Discover Lambertville - Delaware River's Artistic Gem

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
  • Arrival & Morning Brew: Arrive in Lambertville and find parking (metered street parking or pay lots are available, typically $5-10 for the day). Kick off your day with a delightful coffee and pastry at Union Coffee (12 S Union St), known for its cozy atmosphere, or the historic Lambertville Trading Company (43 Bridge St). Approx. Cost: $10-15 for two.
  • Antiques & Art Immersion: Begin your treasure hunt by exploring Lambertville’s renowned antique shops. Start with a deep dive into The People’s Store Antiques Center (28 N Union St), a vast multi-dealer emporium offering everything from vintage furniture to quirky collectibles. Allow at least 1.5-2 hours here to browse its multiple floors. Afterward, stroll along North Union Street and Bridge Street, popping into other charming independent art galleries like the Artists’ Gallery (18 Bridge St) to admire local works. The main shopping district is very walkable, with most shops within a 0.5-mile radius.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
  • Budget-Friendly Bites: For lunch, head to Sneddon’s Luncheonette (15 Bridge St) for classic diner fare in a retro setting, offering hearty meals at great value. Alternatively, grab a delicious, quick bite at It’s a Wrap (243 N Union St) known for its creative wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Approx. Cost: $20-25 for two.
  • Riverside Stroll & Bridge Crossing: After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the scenic Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Towpath. Access points are easily found near Bridge Street. Enjoy the serene river views and historic canal. Then, prepare for the iconic walk across the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge to New Hope, Pennsylvania. This scenic walk is about 0.2 miles and offers stunning views of the Delaware River.
  • A Glimpse of New Hope: Spend about an hour browsing the quaint shops and galleries of New Hope’s Main Street, just across the bridge. Enjoy the vibrant arts scene and unique boutiques before heading back to Lambertville.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards)
  • Dinner & Departure: Head back to Lambertville for a budget-conscious dinner. Consider The Full Moon (21 Bridge St) for flavorful and reasonably priced Thai cuisine, or Bell’s Tavern (82 Bridge St) for a classic local pub experience with satisfying food. Many restaurants in Lambertville are BYOB, which can significantly reduce your bill if you bring your own wine or beer. Approx. Cost: $35-40 for two. After dinner, take one last stroll along the illuminated streets before departing, having experienced the best of Lambertville’s arts, antiques, and riverside charm within your $80 budget.

Day 1: Riverside Charm & Gallery Delights

• Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Lambertville and check into your charming local B&B or boutique hotel (e.g., a stay at a place like The Lambertville House or a quaint inn could be ~$300 for one night). Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll down Bridge Street and Union Street, the heart of Lambertville’s vibrant arts scene. Grab a delicious coffee at Union Coffee (2 Union St) for ~$10-15 for two, then wander through unique art spaces like A Mano Galleries (33 Union St), admiring local and regional artwork. Most points of interest in this area are within a 0.5-mile radius, easily walkable.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Full Moon (23 Bridge St), known for its cozy atmosphere and American cuisine (~$40-50 for two). Afterward, continue browsing the many independent shops and galleries along Union Street, like the Golden Door Gallery. For a refreshing break, take a picturesque walk along the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park towpath, easily accessible from Bridge Street, offering serene river views and a glimpse of local wildlife. This entire afternoon exploration covers about 1-2 miles of gentle walking.
• Evening Indulge in a pre-dinner cocktail at a local establishment like the bar at The Lambertville House (32 Bridge St) for ~$30-40. For your romantic fine dining experience, savor exquisite contemporary American cuisine at Anton’s at the Swan (43 S Main St), a highly-rated BYOB (bring your own bottle for a truly budget-friendly indulgence, or budget for mocktails if preferred). Expect dinner for two here to be ~$150-180 including a moderate tip. After dinner, enjoy a quiet evening walk back to your accommodation under the charming streetlights of Lambertville.

Day 2: Sister City Exploration & Scenic Views

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Start your day with a delicious and casual breakfast at Rojo’s Tacos (105 S Main St) for their breakfast tacos and coffee (~$25-30 for two), or enjoy breakfast at your B&B if included. Next, embark on a picturesque walk across the historic Lambertville-New Hope Bridge (pedestrian access is free). The walk is approximately 0.2 miles and takes about 5-10 minutes, offering stunning views of the Delaware River. Arrive in New Hope, PA, Lambertville’s eclectic sister city, and begin exploring its unique Main Street shops and antique stores.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM) Enjoy lunch with a view at The Landing Restaurant (22 N Main St, New Hope), offering riverside dining and a diverse menu (~$50-60 for two). After lunch, delve deeper into New Hope’s vibrant atmosphere. Discover more quirky boutiques, art galleries, and perhaps visit the exterior of the historic Bucks County Playhouse. You can also take another stroll along the Delaware Canal towpath on the New Hope side. This afternoon’s exploration in New Hope covers about 1-1.5 miles of walking. Before departing, perhaps treat yourselves to a scoop of gourmet ice cream from Owowcow Creamery (237 N Main St, New Hope) for ~$15-20.
• Evening With your romantic Lambertville getaway coming to a close, depart from New Hope, crossing back over the bridge to pick up any luggage from Lambertville, filled with memories of art, delicious food, and charming riverside towns.