Route 40: Exploring South Jersey
U.S. Route 40 is a highway that travels from Silver Summit, Utah, to the Jersey Shore. The moment you cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge, this scenic route cuts quietly through the southern portion of our state, dropping you off among the hustle and bustle of Atlantic City. But if you don’t stop and look around on your way, you’ll miss out on numerous wineries, restaurants, farm stands, and experiences that make South Jersey the picturesque landscape that it is.
Growing up in the northern part of the state, South Jersey meant so much more to me than just a day at the beach. It’s where my mom was born and where I’ve spent close to half of my life (if you count entire summers and plenty of weekends throughout the year). Now that my parents have retired to Cape May County, it’s given me a chance to fully explore the bounty that this quieter part of the state has to offer—and there is more than meets the eye.
Around here, small towns are proud to date back hundreds of years, and while other parts of New Jersey keep speeding up, one-lane roads and sprawling farms invite you to slow down and embrace simplicity, whether it’s in the form of a roadside market or a relaxing winery. It doesn’t matter if you’re on way to elsewhere or intentionally exploring this literal road less traveled; I promise you’ll feel nothing short of refreshed upon rolling down your windows and taking in that South Jersey peace and quiet—that is, unless it’s a Saturday night at the Cowtown Rodeo.
(left) PHOTO: COURTESY OF PENNSVILLE RECREATION DEPT
10 am
Grab a coffee and stroll
Just at Route 40’s edge sits the Delaware River, and Riverview Beach Park in Pennsville is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll along the water. If you’re willing, make the 10-minute drive north to Coffee Lovers’ Café in Penns Grove for your morning cup of expertly crafted espresso coffee, or tea, then work your way around the park, which boasts a gorgeous view of the Delaware River—no, you won’t be staring at skyscrapers in downtown Philly. Rather, you can see the Delaware Memorial Bridge in the distance and low-level landscape across the way. (If you time it right, you’ll also get a gorgeous sunset).
11:30 am
Stop for a donut before heading toward Cowtown
Despite what The Sopranos’ set suggests, New Jersey is actually teeming with farmland—and in the midst of vast fields lies Cowtown, famous for its weekly rodeo and twice-weekly farmers’ market. But first, on your way out of Pennsville, make a pit stop at Four Seasons Donuts for a donut-to-go, then prepare to experience the Cowtown Farmers Market, which is just as much a flea market as it is a spot for buying fresh produce. With hundreds of vendors sharing the market’s indoor and outdoor space, this Tuesday and Saturday event has no shortage of locally made goods, antiques, plenty of food, and a vendor for just about anything you’re looking to buy. If you end your road trip right here and stick around all day, you can also catch the Cowtown Rodeo, a rowdy, family-friendly event that runs every Saturday night in the summer—stop by the Nut Hut for freshly roasted peanuts before finding your seat.
12:30 pm
Explore historic Woodstown
Right next door to Cowtown is Woodstown, a charming, historic area with a walkable center of town that dates back to the 1700s—just take a look at its can’t-miss-it water tower, emblazoned with a bold “Settled c. 1720.”. While there, explore Taylor’s Florist & Gifts for items like candles and candy (and flowers, of course). Two Old Crows offers unique home goods, as does Leighton’s Old Town Shoppe. Farmers & Bankers Brewing is the newest addition to the town center—and Salem County’s first brewery. The brewery opened in 2022 and is located within an old bank, with its massive vault visible as customers sip brews from rotating taps.
2 pm
Enjoy a late lunch
Marine scientist and Sweet Amalia owner Lisa Calvo wasn’t expecting to launch a market when she purchased the barn that now houses Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen in Newfield. It started as a distribution hub for Calvo’s locally grown Sweet Amalia oysters, but when the pandemic hit, she and her business partner Ed Pappas remodeled the barn, turning it into a counter-service, BYOB eatery that also serves as a seller’s space for plenty of local goods. This roadside restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and chef Melissa McGrath—a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist—has curated a menu of delicious sandwiches, including the Fried Oyster (or Clam!) Roll and Farmstand Italian. In addition to its sandwich menu, Sweet Amalia offers a full raw bar plus soups, salads, and sides. Or, just a few minutes east, make a pit stop at Rick’s BackYard BBQ (formerly Uncle Dewey’s) for some homestyle barbecue, such as ribs, brisket, and pulled pork—oh, and grab a piece of sweet potato pie when it’s available.
