Bordentown, New Jersey, established in 1682 at a bend in the Delaware River, is a town filled to the brim with history, shops, and great places to eat and it is only a 20-minute drive from the MCCC campus so a perfect spot to visit with friends from school.
On a sunny April afternoon we visited and talked with local fisherman who reminisced about helping to build the passing highway that leads to the Friends Meetinghouse which was built in 1740. The site is now overseen by the Bordentown Historical Society.
Doug Kiovsky, the Vice President for The Bordentown Historical Society says the heart of the town, “is it’s the people, it’s community. And there are many events to bring people in so they can enjoy the town.”
The most notable street of historic Bordentown is Farnsworth Avenue, named after Thomas Farnsworth, an English Quaker who settled his family in 1682. It wasn’t until 35 years later that Joseph Borden, after whom the town is named, helped put it on the map, drawing in boats traveling to and from New York and Philadelphia, according to the Downtown Bordentown Association.
It later became a hotbed of political activism during the Revolutionary War, attracting the likes of philosopher and activist Thomas Paine.
Farnsworth Avenue is an active street full of dog walkers, patrons at outdoor dining, and shoppers visiting the town’s many locally-owned businesses.
A fan favorite shop here is Icon Boutique. The shop specializes in high-end women’s clothing and jewelry. You can find everything from the latest in fashion handbags to specialty designed masks.
Employee Dina Guerieri says, “Some people come in to buy a gift for someone, between jewelry or clothing, sometimes getting some of the candles.”
Nina Gydotti, a local of Bordentown says that what she likes most about Bordentown is that it is not just a town but a community. She says she walks by Farnsworth Avenue often, visiting the numerous shops.
To get away from the hustle and bustle of Farnsworth Avenue a good spot to visit is the Abbott Marshlands. It is a serene area where people come to enjoy nature. Here you will find people gearing up to either hike, kayak, fish, or just hang out.
Three local brothers, Vince, Nando, and Jerry Creo, spoke with us about their years working as contractors and building the overarching highway that crosses above the marshland.
Vince Creo said, “ We like everything about Bordentown, especially its quiet nature.”
The three have been fishing together at Abbott Marshlands for more than thirty years.
If you are looking for a good bite after a walk around town there is no shortage of restaurants. A local favorite is Old Town Pub which serves the classics from Poke Nachos to cheeseburgers with steak fries.
With more venues opening up as covid restrictions ease, people looking for fun, safe, and inexpensive activities may want to check out upcoming events such as the Recklesstown Acoustic music performance at Tindall Road Brewery on April 16, and the 43rd annual Bordentown Street Fair on June 19.
