Weekend Getaway to New Hope, PA - Jim Flynn's BestWeekends

New Hope, PA

New Hope, PA Overview

New Hope and Lambertville sit on opposite sides of the Delaware River in the western part of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania and have very different personalities. New Hope is funky, eccentric and edgy. Lambertville is more sophisticated, conservative and quiet. Walk down the street in New Hope and you’ll see hippies, bikers, gays and baby boomers all coexisting in seeming harmony. In Lambertville you will be more likely to encounter New York interior designers searching for antique treasures. Together they offer a wonderful weekend getaway opportunity.

The area is idyllic with winding country lanes, stone farmhouses, historic inns, the vast Delaware River and the very unique canal system. In the 1830’s canals were dug on both sides of the Delaware River (whose currents were too strong for boat transportation) to transport coal from Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey to Trenton. Mules on the banks of the canals (towpaths) pulled the canal boats along the canal to its destination. Today, the towpaths are used for walking, biking and horseback riding and mule pulled canal boat rides are available for tourists.

New Hope is a charming collection of off-beat shops, restaurants, B&B’s and historical sites. Across the river, Lambertville is the antique capital of the east, the place where many out-of-town interior designers come in search of 18th and 19th century American and English antiques. There are over 20 antique galleries in Lambertville alone. The town also boasts 15 art galleries featuring the works of local and international artists.

This area is perfect when you want to get away but are looking for a more relaxed weekend. This is a place where you won’t feel the pressure to cram a lot of activity into a few days. The pace is slower, more leisurely. It is the perfect destination to just get away and recharge the batteries and come home refreshed.


When To Go

As would be expected there are more things to do in the warmer months; picnics, rafting, golf, boating and so forth. But with the exception of some water sports, most other activities like museums, galleries, walking and shopping are available year-round. Cocktails and dinner on patios give way to cozy fireplaces during the cooler months. Fall foliage is particularly beautiful and snow covered trees by rushing brooks in bright sunshine is quite spectacular.

Getting There

New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey (right across the river) are a 1 1/2 hour drive from New York City, and an hour from Philadelphia. Closest airport is Philadelphia International, also about an hour away.

Getting Around

You will need a car to get to New Hope/Lambertville and as many of the attractions and restaurants we recommend are spread out, you will need one while you are there.

Things To Do

Apart from the antique stores and art galleries in Lambertville and the canal towpaths for walking/running/biking mentioned above, there is a wonderful new golf course, ranked one of the Top 30 new public facilities by Golf magazine, boating on the Delaware, horseback riding on the towpaths, fly fishing for bass, museums, wineries, a wildflower preserve, theatre and wonderful shopping. There’s no shortage of weekend activities in the New Hope/Lambertville area.

Golf

Heron Glen on Rt. 202 in nearby Ringoes. Ranked one of Top 30 New Public Golf Facilities by Golf Magazine. Par 71/125. Green fees $55 weekends. Cart $26. On-line tee times.

Walking/Running/Biking

In the early 1800’s canals were built in many areas as a quicker and cheaper way to move goods than poor roads and unnavigable rivers. Two such canals were built on either side of the Delaware in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to transport coal from Bordontown to Trenton and New Brunswick by mule pulled barges. Today, the towpath bedside the canals are a favorite place to walk, run and bike. The total length is some 40 miles but there are many interesting and fun shorter routes.

Another great place to walk is the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, just 2 1/2 miles south of New Hope on Rt. 32. There are 26 trails over 100 acres of spectacularly planted fields and woods. It’s quite a site.

Boat Rentals

Bucks County River Country, Point Pleasant. 8 miles north of New Hope. Kayaking, tubing, canoeing and rafting on the Delaware.

Fishing

Gary Mauz’s Delaware River Fly Fishing Guide Service. Warrington, Pa. Knows the best spots on the river. 25 year’s experience. 1/2 and full day trips. Credit cards accepted.

Horseback Riding

West End Farms. Just a short distance from New Hope. Leisurely trip along the river.

Museums

Washington Crossing Historic Park. Washington Crossing, PA. Site of Washington’s Christmas 1776 crossing of the Delaware. 13 historic buildings. Tuesday-Saturday 9-5, Sunday noon to 5.

Museum at Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead, 1605 Daniel Bray Highway (Rt.29), just north of Lambertville. The Museum property was once part of John Holcombe’s “Plantation”, according to his will of 1742. In 1968, the Farmstead was donated to the Hunterdon County Historical Society by Milo and Rachel Jumison who retained life rights. With Milo Jimison’s death, over 250 years of agricultural activity on the site ended. In 1984, the property was deeded to the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead, Inc. Using a combination of grants from small foundations, individual donations and a substantial gift from Colonel James Horn, the Museum’s volunteers and Trustees have restored the property and added outbuildings for the Post Office, Blacksmith Shop, Carriage Shed, and Print Shop. Museum Web-Site. May-October, Sundays 1-4pm.

