Where to Find Healthy Eats, Great Workouts, and Self-Care in Haddonfield
Lauren Makinson is the owner of Haddonfield activewear boutique Sole Active. Here, she weighs in on how to live a healthy life in this cute New Jersey borough.
Haddonfield, NJ. Photograph by Lauren Makinson
Philly has an insanely wonderful fitness scene, but the truth is, many of us tend to stick to our own neighborhoods — we’ve all got our favorite corner coffee shops, yoga studios, running trails, and more. That’s why we’re asking local fitness pros to give us a tour of their neighborhoods — and to spill all their secrets on the hidden gems they can’t quit.
Lauren Makinson is the owner of Sole Active in Haddonfield. Photograph courtesy Makinson.
For this week’s neighborhood guide, we’re venturing outside of Center City and just across the bridge into New Jersey — to Haddonfield, to be exact. Giving us a tour of this adorable neighborhood is Lauren Makinson, the owner and founder of Haddonfield’s activewear boutique, Sole Active, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary there.
In opening her business, Makinson has realized all of the wonderful (and healthy!) options Haddonfield has to offer. Below, you’ll find all of Makinson’s favorite spots in Haddonfield for a healthy, fitness-filled and nature-appreciating time.
The Best Healthy Places to Eat and Drink in Haddonfield
Coffee shop: “Jersey Java is, by far, my favorite coffee shop in town! They change their coffees up seasonally so you can try something new monthly. Their cold brew is out-of-control good, with seriously no need for cream or sugar. They have amazing tea options as well, utilizing unique flavors like blood orange hibiscus. ”
Healthy breakfast spot: “Animo is hands down my favorite. I love that I can find a healthy, locally sourced breakfast option no matter what I am in the mood for. Their Dragon bowl, made with pitaya, is usually my go-to. It is so refreshing and keeps me full for a long time. I also love the option of being able to purchase a hot breakfast when I am not feeling like a smoothie or bowl. They have great breakfast burritos and bowls; I particularly love the Farmhouse.
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Healthy lunch spot: “Apron has the best sandwiches and salads. Their specialty sandwiches are so unique and never short of amazing. I typically order the JT, which is loaded with roasted vegetables, mozzarella, and a sun-dried tomato spread. I particularly love that they give you the option of a Lunch Box Special, which consists of soup, half a sandwich, a slice of their quiche of the day, and a choice of garden or Caesar salad.”
Healthy date night spot: “Fuji Restaurant’s specialty rolls are out of this world, and the sashimi is so fresh. I especially love the Spicy Crunchy Tuna Maki with pickled jalapeños. It is BYOB, so we always grab a bottle of wine to go with our meal. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing and intimate, which makes for the perfect place to unwind after a long week. ”
Bar: “Kings Road Brewery opened this past December. They currently have teamed up with the Saxby’s in town to create a ‘Saxbys Serendipity Coffee Saison.’ My go-to at Kings Road is definitely the Blazing Rag — it’s a West Coast-style IPA with just enough punch.”
Healthy takeout: “Leaf has become my go-to lunch takeout spot. I typically don’t order a traditional meal and instead order the buffalo cauliflower bites and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts — they are out of this world! The Southwest Salad is really awesome if I want something on the lighter side.”
Grocery store for healthy foods: “Secret Garden Herbs is my go-to for the BEST kombucha around. The owner, Connie, is incredibly knowledgeable and will explain the entire process, health benefits, and so on while you do a tasting. She changes her flavors seasonally based on what is harvested at the time. My absolute favorite is her Spiced Peach, which she typically has late summer and early fall, followed by her Elderflower Maple. My husband loves her cold brew flavor. To spice things up a bit, I usually pick up a few bottles prior to the weekend to make kombucha cocktails — sparkling raspberry kombucha, gin, and fresh basil. YUM!”
The Best Workouts in Haddonfield
Gym: “Haddonfield Fitness. Their owner Lainey has created an atmosphere women want to be in. I have tons of customers coming in the store raving about the workout classes there. She is all about community, and it’s a great business to collaborate with! Haddonfield Fitness offers classes ranging from BodyPump, kickboxing, core, and cardio to yoga. They also have an amazing staff available for personal training.”
Workout class: “Aside from Haddonfield Fitness, I love a good barre class. Pure Barre is one of my favorites to take and, it’s super convenient as it’s across the street from Sole Active. The instructors at this studio are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable on form. I always leave class exhausted, sweaty, legs shaking, and muscles sore that I didn’t even know could be sore. 55 minutes well spent.”
Nearby running trail/route: “There is an awesome running group that begins at the Haddonfield Running Company every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. The group is absolutely HUGE! There are runners taking routes that range from three to six miles and the route depends on the mile length you choose to do, but it runs throughout all the neighborhoods of Haddonfield (lots of hills!). If you are a fan of running with others and being pushed, this is definitely the group for you.”
The Best Self-Care in Haddonfield
Beauty treatment: “Coco Nail Salon is my favorite place to get a manicure and pedicure in town. They have great hours and also take walk-ins, which is key when your schedule is crazy.”
Place you go for self-care: “If you are active and have any aches and pains, Dr. Mark Kemenosh and Associates for Active Release Therapy is the place to go. After having four ACL surgeries, I am constantly in need of deep stretching that I cannot do on my own. They are incredible and one of the biggest contributors in me completing the NYC Marathon this past fall.”
The Best Outdoor Activities in Haddonfield
Park: “Hopkins Pond at Pennypacker Park is one of my favorite places to include on a run or to just go for a walk to clear my head. There is a short trail that surrounds the pond and is incredibly serene. It is completely wooded and offers tons of shade. Many people go fishing at the pond as well!”
Annual events: “Beginning in May and going through October, there is a weekly Haddonfield Farmers Market. It is my favorite spot to pick up locally grown veggies, locally raised bison, and plants for my garden. On a sunny Saturday morning, the market is absolutely packed. After a Saturday morning workout, I typically grab a smoothie or juice from Animo and head over to the market to pick up my veggies for the week.”
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