BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI PHOTOS BY STEPHEN HARRIS, GORDON NIEBURG, AND CAROL ROSS FOR THE BUCKS COUNTY HERALD

Lambertville’s compact 1.3 square miles pack a wallop as one of the East Coast’s most captivating, lively, and scenic locales brimming with history and ambiance. A short walk across the bridge over the Delaware River from New Hope, Pennsylvania, the complementary destinations set the stage for great getaways year ’round. The holiday season is particularly glorious. Stroll or bike along the Delaware and Raritan Canal and imagine the horse drawn barges that once moved goods there (opened in 1834, the canal was the product of Irish immigrant labor, principally, with some 4,000 men hired to dig with pick and shovel). Antique shops and art galleries, distinctive wares, one of a kind gifts, and a plethora of dining options await discovery in this wonderful community of 3,900 people.

Things to do LET’S GO!
HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM
Holiday themed family fun on Dec. 7. Horse drawn sleighs, tree decorating, farmhouse tours, live music, wagon rides, children’s crafts, and seasonal photo opportunities culminating in the arrival of St. Nick. Free admission and parking. 70 Woodens Lane, 609.737.3299, howellfarm.org

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MUSIC MOUNTAIN THEATRE HOLIDAY CONCERT
An evening of song and dance featuring holiday tunes presented by a 17 piece big band and performers in the styles of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Manhattan Transfer, and others. Dec. 20 – 22, 1483 Rt. 179, 609.397.3337, musicmountaintheatre.org

REVOLUTIONARY PUB CRAWL
Grab your three corner hat and head to historic Lambertville Station, the starting point for this meet, greet, eat, and drink journey with costumed reenactors who dispense historic lore through five pubs. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, eventbrite.com/e/revolutionarypub-crawl

THE NUTCRACKER
Lambertville’s award winning professional Roxey Ballet performs the holiday classic on Nov. 30, and Dec. 1, 5, 7, and 8 at the Kendall Theatre of the College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd. Ewing, 609.397.7616, roxeyballet.org

INVESTORS SPREAD

Shop ‘TIL YOU DROP
A BEAUTIFUL LIFE BRANDS
Featured in Marie Claire, on the Today show, and profiled in the site refinery29.com, the husband and wife owners curate cutting edge beauty products with an emphasis on natural and effective formulations. 45 Church St., 267.261.4368, abeautifullifel.com

AMANO GALLERIES AT THE 5 & DIME
Visitors and locals flock to this eclectic headquarters for jewelry, home, office, and lifestyle accessories, furniture, and crafts in an authentic 5 & 10. Voted Top Ten Retailer of American Crafts. 42 N. Union St., 609.397.0063, amanogalleries.com

A TOUCH OF THE PAST ANTIQUES
Vintage furniture, lighting, and decorative items from the 1800s to mid-century modern. 32 N. Union St., 609.460.4638, atouchofthepastantiques.net

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FUNK & JUNK
Featured on HGTV’s Flea Market Flip. Statement furniture and décor, much created from locally sourced salvage materials, including metals and woods. Classes, workshops, events. 19 N. Franklin St., 609.460.4494, funkandjunkfurniture.com

JIM’S OF LAMBERTVILLE
A 7,000 square foot fine art gallery specializing in Pennsylvania Impressionist and Modernist paintings works by nationally known artists, and antiques from around the world. Frames and framing, too. 6 E. Bridge St., 609.397.7700, jimsoflambertville.com

HIGHLANDS ART GALLERY
A selection of paintings and bronze sculptures by notable U.S. artists, including Master and Signature Level Artists in national art organizations in the area. 41 N. Union St., 908.766.2720, highlandsartgallery.com

JB KLINE & SON
An exotic music store with new and vintage instruments and “curious musical items,” helmed by a seasoned guitarist who has played with the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Berry, and scores more. Recorded media format transfers and repairs. 25 Bridge St., 609.397.7026, jbkline.com

LA CHOCOLATE BOX
Premium chocolates and gourmet sweets, custom items, vegan, nut free, and more, sourced locally and internationally. 39 N. Union St., 609.397.1920, lambertvillechocolates.com

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MIDIRI ANTIQUES
Homeowners, collectors, interior decorators, and film industry set designers use this source for rare and unusual pieces from experienced owner Paul Midiri. 35 N. Union St., 609.773.0300, midiriantiques.com

RIVER TOWN PHOTOGRAPHY
Studio/gallery of seasoned professional photographer Stephen Harris, whose services include fine art, classic car portraits, photography classes, and work shops, along with commercial and real estate work. 26 Bridge St., 973.615.5287, rivertownphotography.com

SAVOUR GOURMET GROCERY SHOP
Delicacies, tastings, and all things yummy in a boutique atmosphere. 37 N. Union St., 609.397.1930, savourlambertvillecheeseshop.business.