(top left) PHOTO: COURTESY OF FUNNY FARM RESCUE & SANCTUARY; (bottom left) PHOTO: COURTESY OF TUCKAHOE BREWING CO.; (bottom right) PHOTO: ALEKSEY MORYAKOV
3:30 pm
Pet the animals
As you continue west to Mays Landing, stop by the Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, where founder Laurie Zaleski provides shelter, food, and healthcare to more than 600 animals that were previously neglected, abused, or abandoned. Visitors can feed and pet the animals, all of which are loving and friendly despite having been through plenty of tribulations. (My personal favorite is Eeyore the donkey, though once you feed him even a single carrot, you can expect him to follow you around begging for as much as you’re willing to give.) Perhaps the best part is that the Funny Farm is free to all visitors, though donations are encouraged.
5:30 pm
Take a beer break
In between Mays Landing and Atlantic City sits Egg Harbor Township, which is home two must-visit breweries: Tuckahoe Brewing Company and Hidden Sands Brewing Company.
Tuckahoe Brewing offers a spacious tasting room with high-top tables and live music, as well as an outdoor beer garden and, of course, plenty of brews to choose from. If you prefer light beer, a blonde ale like Sunshine Park will hit the spot, but for something hoppier, try their Old School IPA. A few minutes away at Hidden Sands, there are plenty of unique brews, including a few strawberry ales like the “famous” strawberry wheat beer and strawberry IPA (though availability can vary). With seating on two levels and an outdoor space, it’s easy to find room if you’re taking a trip with a few friends.
7 pm
Indulge in dinner
Finally, end the night on a high note with dinner at Atlantic City’s landmark Knife & Fork Inn. This 110-year-old establishment sits right at the end of Route 40; it takes you back in time the moment you step in, and its unique architecture helps it stand out among the sea of high-rise hotels. You’ll likely have to make a reservation for any night in the summer, but if you’re looking to splurge, everything on the menu is worth it—starting with the smoked black pepper bacon. For the perfect surf-and-turf blend, order the filet Oscar, and if you have room, top the meal off with a sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Route 40 Locations:
1 RIVERVIEW BEACH PARK
5 N. Broadway
Pennsville
pennsville.org
2 COFFEE LOVERS’ CAFÉ
16 N. Virginia Ave.
Penns Grove
facebook.com/coffeeloverscafellc
856.376.3046
3 FOUR SEASONS DONUTS
275 N. Broadway
Pennsville
856.678.3800
4 COWTOWN FARMERS MARKET
780 Harding Hwy./Rte. 40
Pilesgrove
cowtownfarmersmarket.com
856.769.3000
5 COWTOWN RODEO
780 Harding Hwy./Rte. 40
Pilesgrove
cowtownrodeo.com
856.769.3200
6 TAYLOR’S FLORIST & GIFTS
24 S. Main St.
Woodstown
taylorsflorist.com
856.769.0050
7 TWO OLD CROWS
6 S. Main St.
Woodstown
twooldcrowswoodstownnj.com
856.759.4383
8 LEIGHTON’S OLDE TOWNE SHOPPE
329 S. Main St.
Woodstown
leightonsoldtownshop.com
856.769.7270
9 FARMERS & BANKERS BREWING
8 N. Main St.
Woodstown
farmersandbankersbrewing.com
10 SWEET AMALIA MARKET & KITCHEN
994 Harding Hwy./Rte. 40
Newfield
sweetamalia.com
856.839.2478
11 RICK’S BACKYARD BBQ
Rte. 40 mile marker 40
Mizpah
609.476.4040
facebook.com/ricksbbqgrill/
12 FUNNY FARM RESCUE
6908 Railroad Blvd.
Mays Landing
funnyfarmrescue.org
609.742.9410
13 TUCKAHOE BREWING COMPANY
3092 English Creek Ave.
Egg Harbor Twp.
