Lambertville, NJ, is a charming and historic town nestled on the Delaware River, directly across from New Hope, PA. With its quaint streets, antique shops, and artistic vibe, Lambertville offers a delightful escape brimming with things to see and do.
Exploring Lambertville’s Arts and Antiques Scene
Lambertville boasts a vibrant arts scene, home to numerous galleries, studios, and artisan shops, earning it the nickname “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey.” Stroll along Bridge Street and explore gems like the People’s Store Antiques Center, a multi-level emporium filled with treasures from various eras. For the ultimate treasure hunt, don’t miss the Golden Nugget Flea Market, open year-round. It’s a fun spot for locals and visitors alike, offering antiques, collectibles, and vintage items that you didn’t even
know you needed until you see them.
Fun Fact: From 1949 to 1970, Lambertville was home to the Lambertville Music Circus, a popular venue that hosted legendary performers, including Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
Starting Your Day in Lambertville
Begin your day with a comforting cup of coffee at Lambertville Trading Company on Bridge Street. If your pet is with you, you’re in luck—the outdoor seating allows you both to enjoy the morning bustle together. Then, wander the streets to discover the town’s artistic offerings. The Artists’ Gallery, a co-op featuring works by local artists, and the Haas Gallery, showcasing fantastic art and design pieces, are must-visits.
For those with a passion for fashion, Lambertville doesn’t disappoint. Greene Street Consignment offers a fabulous selection of gently used clothing for both men and women, while Sojourner on Union Street charms with its bohemian vibe.
When it’s Time for a Sweet Treat (and when is it not a good time for a treat?)
For a unique snack, try Peace Pie for their delightful ice cream-filled pies—you absolutely need to try these! Just don’t let the ice cream squeeze out and fall to the ground–like my friend did on our last visit. Her shocked (and sad) face was priceless, but I digress… OwowCow Creamery, a local favorite, serves up artisanal ice cream made from locally sourced ingredients. Their inventive flavors, such as honey lavender and bourbon vanilla, are a must-try for any ice cream lover. Dog-friendly outdoor seating also makes this a great stop if traveling the town with your pet. Located on North Union Street, the charming La Chocolate Box chocolate shop offers a variety of handcrafted chocolates that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s a great spot to pick up artisanal chocolates and other treats. Chez Alice Patisserie offers a wide array of beautiful French pastries, cakes, macarons, and other confections. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying a coffee and a treat in a cozy, Parisian-style setting.
Did someone say cheese?
If you’re ready for something more savory, head over to Savour Cheese shop on North Union Street, a gourmet grocery store that specializes in fine cheeses from around the world. The shop offers a curated selection of cheeses, including unique varieties like Truffle Tremor and Idiazabal, as well as a range of other gourmet products such as preserves, condiments, and artisanal pasta. They also have freshly baked bread. It’s a fantastic spot for cheese lovers to explore and indulge in some truly exceptional offerings.
Dining in Lambertville
When you’re ready for a full meal, Lambertville has plenty of options to satisfy any palate. These are some of my favorites:
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- D’Floret: A farm-to-table restaurant using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create innovative dishes. The intimate setting and ever-changing menu make each visit a new culinary adventure.
- Lambertville House: American Fare featuring small plates of seasonal dishes that can be enjoyed on the lovely patio overlooking Bridge Street. The cocktails here are wonderfully creative and delicious too. This inn is particulalry beautiful when decorated for the holidays.
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- El Tule: Offers a fusion of Mexican and Peruvian dishes in a colorful and vibrant space. A fantastic space for taco Tuesday (or any day, really)!
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- Brian’s: For a more upscale experience, Brian’s provides a sophisticated menu with French and Italian influences—including wonderful homemade pasta dishes.
- Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn: Combines contemporary American flair with stunning views of the Delaware River and a lovely Sunday brunch.
- Brian’s: For a more upscale experience, Brian’s provides a sophisticated menu with French and Italian influences—including wonderful homemade pasta dishes.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces:
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park offers a serene setting for a walk (for you and your dog). The towpath along the canal is perfect for a stroll, with plenty of sights and scents to keep your pet engaged.
If you’re looking for something more intimate, Mary Sheridan Park provides a quiet, community-oriented space.
For a more adventurous outing, Washington Crossing State Park is just a short drive away. This historic park offers beautiful trails and open spaces where you and your dog can explore to their heart’s content. The blend of nature and history here makes it a wonderful day trip destination.
When Planning Your Visit to Lambertville, Don’t Miss These Highlights
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- First Fridays: On the first Friday of every month, Lambertville’s shops stay open late, and the town comes alive with music, food, and art. It’s a fantastic time to explore the shops and soak in the local culture.
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- Fisherman’s Mark Farmer’s Market: Held on weekends, this market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal foods from local vendors. It’s a great place to sample local flavors and pick up ingredients for a picnic or home-cooked meal.
- Lively Street Markets: During warmer months, Lambertville often hosts street markets where you can find a mix of local crafts, vintage items, and unique clothing.
- Fisherman’s Mark Farmer’s Market: Held on weekends, this market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal foods from local vendors. It’s a great place to sample local flavors and pick up ingredients for a picnic or home-cooked meal.
Lambertville’s hospitality extends to its accommodations as well. Many of the local inns and bed and breakfasts, like Lambertville House right in the middle of town, and The Woolverton Inn (a bit outside town), are pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your companion behind. They’ll make sure your stay is as comfortable for your pet as it is for you. Lambertville House also has a sidewalk dog watering “bar” that made both me and my dog happy.
Dining out in Lambertville with your dog is easy, thanks to the many restaurants offering pet-friendly outdoor seating. El Tule, Lambertville Station, and Lambertville House, all with inviting patios, are just a few examples of places where your dog is as welcome as you are.
