This East Coast Township Near Philly Is A Growing Gateway With Scenic Parks And Local Eats

Philadelphia, which served as the nation's capital before Washington, D.C., entered the picture, has remained a go-to destination for history buffs. There's the Liberty Bell, along with other destinations at Independence National Historic Park. However, if you're hoping to beat the Philly crowds, which tend to be at their height during the summer months, you can always head to Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. The smaller village is just 25 minutes from the so-called "City of Brotherly Love" across the Delaware River and home to plenty of spacious parks and highly reviewed restaurants specializing in everything from upscale seafood dishes to Korean street food. You'll also find a mix of hotels, motels, and guest houses. In other words, the township is a gateway to Philly, a scenic stop to spend the night before venturing out to explore.

Like Pennsylvania's capital city, Mt. Laurel's history dates back centuries. It was settled by the English and Dutch in the 17th century, and several homes — like the Clinton House, which you can still see today — were even occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War. The area was primarily fields and farmland until the mid-to-late-20th-century, when builders began developing the countryside. Today, about 48,000 people call Mt. Laurel home, and it's continuing to grow at a rate of approximately 0.73% a year. Despite the rapid change, there are still plenty of green spaces where you can truly escape the noise of the nearby city.

There're dozens of parks throughout Mt. Laurel, the most expansive of which is called Laurel Acres. "I used to live next to the park. When it snowed, it was mayhem," local Realtor Dawn Hogan told Homes.com, adding that the parking lot has since been expanding. Over the years, the township has taken great care to protect its green spaces. Visiting the area today means finding a pretty nature trail, playgrounds, and even fishing ponds. Laurel Acres Park has all of the above and thousands of five-star reviews, with one visitor writing on Google that it has a "scenic hill that allows a view of the whole area." Best of all, you don't have to be a resident to access the park, making it an ideal destination for travelers.

Other lush outdoor spaces around the community include Ramblewood Country Club, whose rolling greens are open to the public, and Elbo Park, which is just a short drive across town. Here, you'll find a playground, a walking trail, and 18 troll sculptures that make up the Burlington County "Troll Trek," a public art installation that spans parks throughout the region.

The Funplex is another must-visit if you're headed to Mt. Laurel. Although it's quite a bit smaller than Hershey Park, Pennsylvania's largest amusement park and unique family-friendly utopia, there's no shortage of things to do. There are roller coasters, a water park, and indoor rides for rainy days. Reviewers highlight the proximity to Philadelphia as well as the reasonable prices.

Along with its layered history, Philadelphia is known for its diverse food scene. If you're traveling to the area, make sure to check out these five must-visit restaurants, according to foodies on Reddit. There's a long list of highly reviewed eateries in Mt. Laurel as well, many of which you'll also find recommended on Reddit. Rai Rai Ramen, for instance, serves up steaming bowls of pork, beef, seafood, or vegetarian ramen. "This ramen restaurant is the real deal! From the chaushi and gyoza to the noodles and broth, everything is on point," reads one review on Google.

For authentic Peruvian dishes, check out Mango's Cafe across town. "This little hidden place in Mt. Laurel has the best Peruvian chicken ever!" writes one customer on Tripadvisor. Amma's South Indian Cuisine is another popular spot in town, and Dolsan Korean BBQ serves up stir-fried octopus, squid, and braised short ribs. Mt. Laurel visitors can gain easy access to the township by flying into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is less than 30 minutes away, and renting a car for the rest of the journey.