The “Antiques Capital of New Jersey” Is Officially the State’s Best Small Town — And It’s Only 90 Minutes NYC

New Jersey might get a bad rap from us New Yorkers, but one small town is earning praise for being an extremely charming little town. HGTV just named Lambertville, NJ the best small town in the entire state , and if you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. Often overshadowed by Shore towns and bigger names, this tiny riverside community of just 4,000 residents has quietly built a reputation as one of the most charming escapes near NYC. Known as the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” Lambertville sits along the scenic Delaware River and has been around since 1705 —so its streets are lined with history, from federal-style townhouses to Victorian homes and even a restored 19th-century train depot that’s now a restaurant. HGTV praised Lambertville for its walkable streets, rich history, and creative energy . Here, you’ll find art galleries, indie coffee shops, and Zagat-rated restaurants tucked between antique shops and cozy bakeries. In fact, Bridge, Main, and Union streets are packed with storefronts where you can easily spend an entire day treasure-hunting. And it’s not just shopping: Lambertville is also deeply tied to the arts , home to the Music Mountain Theatre and plenty of studios showcasing local talent. Add in riverside trails, bike paths, and the fact that you can walk across a historic bridge into New Hope, PA in under five minutes , and you’ll see why it’s such a special destination. You can see the full list of HGTV’s best small town by state list here! How to get there from NYC ------------------------- Lambertville is only about 90 minutes from New York City by car , making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway . Just hop on I-78 W and head toward the Delaware River—once you cross into Hunterdon County, you’ll find yourself in one of the most picturesque small towns in the region. Source: https://secretnyc.co/lambertville-nj-best-small-town-in-nj-2025-hgtv/