THE PEOPLE’S STORE ANTIQUE SHOPS & DESIGN CENTER
Located in an 1839 multi-level landmark building and featuring over 40 dealers. 28 N. Union St., 609.397.9808, peoplesstore.net

UNION JACK
London in Lambertville! A gift shop featuring all things British. 52 N. Union St., 917.797.5084, Facebook

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Dining DIG IN!
ANTON’S AT THE SWAN
Upscale historic splendor in main, upstairs, and private dining rooms, plus a plush bar. Enjoy New American comfort food in a truly special establishment. 43 Main St., 609.397.1960, antons at the swan.com

AZTLAN MEXICAN GRILL
Creative and innovative Tex Mex dishes praised by the New York Times and served in a rustic setting with a full bar. 11 Church St., 609.397.7272, aztlanmexicangrill.net

BELL’S TAVERN
Established in 1938 and originally a favorite of factory workers, Bell’s has evolved into an Italian based yet varied restaurant. 183 N. Union St., 609.397.2226, bellstavern.com

BRIAN’S
Locals, visitors, and critics agree this BYOB serves “divine” food from chef/owner Brian Held. 9 Klines Court, 609.460.4148, brianslambertville.com

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BROADMOOR
Simple elegance, with an open kitchen serving elevated American, modern Italian, and French dishes. BYOB. 8 N. Union St., 609.397.1400, broadmoorrestaurant.com

CAFFE GALLERIA
This local favorite serves a Mediterranean style menu of vegetarian delights and carnivore favorites in a former mansion that also includes a market. 23 N. Union St., 609.397.2400, caffegalleria.com

DEANNA’S
Chef Diana “DeAnna” Paterra’s over 30 year love affair with food has resulted in this popular restaurant and bar, as well as invitations to the Food Network, cookbooks, and a New Jersey’s Top Female Chef honor by USA Today. 54 N. Franklin St., 609.397.8957, deannasrestaurant.com

D’FLORET
Foodies know the legendary name of Chef Dennis Foy, who has helmed renowned eateries statewide, as well as Manhattan’s 21 Club and La Cote Basque. D’floret is his signature location, which he runs with his wife, Estella Quinones. 18 S. Main St., 609.397.7400, dfloretrestaurant.com

EL TULE
Authentic Mexican/Latin/Peruvian cuisine and libations from dedicated “Chefs Having Fun.” 49 N. Main St., 609.773.0007, eltulerestaurant.com

GIUSEPPE’S RISTORANTE & BAR
Family run with authentic home style Italian food. 40 Bridge St., 609.397.1500, lambertvillepizza.com

HAMILTON’S GRILL ROOM
The rustic elegance of this secluded dining spot and its imaginative seasonal menu on the Delaware River Canal is the creation of award winning Broadway set designer and restaurateur, Jim Hamilton. 8 Coryell St., 609.397.4344, hamiltonsgrillroom.com

MORE THAN Q BBQ CO.
Texas style wood smoked barbeque favorites and Southern sides by Pitmaster Matt Martin. Second location in Easton, PA. 13 Klines Court, 215.512.7636, morethanq.com

THAI TIDA BY MIKE & NATTA
Traditional Thai fare, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. 236 N. Union St., 609.397.6701, thaitidanj.com

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UNDER THE MOON CAFÉ
Brunch, lunch, and dinner, including tapas and homemade desserts. Second location in Bordentown. 61 N. Main St., 609.397.1710, underthemooncafe.com

Lights Out WHERE TO STAY
BRIDGE STREET HOUSE
With its own street level gallery, art is dispersed throughout this 1850 structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recently renovated, the inn blends history with modern flair. Outdoor courtyard, free parking, private events. 75 Bridge St., 609.397.5900, bridgestreethouse.com

INN OF THE HAWKE
Nights are memorable in this 19th century Italian Revival structure that was once a riverfront mansion. This tavern, reminiscent of a quaint English pub, features new American fare, an extensive craft beer selection, and a wood fireplace. 75 S. Union St., 609.397.9555, innofthehawke.com

LAMBERTVILLE HOUSE
Located in the heart of town, this elegant destination offers an environment to please discriminating travelers. Its restaurant and bar serve tasty selections for lunch and dinner. 32 Bridge St., 609.397.0200, lambertvillehouse.com

LAMBERTVILLE STATION RESTAURANT & INN
Possibly the town’s most famed destination, created in and around an historic train station. Expansions in recent years include a gracious scenic inn on the Delaware that’s a favorite for weddings, special events, and romantic getaways. 11 Bridge St., 609.397.4400, lambertvillestation.com

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