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Can you visit Peddler’s Village, New Hope, and Lambertville in one fall day and still have time to enjoy yourself?
We discovered that you can, although fitting all three into one day is a little ambitious! What started as a girls’ day out turned into an impromptu date with Robb, complete with scarecrows, a fall foliage train ride, Halloween decorations, and a few surprises along the way.
I’d planned the trip with one of my dearest friends. She loves fall colors and browsing little shops, neither of which particularly thrills me, but spending the day together sounded wonderful.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling well, so she had to cancel. With beautiful October weather in the forecast, I wasn’t ready to give up the day. Robb offered to take her place; we rearranged our schedules, cleared Friday, and suddenly my girls’ trip had become an unexpected date!
Our New Hope and Lambertville fall day trip took us through three popular destinations along the Pennsylvania–New Jersey border. Along the way, we learned a few things about timing, walking, and which experiences lived up to our expectations.
Here’s what we loved, what surprised us, and what we’d do differently if we were planning this fall getaway again.
Our Fall Day Trip at a Glance
With three destinations, a fall foliage train ride, and dinner reservations, we had to manage our time wisely. Here’s how we organized our Friday adventure.
11:45 a.m. — Peddler’s Village
We arrived around 11:45 and allowed two hours for lunch, wandering through the village, and enjoying the scarecrow displays.
Afternoon — New Hope
We planned about 90 minutes to explore town, stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy a cocktail before our train ride.
4:00 p.m. — New Hope Railroad
Our fall foliage train was scheduled for 4:30 p.m., and we wanted to arrive 30 minutes early.
6:30 p.m. — Dinner in Lambertville
We had dinner reservations, then spent the evening exploring the Halloween decorations.
After Dinner — Lambertville’s Halloween Decorations
We set aside about 90 minutes to see the displays. That was plenty of time for what we wanted to see, and we had no other reservations to worry about.
Would I Recommend
Visiting All Three in One Day?
Yes, if you’re selective about what you want to see and don’t mind keeping an eye on the clock. We enjoyed our day, but felt a little hurried.
If you love browsing shops, enjoying leisurely meals, and wandering without a set destination, I’d make Peddler’s Village a day trip of its own. Plenty of shops and seasonal displays keep you entertained.
New Hope and Lambertville, on the other hand, make a great day trip. You can park once, walk across the Delaware River between the two towns, and enjoy the waterfront, restaurants, and shops without moving your car.
We walked more than 3.5 miles throughout the day, so comfortable shoes are a must. With three destinations to explore, expect plenty of walking, especially if you enjoy wandering through shops and side streets.
Peddler’s Village: Scarecrows, Shopping, and Brunch
Our first stop was Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, just outside New Hope.
It had been about six years since our last visit, when we came during the Christmas season. This time, I wanted to see the annual scarecrow displays. I envisioned making something similar with our grandchildren, so naturally I needed a little inspiration.
Our first impression?
“My God, there are a lot of people here, and it’s not even noon!”
Keep in mind, this was a Friday. The OctoberFeast celebration wasn’t until the weekend, and the village was already bustling.
Fortunately, we found parking and headed straight to FresCafe for brunch.
The menu offered breakfast and lunch options, plus wonderful coffees and sweet treats. No hooch, though! We were lucky enough to snag an outdoor table, and the food and service were outstanding. Everyone was friendly, and it was a lovely way to start our day.
After brunch, we wandered the village pathways, admired the scarecrows, and popped into a few shops.
We explored Knobs and Knockers, stopped at Hats Galore while Robb searched for a new dress-up hat, and couldn’t resist checking out The Cloak and Wand after spotting the dragon outside.
And then there were the scarecrows!
The creativity was fantastic, with Dolly Parton among the stars. Some were funny, others elaborate, and plenty gave me ideas for future projects with the grandkids.
Eventually, we made our way to Hewn Spirits for a cold cocktail before heading to New Hope.
Is Peddler’s Village Worth Visiting in the Fall?
