Carol’s Birthday Highlights

My wife and I really enjoy the Lambertville/New Hope area and some of the restaurants and shops. This time we ran into some steamy weather, so we didn’t do that much shopping and didn’t visit a couple of wineries we were thinking about. But we loved our stay at the Lambertville Inn, with views of the Delaware and the bridge. With lunches at Lambertville Station and dinners at Martine’s and Francisco’s on the River we couldn’t go wrong. Bringing along a few of our favorite New Jersey wines and we were set (more about them later).

Lambertville Station Inn

Below is a photo of the view from our window.

You couldn’t ask for a better location if you enjoy both sides of the river. Located on Bridge Street, it is a short walk across the bridge from the hotel on the Jersey side to the Pennsylvania side in New Hope. There are some great restaurants and shopping on both sides. Our room offered great views of the Delaware, the bridge, and some of the iconic buildings on the New Hope Side (like the Bucks County Playhouse). Did you know that Robert Redford and Jane Fonda performed there before they became famous. movie stars? A continental breakfast is included at the Inn. It is provided from their famous Lambertville Station, located closer to the street (Bridge Street)-only about 25 yeards away.

Speaking of Lambertville Station and wonderful restaurants…

Lambertville Station Restaurant

                                .

This wonderful and historic spot offers great food for lunch and dinner. Over the years we have enjoyed many terrific dinners, as well as lunches here. We had salads on the first day and Fish & Chips on Carol’s birthday. The food photos did not turn out well, but the Bridge Street Chardonnay we enjoyed with the salads and I had the Kane Brewing Company IPA with my Fish & Chips. Note: No New Jersey wines here, but the Kane Brewing is a New Jersey beer (and a very good one)! Disregard the printing on the pint glass. The contents are from NJ!

Martine’s Riverhouse Restaurant

We love lunches here or just enjoying a glass of wine seated outside, under an umbrella, a stone’s throw from the river and a view of the bridge. This year we had dinner here for the first time. Carol chose the Carmelized Day Boat Scallops, while I had Flounder Oreganato. This is not a BYOB spot, but we did enjoy a couple of cocktails before dinner and a glass of Chardonnay with our meal. Carol selected a Titos and Tonic, while I chose a novelty called Skyline (Bourbon, Aperol, Sweet Vermouth, and chocolate bitters). The food and drinks were great!

Francisco’s on the River

This is one of our favorite BYOB restaurants in the tri-state area. I wish it was closer to home. For Carol’s birthday dinner, we were happy to see they were still serving one of their signature dishes-Eggplant Parmesan. Now before you scoff at that choice (we both ordered it), I will say it’s not like any eggplant parmesan we have had anywhere else. Instead of one or two slices of eggplant, smothered with mozzarella cheese, this one had at least a dozen thin slices, covered with their homemade tomato sauce. Before enjoying our entrees, however, we enjoyed the salads pictured below. Everything was amazing-the food, the wine, the view across the street, and (most of all) my wife’s loving companionship.

The Wine

William Heritage 2024 Buckwheat Vineyard Chardonnay-We enjoyed this one in our room. It is pale in color, but quite fragrant, with citrus and tropical notes, with surprising body and pleasingly soft texture.

Unionville Vineyards 2024 Pheasant Hill Chardonnay-We enjoyed this amazing Chard with our salads (ordered by our son in Illinois-long story). This is a perennial classic here. Their Chardonnays have been a huge reason for Unionville’s success over the years. This one boasts delicious full-bodied notes of lemon and pineapple. Awesome!

Turdo Vineyard Turis 2022 Sangiovese-We enjoyed this perennial favorite with our Eggplant Parm at Francisco’s on the River. My favorite Sangiovese in the state and beyond (not counting their upscale relative, their Etichetta D’Oro). This Sangiovese is so good. It is more full-bodied than a lot of Sangiovese (and Chianti) I have had over the years. It is also richer and very smooth.

What a great celebration of my wife’s birthday! I love the area, the food, and the wines we enjoyed. Most of all, I love my wife, Carol!

Coming Attractions

• Seahorse Farm Winery (NJ’s Newest Winery)
• Cedar Rose Vineyards Summer ’26
• Suggestions for New Bloggers & Aspiring Authors
• Acidity & Tannins
• Wine Gadgets & Useful Products

Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Just scroll down, press the “Comment” button, and add your comment(s). Like what you read and see on these pages? It couldn’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Subscribe” button, and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess. Subscriptions are FREE and I will not share your email info with anyone.