SJ Web Site Reviews - Shopping

Sometimes it can be tough to focus on the southern part of New Jersey so I decided to make it super simple. The eight counties that make up what we call "South Jersey" are defined right here:
Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem – now how’s that for letting you know exactly what the south of New Jersey is?

Having made that clear, I am going to show you where you can find exactly what you are looking for in the friendly southern portion of our state. Of course, it’s up to you to determine what you are looking for, and because it’s already late in December, my feeling is that it’s time to face reality and finish up that holiday shopping before real panic sets in. I’m guessing that most of you do not equate "shopping" with fun, but I am going to take a shot at showing you how to combine the two, get things done, and still enjoy it.

It’s all in planning. I will show you the websites to use; you can plan what you want to buy, where you want to buy it, get directions, have everything organized, and then take off. The Home page we will be hopping from includes links for entertainment and activities that you may want to pursue. However, be flexible. Consider that you may get so wrapped up in searching (and finding) the perfect gift that you lose all sense of time and make shopping the highlight of your day. If this is the case, you can always reward yourself with a leisurely lunch at a restaurant chosen right from the Internet before you begin your day of shopping.

Keep in mind the counties that make up South Jersey and familiarize yourself with the regions that apply to your county of choice. Then browse around and find exactly what you are looking for before you head out into the world without the luxury of your mouse and monitor. It’s a lot easier to back up and turn around online. I’ll give you a sample trip that I think is a real winner, but do some exploring on your own – you’ll be incredulous when you see what’s waiting to be discovered in your neighborhood.

Are you ready? Here’s my idea for a shopping extravaganza. Using the "shopping" link I honed in on Gloucester County, part of the Delaware River Region, to see what the site would add to my knowledge of the area I live in. I found that there is more on the web than I would have imagined.

This link is packed with new ideas for shopping, right in my backyard! Literally. Mullica Hill is always full of activity on the weekends, but I had no idea they have prepared such a welcome for all of us holiday shoppers. Scroll down their very friendly Homepage to the "Special This Christmas Season" notation. This is a great find for some free and local entertainment after carousing through the antique and specialty shops all day. You’re invited to follow the yellow-brick road and meet Santa while enjoying the holiday decorations strewn through the park like setting just off the street. Even the most hectic of days can fit in this ending. There is your entertainment tidbit; are you ready for some feeding frenzy ideas? Just hit the "Food and Lodging" icon and you’ll be rewarded with some of the town’s best dining options. If it appears that I am focusing more on food and entertainment, well, you’re getting the right idea about me. But I do like to shop, and Mullica Hill has many diverse stores from which to choose. They are located on both sides of North Main Street within nice walking distance of each other. Enjoying the shopping also will afford you an opportunity to come in from the cold if the days start to chill up. The atmosphere of the stores is always friendly and warm, so be certain to visit as many as you can. It’s an absolute certainty that you’ll be inspired with novel gift ideas as well as creature comforts. Don’t forget to grab a map with general directions as well as the Town map before you leave, but don’t plan your trip too thoroughly as you will want to find your own hidden treasures in Mullica Hill.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: SouthJersey.com Staff Writer - Janis Labenz.