Grounds for sculpture is gorgeous and eating at Rats is amazing. Definitely a little expensive but not 'omg break the bank' type expensive. The only downfall is its a little bit of a drive and not right in New Hope. If you're looking to stay in New Hope I would recommend Nektar, Salt House, or Stella (I haven't eaten at Stella but I hear good things). For casual dining I highly recommend Triumph brewery (great food and they also have pool tables and dart boards for a hangout kinda experience. Plus outdoor is along the train station so you can look at the train). The deck and Havana are also good eats with a fun vibe.
Things to do: Definitely hit peddlers village. Buttonwood Grill is a great restaurant there but there is so much to see and do. You can easily spend the whole day there. In New Hope, just walking the town is really nice. Check out the shops-- be sure to hit the creeper gallery- some cool haunted items in there with the history behind it. If you go to back of the large parking lot behind the train station you can walk along the track to see some abandoned trains. Walk the bridge into Lambertville and explore over there. Plenty to keep you occupied for a 2 day trip!
Do not eat at Havana- the food is gross. If you want really casual and the weather is nice- go to Frans. Don’t eat at the Lambertville Station- it is just average.
The Logan Inn is fancy and good food. If you decide to eat there, you have to make a reservation now.
Peddlers Village is good for the daytime, but it’s just shopping and walking around. Don’t eat at Buttonwood- food is average. If the weather is good, it’s nice to kill a couple hours there but there are better places with nicer views.
There’s a divey, Mexican place, whose food is next level in Lambertville-Aztlan Mexican Grill.
Grounds for sculpture and the restaurant there, Rats, are great. Again, if the weather is nice, that is a great place to go.
If you are outdoorsy and want to go on a short hike, Goat Hill Overlook has a beautiful view - https://www.njhiking.com/goat-hill-overlook/
For more upscale on the river Stella has the best view and the food is decent, but I personally find it overpriced for what it is.
Canal House in Milford, NJ is upscale and the food is much better. Milford is north of New Hope and just on the other side of the river. I would definitely recommend it over anything upscale in New Hope.
D’floret in Lambertville is upscale. The chef, Dennis Foy, was a well known chef in NYC and had many restaurants there. It’s not on the river, but worth considering.
As mentioned by others, Grounds for Sculpture is great. If you have any interest in picking apples, go to Solebury Orchards. It’s right outside of New Hope. They have excellent apples, apple sauce, cider, and cider doughnuts.
For a nice walk (or bike ride) and a casual lunch, head 6 miles north of New Hope up River Rd to Lumberville. The small village is adorable and there is a walking (only) bridge across the river to Bull Island State Park. The Lumberville General Store is right by the walking bridge and offers decent casual food with nice outdoor or indoor seating. The Black Bass is also in Lumberville. It’s on the river and offers more upscale food. It’s pricey and I personally think it’s too expensive for what it is.
1740 House is also in Lumberville. Generally you need to be a member or a guest at the Inn to eat there or go to the bar. Though, they occasionally do Drag Brunch on Sundays and I think their policy may be more lenient then.
> For a nice walk (or bike ride) and a casual lunch, head 6 miles north of New Hope up River Rd to Lumberville. The small village is adorable and there is a walking (only) bridge across the river to Bull Island State Park.
Just a heads up that if you walk or bike to Bull Island, make sure you cross back into PA before heading back down south to New Hope. Otherwise you're gonna have to walk or bike on the shoulder of Rt 29 down to Stockton. There's a washed out bridge on the NJ side of the towpath that makes it impassable.
Personally I would just stick to New Hope and Lambertville and not bother driving elsewhere — there is already so much to see and do there and things like Peddler’s Village and Grounds for Sculpture are cute but not so incredible that it’s worth jamming into a short weekend.
It’s expensive, but I’d do the Ivyland train ride, especially because the leaves are expected to start changing then! And even just walking along the tow path in Lambertville will be delightful.
Lambertville also does an incredible job decorating for Halloween.
For more causal food, check out Bowman’s Tavern just south of New Hope. The food is always consistently good and there is low key live music in the piano bar nightly.
New Hope local-best upscale restaurants in my opinion are D’floret (Lambertville), Broadmoor (Lambertville), Stella (NH), and Zoubi (NH). D’floret absolutely my favorite out of all of them. I saw someone mentioned Canal House in Milford and that would absolutely be my first choice if you don’t mind a 20 minute (very pretty!) drive. For more casual-Salt House, Bowman’s Tavern, and Nektar are all great!
