This Quiet New Jersey Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026
When the holidays end and reality sets back in, the best thing you can do for yourself is start planning something to look forward to. And there is nothing more exciting to plan than a trip. Here is where the underrated town of Bordentown, New Jersey, steps in. Located in Western New Jersey on the Delaware River, just 45 miles upstream from Philadelphia, this small town is incredibly walkable. Its single square mile is packed with action, bringing shops, restaurants, and 18th-century buildings all within easy reach. Beautiful lakes and marshes also lie just outside of downtown, giving you plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. So shake off the winter blues and check your calendar, because a trip to Bordentown might be exactly what you need this year!
Shopping On Farnsworth Avenue
Most of the action in Bordentown happens on Farnsworth Avenue, which serves as the town’s Main Street. You’ll find plenty of unique shops along this stretch, starting with The Record Collector, an independent record store that has been buying and selling records for over four decades. Their collection of new, used, and rare vinyl is worth a browse, especially if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Afterward, travelers with a sweet tooth can stop by The Candy Jar by 1892, a candy shop that sells chocolates, truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, bombons, and other sweet treats. For a new outfit, check out shops like Icon Boutique, which sells women’s apparel and accessories, or Rebecca's Vintage Boutique, which specializes in vintage and unique consignment apparel.
Exploring A Chapter Of History
With European settlement dating all the way back to 1682, Bordentown is filled with historic landmarks, some of which were built in the 1700s, predating the Revolutionary War. The Clara Barton Schoolhouse is one such example, constructed around 1798 as a one-and-a-half-story brick building, and later moved to its current site in 1839. The Gilder House, located in the Gilder Park, is also one of the oldest buildings in town, built between approximately 1788 and 1802, and resided in by Richard Watson Gilder, a prominent magazine editor.
You won’t be able to miss the Old City Hall, which stands prominently downtown, dating back to 1888. Originally used as a government building, jail, and a courtroom, it today stands as a venue for lectures and other special occasions. As an interesting fact, its clock tower contains a Seth Thomas Clock that was made in the famed clockmaking town of Thomaston, Connecticut!
Outdoor Recreation
Bordentown sits near some gorgeous marshes and lakes, making for a wonderful day outdoors. The Abbott Marshlands should be the first destination on your radar, a sprawling expanse of marshes bordering Hamilton, Trenton, and Bordentown. The Bordentown Bluffs is one of the closest marshland segments to town, featuring a wooded path that overlooks Crosswicks Creek. Classified by the New Jersey Audubon Society as a very important bird area, these bluffs are also a magnificent place to birdwatch, with red-tailed hawks and eagles sometimes passing through. The bluffs’ trail stretches for about a mile and a half and is moderately difficult, with one short and steep section.
Crystal Lake Park is another scenic place, located slightly southwest of town. Covering more than 370 acres, this park is home to a freshwater lake, wetlands, and upland and lowland forests. Some of the most popular recreational activities here include hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding.
Culinary Scene
Your Bordentown adventure will likely start and end at the local cafes and restaurants, so be sure to make the most of your meals here. For your morning caffeine fix, head to Turtle Beans Coffee on Farnsworth, a local shop that serves small-batch, fresh roasts. A few of the beverages you’ll find on the menu include brewed coffee, espresso, matcha, chai lattes, and loose-leaf tea. HOB Tavern is a great place to grab a hearty lunch or dinner later in the day. This family-owned joint has a huge list of rotating beers and a fantastic food menu with specialities like smashburgers and steak sandwiches. If you love Italian food, make sure to have dinner at Marcello’s, which has been operating under current management for over two decades, serving artisan pizzas, eggplant parmesan, chicken marsala, and plenty of other classics.
Extending Your Trip
If you have a couple of extra days and want to turn your Bordentown vacation into a whole Western New Jersey road trip, it is quite easy to do so! Just 15 minutes east of town, you’ll reach Allentown, New Jersey, a lovely historic village with 225 houses listed on state and national registries. Attractions here include the New Jersey Fire Museum, which houses an impressive exhibit of vintage firetrucks, and the Pete Sensi Park, which winds along a scenic millpond.
If you enjoy antique hunting, make sure to drive up to Lambertville, as well. Famously called “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” this little town has some of the most renowned antique markets in the state, including the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, an indoor and outdoor market that operates three days a week, and the People’s Store Antiques and Design Center, which features goods from over 50 antique dealers.
Your Bordentown Adventure Awaits
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to plan your travels, and Bordentown is a great choice for something a bit different. It may not be the largest town or city in New Jersey, but its attractions are just as worthwhile to visit, featuring charming restaurants, eclectic shops, and lakeside parks that will easily fill a weekend with fun. As a bonus, it is near some other extraordinary New Jersey towns, allowing you to extend your adventure a few days if you would like. All that’s left to do is pick your travel dates and get ready to have a memorable time!
