Living in a big city, it is impossible to recognize every face you pass. I have always wanted to live in a small town where everybody knows everybody, kind of like Stars Hollow on “Gilmore Girls.” I have been to a few small, charming towns in the past but nothing quite like Pitman, NJ.
I met my friends who live in Pitman in 2013. The first thing I said when they told me where they live was “never heard of it.” But there’s something about living in a place that’s not well-known that makes it even better. The first time I toured Pitman, I did not know what to expect. I heard all about the famous Mama Marie’s, Water Ice/Ice Cream Station, Broadway Theater, The Grove and Uptown and had high expectations of what they would be like. Let’s just say, they lived up to the expectation. Aside from these places there are tennis courts, the pavilion and Bus Stop Cafe where you can see live entertainment, a ton of churches, originally designed clothing stores, a place you can paint pottery, an art studio, Zumba lessons, three grade schools, middle school and Pitman High School. These places are not only clean and quiet but everyone is friendly as well.
One of the most fascinating things to me was how quickly you can go to the one side of the town to the other. My one friend lives on the edge of Pitman while the other lives on the other side and it takes all of two minutes to get to each other’s houses. Here in the city, it takes me that long just to get to the end of my street. And although Pitman is a small town, everything you need is right there. It’s in the perfect location. Pitman is about 45 minutes from Philadelphia. Not too far from the hustle and bustle, but just far enough.
The holidays are special in Pitman. For Christmas, there is a parade uptown on Broadway where one and all can come to see Santa ride by on his sleigh. After jolly Old Saint Nick rides by, the town gathers around the tree and counts down to the tree lighting. There is also a shed at the library where you can go and meet Santa. And before you leave, don’t forget to get a candy cane from him. The Fourth of July is a big celebration in Pitman. People set up chairs along Broadway weeks before just to get a good spot for the parade that is held to celebrate America’s birthday. At night, everyone gathers together to watch the fireworks in Betty Park.
One special thing Pitman does is “Fourth Friday.” The fourth Friday of every month there is a car show with all old models of cars. There is a horse drawn carriage ride and people walk around all the stores to see what’s new in stock.
Although this is all great, my absolute favorite thing is the turtle crossing signs that they have. When I first saw that, I laughed so hard and took a picture like a typical tourist (I also made that picture my Facebook header at one point but let’s not speak about that.) Growing up in the city, you see a lot of deer crossing signs, but never turtle. I am sure they have turtle signs in other parts of the country but having them in Pitman just added to the cuteness of it all.
So if you are looking for a day trip, check out Pitman, New Jersey. Take a second to take in the small town life and enjoy every moment you have there.
