New Jersey may not be Venice but we do have a handful of canals. The Cape May Canal, Morris Canal and Delaware & Raritan Canal are three of the most notable; along the banks of the D&R Canal, you'll find the most charming town. Lambertville is overflowing with antique shops, wonderful restaurants, and fantastic views. Read on to discover why you'll want to visit.
Let's start with a little history.
Lambertville is a little town in Hunterdon County with a population of about 4,000 residents. It was officially incorporated in 1849 but has been populated since the 18th century. For many years, Lambertville was a factory town, due to its proximity to the Delaware & Raritan Canal and the Belvidere Delaware Railroad. Some of these factories survived until the 1970s.At that time, the town was flooded with creative types who revitalized the city, opening galleries and cafes and restoring old buildings. Lambertville has several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The James W. Marshall House was added in 1970. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was added as a historic district in 1973. The Lambertville House was added in 1978. Nearly the entire city was listed as the Lambertville Historic District in 1983!
The history is fascinating, but you'll want to visit for the food.
The town isn't even two square miles, but it offers over 40 top-rated restaurants. One of the most highly acclaimed is d'floret. A newer addition to the Lambertville dining scene, it seats 28, has an open kitchen, and focuses on fresh, farm-to-table food. For something a bit more casual, check out More Than 'Q. They serve up Texas-style wood smoked barbecue and mouthwatering Southern sides like cheesy grits. El Tule serves up authentic Mexican and Peruvian cuisine and has some great deals! In addition to dining in, they even provide customers the option of takeout or delivery. And we can't forget the gorgeous Lambertville Station, a popular restaurant, hotel and wedding venue, right on the water. If you're hoping to look out at the canal while you dine, visit local favorites like Hamilton's Grill Room (with a picture perfect garden patio).
Or maybe you'd prefer the fun?
There's plenty to do in Lambertville. You'll certainly want to check out the Music Mountain Theatre, a new 256-seat performing arts venue that will offer live performances year-round. Current offerings include A Chorus Line (March 2-18) and Annie Jr. (March 10-31). Want to hone your acting skills? They even offer an acting school. Lambertville is also the unofficial "antiques capital of New Jersey." Don't miss The People's Store, Oh Boy, Golden Nugget, or Hook & Ladder Vintage, for starters. If you're outdoorsy, hike or bike along the Delaware & Raritan Canal Tow Path Trail. Visit in April for one of their most unique events, Shad Fest. Celebrating the Shad fish, you can shop, dine, make crafts, listen to live music, take the kids on carnival rides and more. All kinds of food are available, you don't even need to like fish.
If you visit Lambertville, you'll surely want to check out Howell Living History Farm.
Located in Hopewell Township, "Howell Farm is a time machine that takes visitors to the year 1900, when horse drawn buggies traveled the lanes of Pleasant Valley and when farms were bordered by snake fences and Osage orange trees." There are live animals and frequent events including hayrides, logging and blacksmithing demonstrations, maple sugaring and more. During fall month's they are home to New Jersey's longest running corn maze. This is a great day trip for families! Visit on March 10th for work horse rides and special horse-related chores.
Have you been to Lambertville yet? What is your favorite thing to do in the area? For another New Jersey town that you don't want to miss, visit Somerville.
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