come here hungry, 'cause they have a wide selection of club sandwiches, hot subs, specialty sandwiches (Reuben to Corned Beer Special to Italian Chicken, oh my), and a ton more.

Annata Wine Bar: Amazing soil + Italian population = world-class wine scene. If you're interested in dipping your toes in South Jersey's wine scene, your first stop has gotta be Annata Wine Bar in the heart of Downtown Hammonton. Their menu items are all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that wonderfully pair with a glass of red or white made right here in South Jersey's Atlantic County.

Best Hammonton breweries

Checking out Hammonton's blossoming brewery scene is one of the best ways to get to know this charming South Jersey town. Here’s a look at what Downtown Hammonton is serving up on tap :)

Image courtesy of: Chimney Rustic Ales

Chimney Rustic Ales: Start your Downtown Hammonton brewery tour at Chimney Rustic Ales. Come here for the mouth-watering beer and stay for the warm hospitality, vibes, (and more great local beer). Their tap menu features a flagship New England IPA, a sample of yummy sours, rustic ales, and delicious lagers. For something different, try the Mango Tango, a hard seltzer that's perfect for a warm summer afternoon. These folks are super passionate about their beer-making, so a visit here will certainly not disappoint all of you beer nerds. Chimney is only a few steps away from our boutique, so it's a great option if you want to celebrate with a local brew after finding your dream wedding dress!

Three 3’s Brewing Co: Another great spot just around the corner from our bridal boutique is Three 3's Brewing Co. You'll be spoiled for choice here at this Hammonton brewery, with everything from a blueberry saison to a handful of signature IPAs, cream ales, and a selection of stouts that will knock your socks off! (A sip of of their Cinnamon Toast Stout is worth the trip alone). If you can't decide, start your tasting tour with their Jersey Life Lager, brewed with New Jersey-grown malt. Enjoy their outdoor patio on a sunny afternoon and take it all in.

Vinyl Brewing Co: An intimate family-run joint, Vinyl Brewing Co has been serving some of the best craft beer in Hammonton since 2017. Their trendy taproom has over a dozen of unique options to choose from, including their house IPA that's your perfect blend of floral and fruity. These brewmasters' specialty is sours, so make sure to sample their latest sour beer on tap! (And while you’re at it stop by another favorite local spot, Makers Handmade, which is right next door!)

Hammonton distilleries and bars

Along with our top-notch breweries, Downtown Hammonton's got a nice selection of bars and distilleries serving up mouth-watering local libations.

Image courtesy of: Blue Rascal Distillery

Blue Rascal Distillery: The first on our list is Blue Rascal Distillery. Hammonton is blueberry country, so this beautiful distillery is where you can sample the best local flavors in a glass. Check out their tasting room as they serve up their award-winning gins and whiskeys, not to mention blueberry Brandys.

Rocco's Town House: This great spot on 3rd Street is where you can mix and mingle with us friendly Downtown Hammonton locals while enjoying some food and drink. From delicious mains like their meatball parm sandwich (when Italy meets the East Coast, this is what you get!), eggplant lasagna, and their pulled pork Mac & Cheese, there's so much food to try and so many great vibes to soak up here at Rocco's. If you're in the mood for a one-of-a-kind appetizer, try their Rooster fries! Thirsty? They also serve beer from local Hammonton breweries on tap and some of the best of South Jersey wines. If you have a late evening appointment or are spending the night, make sure to head down to their Rock Bottom Whiskey Bar for more drinks, fun, and live music on weekends.

Hammonton antiques and vintage shops

We are so proud that Downtown Hammonton has a great mix of vintage and antique shops for those of you who just can't get enough of pre-loved goodies.

Elemental Vintique: Now, it's time to rep for our sustainable fashion sisters in town! Right on Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton's Elemental Vintinque has everything from stylish vintage fashion, a unique collection of handcrafted jewelry, an eclectic selection of vinyl records, and even homemade essential oils (perfect party favors for your wedding!). It's a funky little gem of a shop where you're guaranteed to find something you'll love.

Antique Marketplace: A longstanding antique spot in Downtown Hammonton, you can find pretty much any type of home-good here at Antique Marketplace. Their 12th Street location has two floors full of goodies sold by dozens of different vendors. If you're into collectibles, sports memorabilia, or just looking for some pre-loved furniture to brighten up your new place, Antique Marketplace is for you!

Antiques Trading Post: Where you go in Downtown Hammonton to buy, sell, or trade classic vintage items and antiques. They carry all kinds of unique art, collectibles, jewelry, and a treasure trove of all other types of antiques. Come here ready to explore and find your perfect antique to take home.

