Even though New Jersey is the most densely populated state, it’s easy to find small, charming towns where you can unwind and get some fresh air. One of our favorite towns is right on the Delaware River and in the middle of the Hunterdon Plateau: Frenchtown New Jersey. Enjoy the best little river town in New Jersey when you spend time in Frenchtown! You’ll enjoy the scenery, shopping, and cuisine.

Frenchtown is a delightful community that many consider to be one of New Jersey's best-kept secrets.
Flickr Jazz Guy
It's located right on the river, and the town's most recognized landmark is the bridge that connects New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You can drive or walk across it!
Flickr / Regan Veracruysse
Downtown Frenchtown is known for its shopping. Boutiques line Bridge Street and the side streets are full of fun places to shop, too!
Flickr / Vilsekogen
Frenchtown is such a great place to browse and buy. In fact, it was named the Best Small Town For Shopping In The Country for 2022!

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Whether you're looking for gifts, antiques, new and used books, or a stylish outfit, you'll find a shop here that's sure to make your day.
Flickr / Jazz Guy
Along with fun shops, Frenchtown is also home to a slew of restaurants, cafes, and taverns. So, come here to shop and then unwind a bit with a great meal!
Flickr / Jazz Guy
Some of our favorite cafes in town include Early Bird Espresso, the aptly named Frenchtown Cafe and the Bridge Cafe. If you're looking for Tavern fare, travel a short distance from downtown to dine at Tavern 519 or Artie's Bar and Grill, where you'll often find live music. Other notable restaurants in town include Cocina Del Sol and the farm-to-table Lovin' Oven.
If you're looking to spend some time wandering, be sure to check out the historic Frenchtown Train Station.
Flickr / Jazz Guy
The town is also the northern terminus of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath Trail, so you can walk or bike for miles along the towpath and river starting just before the bridge.
The town hosts events year-round, typically on weekends. Antique fairs, festivals, and art shows are common, and you never quite know what you'll find going on!
Facebook / Love Frenchtown

The Frenchtown Business & Professionals Association is a great resource for all things about this charming river town in New Jersey, so head on over to their website to see what’s happening. Have you been to Frenchtown New Jersey before? Let us know what your experiences were in the comments below.

If you’re thinking about embarking on a road trip then don’t miss out on our carefully crafted Road Trip Packing List!

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More to Explore

Small Towns In New Jersey

Luke | July 27, 2023

What are some other great small towns in New Jersey that are worth a visit?

Here are seven small towns in New Jersey that are totally worth visiting:

  1. Mount Tabor: A hidden gem founded as a Methodist camp community, known for its gingerbread-style architecture.
  2. Mount Holly: A historic town with attractions like the haunted Burlington County Prison Museum, multiple breweries, charming restaurants, and annual events like the Fire & Ice Festival or Witches Ball.
  3. Boonton: Known for its thriving Main Street, home to shops, restaurants, the Darress Theatre, and the beautiful Grace Lord Park.
  4. Bordentown: Offers waterfront views, excellent shopping and dining options, and interesting places like Broomstick Betty and Randy Now's Man Cave.
  5. Caldwell: Known as President Grover Cleveland's birthplace. It offers shopping, dining, a small cinema, and a picturesque park.
  6. Hopewell: A quaint Victorian town near Princeton, featuring art studios, antique shops, a museum, and a variety of eateries.
  7. Newton: Known for its Spring Street, which houses a fire museum, theater with live shows, and great restaurants.

 

What's a road trip in New Jersey that showcases some amazing small-town charm?

Check out this road trip in New Jersey that takes you through many charming small towns:

  1. Andover - Home to Allamuchy Mountain State Park, antique shops like Scranberry Coop, and Andover Diner.
  2. Belvidere - A Victorian town on the Delaware and Pequest Rivers with numerous waterfront parks and Uncle Buck's Diner.
  3. Lambertville - Known for its art, antiques, and the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. Home to several shops and restaurants.
  4. Medford Lakes - A town with 22 lakes, known for the annual Canoe Carnival. Dine at P.J. Whelihan's Pub.
  5. Shamong - Part of the beautiful Wharton State Forest, known for its winery, Valenzano Winery, and Shamong Diner.

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Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA