Need a break from city life? Searching for American history and culture? Then you should stop by Bordentown City, New Jersey! This quaint, historic town has been around since the early 1700’s and has a very vibrant community. Come see for yourself – shop, dine, and play in Downtown Bordentown for the day!
History
In 1682, Thomas Farnsworth, an English Quaker, was the first European to settle in the Bordentown area when he moved his family up the river from Burlington. “Farnsworth Laning” soon became the center of trade for the region. Farnsworth Avenue is also the name of one of Bordentown’s main streets.
Joseph Borden arrived in 1717, and in May 1740 he founded a transportation system to carry people and freight between New York City and Philadelphia. Bordentown City is also named after him.
Other notable people who lived in Bordentown include Patience Lovell Wright, America’s first female sculptor, Thomas Paine, Joseph Bonaparte, former King of Naples and Spain, and Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, among others.
Visitors can take a historic walking tour of Bordentown on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, click here.
Dining
Put down your apron and turn off the oven. You deserve a night out in Bordentown! Its restaurants include American bistros, Mexican, vegetarian, Latin-American, Italian, and so much more! Here are some of the hot spots:
Common Sense Brewing has craft beer tasting, brewery tours, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Looking for nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options? Properly Fueled is a hip and healthy cafe that caters to vegan, gluten free, paleo, dairy free, and vegetarian diets.
Marcello’s Restaurant & Coal Fired Pizza features a craft beer, whiskey, and bourbon bar, as well as a retractable roof for alfresco dining
Jester’s Cafe has been serving food and drink since 1703. Unique decor, window-lined walls, and stained glass make for a warm and festive atmosphere.
Get homemade-style cuisine and delicious dessert from Under the Moon Cafe.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Vincent’s Homemade Ice Cream! They use locally sourced products and supplies.
Shopping
If shopping is your thing, Bordentown has all of the stores to meet your needs – from books and clothes to furniture and jewelry. Take a stroll through the many unique shops and boutiques Bordentown offers:
The Artful Deposit was established in 1986 and still continues to sell goods from artists with national, international, and regional reputations.
At Blue Moon Premium Olive Oil & Vinegar, customers are invited to sample, bottle and purchase ultra premium olive oils from around the globe.
Broomstick Betty is geared to the spiritually enlightened fashionistas!
Find sustainably made and fair trade clothing, jewelry, accessories, and toys at Mimosa Goods! They donated 10% of their profits to local and national charities.
The Old Bookshop of Bordentown has old, used, and rare books, manuscripts, and paper items.
Buy, sell, or exchange vinyl records, CDs, memorabilia and more at The Record Collector.
Outdoors
If you are looking for more of an outside adventure, visit Bordentown’s section of the Delaware River Heritage Trail. Although the complete trail is a 60 mile loop, you can stroll through the trees with your dog or take a bike ride on the paths. Bordentown’s Delaware River Heritage Trail entrance is near Crosswick’s Creek. Signs are set up to inform and warn where the trail starts and ends.
The summer season is the perfect time to make your trip to Bordentown! For all of the latest events and information on Bordentown City, visit www.downtownbordentown.com.