Definitely, although you should expect crowds, especially as the weekend approaches.
Most of your exploring will be outdoors along brick pathways, so I’d recommend choosing a dry day. Benches are scattered throughout the village for breaks, along with several restaurants offering indoor and seasonal outdoor seating.
Between the shops, restaurants, and seasonal decorations, Peddler’s Village is a fun destination even if shopping isn’t your favorite pastime.
A Few Tips for Visiting Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village is always busy, especially in the fall and during the Christmas season. We’ve visited during both, and even when we’re driving past, plenty of people are wandering through the village.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, I’d aim to arrive by 10 a.m., possibly earlier during a festival. That doesn’t guarantee an easy parking spot, but I’d rather get there before the busiest part of the day. I’d also recommend making a restaurant reservation if you’re planning to stay for a meal.
Weekdays might be a little quieter, though tour buses stop here too, so don’t expect to have it to yourself. You’ll also see plenty of families with children. While the village itself appeals more to adults who enjoy shopping, dining, and seasonal displays, Giggleberry Fair also has something for kids.
Dress comfortably and in layers. It was chilly when we left home, so we wore sweaters. By the time the sun came out and temperatures reached 70 degrees, all that walking had us wishing we’d dressed a little lighter. Layers and comfortable walking shoes would have been a much better choice.
And one last suggestion: bring a reusable shopping bag. If you plan to browse the shops, it’s much easier to carry your purchases in one bag than to juggle a collection of little bags from different stores. I’ve rounded up a few fun and practical options in our Totes Adorable Amazon collection.
Exploring New Hope, Pennsylvania
From Peddler’s Village, we headed into New Hope, where we had tickets for the 4:30 p.m. fall foliage train.
That left us a little time to explore.
We found street parking for much less than the parking near the train station and headed toward Main Street.
Our first stop was a wonderfully quirky shop filled with vintage clothing, toys, and retro Halloween decorations. It was one of those places where you never quite know what you’ll find, which made it especially fun.
We kept strolling down Main Street, window shopping and soaking up the atmosphere before stopping at Nomad Distillery for a cocktail.
The experience was okay, although nothing particularly memorable. With so many options in New Hope, it probably wouldn’t be our first choice for a return visit.
We also wandered past the Bucks County Playhouse toward the Delaware River. This area was particularly nice, with patios, tables, and places to enjoy food and drinks along the waterfront.
We’ve visited New Hope before, including for dinner, and it’s the kind of town that invites you to park the car and explore on foot.
Restaurants, bars, specialty shops, and historic buildings line the streets, making it a good choice for a girls’ getaway, romantic weekend, or afternoon adventure.
There’s enough going on that you could easily spend several hours here, or turn your visit into a weekend.
Is New Hope Better Explored on Foot?
New Hope is much easier to explore on foot than by driving from place to place. Once you’ve found a parking spot, the waterfront, shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance.
We discovered that street parking was considerably cheaper than the lot at the New Hope Railroad station. Spaces can be hard to come by, especially when town is busy, but there are public and municipal lots if you can’t find one.
We prefer parking somewhere central to where we plan to explore. After spending a few hours wandering through town, neither of us wants a long walk back to the car.
If you’re planning to ride the New Hope Railroad, keep your departure time in mind when choosing where to park. The station lot might be convenient for catching the train, but it isn’t necessarily the best choice for exploring the rest of town.
Is the New Hope Fall Foliage Train Worth It?
Robb and I both love train rides, so booking the New Hope Railroad’s fall foliage excursion seemed like an obvious choice.
We selected coach seating, the less expensive option, and found the railcars comfortable enough for the ride.
The train itself was enjoyable and relaxing. The scenery, however, was a little disappointing.
Much of the route traveled through wooded areas, with occasional views of some very large homes. We didn’t see the sweeping fall scenery we had hoped to see.
Our particular departure didn’t offer an open-air car, which would have been wonderful on such a beautiful autumn afternoon.
