Tom McGee's Blog

Once an antiques mecca, it’s getting a lot more yuppified the last few years. Not so much as it’s sibling across the bridge, New Hope, but it’s definitely showing.

LF and I visited Saturday. It sits right on the Delaware River, and the old D&R Canal runs right through it. The railroad once carried passengers up and down the river through the one-thriving mill towns. Now it’s either overgrown or turned into garden space.

We took a stroll across the bridge to Pennsylvania and had something to eat in New Hope.

I love this shop.

They specialize in arts & crafts era pieces, with lots of nice Stickley furnishings on display in a very clean and elegantly arranged space. The store steps down three tiers until at the back it opens to a dramatic vista of the river. I seriously wanted that chandelier hanging over the back window, but it was several thousand dollars outside my price range.

I remembered this place from a few years ago when he was over in New Hope. I bought an arts & crafts-inspired doormat from them, which was about all I could afford, which still makes me happy when I walk through the front door. The owner was very generous with his time, and offered to review any photos I could send him of a piece I have at home with a questionable provenance.

Creeping yuppification aside, Lambertville is a lovely town to walk around in. The narrow streets have beautifully restored early 19th century rowhouses with colorful gardens. Lots of restaurants and casual shops to wander into (two bookstores!), and of course right on the beautiful Delaware River with its wide views.