It may seem unassuming at first, but Bordentown, New Jersey, is historically significant as the former home of Thomas Paine and the former King of Spain Joseph Bonaparte. New Jersey has long been nicknamed the Garden State, and with its flower-lined main street, Bordentown is the perfect place to honor the state’s botanical heritage. In particular, you won’t want to miss the local Annual History in Bloom garden tour sponsored by the Bordentown Historical Society.
Bordentown is situated approximately one hour’s drive north of Philadelphia International Airport, or around an hour and a half away from New York City by car. You will enjoy the wonderful boutiques and exquisite restaurants along Farnsworth Avenue, which lend Bordentown its charming walkable downtown atmosphere. The Bordentown Historical Society provides a self-guided
walking tour map
As you leisurely walk through town, you have the opportunity to explore the historic Old City Hall, the Clara Barton Schoolhouse from the late 1700s, along with various other intriguing historical landmarks and monuments. Furthermore, this charming locale features an annual rotation of three exhibitions within the historically significant 1740 Friends Meetinghouse, which served as a station on the Underground Railroad.
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Exciting Eating and Shopping Choices in Bordentown
When exploring Bordentown, make sure to visit Bordentown Square Bar and Grill for their impressive selection of craft beers and indulge in the Dirty South Disco Fries—crispy sweet potatoes topped with shredded pork, mashed avocados, freshly made salsa, spiced chili-cheese sauce, and pickled jalapeños. Right along the primary route is Toscano Steakhouse, which offers a vast array of premium steak dishes complemented by luxurious side options such as lobster truffle macaroni and duck-fat seasoned poutine fries. Don’t miss checking out Under the Moon Cafe’s exceptional weekend-only brunch menu featuring items like smoked salmon Eggs Benedicts alongside banana mascarpone French toast. This café combines elements of Italian, American, and Spanish cuisine into one sophisticated yet cozy environment.
Make sure you drop by to experience the cool ambiance at The Record Collector, named the top independent music store in the tri-state region by Details Magazine due to its extensive collection of classic albums and new indie records, along with special items for Record Store Day. Also worth visiting is Broomstick Betty, where you can find an eclectic assortment of pin-up art, punk rock collectibles, and witchcraft-themed trinkets. This boutique features handcrafted local candles and artworks alongside vintage-style frocks, witch-inspired cleansing bundles, precious stones, essential oils, and gift ideas.
Exploration and Natural Beauty Await in Picturesque Bordentown
Located at the convergence of the Delaware River and Crosswicks Creek, Bordentown is a perfect spot for nature adventure. Start at Bordentown Beach, offering picturesque views of the river and a boat ramp and launch spot for kayaks and canoes. If you prefer to stay on land, Bordentown Bluffs is a 2-mile state park marshland trail where you can experience birding and hiking with views of Crosswicks Creek, as well as chestnut and oak trees, a variety of birds of prey, and mountain laurel and great rhododendron. Drive a little farther south and you’ll find
Moorestown, a charming escape with trendy cafes and boutiques
.
If you’re seeking an extra dose of excitement, check out Six Flags Great Adventure. Known as the second-biggest theme park in the nation (following Disney’s Animal Kingdom), this attraction lies approximately 25 minutes away and spans across 510 acres featuring distinct areas like an animal safari, thrill rides, and splash zones. Be sure not to overlook the vintage carousel from 1881, notable for its unusual counterclockwise rotation and twelve distinctive rooster figures—it’s among just a handful of such carousels nationwide with this feature.
Feel like heading to the seaside? The gorgeous sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore are calling, located less than an hour away. The
coastal community of Spring Lake
is about 45 minutes away, and New Jersey’s
Asbury Park has been deemed one of the finest shores in America.
, complete with an amazing boardwalk as well.
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