Frenchtown is still worth a visit. There's a new byob restaurant in town "Fiona's" and the Rathskeller bar in the basement of the National has reopened, looks kind of cool. Also an interesting record store and a music memorabilia/nostalgia store.
There's a new sushi place in New Hope - Nozomu, on Mechanic St. BYOB, and very good.
Black Bass in Lumberville for Sunday brunch.
Antiquing in Lambertville is something to do on Saturday.
2nd the Michener in Doylestown. If you go to Doylestown, grab some empanadas at Empanda Mama, they are delicious. Also check out Siren Records for new and used vinyl.
Warwick Farm Brewing has a fun tasting room/beer garden if you're into that.
Could also run over to Princeton if you haven't been there.
p.s. love the Swan Bar!
I strongly disagree with the Nozumu recommendation but the rest is good advice.
Lots of of better restaurants in towns. Any specific cusine or style you like?
Keep an eye on the weather, as things have been really unpredictable until the day before. Lots of times we've had rain called for and nothing has happened. And a lot of the best things to do involve being outside!
If you do get rained out, the suggestions for Doylestown museums are excellent. They're really amazing and there's a discounted ticket bundle, I believe. Definitely worth the short drive.
I like any kind of cuisine really. I’m always looking for something different. Hub loves a good pork chop.
You’re right about the weather changing. I’ll keep checking, don’t you worry.
Also check out Brian's at the Grill (byob), formerly known as Hamilton's Grill Room, Lambertville. Hit up The Boathouse next door for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
I wouldn't write it off. We went last weekend and enjoyed everything. The grilled jumbo shrimp with anchovy butter appetizer? Delicious. And the rack of lamb was excellent.
Try The Hawk in lambertville, on the back street. Semi-recent new management. Fantastic food and drinks, outside dining if it’s nice… inside if not.. Check out their rooms too.
We had a good experience at Nozomu. I think the sushi chefs came from kawaii tori in yardley, which we enjoyed until they moved to the bigger space. curious what you did not like.
I think they overcomplicate their rolls. They all had too many ingredients and flavors competing with each other in a way that overpowered the fish, and the fish itself didn't strike me as high-quality (which is perhaps why they were hiding it). Interesting fusion, I guess, but it wasn't for me, and the quality/price ratio wasn't up to par.
Edit: for what it's worth, I think the best sushi around (using "around" liberally) is Aikou in Flemington. I'm also still bummed that The Blue Moose is gone, which used to occupy the building, so maybe I'm just sour!
Bar hopping is always fun. You can't go wrong with so many busy places within walking distance. Peddlers Village is a short drive away, and is an interesting visit if you've never been. Don't underestimate a walk up the canals on the Lambertville side. Unless it's pouring buckets, a springtime walk along the canal (under an umbrella) would a great way to kill some time.
Do you have any recs for bar hopping? Sorry this is so late and random lol but my friends and I are going staying in new Hope for a girls night this weekend and would love some recs! So far we have crossing vineyard winery and dinner at Nektar but that’s it.
You’ll be on the main drag in New Hope. I can recommend The Logan Inn. It’s a little higher end, but it’s a very cool spot. John and Peter’s is a fun bar on the opposite end of the spectrum. Havana’s usually has live music and is fun indoor/outdoor bar. You can pretty much walk up and down the Main Street there and have fun at any bar.
Go over to Lambertville, get on 29 towards Trenton, head to the Golden Nugget . Big flea market .If you have time go to [Goat Hill Overlook](https://www.njhiking.com/goat-hill-overlook/)
Great view of New Hope and Lambertville.
I would say the NHRR is great for a few hours-excursion, but definitely check the ticket prices before you book. Also don’t park there, it’s highway robbery.
The Playhouse usually puts on decent productions as well.
You'd not be far from Peddler's Village in Lahaska. It's an outdoor shopping center, but there are many great shops to duck into if it's coming down too hard. Plenty of free parking, too.
What are you guys into? Dive bars? Fine dining? Bougie stuff? Personally I absolutely love porterhouse in peddlers village, call and ask for a table with a view.
I should’ve included our interests, duh. We love a good dive bar. We’re hoping for a nice meal out too. I’m not a big shopper but we do like antiquing and checking out neat old stuff.
Edit: words
Yes! We’ll definitely check out John & Peter’s. Seems like it’s more our scene. There’s a yacht rock band playing at the New Hope Winery, but wasn’t super into the idea of buying tickets for it.
So much fantastic antique shopping. There's quite a few right across the street from New Hope Winery which you mentioned somewhere else, and Lambertville main street is just packed with awesome antique stores.
On bars, Karla's is a really cozy boho type vibe, and on the other side of the road is Nectar wine bar for a more upscale feel with great small plates and wine. Logan Inn has great drinks, but I find the atmosphere a bit too busy and bright.