Theater

Bucks County Playhouse is one of the country’s leading regional theaters.

Tours

Take a trip to the Sand Castle Winery on River Road in Erwinna, about 20 minutes from New Hope, tour the winery and underground wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of their wines.

National Canal Museum offers tours of the canals. Authentically-dressed crew interprets the story of the anthracite canals and the people who worked and lived on them

Antiques

Lambertville is a haven for decorators and designers throughout the Northeast. Some of the better known; America Antiques and Design, 5 S. Main Street, 19th and 20th century artifacts, furniture and paintings, Old English Pine, 202 N. Union Street, antique English pine furniture, Broadmoor Antiques, 6 N. Union Street. Ten galleries of ever changing antiques and fine art, Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, River Road, 40 inside shops, 250 outside tables. Also contact the Lambertville Antiques Dealers Association who represents 100 dealers in 40 shops.

Right outside New Hope on Rt. 179 South (which becomes 202 South) is a stretch of road lined with antique shops and galleries. You could spend a half day just going from one to another.

Galleries

Plenty of choices featuring local regional and national artists. Some of the many available; Artist’s Gallery, 32 Coryell Street. Co-op, all styles., Haas Gallery, 71 Bridge Street, artist owned and operated, local scenes, Lachman Gallery, in Peddler’s Village, nationally acclaimed artist Al Lachman and  Jim’s of Lambertville, 6 Bridge Street

Music

The Riverside Symphonia offers classical concerts throughout the year, presented by Musical Director Mariusz Smolij. Visit www.riversidesymphonia.org for events.

Shopping

Plenty of unique and interesting little shops and boutiques in both Lambertville and New Hope. Just a short distance from New Hope on Rt 179 South/202 South, is the quaint shopping spot Peddler’s Village with over 70 specialty shops, restaurants and lodging.

Dont Miss

  • A walk by the canal
  • Lunch beside the Delaware
  • Antiquing in Lambertville
  • An afternoon snack at Martine’s
  • Cocktails at the Boathouse
  • Dinner at the Inn at Philips Mill

The Best Of...

News and Resources

The New Hope and Lambertville Chambers of Commerce are good resources.

Food & Drink

Breakfast

Virtually all inns and B&B’s offer breakfast, but if you feel like venturing out, C’est la Vie, at 20 Main Street, New Hope is wonderful. Open at 7:30am. Delicious coffees and teas also. Also try Duck’s Soup in New Hope.

Brunch

Enjoy a riverside Sunday brunch buffet at Lambertville Station. Complimentary glass of Champagne. Famous Bloody Marys. Excellent wine list. Inside and outside seating. $34.95. The Landing is one of our favorites. Outdoor seating along the river. Fireplace inside. A la carte brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm is a gorgeous country inn serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday. BYOB.

Lunch

The Landing , 22N. Main St. New Hope. This wonderful converted house is the perfect spot for lunch in any season. In winter there are cozy booths and a fireplace inside and in warmer weather a glorious outdoor patio, with a big bar, right on the Delaware River. They have a pretty good wine list with most under $50 and many in the $30 range. Beside the usual sandwiches and burgers, what sets the Landing apart are what else they offer. Here’s just a sampling; Warm Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese, Roasted Turkey Breast on French Bread Havarti Dill, Green Apples, Lettuce, Ancho Mayonnaise, Pulled Pork Sandwich with Emmantaler Cheese, Red Onion, Romaine Lettuce and Barbecue Sauce. By the way, this is also a great place to while away a rainy day. The outside bar is covered and the TV’s always have some sporting event on.  Martine’s, end of Ferry on the water in New Hope in a cheery yellow building with glorious view. Spring brings an outside deck and bar.  Inn of the Hawk in Lambertville is an old world tavern with a fireplace for the colder months and a delightful patio for the warmer ones. Good burgers and sandwiches.

Burger

Anton’s at the Swan. Lambertville. My local friends swear by the cheeseburger at the Swan. They think it takes the burger to another level! The great bar is the perfect setting. Havana’s Main Street, New Hope. Offers a huge, juicy burger with perfectly crisp fries. It’s a toss-up.

Cocktails

Martine’s. end of Ferry Street, New Hope. Beautiful bar with views of the River. Good wine list. Havana’s. Main Street, New Hope. Weather permitting (and even when it isn’t the outside bar is covered and they’ve got heaters everywhere) this is the best people watching spot in town. The Boathouse, Coryell Street Lambertville. They have an outside patio, but the inside is much more interesting. This two story establishment serves only drinks, no food, except for pretzels at the bar. Antiques, wood stove, fireplace, couches and easy chairs make this a cozy retreat anytime and even more so in Winter. Perfect place for a drink before dinner. Lambertville Station has a downstairs wine bar with good apps and a cozy lounge with couches and a fireplace.