Best shopping in Downtown Hammonton

Image courtesy of: Exit 28 Boutique, Downtown Hammonton

Tales of the Olive: Need some wedding party gifts? Well, Tales of the Olive is a Hammonton small business that offers great gift ideas and gourmet products like extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, spices, pastas, olive oil skincare, and more. They are a wealth of knowledge and love discussing all the amazing items that they have in stock.

Exit 28 Boutique: A woman-run business on Bellevue Avenue, Exit 28 sells women's clothing items, accessories, and gift products in small batches. It's your perfect antidote to big department store shopping, as you'll get the star treatment here at this Hammonton boutique to find your next perfect outfit.

Inspire Me Boutique: Another local boutique in town is Inspire Me Boutique, specializing in customized and handmade home decor and gifts. Located on Central, this Hammonton boutique is beautifully curated, making for an easy and fun shopping experience. Wedding dress shopping can be stressful, so why not pick up a few bath bombs while you’re there to treat yourself? Or a cute custom charcuterie board for someone on your wedding support team, hint hint.

Arts and culture in Downtown Hammonton

Image courtesy of: The Hammonton Arts Center

The Hammonton Arts Center: This center has been an active part of our Hammonton community since 1996. Let your crafty side fly at their adult clay class, drawing and painting class, or come bring your little ones for their Sunday Funday art class on Sunday afternoons from 1-2:15 pm. There's also monthly exhibitions, so check out what's on during your visit and be inspired!

Eagle Theatre: Who doesn't love a little local theatre? This Hammonton institution has a story to tell, as the building has been around since 1914 when it opened as a movie theatre showing silent films. It's also been a church and a storage facility throughout the years before being reopened as a movie theatre in 2009. With the help of local non-profits, the New Jersey State Council, and the Atlantic County Office, the Eagle Theatre has blossomed into a space for independent live theatre that serves the community.

Hammonton festivals & events

Blueberry Festival: Arguably the best event of the year is the Hammonton Blueberry Festival. Officially called the Red, White, and Blueberry Festival, it's been going strong for 38 years now. This year's festival is scheduled for June 30th, and some of the best local Hammonton businesses will be out there in support of this beloved event. We're the blueberry capital of the world after all, so this festival is pretty much a must-do. Expect lots of fun activities and entertainment for all, including arts and crafts, a blueberry baking contest, and so much more!

Feast Week: To celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel every July 16th, a week of festivities on and around this day are held every year on 1 Mount. Carmel Lane. Hammonton's Feast Week is actually the longest running Italian festival in the U.S! This year is the 148th anniversary of this beloved Hammonton festival. Held on July 11-16 this year, look forward to lots of food stands, a beer garden, live entertainment, a carnival, and a fireworks show on the 16th.

Other things to do in Hammonton, NJ

Beyond Bellevue Avenue and all the great businesses in Downtown Hammonton, we're also a destination with lots of outdoor experiences. Beautiful hikes? Stunning local wineries? Hammonton, New Jersey has got it all.

Hammonton Lake Park: Perfect to explore any season of the year, Hammonton Lake Park is a municipally-run park with amazing trails and recreational activities for all to enjoy. And for all you bird enthusiasts (we know you're out there!), Hammonton Lake Park is great for curious bird-spotting year-round.

South Jersey offers some of the best wines in the U.S. of A! Our rich soil certainly does make for a high-quality grape harvest, so come visit and let us tempt your tastebuds with our amazing wine. We've got a handful of wineries here in Hammonton, and here's a look at a couple of them.

Image courtesy of: Plagido’s Winery, Hammonton NJ

Tomasello Winery: Tomasello's is one of New Jersey's oldest wineries and still going strong in 2024. They started out way back in 1933, and a visit here means that you'll be in the good hands of fourth generation winemarkers. They have 8 locations throughout the Garden State, and their Hammonton Vineyard is located at North White Horse Pike, about a mile away from Downtown Hammonton. They host wedding receptions as well as special events throughout the year. Come for a wine tasting and expect top-notch wine, great expertise, hospitality, and lots of delicious wines and hard ciders to take home with you.

Plagido's Winery: Small-batch libations is the specialty here at Plagido's. This award-winning winery proudly serves their wine from one single vineyard and produced with a basket press, which is the traditional way to squeeze out wine from grapes. Their tasting room is open 7 days a week, so you can sample some of best wine made right here in South Jersey.

Where to stay: Best Hammonton hotel

Image courtesy of: The Martinn

Catholic-church-turned-boutique-hotel is our aesthetic. The Martinn is one of Hammonton's top hotels, where a stay here means that you'll be just a quick drive or walk to the best places in Downtown Hammonton.

The space used to be the Saint Martin De Porres Rectory, and it's been renewed into a beautiful boutique hotel, complete with 12 comfortable suites. Featuring lots of room amenities and free parking on-site, The Martinn is your perfect spot for your lil' Hammonton staycation! Come for the stylish mid-century architecture, and stay for the warm hospitality.