I’ve always believed that the most memorable places are the ones that reveal themselves slowly. Lambertville and New Hope have been doing just that for generations.
Set on opposite banks of the Delaware River and connected by a walkable bridge, these twin towns have long attracted people more interested in beauty than spectacle. The landscape is what first drew them. Rolling farmland, dense woodlands, the river itself, and an extraordinary quality of light inspired the Pennsylvania Impressionists in the early 20th century, transforming New Hope into one of America’s most important art colonies. Writers, playwrights, actors, collectors, designers, and makers followed, creating what became affectionately known as the “Genius Belt”—a remarkable concentration of creative talent that continues to shape the region today. Galleries, antique dealers, gardens, workshops, and the legendary Bucks County Playhouse remain woven into the fabric of daily life, making creativity feel less like an industry and more like a way of living.
My own story with this place began long before I called it home. These were my childhood stomping grounds, where weekends were spent exploring antique shops, wandering gardens, riverside brunches and discovering small treasures tucked along the river. After nearly three decades in Manhattan, and a career spent traveling the world creating experiences in extraordinary places, I found myself returning here. It didn’t feel like moving somewhere new; it felt like coming back to something that had quietly shaped me all along.
Where to Stay
Odette’s — New Hope, PA
Sitting directly on the Delaware River in nearby New Hope, Odette’s has quickly become the area’s modern luxury anchor. Part hotel, part rooftop social club, and part music venue, it balances a glamorous 1960s supper-club spirit with contemporary comfort. Rooms overlook the river with breathtaking views, the piano lounge draws a lively crowd on weekends, and the property offers easy access to both Lambertville and Bucks County. While the area boasts a bustling dining scene, many establishments close on Mondays and Tuesdays. The restaurants at Odette’s are open 365 days a year for breakfast, lunch & dinner and there isn’t a bad view in the house!
Stockton Inn — Stockton, NJ
The Stockton Inn is a nine-room inn established in 1710, predating the town of Stockton itself. Designed as a quiet retreat with dinner, drinks, and outdoor dining beside a waterfall terrace, it is one of the loveliest places for a countryside escape. The restaurant features handmade pastas, delicate seafood, and one of my favorite burgers in the area. Aside from all the yumminess, the Inn has a storied past — it reportedly served as the media headquarters during the Lindbergh kidnapping, hosted Margaret Mitchell, and even inspired Rodgers & Hart’s 1936 Broadway song A Small Hotel, later recorded by Ella Fitzgerald.
Coffee & Morning Rituals
Union Coffee — Lambertville, NJ
Union Coffee, open just over five years in Lambertville, has quickly become the daily staple for “Lambertvillians” and a must-visit shop for visitors to the area. With community connection at the heart of their mission, Union Coffee prioritizes exceptional super friendly service in a welcoming, inclusive space. The menu delivers a little something for everyone. I especially love the egg salad sandwich and the Guacamole toast. At Union, coffee means community, harnessing a little of what makes life in Lambertville feel so uniquely special.
Stockton Market — Stockton, NJ
This is the sort of place I go into for one thing and leave with ingredients for an entire meal. There’s a bakery and café, fresh flowers, seasonal food and a wonderful selection of provisions. It captures what I love about this area: good things made and grown nearby, shared without fuss.
Restaurants & Cocktail Spots
D’Floret — Lambertville, NJ
D’Floret is a very intimate chef-owned contemporary American restaurant in Lambertville with a European sensibility. Chef Dennis Foy always delights with his farm-to-table menu, and his wife Estella runs the entire experience down to the flowers and her beautiful art. I have never had a mediocre meal at Dennis’s table. It is BYOB, which I love because I have a penchant for wonderful wine and champagne. This is absolutely at the tippy top of my restaurant picks in the area.
Sergeantsville Inn — Sergeantsville, NJ
Dining at the historic Sergeantsville Inn dates back to the 1700s and is truly a step back in time. The dining room and bar are exactly what you would hope for from a Hallmark village restaurant — charming, cozy, and deeply atmospheric.
Under the direction of Chef Sean Gray, formerly executive chef of the two Michelin-starred Momofuku Ko in New York City, the inn delivers tavern food that is both refined and decidedly comforting. I am a huge fan of Sean’s beer-battered onion rings, shrimp casino, and bone-in pork chop with spring onions and fennel salad. They also do a fabulous Sunday roast and monthly Meet the Winemaker events.