Activities/Shopping

After Dinner Fun

Havana, S. Main Street, New Hope. Blues, jazz, reggae, rock. Check for schedule. Bowman’s Tavern , 1600 River Road has agreat piano bar and is lots of fun. John & Peter’s. Main Street, New Hope. One of the great dive bars. Fun place and people. Live musical acts. Deanna’s has live jazz on Thursday’s.

While Away a Rainy Day

The Landing, Main Street, New Hope. A great place to while away a rainy day. The outside bar is covered and the TV’s always have some sporting event on. Inside there’s a fireplace and a cozy wood bar. Havana’s has an orchestra, yes a 12 piece orchestra, for dancing on the first Sunday afternoon of the month. Outdoor bar overlooking Main Street, with tons of heaters make this the best people watching place around. and John & Peter’s has a cozy bar with lots of TV’s.

Get Pampered

Zanya Spa/Salon, 287 S. Main Street, Lambertville. Soothe your body and soul at this luxurious spa/salon. Spend an hour, 1/2 day or full day treating yourself to the ultimate in pampering. Hair, make-up, nails, pedicures, massages and more. Men’s services, including a great Healing Plant Steam Bath.

Picnic Fixins

Highland Gourmet, Stockton. Great sandwiches and salads. Wonderful prepared foods. Cheeses, homemade breads. Phillips Fine Wine store right across the street. C’est la Vie in New Hope is a French bakery that makes wonderful sandwiches on fresh baguettes.

Wine Shop

Stockton Fine Wines in Stockton. Very good selection. Walker’s in Lambertville also has a good wine selection.

Special Things

Up. Up and Away

There’s something particularly romantic about a dawn or sunset hot air balloon ride over the rural countryside. Alexandria Balloon Flights is the most experienced in the area. Rides last about an hour and conclude with champagne and hors d’oeuvres on the terrace. A little expensive at $165 per person, but worth it for a special treat.

Picnic By the Canal

Pack a picnic lunch from Center Gourmet, pick up a bottle of wine from Phillips and head out to the canal for an intimate picnic for two. My favorite spot is just outside of town (New Hope) heading north on River Road. At the first sharp bend to the left, turn right, park and make your way to the towpath. Find a spot under a big tree and enjoy your lunch.

Where To Stay

Bucks County Cottage on the Delaware

OVERVIEW of Bucks County Cottage

On a recent overnight to the New Hope/Lambertville area we enjoyed a wonderful alternative to traditional inns and B&B's, an absolutely charming little private cottage set on the banks of the Delaware River about 13 miles south of New Hope/Lambertville.…

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Inn at Bowman’s Hill

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OVERVIEW of Inn at Bowman's Hill

You are just a short distance from New Hope as you drive down a narrow country lane looking for the Inn at Bowman Hill, a luxury B&B that sets a standard for accommodations in Bucks County. Suddenly the woods give…

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Lambertville House, Lambertville

OVERVIEW of Lambertville House

Lambertville House, a historic inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places sits a few blocks from the Delaware River in the heart of Lambertville. With 26 rooms and suites, this splendid facility has been welcoming guests for almost 200 years. It has retained the charm…

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Woolverton Inn, Stockton

OVERVIEW of Woolverton Inn

High on a hill surrounded by 300 acres of spectacular countryside, the circa 1792 stone Woolverton Inn offers THE ultimate bucolic retreat from your everyday life. Sheep grazing in the meadow, deer prancing across the field, the scent of freshly mown grass or a roaring fire make…

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Where To Eat

Anton’s at the Swan

Anton's is located on the main floor of the historic Swan Hotel, just a few blocks from the center of Lambertville. A secluded, comfortable patio (on which you can enjoy cocktails) leads to a dark and cozy two tier bar area. The lower area has intimate tables along the paned window overlooking the patio. Antiques…

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Hamilton’s Grill Room

Make your way to the river end of Coryell Street, turn right at the Blue Raccoon and follow the tree covered alley, first to the Boathouse for cocktails. The Boathouse is open just for cocktails, no food; not even peanuts, but the setting is so comfortable and charming that you wouldn't want to miss it.…

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Inn at Phillips Mill

Built in 1750 as a stone barn, the Inn at Philips Mill was purchased in 1972 by architect Brooks Kaufman and his wife Joyce and meticulously restored as an inn and restaurant. There are three dining rooms, all charming, warm and romantic. The upstairs room is lined with bookshelves and the tables are interspersed with…

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Sergeantsville Inn

Just a short 8 miles from the center of New Hope or Lambertville, an evening at the Sergeantsville Inn is a step back in history. Rebuilt after a tragic fire, the new Inn has maintained the charm of the historic building while adding in modern conveniences. Stone walls, beamed ceilings, tile or clapboard floors, fireplaces…

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Zoubi

What a gutsy move to have a restaurant with mostly outdoor dining to have to roll the dice with Mother Nature every day. Fortunately, Zoubi wins most of the time and when it doesn't there are awnings for the faithful and now some indoor seating. The entrance is a narrow passageway, past the small bar…

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