Two towns straddling the Delaware River, Lambertville, N.J., and New Hope, Pa., seemed perfect places to find authentic local wares as gifts for my relatives who have long been tired of Princeton T-shirts and refrigerator magnets. Though unsure of exactly what lay ahead, when I decided to visit these places I was sure I would stumble upon treasures for all the members of my family.
The downside of Lambertville's distance is that you'll need a car to get there; the upside is that on the drive itself, you'll pass some sights worth seeing. If time isn't an issue, you may wish to explore Washington Crossing State Park. In December 1777, 10 days before marching to victory in our backyard at the Battle of Princeton, General George Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River here to prepare for battle in Trenton. Today, the park has an expansive property and small visitor center.
As you continue north, you'll want to stop five miles beyond Washington Crossing for topnotch holiday shopping: The Golden Nugget Antique Market. It appears on the right side of the road, seemingly out of nowhere, housing acres of prime gift opportunities. Three times a week at sunup, 200 stalls open up alongside the 60 regular indoor shops. Some are specialized, carrying old records or military surplus, while others simply display a variety of collectibles. From 40-year-old bog shoes, to fishing poles and antique board games, the Golden Nugget has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. If you're there late in the day, look for bargains as the vendors close up shop. After browsing out in the winter cold, head into the Circle Dog Family Diner to warm up with all-day breakfast, burgers and hot chocolate. Take notice, though, because on busy days they are known to run out of food.
Drive into Lambertville and park your car somewhere near Bridge Street. Lambertville and New Hope are very walkable cities, with all of the shops and cafes no more than a block or two off Bridge Street, which stretches less than a mile from the ends of either city. The two cities are united not only by their festive spirits, but also by a bridge adorned with blinking wreaths that celebrate the season. Despite their similarities, Lambertville is a more relaxed destination; the sidewalks of New Hope are swarmed with weekend visitors from throughout the region.
While cruising Lambertville, you will find that the Golden Nugget is not the only place in New Jersey to house thousands of unique antiques. Antique shops line the streets, especially if you turn right down North Union Street. Here, you will find the Antique Center, a coop of multiple dealers with a range of goods. While it is unlikely you will be compelled to buy a $2500 Chippendale armoire, there are great used books, collections of jewelry and wall hangings that could find their way home with you for a modest price. Back on Bridge Street, stop at the Lambertville Trading Company or Full Moon Cafe for a beverage boost before crossing into New Hope.
The first sign of trouble in New Hope is the Starbucks at the first intersection across the bridge. Turning away from it, and heading down South Main Street, you will find yourself walking along a row of tourist shops selling expensive jewelry and gimmi T-shirts. Up North Main Street there are more colorful shops, such as Not Too Shabby..., which houses many locally made small crafts and ornaments. Ready to warm you from the core is Suzie Hot Sauce, which houses over 300 hot sauces along its walls. You may sample almost any of the sauces, ranging in name from Rasta Fire to Satan's Blood, one of five products that require a signed disclaimer at purchase because "they are that hot, and you could really hurt yourself."
Over the railroad tracks, whose authentic steam engine now transports tourists, you will find Union Square, which houses a variety of businesses in recently refurbished factories. Among the retail shops pushing alpaca wool and Birkenstock shoes, you will see the Michener Art Museum, marked by a spouting hippopotamus statue in the front garden.
The museum, a branch of the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, houses a single rotating art collection along with a permanent exhibit paying homage to New Hope's many artists of the past. As you enter the dark exhibit space, you will first hear the familiar sounds of Oscar Hammerstein, writer of "The Sound of Music," "Show Boat," "Oklahoma!" and many more. There are a number of brief displays about others, such as Dorothy Parker and Henry Mercer, as well as a small theatre showing clips of local actors that made it to the big screen. The temporary exhibit, running through Jan. 28 2007, showcases a collection of works by Charles Rosen, almost entirely oil paintings on canvas.
While Princeton can provide you with plenty of presents from J. Crew or Banana Republic, in Lambertville and New Hope you will find one-of-a-kind gifts that people will truly remember.
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