New Hope & Lambertville Happening: Spotlight on the Delaware River Towns

Although small in size, the Delaware River towns of New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey have gained a big reputation – a reputation for art & culture, for family-friendly days, for culinary excellence, and perhaps most importantly, for a community full of passion and promise.

Connected by the quaint two-lane New Hope – Lambertville Bridge, the “twin towns” (although Lambertville is technically a city) operate very much in tandem, together strengthening the magnetic draw for tourists and locals alike to their charming streets.

While drawing in thousands of tourists every weekend, the communities still retain an authentic local flavor, fueled by dedicated organizations like the Greater Lambertville – New Hope Chamber of Commerce (GLNHCC) who are responsible for fireworks, festivals, First Fridays, and a number of other events. Another draw to the area is the scenic Delaware canal paths, which are often crowded with cyclists, joggers and walkers.

Holiday Happenings

Holidays and events are celebrated in a big way in New Hope & Lambertville; there's Lambertville's famous “Halloween House“, the New Hope Celebrates Pride Week, Winter Festival, and of course, the busy holiday shopping season.

We are the “anti-mall” — a destination filled with one-of-a-kind shops, knowledgeable merchants and unique offerings where personal attention comes standard.
– GLNHCC

Holiday events by the Greater Lambertville – New Hope Chamber of Commerce include a “Handmade Holidays” Merchant Open House, Two Town Fun Run with Santa, Christmas Tree & Menorah Lightings, Carolers, Plays, The New Hope Ivyland Rail Road's North Pole Express, and a festive Storefront Decorating Contest.

Historic Happenings

The region first gained a following due to it's convenient location along the route of the Old York Road, the former main highway between Philadelphia and New York City. It was generally regarded as the halfway point, where travelers would stay overnight and be ferried across the river the next morning. Due to its proximity to the canal and the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, Lambertville grew as a factory town where the range of products produced extended from underwear to rubber bands.

This location has led to a rich history for the twin towns. George Washington is said to have lodged in New Hope the night prior to his famous crossing of the Delaware several miles to the south. Revolutionary Way Lieutenant and pallbearer at George Washington's funeral, George Coryell is buried and memoralized at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lambertville. Several of the older structures in the town, including the infamously haunted Van Sant House, reportedly had Revolutionary War bullets lodged in their original roofbeams. Historic former residents include author James A. Michener; Vice President Aaron Burr, and actress Odette Myrtil, the namesake of Odette's Restaurant.

Despite having grown due to the travel route between New York and Philadelphia, today New Hope & Lambertville offer restaurants, shops, galleries, and lodging that rival those major metropolitan areas.

Local Spotlights

That’s why this holiday season, we’re turning the spotlight on New Hope & Lambertville for an up close look at some of the hardworking businesses, organizations, and people that make this community so special. This is New Hope & Lambertville Happening.

Explore the beauty of New Hope & Lambertville; go behind the scenes at some of the businesses that make these towns tick; and learn about the latest developments going into improving the community:

Lambertville Station
11 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
(609) 397-8300

This rustic inn, pub, and banquet hall is situated on the banks of the Delaware River, across from New Hope, Pennsylvania. The restaurant serves modern American cuisine and features outdoor, river-view dining, while there's also a pub and banquet hall. A continental breakfast is complimentary.

1740 House
3690 River Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 297-5661

An upscale bed and breakfast and local dining club featuring charming rooms with balconies & river views, plus a cozy tavern & terrace.

Holly Hedge Estate
6987 Upper York Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-3136

A bed and breakfast and rustic wedding venue with quaint rooms & suites spread among an 18th-century manor house & fieldstone outbuildings.

Logan Inn
10 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-2300

First established in the 1700s, this landmark, historic property is a block from the Delaware River and a 2-minute walk to the Buck's County Playhouse. The inn's rooms, many with canopy beds and sitting areas, are individually decorated with period furnishings and have free WiFi, TVs and en suite bathrooms. Views are of the river, canal and/or Main Street below. A pair of on-site restaurants have seating on a glass-enclosed porch and a tented patio.

Aztlan Mexican Grill
11 Church St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
(609) 397-7272

A new Mexican restaurant in Lambertville featuring authentic, homemade dishes prepared fresh daily.

Clusters Caramel Corn
87 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 693-1137

Bucks County Caramel Corn! Old-fashioned Caramel Corn and more… Our gourmet popcorn is made fresh daily and is offered

Walker's Wine & Spirits
86 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
(609) 397-0625

Walker's Wine and Spirits is a unique wine and spirits shop featuring a large variety of domestic and imported wine, spirits, craft beer and premium cigars. Conveniently located in the heart of Lambertville on Bridge Street, Walker's has been proudly serving our neighbors and tourists for over 70 years.

The Village Toy Shoppe of New Hope
19 North Main St New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-2072