tuckahoebrewing.com
609.645.2739
14 HIDDEN SANDS BREWING COMPANY
6754 Washington Ave. Unit B,
Egg Harbor Twp
hiddensands.com
609.910.2009
15 KNIFE & FORK INN
3600 Atlantic Ave.
Atlantic City
knifeandforkinn.com
609.344.1133
Route 40 Wine Tour: A Day Among the Vines
New Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain is one of the most desirable grape-growing areas in the country. With 10 wineries just off Route 40, there is no shortage of locally made wine to explore; spend a day savoring each sip as you take in stunning vineyard views.
16 SALEM OAK VINEYARDS
This small, family-owned vineyard offers a cozy tasting room experience with indoor and outdoor seating. Plus, guests can enjoy a food menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and small plates.
60 N. Railroad Ave., Pedricktown
salemoakvineyards.com | 856.889.2121
17 AUBURN ROAD VINEYARDS
With expansive vineyard views no matter where you’re seated, Auburn is nothing short of a relaxing experience. Plus, on chillier days, fire pits keep outdoor guests warm.
117 Sharptown Auburn Rd., Pilesgrove
auburnroadvineyards.com | 856.769.9463
18 DIBELLA WINERY
Made only with grapes grown on-site, DiBella’s tiny but mighty tasting room is the perfect gathering spot for visitors to sample one of several wines, ranging from dry reds to sweet, fruity varieties.
229 Davidson Rd., Woolwich Twp.
dibellawinery.com | 609.221.6201
19 WAGONHOUSE WINERY
Plenty of elements set Wagonhouse apart from others, but their quirky wine names are unforgettable. Visit their tasting room to try wines like the “Nutty Quaker” (featuring coconut) and “Make Me Blush.”
Or, try their fruity “Saints and Sinners” sangria.
1401 Rte. 45, Swedesboro
wagonhousewinery.com | 856.408.1401
20 MONROEVILLE VINEYARD & WINERY
Owned by a four-generation winemaking family, Monroeville offers more than a dozen wines--from a bourbon-barrel-aged red to a blueberry fruit wine—in a tasting room featuring a gorgeous wall of wine bottles.
314 Richwood Rd., Monroeville
monroevillewinery.com | 856.521.0523
21 BLUE CORK WINERY & VINEYARD
This charming winery considers its wines “rustic elegance in a bottle,” which is reflected throughout its vineyard—including its large stone patio that overlooks the vines.
1093 Blue Bell Rd., Williamstown
bluecorkwine.com
22 AUTUMN LAKE WINERY
Autumn Lake offers a truly unique vista overlooking both the lake and the vineyard. Sip on more than a dozen wines, and feel free to bring your own picnic blankets and chairs.
870 W. Malaga Rd., Williamstown
autumnlakewinery.com | 856.516.4594
23 CODA ROSSA WINERY
Featuring grapes from New Jersey and California, Coda Rossa’s varieties range from a New Jersey peach |wine to a Chilean-style Malbec. Savor the vineyard views from the pergola-covered patio.
1526 Dutch Mill Rd., Franklinville
codarossa.com | 856.697.9463
24 BELLVIEW WINERY
Sample flights and light fare while lounging at picnic tables scattered throughout Bellview’s green grass overlooking the vineyard. Glasses and bottles are available, too.
150 Atlantic St., Landisville
bellviewwinery.com | 856.697.7172
25 BALIĆ WINERY
Balić’s grapes have been growing for more than 100 years and have produced more than two-dozen wines since the winery came to life in 1966. Sip beside a painted European mural, and don’t forget to say hello to the vineyard’s star: Mariah the golden retriever.
6623 Harding Hwy./Rte. 40, Mays Landing
balicwinery.com | 609.625.2166
