// BY EDIE WEINSTEIN
The sunlight dazzles by day and the stars reflect at night on the picturesque Delaware River that is home to a jewel of an attraction in Lambertville, New Jersey known as The Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn. It is a destination that draws visitors from all points on the globe. What they love is the winning combination of the delicacies they serve and the warmth and hospitality with which they are offered. Attention to detail and that personal touch are hallmarks of the venue to which people come to celebrate life events and hold meetings, or enjoy fine dining either indoors or in nature.
Long-time Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn team member Marielle Wolf was proud to showcase the venue that likely feels like home away from home for the past decade.
Tell us a bit about the history of the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn.
Owners, Dan Whitaker, Michael Dougherty, Skip DiMarco, Tony DiMarco and Rose DiMarco found the abandoned train station and took 14 months to renovate and refurbish the building, saving what could be saved. Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn opened its doors in 1985 with the Inn opening in 1984. In 2014, The Riverside Ballroom was expanded to accommodate 200 guests in the ballroom, added an open-air ceremony venue and the open-air cocktail hour space, known as Riversedge. But, most impressive is the new presidential suite, the Riverview Suite that boasts impressive views of the Delaware.
What do people tell you appeals to them most about hosting their wedding at Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn?
First and foremost, our view from the Riverside Ballroom, offers floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous views of the Delaware River. The adjacent outdoor terrace lets guests mingle with the sound of the river flowing by as they enjoy the cocktail hour. Secondly, we have everything on site, we can do the rehearsal dinner, wedding and farewell brunch all on one property, once your guests get here; wedding guests can relax and enjoy the entire weekend, we are really a one-stop venue for all your wedding needs. We listen to the couple’s vision and then assist them in every way to make their dream wedding.
Many factors go into wedding planning…venue, food, decor, the feeling the place evokes. How does the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn meet those needs?
Our culture is to exceed customer’s expectations so every staff member is truly customer focused. As a team we ensure every guest feels welcome and appreciated. Our front desk staff is always available for assisting with any additional service or just ideas on what to do in the area. Our executive chef and his team are phenomenal with any special requests, whether accommodating guests with multiple allergies or customizing menus. We are a team to the core.
As a destination, what makes the location ideal for couples and their guests?
Both Lambertville and New Hope offer a variety of boutique shops, galleries and antique stores. The winding Delaware River offers up fun activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tubing and rafting. Historic landmarks and sites have been turned into lush parks and green spaces, perfect for picnics, camping and leisurely bike rides. Culture shines at world-class museums and through live theater and soaring symphonic performances. And it’s all just beyond the doorstep of Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, making it easy to get away and enjoy this popular playground with families and friends.
Are there specific activities that couples and guests have enjoyed; some that may be seasonal?
Both sister towns host many different festivals throughout the year; Winter Festival; Shad Fest, Arts and Craft show along with the Auto Show. These events always offer some great extra activities for the visiting guests, but there are also so many other activities with having the River right here and all the parks and open space for guests to enjoy. Peddlers Village for shopping at the outlets is always a nice treat as well as all the local stores that have local merchandise in it to remember the weekend.
How do you accommodate special requests?
We have many different dietary requests that we accommodate weekly. Gluten allergy is the biggest, also peanut and shellfish allergies, but then we have more specific dietary requests that we can accommodate as well.
Cultural requests are a fun and exciting challenge for us. Recently, we helped one of our guests host a mitzvah. One of the hosts of a mitzvah was Latin, so he wanted a dish with a Latin flare for his child’ celebration. The chef made a churrasco chimichurri with black beans and rice and moderos. It was a beautiful blend of culture. Also, we are excited to now be offering South Asian / Indian weddings on property. We are working with a hospitality consultant that specializes in Indian weddings as well as Indian caterers and decorators so we are sure to get every detail of their special day covered.
Do you have any memorable stories to share based on client feedback?
I have many memorable stories from client feedback. I was just told by a bride that was married this past May that she is expecting her first child in April and is so excited about it she couldn’t wait to tell me about it because she felt she got to know me during her wedding planning. She felt I was part of her family after her wedding she wanted to tell me about her next chapter in life. I was so honored to be a part of her wedding day and am even more honored that she wanted to tell me about her pregnancy and let me know all about how she is preparing for the next chapter in her life with her husband. I love hearing all of these stories. Couples coming back to visit on their anniversary or a nice day on the weekend and just reminding me of what a great time they had at their wedding, I love to hear how we as a team made that kind of impact on someone for one day in their life that they will remember forever.
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