The Other River Town
November 27, 2007
Don’t finish filling your holiday gift list until you visit Bordentown (www.downtownbordentown.com).
That’s right, we said Bordentown! Not to be confused with Lambertville, another Delaware town which is also quaint, historic, and brimming with gift-laden shops.
The half dozen blocks along Farnsworth Avenue in Bordentown lack the river views, but make up for it in creativity, available free parking, and shop owners who are knowledgeable and friendly. Plus, what other town do you know that is celebrating its 325th anniversary this year?
Need to pick up a few Vera Bradley (www.verabradley.com) wallets, clutches, and totes? Head to Necessities For The Heart (www.necessitiesfortheheart.com) for one huge eye-popping selection of the trendy flowered, quilted bags.
You’ll find interesting and eclectic choices for your friends and family at Silk & Tweed (www.silkandtweed.com), including designer dog handbags, antique jewelry, and gifts for the guys. Also, impressive art and jewelry at The Farnsworth Gallery (www.farnsworthgallery.com).
Many of the shop owners are giving back to the troops; servicemen and women and their families from the nearby bases are entitled to a 10 percent discount at plenty of stores on Farnsworth.
Bordentown is also home to one of the state’s most famous diners, Mastori’s (www.mastoris.com), on Route 130 just outside the shopping district. But there are plenty of good little restaurants downtown—grab a salad with a chunk of delicious home made bread at Marcello’s (206 Farnsworth Ave.).
You won’t need to order dessert if you shop along Farnsworth this Thursday—you’ll be treated to free samples of chocolate. It’s being handed out at stores as an enticement.
While you’re here, take a look at the architecture. There’s Victorian, Italianate, Federal, Romanesque Revival. Here, when they say “colonial home” they mean it—as in built before the Revolutionary War. One historical oddity: Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon and former king of Spain, lived in an estate overlooking the Delaware on the grounds of what is now a monastery.
We hope you enjoy your taste of Bordentown. Give yourself a day to wander, eat, and enjoy…before you fill all the slots on your gift list.
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