BestofNJ.com

Shad Fest . Lambertville NJ

The small but charming town of Lambertville NJ welcomes everyone to celebrate the 29th annual Shad Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25.

Here is a some information taken from a press release from the Lambertville Chamber of Commerce from 2009 and updated with some information from the chambers festival page:

Each year Shad Fest highlights our region’s arts community, the City of Lambertville, the Delaware River, and of course, the ever popular fish, the Shad!

The Shad Festival has evolved from a local art show into a nationally recognized award-winning event. Shad Fest features the area’s finest artists and crafters, great food and family entertainment, but the two-day extravaganza also serves as a venue for local non-profit organizations to raise necessary operating funds.

The festival features an art show with over 80 of the region’s finest artists and crafters! You’ll find ceramics, jewelry, watercolors, oil paintings, photography, acrylics, glass, apparel and more!

Get your O’Fish’l Shad Fest T Shirt! Come to the centrally located Chamber table and pick up your O’fish’l Shad Fest T-Shirt designed by a local artist. We also have a great Shad Fest cap. Don’t forget to pick up a reprint of the 1982 Shad Fest Cookbook with recipes by local chefs and residents – a must-have slice of nostalgia with great recipes and a great sense of humor!

In The Food Court: everything from taco salads to fried Calamari! There will also be the tried and true favorites: Hot dogs, hamburgers and fries and fresh lemonade for the traditionalists!

Family fun: Face Painting, Cotton Candy, Sand Art, Sandy Candy and other children’s activities can be found throughout the event and this year down in Lambertville Station’s parking lot — kids will go crazy for the rides because they’re back! Don’t miss the fun and educational shad seining demonstrations down at Lewis Island where the Delaware River Basin Commission will be teaching us about how to test water quality. To the rear of the food court, stop by the Heart to Hearth Cookery booth and learn about colonial methods of cooking shad as well as how the Lenape cooked and preserved shad.

Poster Display and Auction: Over 100 original art posters, created and donated by local artists, are on display during Shad Festival weekend in the recreation room of the First Presbyterian Church, 31 N. Union St. These posters will be auctioned off on Sunday at 3 pm – the monies going to scholarships for students pursuing a collegiate career in the arts. Register for the auction on Sunday starting at 2 pm. Stop by the Church to see auction posters, and the Kids Posters done by local schoolchildren.

Shadfest is held every year regardless of the weather, come rain or come shine! Shad Fest is held in downtown Lambertville which is located in western Hunterdon County in Central Jersey on the Delaware River across from New Hope Pennsylvania.

You can get more information on the festival and the town on the chamber website.

Got Cabin Fever? Get a “Taste of Spring” at Honey Hollow

Cabin Fever Feast

Bucks County Audubon Society’s stunning barn will be adorned with colorful flowers and spring decor as a much-needed welcome to spring with the 5th annual Cabin Fever Feast on Friday, March 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Some 15 local restaurants and caterers will tempt guests with specialties including Charleston Meeting Street Crab, a Raw Bar, Cassoulet, Eggplant Parmigiana, Kailua Pork, Beer Braised Short Ribs, and more. Specialty wines, beers and gourmet coffee will complement the cuisine. For dessert, dip a treat into the Chocolate Fountain or choose a delicious pastry. For details on the participating establishments and chefs, visit bcas.org.

While delighting in these gastronomic treasures, enjoy soothing music and pore over an alluring array of auction items – both silent and live – which will include vacation getaways, restaurant certificates, exciting classes, “treat yourself” spa packages, art work and much more. Laura Cummins of Helping Hand Concierge and a member of the event committee reflects, “After a long winter, we are all ready for SPRING, and the Cabin Fever Feast is truly a great way to launch this wonderful season while supporting a worthwhile cause.”

The event takes place in the Audubon Visitor Center at 2877 Creamery Road in Solebury Township. The presenting sponsor for Cabin Fever Feast 2010 is PECO. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event are $75. Proceeds benefit Bucks County Audubon Society’s environmental education programs.

For reservations, call 215-297-5880 or visit www.bcas.org.

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Event Details:
Event Name: 5th Annual Cabin Fever Feast
Event Venue: Bucks County Audubon Visitor Center
Event Street Address: 2877 Creamery Road
Event City: New Hope, PA 18938
Event County: Bucks County, PA
Event Date: March 26 – 6:30 to 9:30 PM
Event Admission: $75
Event Phone: 215-297-5880
Event Website: http://www.bcas.org

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Solebury and New Hope Pennsylvania are just across the Delaware River from the New Jersey communities of Stockton, Rosemont, Byram, and Lambertville in Hunterdon County.

Lime Boutique

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At Lime you will find the ultimate fashion boutique, which offers the best of women’s clothing & accessories. At the store each garment is perfectly selected, hung, and merchandised in a minimalist style- crisp white walls, large mirrors, and metal accents make up the interior. Our spacious drawing rooms will not disappoint offering current trends, designer denim and handbags, as well as knits and classics that will be treasured for years to come.

Lime remains true to the meaning of “boutique” carrying a selection of the most coveted contemporary lines while having a knowledgeable and customer service oriented staff. “Our customer’s love the quaint shopping and variety that we are able to offer without having to go to a mall or designer store,” comments owner Lorena Bochenek. Our goal is to make your shopping experience more pleasant and memorable.

Store Hours EST

Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Business Name: Lime Boutique
Business Street Address: 49 Bridge Street
Business Location City, State, Zipcode: Lambertville, NJ 08530
Business Location (New Jersey) County: Lambertville, New Jersey
Business Phone #: 609.397.3100
Business Website Address: http://www.shopatlime.com

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Lime Boutique Recommends:

3 locally owned New Jersey restaurants:

• Cafe Galleria
• Lily’s on the Canal
• O Ta Ya

3 locally owned New Jersey businesses:

• Area
• Reinboth
• Lambertville Trading Company

3 reasons to love NJ:

• Lambertville is a great historical town.
• Love the Jersey Shore!
• Nice people!

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Newark New Jersey Cherry Blossom Festival

Trenton, NJ: Whether it is the pink and white cherry blossoms in the nation’s oldest county park, the cool sounds of jazz at the Shore, or a trip to celebrate the running of the shad, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore New Jersey this spring – many at little or no cost. Spring is in the air across New Jersey and traditional signs of the season are upon us. The blossoms and blooms are right on schedule, and you can almost hear the music and taste the culinary delights from upcoming festivals. The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism encourages travelers to start planning a weekend getaway to experience some of the highlights of the season throughout the state, where there is a celebration in virtually any direction!

Cherry Blossom Festival

One of the preeminent annual events in northern New Jersey is the Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark’s Branch Brook Park. This year, from April 10 – 18, the city will be celebrating the magnificent blooming of thousands of Japanese Cherry Blossom trees in the 23-acre park. Holding the distinction of the first county park in the United States opened to the public, Branch Brook Park was designed by the famed landscape architecture firm of Olmsted Brothers, a successor to Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York City. Newark’s park adopted its colorful hue in 1927, when Caroline Bamburger Fuld donated 2,000 cherry blossom trees in memory of her late husband, and it is now listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. See a calendar of events @ http://www.branchbrookpark.org/calendar/index.htm

Cape May Jazz Festival

Interested in listening to iconic American music? The 33rd Cape May Jazz Festival will be hosted at venues throughout the historic seaside city April 16-18, 2010. This spring’s festival kicks off with Spyro Gyra and features other artists like: Shemekia Copeland, Tim Warfield, Chuchito Valdes, B.D. Lenz, Amy Shook and Charles Walker. See the scheduled performers @ http://www.capemayjazz.com

Shad Festival

Along the banks of the Delaware River in downtown Lambertville, visitors turn out in droves for the state’s Annual Shad Festival, which has evolved over the decades from a local art show into a nationally recognized, award-winning event. Each year the festival is timed to take place when shad move up river from the ocean to spawn. For 2010, on April 24 and 25 visitors will enjoy steamboat rides on the Delaware, carriage rides and guided walking tours of historic Lambertville, incredible food and family entertainment, the region’s arts and crafts and, of course, the ever popular shad. Local fishermen will show attendees the traditional seine technique of fishing by using large nets, which was originally taught to early settlers by the Native Americans in the area to catch the shad, or river herring. Find out more @ http://www.lambertville.org