In my opinion, New Hope is pricey, and we thought the train tickets were expensive for the experience.
Would we recommend it?
That depends on why you’re going.
If your primary goal is spectacular fall foliage from a train, we’d choose the train ride in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, instead. In our experience, the scenery there is much more impressive.
However, if you’re interested in the railroad itself or one of its specialty experiences, such as a speakeasy-themed ride or a holiday excursion, the New Hope Railroad could be a fun addition to your visit.
Be sure to check the New Hope Railroad’s schedule and ticket options before you go. Seasonal excursions vary, so I recommend checking what’s available for your travel dates.
We enjoyed our ride. We simply wouldn’t recommend it specifically for the fall foliage.
And here’s the funny part: It may have been our favorite activity of the entire day!
Go figure.
Lambertville, New Jersey:
Dinner and Halloween Magic
After the train, we crossed the Delaware River into Lambertville, New Jersey.
One of the main reasons for planning this fall outing was to see Lambertville’s famous Halloween decorations. I’d heard wonderful things about them and wondered whether our granddaughters would enjoy visiting.
First, though, we had dinner reservations.
We found convenient parking in a municipal lot on Union Street, about half a block from Under the Moon, where we had a 6:30 reservation.
The restaurant was dressed up with spaceships and otherworldly Halloween decorations, adding an unexpected bit of fun to our evening.
Under the Moon offers indoor and outdoor seating. We chose an indoor table since the temperature was beginning to drop.
We ordered the tapas tower and drinks, and enjoyed a pleasant meal with friendly service. The outdoor seating looked like a great place for people-watching, and we’d certainly consider returning.
By the time dinner was finished, however, we were getting tired.
We’d already spent much of the day walking around Peddler’s Village and New Hope, and the thought of navigating more sidewalks after dark wasn’t particularly appealing.
Still, we weren’t leaving without seeing some Halloween decorations!
The Story Behind Lambertville’s Halloween Decorations
Lambertville has a wonderful Halloween tradition that began with retired art teacher Dolores Dragan.
Starting in 1998, she transformed her home on North Union Street into the Halloween House, filling it with imaginative, handcrafted characters and elaborate displays.
Her goal wasn’t simply to decorate for Halloween. She wanted to create memories that children would carry with them throughout their lives.
After more than two decades, her creations inspired the Memory Maker’s Trail of Magic, a community-wide Halloween experience featuring her artwork at participating businesses and locations throughout Lambertville.
Visitors can follow a self-guided trail to discover the displays and learn more about their stories.
We looked at the trail map before arriving, though we expected the decorations to be a little more concentrated.
The displays we saw were outstanding. The creativity and detail were impressive, and some of the decorated homes were especially memorable.
We walked for a while, then got back in the car to see what else we could find.
Would I make a special nighttime trip with our 5- and 7-year-old granddaughters? The jury is still out. I wouldn’t want to drive that far expecting streets filled with decorations, only to see a handful of houses.
However, I would happily return with friends, perhaps making an entire evening of dinner, cocktails, and exploring the Halloween displays.
Our advice: If the Trail of Magic is your main reason for visiting, check the official map before you go and plan enough time to explore on foot. The displays are spread throughout town rather than concentrated in one spot.
Can You Walk Between New Hope and Lambertville?
Yes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy both towns! The bridge over the Delaware River connects New Hope, Pennsylvania, with Lambertville, New Jersey, and people walk back and forth throughout the day.
It’s roughly a 10-minute walk between the central areas, depending on where you start and finish. You can wander a few blocks around the waterfront and main streets or spend hours exploring the side streets.
Lambertville also has street parking and municipal lots, so you can choose the town that best fits your plans.
If you’re staying at Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, you’re conveniently located near the bridge. You could spend an evening enjoying New Hope and walk back to your room without moving the car.
Day Trip or Weekend Getaway?
We managed to visit Peddler’s Village, New Hope, and Lambertville in one day, but we had to pay attention to our schedule. Between the shops, waterfront, train ride, and Halloween decorations, we walked more than 3.5 miles!
