New Jersey Getaway: Lambertville

The town of Lambertville, NJ, is a quiet getaway for a day or weekend, and can be a romantic destination for travelers who enjoy colonial architecture, artistic shops and fine restaurants.

Situated on the banks of the Delaware River and across the border from New Hope, PA, Lambertville was incorporated in 1849; however, it has been in existence since 1705. It was officially named Lambertville in 1814. During the 19^th and early-20^th centuries, it was primarily a factory town, with goods being shipped via the United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company. As of the 2000 Census, the town's population is less than 4,000.

The town is concentrated within a small area that is easily walkable-it takes less than a half hour to walk across. However, there are portions of the town that are outside the downtown district. On weekends and Wednesdays, there is a year-round antique flea market with plenty to browse through for visitors who show up early. The Gold Nugget Market is outside town, but easily accessible by car or bike, and it's a great place for visitors to spend a morning searching for a variety of antiques and collectibles.

There is plenty of space for visitors to ride bikes through town, though some streets are narrow. A portion of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, the longest park in New Jersey, runs along the town's border with the Delaware River. The dirt trail along the canal is perfect for biking or walking to avoid the weekend traffic. And, if you're energetic, you can take a long ride or hike farther along the trail.

For anyone seeking a local beer, Lambertville is home to the River Horse Brewing Company. Housed in an old factory on Lambert Lane, the brewery provides short tours and tastings Friday through Sunday. Though they don't have a bar to sit in for the evening, visitors can sample a few of their brews.

There are also plenty of restaurants for visitors to choose from, ranging from bars and grills to sushi. Many of the larger establishments have outdoor seating to enjoy the warm weather. Inn of the Hawk is a pleasant bar, restaurant and hotel, with a great selection culinary delights. It's a little more expensive than some restaurants in Lambertville, but it provides a quiet dining experience outside the center of town. For lighter fare at a more reasonable price, across the street is Marhaba, a Middle Eastern restaurant with flavors to inspire the taste buds. For more upscale dining options, there are a few restaurants overlooking the Delaware and Raritan Canal.