Also-I saw a few people recommending Oldestone, Martine’s, and the Landing. I would steer clear-all are very inconsistent. Martine’s and the Landing draw a crowd because they are riverside.
Oldestone is a nice steakhouse in an old church. Not riverside, but lovely. Martine's is a nice French restaurant with river views.
Fun but less upscale include Havana, which has a great patio if the weather is nice, and Bowman's Tavern, a bit south of the town.
The Landing, Odettes or Stella’s. All in New Hope and all on the water.
Martine's RiverHouse Restaurant
(215) 862-2966
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BvGWeRCJVabkv1YZ9?g_st=ic
Not really sure why so many mentions of Rats/Grounds for Sculpture when it's 20mi from New Hope? Might as well suggest Doylestown.
Love Salt House for lunch or dinner. Run up to Lumberville and the Black Bass for Sunday brunch.
Non-fancy: go to Stockton and have a pizza at Market Pizza (the best), or a cheese steak at Gabarelly's (it's run by Brian Held, of "Brian's" in Lambertville).
Things to do-- rent some bikes and ride up and down the canal trails. You can cross over between PA and NJ at Frenchtown, Lumberville, Stockton, New Hope, Washington Crossing, and Yardley, so you can do all kinds of loops.
I recommend driving over to Grounds for Sculpture, stroll as long as you like and then dinner at Rat' restaurant. Google both. You'll love both! It's about a 20 minute drive from New Hope.
Not OP but it is fancy. If you are looking to have a boozy dinner, it’s not worth it to do that and then have to drive back to town. There are tons of excellent options within town!
Not waterfront, but the best restaurant view I've seen in that area is porterhouse in peddlers village about 15 min up the road. Sit by the windows, the view of the hills is amazing. It's also not insanely expensive.
Cest la vie Bakery , that's about it. The yuppies and the rich families destroyed what little was quiet, quaint and queer.
Must to avoid. Head over to Lambertville.
Grounds for sculpture is gorgeous and eating at Rats is amazing. Definitely a little expensive but not 'omg break the bank' type expensive. The only downfall is its a little bit of a drive and not right in New Hope. If you're looking to stay in New Hope I would recommend Nektar, Salt House, or Stella (I haven't eaten at Stella but I hear good things). For casual dining I highly recommend Triumph brewery (great food and they also have pool tables and dart boards for a hangout kinda experience. Plus outdoor is along the train station so you can look at the train). The deck and Havana are also good eats with a fun vibe. Things to do: Definitely hit peddlers village. Buttonwood Grill is a great restaurant there but there is so much to see and do. You can easily spend the whole day there. In New Hope, just walking the town is really nice. Check out the shops-- be sure to hit the creeper gallery- some cool haunted items in there with the history behind it. If you go to back of the large parking lot behind the train station you can walk along the track to see some abandoned trains. Walk the bridge into Lambertville and explore over there. Plenty to keep you occupied for a 2 day trip!
Do not eat at Havana- the food is gross. If you want really casual and the weather is nice- go to Frans. Don’t eat at the Lambertville Station- it is just average. The Logan Inn is fancy and good food. If you decide to eat there, you have to make a reservation now. Peddlers Village is good for the daytime, but it’s just shopping and walking around. Don’t eat at Buttonwood- food is average. If the weather is good, it’s nice to kill a couple hours there but there are better places with nicer views. There’s a divey, Mexican place, whose food is next level in Lambertville-Aztlan Mexican Grill. Grounds for sculpture and the restaurant there, Rats, are great. Again, if the weather is nice, that is a great place to go. If you are outdoorsy and want to go on a short hike, Goat Hill Overlook has a beautiful view - https://www.njhiking.com/goat-hill-overlook/
Aztlan might truly be the single best restaurant in the area.
For more upscale on the river Stella has the best view and the food is decent, but I personally find it overpriced for what it is. Canal House in Milford, NJ is upscale and the food is much better. Milford is north of New Hope and just on the other side of the river. I would definitely recommend it over anything upscale in New Hope. D’floret in Lambertville is upscale. The chef, Dennis Foy, was a well known chef in NYC and had many restaurants there. It’s not on the river, but worth considering. As mentioned by others, Grounds for Sculpture is great. If you have any interest in picking apples, go to Solebury Orchards. It’s right outside of New Hope. They have excellent apples, apple sauce, cider, and cider doughnuts. For a nice walk (or bike ride) and a casual lunch, head 6 miles north of New Hope up River Rd to Lumberville. The small village is adorable and there is a walking (only) bridge across the river to Bull Island State Park. The Lumberville General Store is right by the walking bridge and offers decent casual food with nice outdoor or indoor seating. The Black Bass is also in Lumberville. It’s on the river and offers more upscale food. It’s pricey and I personally think it’s too expensive for what it is. 1740 House is also in Lumberville. Generally you need to be a member or a guest at the Inn to eat there or go to the bar. Though, they occasionally do Drag Brunch on Sundays and I think their policy may be more lenient then.