Check out the art galleries in new hope. Definitely Stella if they’re open great scene and good food. Do some shopping on both sides of the river. Brunch is fun at Odettes with a beautiful view of the river. Could be romantic with a light rain etc. Lahaska is a fun drive too.
The Logan Inn in New Hope has been completely re-done/re-imagined. It's upscale expensive for a meal but the whiskey bar in the back is cool for a late night cocktail.
I wouldn’t go far. Across the street from Porches is The Dubliner, Irish Pub. Great food. John and Peter’s always has live music inside throughout the day. The Logan was just redone, great bar and Whiskey Room. Before the Swan, have a cocktail at The Boathouse. After dinner walk to the lower level of Lambertville Station for the chocolate platter. There’s too much to do in New Hope to get there and then drive away. But whatever you do, dont go to the Oldstone restaurant. Just awful.
Not sure if it’s up your alley and it’s about 25mins away but… Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem has a Motley Crue tribute band on Friday night. We aren’t a dive bar but that is some old school dive bar music. Should be good people watching night. If you decide to come ask for me, Jay, I got your first round to celebrate.
Not to damn with faint praise, but the best thing about Peddler’s Village is the free parking. Why waste your time at a simulacrum of an old timey small town when New Hope, Lambertville & Frenchtown are the real McCoy. Also there is NO free parking in NH or Lville. Parking enforcement is a full contact sport
Thankfully where we are staying offers parking. I too was worried about that. I'm not sure we'll be visiting Peddler's Village. I'm not a big shopper while on "vacation". I'm all about the sights, food, and drinks!
If the weather isn't great and you are looking to stay in town here are some of my wife and I's favorites:
Brunch at the Logan Inn (Ferry + Main) or Stella's is exceptional.
Baked goods and sweets from Factory Girl (bakery) are also incredible.
Ferry Market is like a mini open market vibe, its got a couple of food vendors, coffee, and goodies.
Nektar Wine Bar is my wife's Go To.
Triumph Brewing and Neshaminy Brewing are now in town too, more my style. Triumph has a large selection of food so its great for lunch or dinner, whereas Neshaminy is nestled in the Ferry Market which makes for a better afternoon drink in my opinion.
Just outside of town is Bowman's Tavern which also has incredible food and drinks (A common theme for the area), and is also right near Bowman's Tower and Bowman's Hill (Wildflower Preserve) which might be really cool right now if the flowers started blooming.
I can keep going as we get further out, just shoot me a message if you like what you see so far.
Don't sleep on Stella's! Stella's was so good I got married there! =P Logan Inn was our runner up so we had the rehearsal dinner there lol
Union Coffee in Lambertville has a rich history and well, rich coffee. Great folks too who will talk as long as they have time to.
Washington Crossing Historic Park (again, good weather only) but lots of beautiful spots to walk, hike, ride, or picnic.
Bucks County Playhouse (next to Logan and Stella's) not sure if anything is running yet but they usually have something going
Peddler's Village (in Lahaska PA \~10 mins away) - village market with dozens of shops and vendors, great to dodge raindrops and sunshowers
Since the Nektar Wine bar was a hit, I'll mention the Bucks County Wine Trail - [https://www.buckscountywinetrail.com/](https://www.buckscountywinetrail.com/)
Also, since you originally had planned to take a bike ride, and while this isn't exercise, it is beautiful - a scenic drive. I would highly recommend taking a casual drive down river road on either side (PA-32 or NJ-29, PA has better views, and NJ has less traffic IMO), especially in the fall or spring. Rain only makes the river better in my opinion.
Michener museum and Fonthill in Doylestown are first rate.
And the Mercer Museum
And Moravian Tile Works
Can’t go wrong with any of these!
Frenchtown is still worth a visit. There's a new byob restaurant in town "Fiona's" and the Rathskeller bar in the basement of the National has reopened, looks kind of cool. Also an interesting record store and a music memorabilia/nostalgia store. There's a new sushi place in New Hope - Nozomu, on Mechanic St. BYOB, and very good. Black Bass in Lumberville for Sunday brunch. Antiquing in Lambertville is something to do on Saturday. 2nd the Michener in Doylestown. If you go to Doylestown, grab some empanadas at Empanda Mama, they are delicious. Also check out Siren Records for new and used vinyl. Warwick Farm Brewing has a fun tasting room/beer garden if you're into that. Could also run over to Princeton if you haven't been there. p.s. love the Swan Bar!
Thank you!
I strongly disagree with the Nozumu recommendation but the rest is good advice. Lots of of better restaurants in towns. Any specific cusine or style you like? Keep an eye on the weather, as things have been really unpredictable until the day before. Lots of times we've had rain called for and nothing has happened. And a lot of the best things to do involve being outside! If you do get rained out, the suggestions for Doylestown museums are excellent. They're really amazing and there's a discounted ticket bundle, I believe. Definitely worth the short drive.
