I’ve heard that there are two types of coffee drinkers: Some people drink coffee to wake up and some people wake up to drink coffee. If this is true then I certainly fit into the latter category!

Related: When I first learned about a cute cafe called Hens & Honey offering seasonal coffee flights, I knew I would end up checking it out for myself.

Hens & Honey is a specialty coffee shop in Swedesboro. Being from the Jersey Shore area, I do not get down to the southwest corner of the state very often. I paired my trip with an errand, (picking up 50 pounds of frozen blueberries, a story for another day!) a coveted coffee flight, and some small-town shopping before heading home.

GPS Recalculating

If, like me, you are not familiar with Swedesboro, your GPS may take you to the Hens & Honey Boutique instead of the café. But do not fret. The café is only a mile’s drive down the road. And while you’re there, the boutique is a great spot to browse and shop for vintage-inspired clothes and accessories. Definitely worth a visit!

Hens & Honey Shoppe

Once I got to my initial destination, I was immediately charmed by the cute and quirky décor of Hens & Honey Shoppe. With cardboard cutouts of pop culture idols, a floor-to-ceiling floral mural covering a wall, and more special touches to define the vibe, I realized that this place is an Instagrammer’s paradise.

Hens & Honey also carries an assortment of seasonal décor, natural soaps, candles, and body products made by the shop’s owner, Valarie. Amazingly, the soybean oil and oils extracted from nut trees that are used in these products are all grown on her family farm. And on that note, the shop includes an olive oil tasting bar.

Caffeine for Days

The coffee flights take time to make: Each one is made to order. With that in mind, they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis, as they sell out on the weekends. And the flavors in the flight change seasonally. I chose the fall coffee flight. It was not only delicious, but it was a work of art!

The coffees are presented on a wooden board and each one is labeled. The coffee names are just as cute as the shop itself. My flight included mini cups of harvest moon, jack-o-lantern, pecan lane, and flannel jacket. Each coffee is topped with mounds of whipped cream and a delightful array of sparkles and sprinkles.

The menu on the board changes often. Coffee flights can also be made from a mix-and-match board of flavors. Word has it that there will soon be “out of the box” winter and holiday-themed drinks available. If you would like a small bite or something more substantial, Hens & Honey offers baked goods, bagels, and soups, as well.

Main Street Shopping

After my coffee experience, I was fully caffeinated and ready to do some shopping. I took a quick drive over to Mullica Hill, which has a great Main Street full of shops. In fact, it’s everything I love in a small-town shopping trip, all in one spot.

I browsed specialty cooking stores, a cheese shop, and a vintage-inspired home décor spot. Then I moved onto antiques, clothing boutiques, and an artful flower shop. But the true surprise on the block was Brew x Bread, a coffee-bakery-wine-bar combo shop. 

If you are looking to purchase unique gifts in a festive atmosphere while supporting small businesses, this is a perfect place to do some holiday shopping.

Best Sandwich in South Jersey

So far my day included caffeine, sugar, and shopping. At this point, it was time for lunch. My next to-do: to grab a bite to eat in the spot voted as having the best sandwich by South Jersey Magazine: David & Sons 322 Butcher Shop & BBQ.

David & Sons 322 Butcher Shop & BBQ has locations in both Mullica Hill and Swedesboro. That day’s excursion led me to the Mullica Hill location. Upon entering I was met with the tantalizing smells of smoked meat and barbecue, but I ordered the sandwich that I came for: the crispy shrimp po’ boy!

This locally famous sandwich is served on a 12-inch roll. It’s piled high with fried shrimp, tangy slaw, tomatoes, and caramelized onions. It hit the spot. I know I will be back to try some barbecue choices in the near future.

And Doughnuts Too!

David & Sons also sells cookies, huge cinnamon buns, and doughnuts, offered in an assortment of off-the-beaten-path varieties. With flavors including s’mores, Oreo, peanut butter cup, pumpkin cheesecake, banana brûlée, and more, I had some tough decisions to make.

I chose the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake doughnut. I took my treat home to enjoy after the long ride. Looking forward to my next visit to this area!

Hens & Honey Coffee Shoppe
95 Woodstown Road
Swedes Plaza
Swedesboro, NJ 08085

Hens & Honey Boutique
1422 Kings Highway
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
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David and Sons 322 Butcher Shop & BBQ
1 S Main Street
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
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Shopping District: Main Street Mullica Hill