Seaside Music Festival

About half way up the Atlantic coast of the Jersey Shore is Seaside Heights, which is home to the Seaside Music Festival. This free four-day festival from May 20 – 22 brings together music performances, special events, a car show, and visitors who just want to start summer a little early. This unofficial kickoff to summer will rock the Jersey Shore destination with multiple stages, local performers, Saturday-night fireworks on the boardwalk, surfing and wakeboard clinics, a volleyball tournament, and boardwalk rides and amusements will be open for business. Sign up for more updates from the promoters @ http://www.seasidemusicfest.com

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

At the state’s southern tip, the Wildwoods International Kite Festival will kick- off with the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony on the beach near the Wildwoods Convention Center on Friday, May 28 and run through May 31. During that time, the sky will be filled with kites of all colors, shapes and sizes – from giant sea creatures to the traditional diamond shaped, and vibrant giant kites that are visible for miles. Nite-kite shows with illuminated kites of all kinds, and the East Coast Stunt Kite Championships featuring the best sport kite pilots in the United States are also slated. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet guest kite makers, have free kite-flying lessons, listen to musical performances, and possibly best of all, enjoy the classic beach and boardwalk that Wildwood is known for. See photos from the event @ http://www.SkyFestivals.com

For more details on the state’s varied festivals or tips on planning a weekend getaway to the Garden State, log on to the State’s Tourism website http://www.visitnj.org.

Photo of Lambertville NJ: Home of Shad Fest

The Shad Festival highlights the region’s arts, the City of Lambertville, the Delaware River, and of course, the ever popular shad. The festival has evolved over the decades from a local art show into a well attended and award winning event. Shad Fest features some of the area’s finest arts and crafts, incredible food and family entertainment. This two-day extravaganza also serves as a venue for local non-profit organizations to raise necessary operating funds.

The annual poster competition and poster auction are just a couple of our favorite events that make up this unique New Jersey celebration of spring.

To learn more about Shad Fest see the Lambertville Chamber of Commerce website here.

Other Lambertville Pages:

Lambertville NJ Restaurants

Lambertville NJ Antiques Stores

Guide to Lambertville New Jersey

Some of our recommendations about the Best of Lambertville:

• The Peoples Store, a funky three story antique mall
• Sojourner, a rambling unique gift and jewelry boutique
• Hamilton’s Grill, a great place for seafood
• The Boat House, one of New Jersey’s best bars
• Lambertville Trading Company, our favorite small locally owned independent coffee shop in the world
• Sneddon’s, a great All American Small Town Diner/Cafe
• Jim’s Antiques, a place of incredible antique treasures and fine art from local masters

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The 2010 Lambertville ‐ New Hope Winter Festival begins on January 27th and ends on Sunday, January 31st. The Winter Festival committee has been very busy over the past year, implementing several new events and activities, highlighting the beauty of our twin river town communities as well as offering truly gifted local talent.

New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ Winter Festival

For 2010 Winter Festival has discovered a very special locally grown singer songwriter from Hopewell, NJ, who will headline this year’s annual concert. Winter Festival and WXPN have partnered to offer XPN: Welcomes Danielia Cotton on Friday January 29th at the Stephen Buck Theater, New Hope, PA. Danielia Cotton’s natural talent ‐‐ raw, searing vocal chops combined with a deep, buttery tone—highlight her rock, jazz, and blues roots. WXPN/Philadelphia, home to the nationally syndicated World Café, named her “Artist to Watch”. Her soulful rock performance will be the perfect start to your 2010 Winter Festival weekend. Local favorite; JB Kline Band will be the opening act.

We have two new ticketed events this year: The Inn at Lambertville Station Presents: Taste of Winter Fest, Thursday night January 28th from 7pm to 9pm, this new event offers a warm and savory evening of gourmet food and fine wines. The Inn at Lambertville Station has secured many wines exclusively for this event. Their Winter Fest Reserve Wine List will be offered for this evening only as well as local favorite, Unionville Winery. River Horse Brewery and Triumph Brewery will also be offering their exclusive Winter Fest products as well. Savory dishes will be offered in a live table format from seven exquisite local restaurants. A live vocal performance by local Mary Szczesniak accompanied by Tom Bateman will complete this warm Thursday evening. This exclusive event is limited to 125 patrons. This year Winter Festival will kick off slightly earlier with The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce presents: Fire and Ice Ball. This modestly priced dress to impress event will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at the New Hope Arts Center. Local DJ Josh Eschen will spin crowd favorites; also includes light refreshments, cash bar, and a dance contest.