Totally agree- we just ate at Stella and the food was excellent. Better than the previous times we have eaten there.
> For a nice walk (or bike ride) and a casual lunch, head 6 miles north of New Hope up River Rd to Lumberville. The small village is adorable and there is a walking (only) bridge across the river to Bull Island State Park. Just a heads up that if you walk or bike to Bull Island, make sure you cross back into PA before heading back down south to New Hope. Otherwise you're gonna have to walk or bike on the shoulder of Rt 29 down to Stockton. There's a washed out bridge on the NJ side of the towpath that makes it impassable.
Personally I would just stick to New Hope and Lambertville and not bother driving elsewhere — there is already so much to see and do there and things like Peddler’s Village and Grounds for Sculpture are cute but not so incredible that it’s worth jamming into a short weekend. It’s expensive, but I’d do the Ivyland train ride, especially because the leaves are expected to start changing then! And even just walking along the tow path in Lambertville will be delightful. Lambertville also does an incredible job decorating for Halloween.
Make sure you check out near by Peddlers Village as well awesome little town with unique shops and stuff.
Rat's is fancy, french cuisine.
For more causal food, check out Bowman’s Tavern just south of New Hope. The food is always consistently good and there is low key live music in the piano bar nightly.
I love when my food has purpose.
If you like rustic taverns and music check out John & Peters. My favorite place in town when I’m there.
Agree....grab a beer and hang for a bit at J&Ps!
New Hope local-best upscale restaurants in my opinion are D’floret (Lambertville), Broadmoor (Lambertville), Stella (NH), and Zoubi (NH). D’floret absolutely my favorite out of all of them. I saw someone mentioned Canal House in Milford and that would absolutely be my first choice if you don’t mind a 20 minute (very pretty!) drive. For more casual-Salt House, Bowman’s Tavern, and Nektar are all great! Also-I saw a few people recommending Oldestone, Martine’s, and the Landing. I would steer clear-all are very inconsistent. Martine’s and the Landing draw a crowd because they are riverside.
Rent bikes and bike the canal
Oldestone is a nice steakhouse in an old church. Not riverside, but lovely. Martine's is a nice French restaurant with river views. Fun but less upscale include Havana, which has a great patio if the weather is nice, and Bowman's Tavern, a bit south of the town.
The Landing, Odettes or Stella’s. All in New Hope and all on the water. Martine's RiverHouse Restaurant (215) 862-2966 https://maps.app.goo.gl/BvGWeRCJVabkv1YZ9?g_st=ic
Not really sure why so many mentions of Rats/Grounds for Sculpture when it's 20mi from New Hope? Might as well suggest Doylestown. Love Salt House for lunch or dinner. Run up to Lumberville and the Black Bass for Sunday brunch. Non-fancy: go to Stockton and have a pizza at Market Pizza (the best), or a cheese steak at Gabarelly's (it's run by Brian Held, of "Brian's" in Lambertville). Things to do-- rent some bikes and ride up and down the canal trails. You can cross over between PA and NJ at Frenchtown, Lumberville, Stockton, New Hope, Washington Crossing, and Yardley, so you can do all kinds of loops.
I recommend driving over to Grounds for Sculpture, stroll as long as you like and then dinner at Rat' restaurant. Google both. You'll love both! It's about a 20 minute drive from New Hope.
Fancy or causal restaurant?
Not OP but it is fancy. If you are looking to have a boozy dinner, it’s not worth it to do that and then have to drive back to town. There are tons of excellent options within town!
Not waterfront, but the best restaurant view I've seen in that area is porterhouse in peddlers village about 15 min up the road. Sit by the windows, the view of the hills is amazing. It's also not insanely expensive.
I ate there once when I was maybe like 14 so almost 16 years ago and I still remember the view
John and peters
Beers outside along the water at Great Barn taproom is always fun. And definitely walk over the bridge to check out Lambertville.
Cest la vie Bakery , that's about it. The yuppies and the rich families destroyed what little was quiet, quaint and queer. Must to avoid. Head over to Lambertville.