The Swan Hotel & Anton’s at the Swan — Lambertville, NJ
The Swan Bar and Anton’s at The Swan have occupied this 1870s coaching inn for decades. The décor and atmosphere are pitch-perfect. If you’re dining in the pub, you are surrounded by Revolutionary art, flags, and the austere faces of our founding fathers. I highly recommend their burgers and I love their margaritas.
The more formal restaurant, Anton’s, run by Chef Chris Connors, serves innovative American cuisine with menus that change frequently to highlight seasonal ingredients from farms across Hunterdon, Mercer, and Bucks counties. Their sweet walled outdoor garden is one of my favorite places to meet friends for cocktails and local gossip.
The Boat House — Lambertville, NJ
I have been going to this nautical-themed jewel box of a cottage tucked along the Delaware River towpath since it opened in the 1980s. No town is complete without the perfect pocket bar and The Boat is the embodiment of a cozy, intimate establishment. Every inch of its two floors, including the ceiling, is covered with nautical memorabilia. It also has some of the most highly coveted outdoor seating in the warmer months in a courtyard surrounded by trees tucked down an out of the way alley. The staff are a delightful cast of characters who never forget my favorite spirits.
The Distillery at Lambertville — Lambertville, NJ
The Distillery is just what we needed in town. Founded by owner and master blender Jeffrey Karlovitch — considered one of the top whiskey blenders in the world — the distillery has become a vibey locals spot with excellent cocktails and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.
The Distillery is home to the highest-rated whiskey ever produced in New Jersey, while its international brands span Japan, France, and Ireland. It’s truly world-class spirits meeting small-town community.
Finnbar — Frenchtown, NJ
What I love about living in this area is that people believe the diversity of ideas, experiences, and cultures are at the core of what makes us thrive and you feel every inch of that at Finnbar. The art on the walls comes from Studio Route 29, a local progressive art center for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and of course is for sale. The menu is a seasonal, produce-driven, locally sourced with Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The staff know the menu and cocktails inside and out and you can feel their sense of pride. The decor honors the history of the 200-year-old building with a wonderful contemporary twist. It has sleek decor with a New Orleans feel — overall, a feeling of comfortable living.
Scenic Drives & Outdoor Escapes
Delaware River Towpath
If you want to bike, hike, kayak, or simply stroll, the towpath trail along the Delaware River stretches for 73 miles. My favorite river towns are, of course, Lambertville, Stockton, and Frenchtown.
If you are a history buff, you’ve hit the bonanza here — George Washington used the Richard Holcombe House (located in present-day Lambertville) as his military headquarters. While his troops encamped across the surrounding area near Coryell’s Ferry, Washington stayed at the homestead during two major campaigns in the American Revolution. My house sits smack dab in the middle of history!
Manoff Market Gardens & Cidery — New Hope, PA
Manoff’s is nestled in New Hope, and the drive there is an absolute stunner. Endless rows of flowers and fruit crops such as peaches, nectarines, blackberries, strawberries, pears, and cherries unfold along the countryside.
They also produce wonderful hard and sweet ciders and stock beautiful pantry goods including apple sauces, syrups, and artisanal gifts. The peaches alone are worth the trip. There are picnic tables if you want to spend a few hours there and they also have a wonderful calendar of events.
Vintage & Shopping
Bear Bone Vintage
Bear Bone Vintage — Lambertville, NJ
With each decade I descend deeper into my love of fashion and this area is littered with serious vintage shops. I believe high-low fashion is the embodiment of chic. Bear Bone Vintage is my go-to for fabulous vintage fashion in the heart of Lambertville. Whether you’re elevating an everyday look or searching for more flamboyant statement pieces, owners Sam and Adrienne have nailed it.
Recently, I was standing in front of the Carlyle Hotel and a very fashionable woman stopped me in my tracks to ask where I had gotten my yellow bell-bottom trousers. I smiled and said, “Brace yourself — they are Sears & Roebuck from the 70s!” Reluctantly, I shared my source!
Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market — Lambertville, NJ
The Golden Nugget Flea Market is an absolute antique goldmine. Established in 1967, it features more than 30 indoor antique shops and over 200 outdoor dealers. It takes a bit of time and patience, but I have found my treasured pieces there — from vintage furniture and art to jewelry and my latest obsession: bronzes.
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