Hunting for Treasurers at the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market
Just across the Delaware River from New Hope lies a gold mine for antiques, collectibles, art and more — the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market in Lambertville, New Jersey. This year-round market has been around since 1967 and offers a shopping adventure like no other. Quirky, cool, nostalgic and eclectic are all words that can be used to describe this treasure trove of hidden gems from bygone eras. A trip to the Golden Nugget is definitely a fun way to spend a few hours during your next getaway to the Inn at Bowman's Hill.
After nearly six decades, the Golden Nugget has become a Lambertville institution and is one of the premier markets of its kind on the East Coast. It was named the Golden Nugget to honor James W. Marshall, the Lambertville man credited with igniting the California Gold Rush after discovering gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848. Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays year-round, the Golden Nugget draws savvy antique and bargain hunters in search of a variety of just about anything old or “new again.” From fine antiques to plain old junk, you can find it at the Golden Nugget.
The Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market has vendors both inside and outside. There are 40+ indoor shops and another 200 outside dealers with tables set up under a pavilion and in rows spread across the sprawling 15-acre property. The Golden Nugget isn't your everyday flea market. Instead, the market prides itself on its eclectic mix of the odd and unusual. Vendors carry rare books, artwork, toys, dolls, furniture, architectural salvage pieces, pottery, vintage cookware, costume jewelry, coins, vinyl records, sports memorabilia, retro signage, arcade games... and the list goes on. Every corner holds a new surprise waiting to be discovered.
The Golden Nugget's vendors are passionate about what they sell, and some have been coming to this market to peddle their wares for decades. Don't be tempted to rush from dealer to dealer. Shoppers are encouraged to ask questions and learn about the merchandise, as vendors share the stories behind each cherished piece. It's not just about buying and selling here — it's about forging connections and preserving the legacy of yesteryear treasures.
In recent years, the Golden Nugget has seen a younger and more diverse crowd of shoppers. More people are looking to mix store-bought items with a bit of their own nostalgia to create an eclectic mix of styles that reflect who they are now as well as where they came from. Plus, a movement that focuses on the environment and sustainability has budget-conscious shoppers on the hunt for things they can reuse and repurpose — keeping what might otherwise be thought of as junk out of landfills.
The Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market isn't just a place to shop; it's an experience in itself. During your next stay with us at the Inn at Bowman's Hill, be sure to carve out some time to wander through the market's hallowed aisles. Whether you're a casual browser or an avid collector on the hunt for the next piece for your collection, you might just stumble upon your own golden nugget amidst the sea of antiquities.
