Things to Do and Places to Eat

Okay, so we’re kidding about the "bargains," but they can be found if you look closely, like at the real 5 & Dime store in Lambertville. Other than that, eclectic shops on both sides of the river tempt you with antiques, decorative items, clothing and whatever else suits your fancy. Did we say suits? Those, too.

Culture along the Delaware River is renowned. Find art galleries of all stripes. Genres run the gamut from landscapes to portraits, and mediums from oil and pastel to watercolor. And let us not forget sculptors and sculptures. Theaters and thespians play out dramas and comedies, whether matinees or nightly shows.

So many things to do are so close to the river, why not get ON the river? You can sign up for group canoeing and lazy tubing trips down the Delaware with Big Big Gear located in Lambertville. They provide the transportation and gear. You get a completely different perspective of the river and its surroundings when you’re on it. Be sure to lotion up.

When the sun sets, nightlife begins. Visitors and locals flock to open-air restaurants, bars and other hotspots with live music deep into the night. Watch the lights dance on the river. It’s a great time to walk across the bridge to see Lambertville and New Hope sparkling in the night. Enjoy your favorite libation responsibly and rock away. Any way you roll, it’ll be good times.

If you like selfies with great backgrounds, go no further than down the block from Chimney Hill to George Washington Road. Park at road’s end and hike leisurely to a crest that looks down on one of the best views of the Delaware River we’ve seen. Take libation and snacks because there’s room to spread a blanket and soak in the vista.

One of the mellowest activities during your stay could be a leisurely scenic drive along the Delaware mentioned elsewhere on this site. Cruise north on the New Jersey side through Stockton, Frenchtown and Milford, until you arrive at a bridge crossing into Pennsylvania at Riegelsville. Head south on Rt. 32, passing through Point Pleasant and toward New Hope. The two roads provide quite a different driving experience. Click on See More for suggestions on where to stop along the way for food, wine, cappuccino and dessert.

If river views, fresh air and a little exercise are what you want, consider walking or biking the Delaware & Raritan Canal path. You may not want to trek all 77 miles, so do however much you please. Also, parks abound along the Delaware where you can experience colonial history, picnic and see the sights and sounds, like the Ringing Rocks, really.

Have you ever wanted to hot-air balloon? It’s the best way to see the Delaware River, quaint towns and surrounding hills. Float easily through the air over fields, watch miniature cars and people go about their day. At flight’s end, you get bragging rights, a celebratory toast of champagne may mark the adventure, and you may officially become an Aeronaut.

Wineries are growing like vines on both sides of the river, so your chance of finding exactly the vino you want should be pretty good. Most vintners offer vittles for your palate to complement tastings of their vintages. Wine festivals are nearly a weekly rite of summer, many with live music, an array of food vendors and other neat stuff for the wine connoisseur in you. Time to be your own sommelier.

Anton’s in Lambertville offers three dining options: a patio, one of the hippest bars in the area, and a formal dining room. Whatever your fancy, the food and service are topnotch, be it burgers, serious steak or seafood. The ambiance oozes river history and will help make your meal an experience.

If you want to know where locals eat great cooking, go to Bell’s in Lambertville. It’s a quintessential pub with appetizers, salads, pastas with homemade sauces and a host of grilled items from burgers and steaks to oysters. We can personally attest to their primo pasta puttanesca.

Famed chef Dennis Foy directs the culinary mastery at this gem in Lambertville. Patrons benefit from his estages at the 21 Club in New York, Le Francais in Wheeling, Illinois and a number of leading restaurants in France. Savor dishes like wild mushroom and lobster crepe, dry aged sirloin and roasted rack of lamb in the elegant dining room.

This Peruvian and Mexican restaurant in Lambertville features casual outdoor and indoor dining. The chef recommends the ceviche trilogy, Mexican street corn, Peruvian sampler, fajitas and steaks. Consider starting with nachos, guacamole and spicy salsas.

Recognized as the best gourmet food market in Bucks County in 2018 and 2019, Ferry Market in New Hope is multiple eateries in one. Casually dine indoors or out after selecting fare from 10 or more eateries and drinkeries. Shop afterward.

Havana in New Hope is a centerpiece of food and live music. People watching is a pastime in New Hope and this is one of the better spots to do that while eating on the patio above the sidewalk. Homemade starters include macaroni and cheese bacon balls (really!) and guacamole. After that, select from tacos, salads, burgers and entrees.

An eclectic and long-time fixture in New Hope, John and Peter’s offers super-casual fare with live music to match. Items labeled Fried Deliciousness include pickles. There also is a list of Tater Tot options and traditional items like build-a-burgers, tacos, sandwiches and quesadillas. If you’re brave and want to carry a note or two, be there for Open Mic Mondays.

This landmark restaurant offers a formal dining room, alfresco, canal side dining, a pub and a wine cellar. Match your mood to the option, then enjoy a culinary experience. The food and service befit the caliber of this iconic, 19th century restored train station. The wide-ranging menu includes French onion soup, Jambalaya, pasta, fish, burgers, chicken and steaks.

No list of suggested eateries would be complete without a pizza place. Spatola’s in New Hope makes our list. Choose from traditional or gourmet pies, stromboli, pasta, panini, wraps, subs, burgers and other fare.

Of course, you might want to consider ordering a tasting of a half-dozen or more beers brewed onsite. But, this spacious brew house also offers smoked wings, buttermilk fried chicken, pulled pork and, of course, a bacon cheddar burger, among other items.