From a nearly century-old theater to a rise in al fresco dining and recently legalized alcohol sales, tradition and innovation have made Pitman a destination. The Gloucester County borough of 8,861 people combines small-town charm with a walkable downtown that features a thriving restaurant scene.
WHAT TO DO
The Broadway Theatre is the hub of the business district. The venue, which opened showing silent films in 1926, offers an annual theater subscription series, children’s plays, comedy shows, and weekend concerts with tribute acts. The Pitman Historical Museum traces the town’s history from its founding as a Methodist camp meeting site in 1871 to its incorporation as a borough in 1905 and beyond. The museum is part of Pitman Grove, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The museum is open by appointment.
Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio serves as a social center for date nights and birthday parties. Photo: Courtesy of Patti Forte
Patti Forte, owner of Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio, helped kick-start the downtown’s rebound with a paint-your-own pottery studio that opened in 2014 and serves as a social center for date nights and birthday parties. The studio seats 45 and also has outdoor seating. Words Matter Bookstore, meanwhile, presents open-mic nights for poetry and free musical performances alongside a diverse range of books. Another great social event is Pitman’s Fall Craft Show, which is being held along Broadway and surrounding streets on September 16 this year. The event features more than 350 vendors, including food trucks. “It’s a like a big block party,” says show coordinator Kara Knauss.
WHERE TO EAT
Martini’s on Broadway serves dishes like this prosciutto-wrapped burrata with melon and figs. Photo courtesy of Martini’s On Broadway/Joe Grasso
Merryman’s Pub opened in 2020 with Pitman’s first liquor license and offers burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads indoors and outdoors. Martini’s on Broadway serves up a varied lunch and dinner menu, brunch on Sunday, and a diverse offering of martinis. Family Mediterranean Cuisine specializes in kebabs and other Turkish dishes. Nine Thai Cuisine lives up to its name with great Thai food.
Buy our September 2023 issue here. Cover photo: Laura Moss
WHERE TO STAY
The Inn on Holly is a bed and breakfast with three bedrooms for guests. The inn, a Victorian home built in 1906, is a block off Broadway.
Want to keep exploring? Check out more of our 12 favorite small towns to visit now.
Broadway Theatre, 43 S. Broadway; Pitman Historical Museum, 71 Circle Avenue; Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio, 8 S. Broadway; Words Matter Bookstore, 52 S. Broadway; Merryman’s Pub, 106 S. Broadway; Martini’s on Broadway, 47 S. Broadway; Family Mediterranean Cuisine, 466 W. Holly Avenue; Nine Thai Cuisine, 7 S. Broadway; Inn on Holly, 120 W. Holly Avenue
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