In Lambertville, antiquing is the name of the game. A tiny 1920s corkscrew, a regal, hand-carved Chinese chair, a luxurious mink coat—such vintage finds in shops throughout the town delight serious collectors and casual browsers.
Curiosity can guide you on your hunt for unique pieces in stores along North Union Street. A visit to A Touch of the Past, a three-floor antique emporium, might reveal such curiosities as a Chanel Barbie ($799) and a Queen Anne mahogany dressing mirror from England circa 1760 ($675). Continue the hunt next door in the People’s Store. The four-story space, with approximately 50 dealers, is the oldest antique shop in town. Across the street, Midiri Antiques has a selection of stately wardrobes, ornate lamps and other home furnishings. North Union Street also has boutiques, art galleries, jewelry stores, and specialty shops such as Savour, which sells cheese and other gourmet provisions, and La Chocolate Box, a sweet shop.
The main shopping strip, Bridge Street, runs perpendicular to North Union. Here, you’ll encounter shops like Pasha Rugs, with elaborately designed pillows, carpets and car mats imported from countries like Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. Sojourner sells Bohemian décor, jewelry and beads. A sign on the door reads, “Pull With Purpose.” That’s a good rule of thumb when entering Lambertville’s shops.
The town, incorporated in 1849, was once an industrial center, with factories that churned out rubber products, hairpins, toilets and more. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was constructed to transport these and other commodities. Today, visitors can walk and bike along the Delaware River on Lambertville’s section of the D&R Canal State Park. On a fall day, the foliage view and rushing water offer a calming respite from the bustling shopping streets.
Meander back to Bridge Street and hang a right to Lambert Lane for more store hopping. Don’t miss Peter Wallace Ltd. Fine English and Continental Antiques, a cramped space, but with a back porch full of stone sculptures and fountains—and a view of the river and the Lambertville-New Hope Bridge.
If you’re hungry, the Lambertville Station Restaurant (11 Bridge Street), housed in a restored 19th-century train station, has large lunch and dinner menus, as well as a wine cellar. The Full Moon Café (24 E. Bridge Street), is a breakfast and lunch option. On full-moon nights, the eatery stays open for dinner. This month’s date is October 13. For a quick bite, try the Lambertville Trading Company (43 Bridge Street), a coffee shop and bakery.
Don’t end the day just yet. Hop in the car and head 10 minutes south to the Golden Nugget Flea Market, a 50-year-old indoor/outdoor bazaar open until 4 pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
On weekends, catch a live performance before you head home. This month, Music Mountain Theatre presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder and The Rocky Horror Picture Show; Roxey Ballet Company stages Dracula.