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

Philadelphia, which once served as the nation's capital before Washington, D.C., entered the picture, has remained a go-to destination for all types of visitors. But just 25 minutes away across the Delaware River is Mount Laurel, New Jersey, which offers the best of both worlds: easy access to the attractions of the "City of Brotherly Love" while also offering a quieter escape. The township has 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. With Philadelphia so close by, Mount Lauren makes for a scenic stop to spend the night before venturing out to explore.

Like Pennsylvania's capital city, Mount 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 Mount Laurel home, and it's continuing to grow at a rate of approximately 0.73% a year. Despite that, there are still plenty of green spaces where you can truly escape the noise of the nearby city.

There are dozens of parks throughout Mount Laurel, and over the years, the township has taken great care to protect its green spaces. The most expansive park in the area is Laurel Acres, and 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.

Elbo Park is another stand-out spot in Mount Laurel, which is just a short drive across town. Here, you'll find a playground, an easy half-mile 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 Mount Laurel. Although it's quite a bit smaller than Hershey Park, Pennsylvania's largest amusement park, 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.

There's a long list of highly reviewed eateries in Mount 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 Mount Laurel has the best Peruvian chicken ever!" writes one customer on Tripadvisor. Other menu items include comfort food favorites like Lomo Saltado, Arroz Chaufa, and Talla Huan milanesa. Dolsan Korean BBQ is another popular spot in the area, which serves up stir-fried octopus, squid, and braised short ribs. 

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.