A Visit To Lambertville NJ!

Lambertville NJ has delightful Victorian architecture, antiques, art + artisans, galleries, coffee shops, shopping,  and a vibrant food scene.   Nestled on the banks of the Delaware River, this famed “river town” is sure to charm and surprise you! 

Explore on a Bike

Popular with cyclists of all ages, Lambertville is the perfect starting point for exploring Hunterdon on a bike. The D&R Canal Towpath – Lambertville to Frenchtown is a family-friendly ride alongside the river. The Lambertville Loop offers gradual climbs and descents, quiet country roads and gorgeous scenery. Add a tour of the nearby Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum, a fascinating look at Hunterdon’s farming heritage. The museum is open Wednesdays all year long and Sundays May-October.  

Not sure you’re in the mood to work hard on your day off?  Big Bear Gear offers electric bike rentals and suggested excursions in and around Lambertville. Big Bear Gear is one mile south of Lambertville. With a fleet of e-bikes and standard pedal bikes and access directly across Rt.29 to the tow path, you can easily explore every charming street in town as well as scenic vistas of the Delaware River.

Eats + Treats

Back in town, it’s time to eat!  From gastro pubs to historic inns, Lambertville’s quaint streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, bakeries, ice cream shops, and candy makers – there’s something for every taste and every occasion!  

Combining luxury and history, The Lambertville House is a premier destination for social gatherings, a business lunch, or a weekend getaway.  Built in 1812, the extensively restored Lambertville House Lounge offers an impressive wine list and creative small plate dining.  Upstairs are charming guest rooms, including some with wrought iron balconies and stone fireplaces. 

Located alongside the river, with stunning views, the Lambertville Station is a meticulously restored 1867 railway station. The Station’s New American Cuisine features signature dishes such as Crab Cakes and classic Filet Mignon. The cozy downstairs Wine Cellar has stone walls, overstuffed couches and roaring fires in the winter. In the warm months, the canal-side open air bar and patio is a picture-perfect spot to enjoy a specialty cocktail or a relaxing lunch. The Inn at Lambertville Station has 46 elegant guest rooms and is a top pick for wedding receptions and special events. 

Under the Moon is set in a pretty Victorian nestled behind a wrought iron fence with a lovely, shaded patio for warm weather dining. Everything is made from scratch; and the cafe and restaurant serves a creative mix of internationally inspired cuisine.

Anton’s at the Swan serves new American comfort food in a historic, romantic, elegant restaurant with a full bar and seasonal patio. El Tule offers authentic Peruvian cuisine in a cozy family-owned restaurant.

Local Greek serves authentic Greek favorites including gyros, hummus, souvlaki and desserts. 

Treats

Lambertville Trading Company, Union Coffee, and Bucks on Bridge are cozy and welcoming coffee houses serving up artisan coffee, tea, and homemade sweet treats.  Meta Cafe and Chive Cafe and Catering serve up coffee and scrumptious breakfast and lunch menus. 

Peace Pie serves gourmet ice cream sandwiches and Owowcow Creamery is committed to supporting local farmers, sourcing local and organic dairy, fruits and vegetables, eggs, and raw honey to make their signature flavors. 

Lambertville Bakehouse serves baked goods, made fresh daily, from wholesome local ingredients. La Chocolate Box is a boutique shop offering the finest chocolates and confections from around the world and Hunterdon County.

Artisans + Antiques

Next up, treasure hunting!! Antique shops, art studios, custom jewelers, artisan galleries, boutiques, and gourmet foods can all be found in this charming small town.

A Mano Galleries, located in a historic Five & Dime building, specializes in contemporary American crafts including jewelry, pottery, and hand-crafted furniture.  Surprising and creative gift options can be found throughout the large emporium including whimsical clocks, artisan barware, colorful knits, toys, and kaleidoscopes. 

With 50 dealers and artists’ studios on three floors, The People’s Store Antiques and Design Center is the place to discover one-of-kind antiques and treasures. Union Jack carries uniquely British treats and gifts, and Panoply Books offers rare, and out-of-print used books and vinyl records. At Sojourner “Bohemian chic” from around the world includes furnishings, textiles, beads, jewelry, and clothing. For a complete listing of shops and restaurants, visit  lambertvillechamber.com

Continue your shopping down the road at Big Bear Gear!  The store is stocked with women’s and men’s apparel and footwear.  Ensuring for the outdoors, camping, fishing, fly fishing, rock climbing, bike gear, kayaking, tubing, gifts for all occasions and cross-country ski sales and rentals as well as snowshoes.  All in a historic barn with beautiful displays with vintage antiques mixed in.  Major sustainable brands mean you shop with your conscience while saving the planet.  Many local products and Sourlands Conservancy merchandise, hiking atlases and local authors.

Spend a day or a weekend exploring this vibrant and historic river town by foot or by bike and you will find yourself planning your next trip to Lambertville, NJ! 

The Scenic Delaware River

Let’s start at the river!  Stroll on the pedestrian walkway of the iconic Lambertville-New Hope Bridge and stop right in the middle.  Look down and you will see the state lines for NJ and PA painted right on the bridge!  Enjoy an amazing view of the mighty river, watch the boat and ducks, and make sure to take a photo!  

Head back over the bridge to the entrance to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, often referred to as “the towpath.”  The towpath’s earlier travelers were mules and horses who towed barges of freight along the canals.  The D&R is one of New Jersey’s most popular recreational areas for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, and fishing. With its wooden bridges and 19th century bridge lock tender houses, remnants of locks, cobblestone spillways and hand-built stone-arched culverts, the canal is a tremendous attraction for history lovers as well.  During the warmer months, look out for herons, eagles, and swans.

Explore more of Hunterdon here!