If I could choose only two destinations, I’d pick New Hope and Lambertville. They’re close enough to explore together, and I love the idea of wandering between the two towns, stopping for a leisurely lunch or cocktails, and enjoying the riverfront without a packed schedule.
If you love browsing shops and seasonal displays, I’d make Peddler’s Village a day trip of its own. There’s enough there to enjoy without squeezing it between other activities.
For me, an overnight getaway sounds even better. I’d love to have a whole weekend to enjoy the restaurants, live music, and good company without worrying about the drive home.
If you’re planning a similar outing, here are a few things we’d recommend:
- Start early. Peddler’s Village gets crowded, even on weekdays in the fall.
- Wear comfortable shoes. All three destinations involve a fair amount of walking, and some sidewalks and pathways are uneven.
- Check the festival calendars. Seasonal events can enhance the experience, but they can also add to the crowds.
- Compare parking options. We saved money by choosing street parking in New Hope and found convenient municipal parking in Lambertville.
- Choose your train ride carefully. The New Hope Railroad is enjoyable, although we wouldn’t choose it specifically for spectacular fall foliage.
- Consider staying overnight. You’ll have more time to enjoy the restaurants, nightlife, and seasonal attractions without rushing.
Where I’d Consider Staying: New Hope or Lambertville.
One reason I’d love to return for a weekend is to enjoy these towns without watching the clock. I’d want to stay somewhere within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and nightlife, where we could enjoy a leisurely dinner, a few cocktails, and maybe some live music before wandering back to our room.
I’ve already got three places in mind.
The Logan Inn in New Hope is high on my list, especially because it’s right next to Oldestone Steakhouse, another place I’d love to try. There’s something appealing about enjoying a great dinner with your room just steps away. Check availability at Logan Inn on Booking.com.
The Ghost Light Inn is another tempting choice. Located along the Delaware River in the heart of New Hope, it looks like a wonderful place to spend a relaxing weekend. I especially like the idea of walking out the door and exploring town without worrying about parking. Check availability at Ghost Light Inn on Booking.com.
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn is another property I’d consider. I attended a bachelorette party there a few years ago and loved it. Its location near the bridge connecting Lambertville and New Hope is ideal for exploring both towns on foot. While I haven’t stayed overnight, my experience there certainly makes me want to return.
Of course, these aren’t the only places to stay. Both towns offer a variety of accommodations, from historic inns to charming boutique hotels.
Looking for somewhere else to stay? Browse hotels in New Hope and Lambertville on Booking.com to compare locations, rates, and availability for your travel dates.
Exploring Bucks County by RV? Several campgrounds in our Campgrounds Near Philadelphia guide are about 45 minutes from New Hope and Lambertville. They’re worth considering if you want a home base for exploring the river towns, Peddler’s Village, and the greater Philadelphia area.
Would We Do
This Fall Day Trip Again?
Without a doubt! I loved the Halloween decorations, the charm of both river towns, and even the train ride that wasn’t quite what we expected but gave us something to laugh about.
Whether you’re planning a fun girls’ getaway or a romantic escape with someone special, New Hope and Lambertville have plenty to offer.
Think afternoon cocktails, charming shops, delicious meals, and a little adventure along the way. It’s the kind of place where you can make the day as relaxing or as lively as you like.
New Hope and Lambertville have a feel-good personality that makes me want to wander around, enjoy good company, and celebrate life without watching the clock.
Next time, I’d love to try the rail bikes, have cocktails at OldeStone Steakhouse, and perhaps spend the night at the Logan Inn. Now that sounds like my kind of getaway!
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Travel Safe and Adventure Often!
Maureen Wright and Robb Strobridge
The Stromads
Entrepreneurs, Wanderlusters, Constant travelers, and full-time travelers since 2016 and RV nomads since 2017. We are fueled by life, love, and the pursuit of all things good. Thanks for joining our journey and we hope to see you down the road!
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