Stretch Your Legs: Lambertville’s riverside location is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities. Walk, jog, or bike your way along the towpath, or fish, picnic, and look for wildlife in the stretch of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park that runs through the area.
Wet and Wild: Cruise down the river in a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube. Hook up with Delaware River Tubing in nearby Frenchtown to get started (2998 Daniel Bray Highway, Frenchtown. 908-996-5386, delawarerivertubing.com). Just south of town, the Wing Dam is a haven for boaters, as well as a popular place to fish or swim.
Something Old: Known as “the antique capital of New Jersey,” Lambertville is the place to find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Just shop around. The People’s Store is a multi-floor antique mega-center with more than 40 dealers under one roof (28 N Union Street, 609-397-9808, peoplesstore.net). Browse the Mix Gallery, known for an extensive collection of mid-century home furnishings, vintage bags, and stylish accessories (17 S Main Street, 609-773-0777, mixgallery.com). For a unique excursion, meander through the rows and rows of goods at the outdoor Golden Nugget Antique Market. (1850 River Road, 609-397-0811, gnmarket.com).
State of the Art: Like its Pennsylvania sister town New Hope, Lambertville is well-known for its burgeoning art scene. Peruse the works of local artists at worthy galleries, including the Coryell Gallery at the Porkyard (8 Coryell Street, 609-397-0804, coryellgallery.com), the Lambertville Gallery of Fine Art (20 N Union Street, 609-397-4121), and Artists’ Gallery (32 Coryell Street, 609-397-4588, lambertvillearts.com).
Eat Out…: It’s hard to pick a favorite among the many fine restaurants in town. You can’t go wrong trying seasonal New American dishes and super-tender braised beef shortribs at No. 9 (9 Klines Court, 609-397-6380); homemade Italian pastas and delicious brunch options at DeAnna’s (54 N Franklin Street, 609-397-8957, deannasrestaurant.com); authentic Mexican favorites from Tortuga’s Cocina (11½ Church Street, 609-397-7272, tortugascocina.com); sensational sushi and other Japanese specialties at Ota-Ya (21 Ferry Street, 609-397-9228, ota-ya.com); and elegant dining at Hamilton’s Grill Room (8 Coryell Street, 609-397-4343, hamiltonsgrillroom.com)
…And Drink Up: The Boat House is a cozy place to meet friends for a cocktail or two, and its nautically themed interior provides a colorful backdrop for intimate conversations (8½ Coryell Street, 609-397-2244). Sample six varieties of craft ales and lagers at the River Horse Brewing Company, open for tours Friday through Sunday, noon to 5 pm. (80 Lambert Lane, 609-397-7776, riverhorse.com).
Romantic Getaway: It’s easy to fall hard for this quaint treasure of Western New Jersey. And you’re in luck—Lambertville boasts many bed and breakfasts should you want to extend your trip beyond a day. You can’t beat the comfort and Victorian history of the Martin Coryell House Bed and Breakfast (111 N Union Street, 609-397-8981, martincoryellhouse.com), or the secluded atmosphere of the Chimney Hill Estate (207 Goat Hill Road, 609-397-1516, chimneyhillinn.com). The ever-popular Inn at Lambertville Station is located right on the river (11 Bridge Street, 609-397-4400, lambertvillestation.com).
Mark Your Calendar: Here is a heads up on a few fun annual events. The annual Autumn House Tour (October 18) is sponsored by the Lambertville Historical Society and features 13 historical sites and homes, including the Holcombe-Jimison House (circa 1711), one of the oldest houses in New Jersey. A Taste of Lambertville (November 20) is a gala evening of food, wine, and a silent auction at the Lambertville Rescue Squad Banquet Hall. The Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival (January 27-31) and the always-popular Shad Festival (April 25-26) would also make for two perfect weekend road trips. For more information on these events and more, visit lambertville.org.