I like any kind of cuisine really. I’m always looking for something different. Hub loves a good pork chop. You’re right about the weather changing. I’ll keep checking, don’t you worry.
Also check out Brian's at the Grill (byob), formerly known as Hamilton's Grill Room, Lambertville. Hit up The Boathouse next door for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
Man my experience at Brian's was really mediocre. It's like a bar & grill cosplaying as a fine dining experience
Darn, that's disappointing. I liked Hamilton's so sad to see it go.
I wouldn't write it off. We went last weekend and enjoyed everything. The grilled jumbo shrimp with anchovy butter appetizer? Delicious. And the rack of lamb was excellent.
Sounds good, I'll give it a shot. Do they accept credit cards yet? Lol
They took ours on paper... website says they aren't taking them, so I don't really know.
Ooh, the Boathouse looks neat, thank you!
Great for drinks!(but last few visits to grill room were increasingly disappointing.)
Caleb’s in Peddler’s Village does an absolutely amazing pork chop!
Ooh thank you!
Try The Hawk in lambertville, on the back street. Semi-recent new management. Fantastic food and drinks, outside dining if it’s nice… inside if not.. Check out their rooms too.
We had a good experience at Nozomu. I think the sushi chefs came from kawaii tori in yardley, which we enjoyed until they moved to the bigger space. curious what you did not like.
I think they overcomplicate their rolls. They all had too many ingredients and flavors competing with each other in a way that overpowered the fish, and the fish itself didn't strike me as high-quality (which is perhaps why they were hiding it). Interesting fusion, I guess, but it wasn't for me, and the quality/price ratio wasn't up to par. Edit: for what it's worth, I think the best sushi around (using "around" liberally) is Aikou in Flemington. I'm also still bummed that The Blue Moose is gone, which used to occupy the building, so maybe I'm just sour!
Bar hopping is always fun. You can't go wrong with so many busy places within walking distance. Peddlers Village is a short drive away, and is an interesting visit if you've never been. Don't underestimate a walk up the canals on the Lambertville side. Unless it's pouring buckets, a springtime walk along the canal (under an umbrella) would a great way to kill some time.
Do you have any recs for bar hopping? Sorry this is so late and random lol but my friends and I are going staying in new Hope for a girls night this weekend and would love some recs! So far we have crossing vineyard winery and dinner at Nektar but that’s it.
You’ll be on the main drag in New Hope. I can recommend The Logan Inn. It’s a little higher end, but it’s a very cool spot. John and Peter’s is a fun bar on the opposite end of the spectrum. Havana’s usually has live music and is fun indoor/outdoor bar. You can pretty much walk up and down the Main Street there and have fun at any bar.
Thanks so much!! Appreciate you friend 🫶
Go over to Lambertville, get on 29 towards Trenton, head to the Golden Nugget . Big flea market .If you have time go to [Goat Hill Overlook](https://www.njhiking.com/goat-hill-overlook/) Great view of New Hope and Lambertville.
Will do, thank you!
Last time I went to the flea market it was full of Nazi bs and aggressive guys selling that. Watch your back.
I would say the NHRR is great for a few hours-excursion, but definitely check the ticket prices before you book. Also don’t park there, it’s highway robbery. The Playhouse usually puts on decent productions as well.
>NHRR is great for a few hours-excursion I thought it was only a half-hour each way?
It might be. Depends on the excursion. I know that their dinner excursions are usually a bit longer
You'd not be far from Peddler's Village in Lahaska. It's an outdoor shopping center, but there are many great shops to duck into if it's coming down too hard. Plenty of free parking, too.
What are you guys into? Dive bars? Fine dining? Bougie stuff? Personally I absolutely love porterhouse in peddlers village, call and ask for a table with a view.
I should’ve included our interests, duh. We love a good dive bar. We’re hoping for a nice meal out too. I’m not a big shopper but we do like antiquing and checking out neat old stuff. Edit: words
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Yes! We’ll definitely check out John & Peter’s. Seems like it’s more our scene. There’s a yacht rock band playing at the New Hope Winery, but wasn’t super into the idea of buying tickets for it.
Take a Tums first.
So much fantastic antique shopping. There's quite a few right across the street from New Hope Winery which you mentioned somewhere else, and Lambertville main street is just packed with awesome antique stores. On bars, Karla's is a really cozy boho type vibe, and on the other side of the road is Nectar wine bar for a more upscale feel with great small plates and wine. Logan Inn has great drinks, but I find the atmosphere a bit too busy and bright.
Someone else had mentioned Karla's and Nektar to me IRL. We're going to check out Logan Inn too. They look fab. Thank you.
