Antiquing in Lambertville, New Jersey

This week I take you to New Jersey, the Garden State. Specifically, Lambertville, which is located along the Delaware River and directly across that river from New Hope, Pa. – another village as well know for its artistic community as it is for antiques. Lambertville is situated along the 30-mile Delaware and Raritan Canal Path. It was settled by Emanuel Coryell in 1732. It was a home to the Lenni-Lenape tribes and an area familiar to George Washington during his martial years. The Historical Society is located in the Marshall House at 62 Bridge Street and contains 1834 furnishings, an exhibit on Shad history and quilts. It is open from 1-4 on weekends from April through October. The town is not only famous for its historic homes but also accommodations, restaurants and shops (antique and otherwise), It hosts several festivals throughout the year. These include the Shad Festival in April, an Autumn House Tour, October Antiques Show and a Winter Festival. But what attracted me was that Lambertville is known as the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey”. More information can be found at either www.lambertville.org or www.lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org.

I started my journey at the foot of the Watchung Mountains in suburban New Jersey. I traveled Route 22 West to Route 202 South. From there to Route 29 South. It took me about an hour and is approximately a 90-minute drive from New York City. I felt the stress of suburban life fade away the further I drove from the New York metro area. The older homes and farms and rolling hills greeted me. Unfortunately some of those fields now have crops of mini-mansions sprouting from the soil. I passed by Flemington, home of the fair and many discount outlets. I continued on the Lambertville.

I followed the signs along Route 29 South and saw the wonderful little town hugging the Delaware River. To my right, across the river, was New Hope, PA.– connected to New Jersey by an ancient bridge. Seeing a sign for an antique mall two miles ahead I continued onward planning to start there and then back to town to park and walk for the balance of the day.

The antique mall was on the left side of the road and called the “Golden Nugget Antique Market”. Unfortunately some of the dealers were closed for the day. Others sold vintage and collectable items (magazines, records, juke boxes, memorabilia). Three shops of note in the Market. The House of Orsini run by Fred Orsini had a very nice collection of military history books, toy soldiers, all things military aviation and prints. I purchased a few prints and chatted with him (no web site but can be reached on 609-859-8679). S. J. Myles Corporation had an interesting array of framed prints and does restoration work on prints and paintings (www.antiqueartrestoration.com). And lastly, the Red Door Sport Gallery had a wonderful collection of frame autographs and photos including presidents (even George Washington and Abraham Lincoln), military heroes, film and television celebrities (“Man From Uncle”, “I Love Lucy”) and of course sports luminaries. I chatted with owner Bob Buckley (email reddorsg@aol.com).

From the Golden Nugget I drove two miles back to the town of Lambertville enjoying the architecture, narrow streets and wonderful view. I parked on the street (Quarters only). I walked the length of Union Street and stopped in most of the shops – antiques and otherwise. “The People’s Store” on 28 N. Union Street had three levels of quality antiques. I especially enjoyed the selection of historic Staffordshire, painted nineteenth century chairs, silver, vintage clothing and the paintings. The prices seemed reasonable but no bargains. It is open 7 days a week from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M (609-397-9808).

My next great find was “Antiques on Union”, located at 32 North Union Street, it contains ten dealers. Again, quality antiques including furniture, paintings, silver, porcelain, wonderful inkwells, even antique luggage, at “Formal to Funk” (609-397-3300). I purchased several items and enjoyed talking with one of the associates at the shop.

I stopped by “Meryl and Philip” at 28 North Union Street (609-397-3300). Quality antiques and some collectables. “Yesterday’s Delights” which sells vintage clothing at 28 North Union Street and 63 Bridge Street (215-862-9309). Wonderful clothing including: a mint condition pair of men’s shoes from the first quarter of the 20^th century, women’s overcoats, men’s cuff links and women’s hats and shoes from the first half of the 20^th century. “Kline’s Court Antiques” had a little of everything. Located at 11 Kline’s Court and closed on Tuesday, they had paintings, nineteen century photo albums, picnic baskets and furniture.

My last stop was located on 8 Bridge Street – “G. Evans Ltd. Antiques” (www.gevansltdantiques.com). It had high-end, high-quality nineteen and twentieth century furniture, paintings, print, chandeliers and decorative accessories. I fell in love with a two piece campaign chest set date 1870. Also there were some very nice art deco bronzes.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to eat. A crime! There are sixteen restaurants listed in town. Two looked especially interesting, Andiamo at 13 Kline’s Court (www.andiamonj.com). It boasts a “CIA grad serving Italian, French and American cuisine”. “The Swan” is located at 43 S. Main Street (609-397-3552). Described as a “Historic pub with exceptionally fine light fair”.

There were at least eleven antique stores that I did not have time to visit. I’m hoping to return in the spring with my partner and see it all..

Don’t forget to visit www.ComfortableStyle.com for a wonderful selection of antiques and decorative accessories. We have country, cottage, English and French antiques, and unique gifts for any occasion!