New Hope Parks & Recreation Presents: Come To The Cabaret! Saturday night, January 30th Lindsey Meredith Buffa from the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA, will perform standards as well as Broadway show tunes in one unforgettable show! Ms. Buffa has played several leading roles ranging from Evita to A Chorus Line. The Cabaret committee is pleased to offer this local classically trained vocalist during their fine dining dinner at The Nevermore.
For complete information and to buy tickets, visit http://www.winterfestival.net

About Twin River Town Projects;

Twin Rivertown Projects, Inc. is a 501c Non‐ Profit Corporation of hard‐working and fun loving New
Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ business owners, residents and other good spirited people who live in the
area.

We have three goals:

• To provide a healthy, invigorating cold‐weather experience in our river town communities
• To demonstrate that our multi‐faceted communities are alive and well in the winter
  months with exciting and diverse activities
• To raise funds and awareness for other local non‐profit organizations

We have selected the New Hope, Lambertville, and Solebury Parks and Recreation Departments and local food bank: Fisherman’s Mark, as the primary recipients of our proceeds this year. Winter Festival also benefits other community organizations such as Social Services, Schools, Fire, Police and Rescue organizations. This year, we are hosting a Food Drive for Fisherman’s Mark. Bring a non perishable food item to the festival and place in blue donation canisters located at most festival events and along the parade route.

Lambertville New Jersey

Tickets for A Taste of Lambertville are now available at the Chamber office and Sojourner on Bridge St. A Taste of Lambertville is being held on Friday, November 20th at the banquet hall of the Rescue Squad. Tickets are $45/person and include everything –food from 15 great local restaurants, wine from Walker’s Wine & Spirits and Wonderful World of Wines. Live music from The Lifters with a silent auction of items from our unique shops and galleries. Indoor landscaping by Munds and tabletop arrangements by Boxwoods. It’s a delicious way to do some holiday shopping. Here’s what’s on the menu:

HAMILTON’S GRILL ROOM
Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes, Anchovies, Capers, Olives and Fresh Basil

TRIUMPH BREWING COMPANY
Fugi Apple Salad with Arugula, Toasted Almonds, and Gorgonzola served with Sherry Vinaigrette

LAMBERTVILLE STATION
Smoked Salmon Canapes – Fresh Cucumber Rounds Topped with Pastrami-Style Smoked Salmon with
Dice of Roma Tomatoes & Red Onion Folded into Crème Fraiche and Garnished with a Caper

TORTUGA’S COCINA
Chicken Tinga Enchiladas with Verde Sauce; Bean Burritos with Mole Sauce; Guacamole, Chips & Salsa

FIDDLEHEADS
A Unique Selection of Fine Cheeses and Savory Treats from Around the Globe

BUHO’S
Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup); Carnitas, Mole

HOMESTEAD FARM MARKET
Pork Tenderloins with Fruit Chutney on Crostini; Roasted Autumn Vegetables

RICK’S
Salmon Ravioli with a Spinach Caper Pesto Cream Sauce

CHOCOLATE BOX
Pumpkin Fudge, Chocolate Cornucopia with Non Pareils &, French Truffles.

CAFFE GALLERIA
Potato Pancakes with Homemade Applesauce, Vodka Rigatoni

CITY MARKET
Vegetarian Chili

CABOT CREAMERY
A Selection of Cheddar Cheeses including robust Sharp Cheddar, piquant Pepper Jack, Spicy Habanero
flavorful Light Cheddar

Also featuring dishes from:
MARHABA BELL’S TAVERN
THAI TIDA INN OF THE HAWKE CAFE ON KLINE’S COURT

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New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ Winter Festival

The Lambertville – New Hope Winter Festival is a two-town, two-state, five-day celebration of parades, ice-sculpting, music, art and entertainment that spans the Delaware River. The twin towns of Lambertville, N.J., and New Hope, Pa., host the annual event filled with free, family-friendly fun as well as ticket-only special events.

The Lambertville – New Hope Winter Festival 2010 is January 27th through 31st. Tickets for special events tend to go quickly; advance tickets available online mid-October. For additional information, call 215-862-5067 or visit www.winterfestival.net.

