Frenchtown Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, eat, hike, and stay in Frenchtown, NJ, with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Frenchtown

Nestled in the Skylands of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Frenchtown is a charming small town with a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Known for its Victorian architecture, antique shops, and local food scene, Frenchtown is a hidden gem in the Mid-Atlantic region.

List of Places to Visit in Frenchtown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Frenchtown Heritage and Visitors Center: Located in the historic Hunterdon House, this visitors center highlights the town’s history and culture with exhibits, maps, and brochures.

  • Red Mill Museum Village: Housed in a stunning 19th-century mill, this museum features exhibits on the region’s industrial heritage, including tools, machinery, and textiles.

  • Ship Inn Restaurant and Brewery: Built in the early 1700s, this historic inn was once a stagecoach stop and later a speakeasy during Prohibition. Today, visitors can enjoy traditional British food and beer in a cozy atmosphere.

Natural Attractions of Frenchtown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park: This 77-mile-long park features a towpath for biking and hiking, as well as kayaking and fishing opportunities along the Delaware River and Raritan Canal.

  • Bull’s Island Recreation Area: Located on the Delaware River, this park has picnic areas, hiking trails, and boat launches. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll through the historic Lockhouse 24 and learn about the area’s canal history.

  • Goat Hill Overlook: For stunning views of the Delaware River and the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, head to this popular landmark. Visitors can access the overlook via a short hike up a steep staircase.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Frenchtown

  • Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail: A flat and easy trail that runs 69 miles from Trenton to New Brunswick, NJ. Visitors can enjoy views of the canal, river, and countryside along the way.

  • Bull’s Island Loop Trail: A 3.5-mile loop trail that takes visitors through hardwood forests, over streams, and along the Delaware River. The trail starts and ends at the Bull’s Island Recreation Area.

  • Lambertville and New Hope Bridge Loop Trail: A 19-mile loop that takes visitors over the historic Delaware River Toll Bridge and through the quaint towns of Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA.

Best Things to Do in Frenchtown: Activities and Tours

  • Frenchtown Food Tour: Discover the town’s food scene with a walking tour that stops at local eateries, including artisanal cheese makers, bakeries, and breweries.

  • Bridge Street Walking Tour: Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes visitors on a stroll through Frenchtown’s charming Victorian homes and architecture.

  • Delaware River Kayak Tour: For a unique perspective of the river and its wildlife, sign up for a guided kayak tour. Paddle through scenic stretches of river and learn about the area’s ecosystem from local guides.

Week-Long Itinerary for Frenchtown

Day Activities
1 Visit the Frenchtown Heritage and Visitors Center and explore the town’s shops and galleries.
2 Rent a bike and explore the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park trail.
3 Take a food tour and sample local cuisine.
4 Hike the Goat Hill Overlook Trail and enjoy scenic views.
5 Visit the Red Mill Museum Village and learn about the area’s industrial history.
6 Kayak on the Delaware River and explore its wildlife.
7 Relax and enjoy Frenchtown’s cozy atmosphere and local food scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Frenchtown

Must-Try Dishes

  • French toast at Lovin’ Oven: Made with local brioche bread and served with fresh berries and whipped cream, this brunch favorite is a must-try.

  • Mushroom soup at The Bridge Cafe: Using a secret family recipe, this soup features locally sourced mushrooms, thyme, and a splash of cream.

  • Bangers and mash at the Ship Inn: Made with traditional British sausages, mashed potatoes, and onion gravy, this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal.

Local Beverages

  • River Horse Brewing Company: Located in nearby Lambertville, this brewery offers a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales.

  • Unionville Vineyards: Specializing in small-batch wines made with New Jersey-grown grapes, this vineyard offers tastings and tours on a picturesque estate.

  • Titos Bakery Cafe: Serving coffee roasted in-house and specialty drinks like lavender lattes, this cafe is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Where to Stay in Frenchtown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The National Hotel: This historic hotel features 10 rooms decorated with antique furnishings, a bar and restaurant, and live music on weekends.

  • The Widow McCrea House Bed and Breakfast: Built in 1878, this Victorian-style B&B offers four rooms with private baths and a homemade breakfast served in the dining room.

  • Mariah’s Country Inn and Restaurant: This cozy inn features seven rooms with private baths and a restaurant serving New American cuisine.

What to Buy in Frenchtown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Antiques: Frenchtown has a reputation as an antique lover’s paradise, with dozens of shops selling vintage jewelry, pottery, furniture, and more.

  • Local Art and Crafts: Many local artisans sell their work in Frenchtown’s galleries and shops, including paintings, pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

  • Fresh Produce: During the summer and fall, visitors can pick up fresh produce at the weekly farmers market held on Saturdays.

Local Culture and Customs of Frenchtown

Residents of Frenchtown have a passion for preserving the town’s history and natural beauty. Visitors should respect the town’s Victorian architecture and follow Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the local parks and trails.

Best Time to Visit Frenchtown

The best time to visit Frenchtown is during the fall, when the leaves are changing and the weather is crisp and cool. Summer is also popular due to the outdoor activities and festivals, but it can be crowded. Winter and spring offer a quieter, more serene experience, but many outdoor activities are limited during these seasons.

Do’s and Don’ts of Frenchtown

Do:

  • Do visit the local food scene, including the bakeries, breweries, and cheese shops.

  • Do take a stroll along the river on the Bull’s Island Loop Trail.

  • Do explore the town’s art galleries and antique shops.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage natural landmarks while hiking or biking.

  • Don’t disturb historic homes or buildings in Frenchtown.

  • Don’t forget to tip waitstaff and tour guides.

Safety and Health

Safety in Frenchtown

Frenchtown is a safe and friendly town to visit, but visitors should still take basic safety precautions, such as staying aware of surroundings and locking cars and bicycles when not in use. In case of an emergency, visitors can contact the local police at 911.

Health in Frenchtown

Frenchtown has several medical facilities within a 30-minute drive, including Hunterdon Medical Center and Doylestown Hospital. Visitors should carry any necessary medications and follow CDC guidelines for traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting to Frenchtown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Frenchtown

The closest major airport to Frenchtown is Newark Liberty International Airport, located approximately 55 miles away. Other options include Philadelphia International Airport (70 miles) and Lehigh Valley International Airport (45 miles).

Bus Stations Near Frenchtown

Greyhound Bus Lines and Trans-Bridge Lines both offer service to nearby Flemington and Lambertville.

Other Options

Frenchtown is easily accessible by car via Route 12, which runs through the center of town. Visitors can also take the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line to High Bridge and then connect to a bus or taxi to Frenchtown.

How to Get Around in Frenchtown

Frenchtown is a walkable town, with most attractions within a few blocks of each other. Visitors can also rent bicycles from local shops or bring their own. There is limited public transportation, but taxis are available for longer trips.

Where to Go Next from Frenchtown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • New Hope, PA: Just across the Delaware River lies New Hope, a charming town known for its antique shops, art galleries, and theaters.

  • Lambertville, NJ: Just a few miles from Frenchtown, this town features a historic canal path and an eclectic blend of restaurants and shops.

  • Princeton, NJ: A college town known for its stunning architecture and Ivy League charm, Princeton is located just over an hour south of Frenchtown.

Conclusion

Frenchtown, New Jersey, offers a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and small-town charm. From hiking and biking to local food and art, there’s something for every type of traveler in this hidden gem of the Mid-Atlantic.