Hopewell Borough, history nearby

SHARON J. GINTZLER

November 11, 2007

WHERE

Blink and you might bypass the three-quarter-square-mile Borough of Hopewell. The Mercer County, N.J., hamlet usually is overshadowed by its more fashionable neighbors, Princeton and Lambertville.

This classic Norman Rockwell-meets-Mayberry community is rich in culture, history, antiquing, galleries and fine dining. Most of Hopewell Borough (not to be confused with Hopewell Township) is a designated historic district.

Hopewell was settled in the early 1700s and John Hart, the town's most famous son, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1778, George Washington's army camped on the hills above Hopewell, before the Battle of Monmouth.

To get there, take the Belt Parkway West to the Verrazano Bridge, to 278W through Staten Island and over the Goethals Bridge. Follow the N.J. Turnpike South to Exit 9 (New Brunswick). Bear right onto Route 18N, then left onto Route 1S. Turn right on Finnegan's Road, left onto Route 27S and right onto 518W. Follow to Hopewell, about 10 miles.

For visitor information, go to hopewellboro-nj.us or call 609-466-2636.

ATTRACTIONS

The Tomato Factory,

2 Somerset St. (609-466-9833; thetomatofactory.com), a former tomato cannery, was converted into an antiques emporium housing 35 shops. The Decorators' Consignment Gallery, 52 Railroad Ave. (609-466-4400; decorators

consignment.com), is a 7,000- square-foot building specializing in pre-owned high-end furniture. Fancy Threads, 31 Railroad Place (609-466-0050), offers top-quality custom embroidery and unusual gifts.

The Princeton Doll & Toy Museum, 8 Somerset St. (609- 333-8600; princetondollandtoy .org), has changing exhibits of antique dolls and toys, a research library and gift shop. Open Monday, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m.-

5 p.m. Adults, $5; children, $3.

The Aquamanile Gallery, 33 W. Broad St. (609-658-1869; aquamanilegallery.com), spotlights an eclectic array of museum-quality art, dating from 2000 BC to the 18th century.

Gallery 14, 14 Mercer St. (609-333-8511; photosgallery14 .com), is a photographers' cooperative with regularly changing exhibits.

The recently restored 1876 Hopewell Railroad Station, 3 Railroad Place, off North Greenwood Avenue, is a red brick structure listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. It's open only for special events, but visitors are welcome to roam the grounds and study the building's magnificent exterior.

The Old School Baptist Church and Cemetery, 46 W. Broad St., rebuilt in 1822, is closed to the public except on Thanksgiving Eve for services at 7:30 p.m. The adjacent cemetery with grave sites dating to 1747 is open to the public.

The Hopewell Museum, 28 E. Broad St. (609-466-0103), built as a residence in 1877, houses hundreds of items of local historical significance, such as weaponry, business signs and small toys. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 2-5 p.m.

The Hopewell Library, 13 E. Broad St. (609-466-1625), stores about 20,000 volumes, all accessible via an old-fashioned card catalog. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to

4 p.m. Closed Sunday.

The Off-Broad Street