Best of the Best 2015: Lifestyle

…From the pages of South Jersey Magazine…

As you may imagine, canvassing South Jersey for our annual Best of the Best feature is no small job. It’s the culmination of a year’s worth of eating, drinking, shopping and pampering. OK, we realize that doesn’t actually sound too bad, but trust us, it’s a lot of hard work. We traveled through¬out the area in search of worthy winners from both well-known establishments and those off the beaten path. The payoff is being able to bring you our selections for everything from chocolates and cigars to fine jewelry and flowers. To make the list even more comprehensive, we’ve also included our readers’ choices for their favorite places in a variety of categories. It certainly was a busy year, but we’re always up for the job.

TEEN PARTY VENUE
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sure your little ones love a good bouncy house, but there’s no way your teenager is getting in that inflatable castle. No worries, head to this indoor trampoline park where they can jump high in the sky and flip, twist and spin themselves into a pit of foam cubes. Trust us, this place will have them jumping for joy and you’ll forever be the cool parents. Maple Shade, (856) 235-4411, SkyZone.com

THEATER GROUP
The Ritz Theatre Co.
This group of skilled performers brings some of the most recognizable (and diverse) shows to its historic stage, giving theatergoers a lasting experience unrivaled in South Jersey. They also work to engage the local community with assorted workshops and educational programs in an effort to spur creativity and perhaps find the next big name in lights. Oaklyn, (856) 858-5230, RitzTheatreCo.org

FESTIVAL
Heritage Wine Festival
If you’re the wine-sampling, food-truck-fare-eating, craft-shopping, music-loving sort, the Heritage Wine Festival is for you. This event has become an annual affair at Heritage thanks to its popularity, and it’s no wonder, with so much to offer. New this year, they’re allowing attendees to reserve space for tents so you can enjoy the day in the shade—just be sure to get your tickets soon because they sell out fast. Mullica Hill, (856) 589-4474, HeritageWineNJ.com

KIDS’ PARTY VENUE
Tilt Studios
For kids and the kids at heart, Tilt Studios offers a variety of indoor entertainment in its 20,000-square-foot facility, including arcade games, mini-golf, a ball pit and much more. Available for those parents looking to get the kids out of the house for an afternoon, as well as for birthday parties and group events, we’d take any excuse to get over to Tilt and take advantage of all it has to offer. Voorhees, (856) 782-6572, TiltStudio.com/Voorhees-NJ

DANCE CLASSES
Arthur Murray
If your significant other would rather dance alone than be caught dancing with you, then it’s time to take your two left feet to school. The atmosphere here is friendly and the instructors are knowledgeable and patient, no matter how many times you stumble. After a few lessons you’ll realize you’re actually having fun. Marlton, (856) 396-2490, NJArthurMurray.com

DOG PARK
Timber Creek
A day at Timber Creek Dog Park is to dogs what a day at Disney World is to kids. It’s nine acres of fully fenced canine paradise where your dog can sniff to their heart’s content while running the wooded trails and socializing with other playmates. There is even access to a lake for cooling off or practicing that doggie paddle. Blackwood, (856) 216-2117, CamdenCounty.com

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Painting with a Twist
A night out with the girls almost always involves wine, and this BYOB spot in Haddonfield is adding another element into the mix: painting. There’s no experience needed, so don’t be shy! Gather your friends, a couple bottles of pinot grigio and get ready to let your inner artist shine as you create a unique piece of art you can take home. Haddonfield, (856) 375-2104, PaintingWithATwist.com

ACTIVITY CENTER
Katz JCC
Parents know the hardships of finding activities that will keep all the kids happy. Fortunately, the Katz JCC offers something for everyone under one roof. From the indoor and outdoor pools, sports fields and the Imaginarium play structure, to karate and computers, kids will never get bored. But don’t forget about yourselves, Mom and Dad. While the kids play, take a spin, Zumba or yoga class or sit back and enjoy the sauna uninterrupted. Cherry Hill, (856) 424-4444, KatzJCC.org

DOGGIE DAYCARE
Camp Bow Wow
With camp-inspired décor, indoor and outdoor play yards, counselor-monitored playtime—and best of all, live streaming video of the play yards and some cabins, available via the national chain’s smartphone app or desktop computer—Camp Bow Wow is an overzealous dog owner’s dream. They also offer overnight boarding. Cherry Hill, (856) 651-9663, CampBowWow.com

GOLF DEAL
Scotland Run Par ‘N’ Bar
Every Friday evening in the summer, one of the area’s most stunning courses offers nine holes of golf, draft beer and an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $53.50. Located on an outside patio overlooking the course, the spread includes Southern fried chicken, mussels in garlic and white wine sauce, sausage and peppers and a different chef’s specialty each week. The food and the views are so good, you won’t even care what your scorecard says. Williamstown, (856) 863-3737, ScotlandRun.com

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 4 (July, 2015).
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Author: Erica Bauwens, Matt Cosentino, Amanda Hamm Hengel, Liz Hunter, Rachel Morgan and Peter Proko; Select photography by Jeff Fusco