If you’re craving a weekend getaway that blends small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and easy access from both New York City and Philadelphia, the Delaware River towns are a perfect choice. Stretching from Lambertville, NJ to Milford and beyond, these riverside communities are full of history, local flavor, and scenery that begs you to slow down and explore.
According to Visit NJ’s 3-Day Road Trip Itinerary, the Delaware River region offers one of the state’s most picturesque drives—complete with waterfront views, canal paths, and towns bursting with artisan markets and farm-to-table dining. For nature lovers, The Poconos Mountains’ Insider’s Guide to the Delaware Water Gap provides tips on exploring the national recreation area, where waterfalls, cliffs, and forest trails bring the river’s natural beauty to life.
And right at the heart of it all sits Chimney Hill Estate in Lambertville—a tranquil, historic property where you can unwind between your river adventures.
A Ribbon of History and Nature
The Delaware River is one of America’s great waterways, flowing 330 miles from New York’s Catskill Mountains down to the Delaware Bay. Along the way, it passes through a collection of old-world towns that have managed to preserve their colonial charm while embracing creativity and comfort.
Towns like Lambertville, Stockton, Frenchtown, and New Hope showcase 19th-century architecture, independent art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafés. In fact, the Visit NJ itinerary calls Lambertville “a hidden gem for art lovers and food enthusiasts,” where you can stroll the Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath, visit galleries, or dine overlooking the water.
If you travel a little north, the Delaware Water Gap region adds an entirely new layer of exploration. There, you can hike trails that wind through forests, kayak the river’s calm stretches, or visit viewpoints that make you feel miles away from city life.
Stay Central at Chimney Hill Estate
For travelers who love the idea of exploring by day and retreating to comfort by night, Chimney Hill Estate is the perfect home base. Located just minutes from downtown Lambertville, the property blends rustic elegance with modern comfort, surrounded by gardens and rolling countryside.
Each suite and guest room, featured on the Accommodations page, captures a sense of calm that complements the slower rhythm of the Delaware River towns. Guests often describe waking up to the sounds of birds and distant river breezes before heading out to explore nearby attractions.
After a day spent walking the towpath or browsing through New Hope’s shops, you can return to Chimney Hill for a warm bath, a quiet glass of wine by the fire pit, or a rejuvenating session in the property’s Health & Wellness facilities—which include saunas, cold plunges, and outdoor hot tubs under the stars.
How to Spend Your Weekend
Here’s a suggested itinerary that highlights the best of the Delaware River towns while giving you plenty of time to relax at Chimney Hill.
Friday: Arrival and Slow Start
Check into Chimney Hill Estate and take a few moments to settle in. Wander the gardens, admire the property’s historic charm, and breathe in the fresh Lambertville air. For dinner, try one of Lambertville’s acclaimed restaurants—many of which source ingredients from nearby farms.
Saturday: Riverfront Exploration
After breakfast, stroll across the New Hope–Lambertville Bridge into New Hope, PA. Browse boutiques, visit the Parry Mansion Museum, or enjoy lunch along the riverbank. The Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath offers miles of peaceful walking or cycling opportunities, where you can see wildlife and historic canal locks along the way.
If you’re up for a short drive, follow the scenic route north toward Frenchtown or Milford. The Visit NJ itinerary recommends stopping in Stockton for its farmer’s market and casual eateries before heading back to Lambertville for a relaxing evening.
End your day with a soak in Chimney Hill’s hot tub or unwind in the sauna as the sun sets over the property.
Sunday: Nature and Reflection
Spend your final morning embracing the serenity of the region. If you’re interested in a longer outdoor adventure, consider a trip to the Delaware Water Gap, about an hour away. The area offers waterfall hikes, scenic overlooks, and kayaking opportunities that make for a perfect capstone to your trip.
When you return, enjoy one last moment on the Chimney Hill patio, perhaps journaling or simply sitting with a cup of coffee as you take in the quiet beauty around you.
Hidden Gems Worth the Detour
- The Golden Nugget Antique Market in Lambertville, open weekends, is a must-visit for collectors and vintage lovers.
- The Black Bass Hotel in Lumberville, PA offers riverside dining and history that dates back to the 1740s.
- Frenchtown’s ArtYard hosts rotating exhibitions and performances celebrating creativity in the river towns.
- Bull’s Island Recreation Area is a favorite local spot for picnicking and kayaking.
- The Delaware Canal State Park provides miles of trails that connect small towns and nature in equal measure.
Each of these experiences builds on what makes the Delaware River corridor so special: its sense of timelessness. Life here flows at the river’s pace—steady, refreshing, and full of quiet discovery.
The Perfect Balance of Relaxation and Adventure
What sets the Delaware River towns apart is how easily they combine contrasting experiences. One moment you’re hiking a wooded trail near the Delaware Water Gap; the next, you’re enjoying a gourmet meal by candlelight in Lambertville. The rhythm is balanced, never rushed.
That duality makes staying at Chimney Hill Estate so rewarding. The property’s wellness offerings help guests recover from the day’s adventures, while the natural setting reinforces what drew them here in the first place—a need to reconnect with something simpler, quieter, and more meaningful.
Before You Go
A visit to the Delaware River towns is as much about exploration as it is about restoration. Whether you’re drawn by the art galleries, antique shops, hiking trails, or river views, you’ll find something grounding in every stop along the way.
When you stay at Chimney Hill Estate, you’re not just finding a place to sleep—you’re choosing a home base that celebrates the same values as the region itself: history, beauty, and tranquility.
Plan your next getaway today, and let the Delaware River towns remind you how good it feels to slow down and explore.