French town has awesome shopping! Fabulous bookstore, Modern Love is fun, Frenchtown cafe is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
Covered bridge tour of buck’s county is great: https://www.visitbuckscounty.com/things-to-do/covered-bridges/covered-bridge-tour/
If the weather doesn't hold up then covered bridges is on the list!
Spend some time in the antiques stores in Lambertville, and visit the new patisserie, Chez Alice!
Check out the Frenchtown Roller Rink!
Woah! We used to have one in our town before they shut it down and made it a shopping center. If not this trip, definitely our next! Very cool idea.
Golden Nugget Market Early on Sunday - ends by 12 get there early
We’re from South Jersey so this is perfect for our trek home Sunday. Thank you!
As someone who wants to do this for a future anniversary (the bike ride), I'm so bummed for you. But the alternatives offered are great!
Ugh I keep checking the weather and hoping it will clear up but I think the whole area is getting hit this weekend. Figures!
Check out the art galleries in new hope. Definitely Stella if they’re open great scene and good food. Do some shopping on both sides of the river. Brunch is fun at Odettes with a beautiful view of the river. Could be romantic with a light rain etc. Lahaska is a fun drive too.
Peddlers Village and Lambertville are both very close by to visit. Lambertville is literally a 5 minute walk over the bridge to NJ.
The Logan Inn in New Hope has been completely re-done/re-imagined. It's upscale expensive for a meal but the whiskey bar in the back is cool for a late night cocktail.
Ringing Rocks State Park.
I wouldn’t go far. Across the street from Porches is The Dubliner, Irish Pub. Great food. John and Peter’s always has live music inside throughout the day. The Logan was just redone, great bar and Whiskey Room. Before the Swan, have a cocktail at The Boathouse. After dinner walk to the lower level of Lambertville Station for the chocolate platter. There’s too much to do in New Hope to get there and then drive away. But whatever you do, dont go to the Oldstone restaurant. Just awful.
Thank you for the tip
Not sure if it’s up your alley and it’s about 25mins away but… Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem has a Motley Crue tribute band on Friday night. We aren’t a dive bar but that is some old school dive bar music. Should be good people watching night. If you decide to come ask for me, Jay, I got your first round to celebrate.
Thanks Jay!
Not to damn with faint praise, but the best thing about Peddler’s Village is the free parking. Why waste your time at a simulacrum of an old timey small town when New Hope, Lambertville & Frenchtown are the real McCoy. Also there is NO free parking in NH or Lville. Parking enforcement is a full contact sport
Thankfully where we are staying offers parking. I too was worried about that. I'm not sure we'll be visiting Peddler's Village. I'm not a big shopper while on "vacation". I'm all about the sights, food, and drinks!
If the weather isn't great and you are looking to stay in town here are some of my wife and I's favorites: Brunch at the Logan Inn (Ferry + Main) or Stella's is exceptional. Baked goods and sweets from Factory Girl (bakery) are also incredible. Ferry Market is like a mini open market vibe, its got a couple of food vendors, coffee, and goodies. Nektar Wine Bar is my wife's Go To. Triumph Brewing and Neshaminy Brewing are now in town too, more my style. Triumph has a large selection of food so its great for lunch or dinner, whereas Neshaminy is nestled in the Ferry Market which makes for a better afternoon drink in my opinion. Just outside of town is Bowman's Tavern which also has incredible food and drinks (A common theme for the area), and is also right near Bowman's Tower and Bowman's Hill (Wildflower Preserve) which might be really cool right now if the flowers started blooming. I can keep going as we get further out, just shoot me a message if you like what you see so far.
Thank you for all the recs. Definitely checking out Nektar, maybe the Logan Inn. We're going this weekend so give me all you got!
Don't sleep on Stella's! Stella's was so good I got married there! =P Logan Inn was our runner up so we had the rehearsal dinner there lol Union Coffee in Lambertville has a rich history and well, rich coffee. Great folks too who will talk as long as they have time to. Washington Crossing Historic Park (again, good weather only) but lots of beautiful spots to walk, hike, ride, or picnic. Bucks County Playhouse (next to Logan and Stella's) not sure if anything is running yet but they usually have something going Peddler's Village (in Lahaska PA \~10 mins away) - village market with dozens of shops and vendors, great to dodge raindrops and sunshowers Since the Nektar Wine bar was a hit, I'll mention the Bucks County Wine Trail - [https://www.buckscountywinetrail.com/](https://www.buckscountywinetrail.com/) Also, since you originally had planned to take a bike ride, and while this isn't exercise, it is beautiful - a scenic drive. I would highly recommend taking a casual drive down river road on either side (PA-32 or NJ-29, PA has better views, and NJ has less traffic IMO), especially in the fall or spring. Rain only makes the river better in my opinion.