BOOKSTORE HIKE/SHOP: Rancocas Woods - Second Time Books & Fall Hike or Shop

Our city based Bookshop Crawl was so much fun, it inspired me to plan a Bookstore Hike! Let’s leave the city behind to take in the splendor of Fall by pairing a short hike with a visit to Second Time Books in Rancocas Woods. If you haven’t been to Rancocas Woods you are in for a treat! It is the home of a fantastic used book store nestled in the woods near an easy hiking trail.

We’ll start our morning together checking out Second Time Books and from there you have two options (weather permitting):

• Easy Fall Hike

Weather permitting, those who want to go for the hike will join Audrey on a stroll through the neighborhood to the trail head entrance at Spencer Park. After the easy 1.8 mile hike/walk (about an hour-ish), we’ll pop into the Four Green Cats Cafe for a scrumptious lunch (Czech cuisine!). Hikers can also spend some time after lunch checking out the other antique/thrift/craft shops in Rancocas Woods.

• Antique/Craft Shopping

Those who don’t really feel the feels about walking around in the woods can skip the hike and together either head to the cafe for lunch or hit the antique/thrift/craft stores and then go to lunch. It’s totally up to you how you want to spend the rest of your day.

***

BOOKSTORE: Second Time Books
Book types: Used

At Second Time Books, the business of books is a labor of love. They specialize in history and science-fiction/fantasy, but have popular fiction, books, too! They hand-clean and cover every book on their shelves. With sections of art, science, philosophy, religion, music, and even children’s books, there’s plenty for you to browse. Boasting over 60,000 titles in stock, and more added daily, you’ll be sure to find the book you didn’t even know you were looking for!

HIKE: Spencer Field Loop
Rating: Easy
Distance - 1.8 miles on trail, plus 15 minutes through the neighborhood to and from trail head.
Route type: Loop

Review from Alltrails
“My home trail! As a glorified neighborhood park, this series of trails really is one of the best local walks in the area. Secluded in the Rancocas Woods area of Mount Laurel, you may only come across one other local using the trails since most driving in will use Rancocas State Park. However, these trails are kept to the same standards as RSP with well kept paths and clear tree markings. Some great water views, a few small elevation changes, and just big enough to get a little lost on side trails! Truly a local hidden gem.” - JV

LUNCH: Four Green Cats Cafe
Four Green Cats Cafe is a tribute to four remarkable gals: the Chef-owner, her daughter, and her two granddaughters. Green represents healthy eating and Cats is a playful nod to their Czech roots, where “katz” translates to “pretty girl.” Isn’t that adorable?! 🤩 I had never tasted Czech food until Four Green Cats. It’s fantastic! Fresh and flavorful they have something for everyone including vegan choices.

SHOP: Rancocas Woods

Rancocas Woods is a co-op of approximately 50 crafters and antique dealers housed in the cutest log cabin looking shops. They pride themselves in quality handcrafted items.