On Our Gaydar: Collingswood

This South Jersey town is a haven for LGBT life

The farmers’ market in Collingswood on Saturdays feels like it was staged for a public service announcement on diversity, what with all the gay couples strolling with their dogs.

In truth, it’s become the go-to town for queer-as-folks who’ve settled down with a sweet baboo (but say in one breath that they’re “so over” Center City’s party scene, and in the next that they “just love” that it takes 14 minutes to get to the Gayborhood on PATCO).

The best thing about the Jerz? (Besides the fact that liquor stores are open on Sundays? And you don’t have to pump your own gas?) Civil unions. In fact, Collingswood’s municipal court judge does them every Wednesday morning before court.

EAT

The food at Il Fiore is so amazing (especially the veal with proscuitto and mushrooms) and such a bargain, we totally get why there’s a line out the door almost every night of the week (693-695 Haddon Avenue, 856-833-0808).Friends who are anti-veal swear by the fare at Green House Vegetarian (655 Haddon Avenue, 856-854-0896), especially the sesame tofu.

If you have a group, reserve a table at BYOB IndeBlue (618 Collings Avenue, 856-854-4633), for some of the best Indian we’ve had outside of India (seriously—in Collingswood). Plus, the owners just love the gays.

SHOP

It’s all retro in one way or another. Check out the foo-foo French finds at BOGP Antique Store winner Two Cherubs Antiques and Imports (20 Irvin Avenue, 856-287-5185). Head over to Frügal (740 Haddon Avenue, 856-858-0700), the super-green, super-cool new resale store. Or truck down Haddon Avenue to Haddonfield’s Happy Hippo Toys (201 Kings Highway East, 856-429-2308), which might be the best toy store in the universe.

PLAY

Clearly, everyone who’s anyone makes an appearance at the monthly LGBT happy hour at Treno. But it’s the girls who really have it going on with the über-active (not necessarily in that way, but maybe …) Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey, which organizes book clubs, movie nights, sports outings, theater trips and other fun stuff.

PAMPER

We suggest the foil-free balayage highlights at Kevin Gatto’s minimalist, earth-friendly salon Verde (4 Powell Lane, 856-858-0911). Thoroughly eco. Totally chic. Decidedly un-granola.

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