My latest 2 mile walk took me to the Hunterdon County town of Lambertville. Nestled close to the Delaware River, it is Americana in every way. Rich in history, the town was once an enormous orchard where Washington’s troops camped and crossed the Delaware.
Later it grew and prospered as a industrial town, particularly after the opening of its canal in the early 1800s. The canal connected the town with Trenton, further south and enabled barge traffic to the larger city. Remnants of an old railroad line, also used for freight have lain dormant, covered in scrub since the 1970’s when the town began closing the factories and attracting artists and other creative individuals looking to work in a beautiful retreat.
The residents of Lambertville have maintained the historical tones of the town so beautifully, that we can imagine life a century ago while walking down the tree line streets. Many homes have been converted into shops, studios, and restaurants, and all emit a uniquely creative flavor behind their brick and stone walls - a common building material of those times.
My husband and I stopped for a Sunday brunch at Liv and Charlie’s Real Food, a tiny Mom and Pop restaurant on Union Street. The food was fresh and very reasonably priced. Aside the the cute, antique decor such as pipe fittings used for a toilet paper holder in the immaculate bathroom behind the kitchen, the restaurant had one notable feature that spurred conversation between us. This was truly a family operation. We were greeted by a little girl - and I mean little, maybe early middle school who seated us. Our waters and menus were brought to us by another child, perhaps 9th grade... and our late teens, early 20’s waiter was one of the cousins. This family is teaching their children about helping with the business and putting in a days work. Not such a surprise for someone of my generation, but a foreign concept for many kids today.
In order to hit 2 miles, we walked across the bridge to New Hope, an adjacent town that unfortunately seems to have slid backwards a bit since I was last there. In my view, the abundance of souvenir shops camouflage the interesting jewelry and art galleries. There is clear value in sticking with similar neighboring businesses - Lambertville has managed to maintain its status in that regard.
I definitely recommend Lambertville this fall for a picturesque day of walking and eating! Always open to more suggestions for good NJ walking towns!
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