About Twin Rivertown Projects

Twin Rivertown Projects, Inc. is 501(c) non-profit corporation of hard-working and fun-loving New Hope, Pa., and Lambertville, N.J., business owners, residents and other good-spirited volunteers. The group has two goals in producing Winter Festival: to provide a healthy, invigorating cold-weather experience in the two river town communities, and to demonstrate that the multi-faceted communities along the Delaware River offer as exciting and diverse activities during the winter months as any other time of year. Winter Festival primarily benefits the Lambertville, New Hope and Solebury Township parks and recreation departments. Proceeds also help local schools, police departments, and fire and rescue companies.

To learn more about the festival, go here.

If you went to the winter festival this year and have a review for us, we would love to hear from you. If not, see you next year!

Design

Cailen Ascher Design offers interior design & decorating, home staging and lifestyle designs. We work with our clients to create spaces of beauty and function, all the while, never forgetting the traditional elements of timeless design. Allow us to bring our knowledge of well-designed living into your home.

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Cailen Ascher Design
118 Worman Road
Stockton, NJ 08559
Hunterdon County
908.581.8191
http://www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com

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Cailen Ascher Design Recommends:

3 locally owned New Jersey restaurants that I recommend:

• Bell’s Tavern – Lambertville, NJ. My favorite restaurant. Cute and casual. Great Italian food. Always a fun time.
• Lily’s – Lambertville, NJ. Best desserts ever!!! Outdoor dining along the canal – can’t beat that.
• Inn of Philips Mill – New Hope, PA. Great food. Amazing, cozy atmosphere. Get a table by the fire in the Fall.

3 locally owned New Jersey businesses that I recommend:

• Lisa James Otto – Stockton, NJ and New Hope, PA. Outstanding real estate services.
• Lambertville Trading Co. – Lambertville, NJ. Great coffee. Great, local coffee-house atmosphere. Always friendly and fun.
• Strawberry Jam – New Hope, PA. Amazing gift shop. One of a kind jewelry, stationary, candles, books, music. They have something for everyone.

3 reasons that I love NJ:

• The colors in the fall.
• The Jersey shore.
• The history.

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Green Peace Meditation . Digital Collage by John Stringfellow

Learn to Meditate in Lambertville at the Menlha Kadampa Buddhist Center. Here is a list of classes coming up this summer and fall.

Drop-in Classes:

 No classes Jul 28, Aug 2, 4, 9, Sep 6, 27, Oct 4, 25, Nov 1, 26, 29, Dec 6)

Tuesdays 7-8:45pm

Class with Resident teacher and Buddhist nun Gen Kelsang Daö. In each session we will gain experience of a different Buddhist meditation through a teaching, discussion and guided meditation. $10 per class. Drop in any week.

Transform Your Life Aug 11 – Sep 22

Find peace through meditation • karma: the secret of happiness • the power of the mind

The Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness Sep 29 – Dec 15

Improve relationships • awaken the compassionate heart • love without attachment

Thursdays 7-8pm

Simply Meditate

Class with meditation teacher Russell Chell, Sep 10 – Dec 17. Learn how to meditate. Discover inner peace by exploring meditation techniques and positive minds. $8 per class. Drop in any week.

Sundays 10:30-Noon

Peaceful Mind

Class with Buddhist nun Kelsang Chogyop Peaceful Mind Aug 16 – Dec 20
Buddha taught that everyone needs inner peace in order to be happy. Discover ways to develop this inner peace, overcome your problems, and have a truly happy life. This class includes guided meditations, a teaching, and prayers for world peace. $10 per class. Drop in any week.

Day courses :

Class with Gen Kelsang Daö. 10:30am-4:30pm. $40 per course. register online.

The Healing Power of Meditation Sunday, Sep 27

Learn an ancient meditation practice to free yourself and others from problems.

Living in the Moment Sunday, Oct 25

Enjoy life right now by using Buddhist meditations on contentment.

Meditation and Self-esteem Sunday, Dec 6

Free your mind of self-limiting thoughts and increase your confidence.

Menlha Kadampa Buddhist Center
243 North Union Street, Suite 100
Lambertville, New Jersey, Hunterdon County, Central Jersey, 08530

See the Center’s Website @ Meditationinnewjersey.org

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*Notes: The image at the top was created by John Stringfellow. The image is published with a Creative Commons license which means:

“you can download the image (at full resolution!), reinterpret the image and display it under the condition that you give credit to the original artist (me) AND allow any other artist to manipulate and distribute your version under the same agreement.”