The Western edges of New Jersey are frequently overlooked for its more popular coastal communities and active cities.
However, many would be missing out on the lovely towns and places that display the rustic beauty of the Mid-Atlantic.
One of these secret gems in New Jersey is Frenchtown, a borough in Hunterdon County. It is nestled on the banks of the powerful Delaware River.
Frenchtown is encircled by nature, which makes it a hub for adventures into creeks, forests, and other pastoral attractions. The borough’s current population is 1,397.
As its name suggests, the borough has a unique French history that is still commemorated up till now.
You can experience this heritage during their festivals or by strolling around the splendid historic district.
So, if you’re searching for a small place with many outdoor attractions, Frenchtown is the perfect place.
Here are the best things to do in Frenchtown, NJ.
Things to Do in Frenchtown, NJ
1. Cross the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge
Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge
One of the best places to visit in Frenchtown, NJ, is the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge.
The Frenchtown Historic District, encompassing a 100-acre area, displays majestic colonial homes, structures, and buildings.
However, the most well-known attraction here is the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, which links the two eponymous towns.
This architectural marvel is a free bridge that has gone through numerous reconstructions and restorations, the most recent being in 2001.
But it has existed since the colonial period, serving as a highway that traversed the Delaware River.
The bridge is now limited to pedestrians and small vehicles to preserve its integrity. Nevertheless, most individuals enjoy it as a majestic landmark viewed from the banks of the river.
It’s also an excellent subject for landscape pictures, so photographers should bring their equipment during their visit.
Address: Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
2. Travel the Trails of Frenchtown Preserve
One of the deluxe green spaces for families and buddies is the picturesque Frenchtown Preserve.
This 150-acre destination is under the maintenance of the county and community organizations, whose duty is to maintain the spotless state of the area.
It was formerly planned to be a high-density residential suburb, but leaders saw the area’s significance for water protection and as a habitat for native wildlife. And so it was converted into a preserve that underwent minor development over the decades.
The only proof of human activity is the meandering trails winding through the park. The trails will bring you to significant spots on the rolling terrains, such as vast meadows, ridges and babbling brooks.
You can access these locations on bike, horseback, or foot- whichever you prefer.
Address: Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
3. Take your pet on a walk at Horseshoe Bend Park
Are you a nature enthusiast looking for what to do in Frenchtown, NJ? Explore Horseshoe Bend Park, which is one of the most stunning spots in Hunterdon County.
The Park has an area of 736 acres featuring lush forested ravines, rolling hills, and panoramic vistas of the Delaware River Valley.
This attraction offers abundant space for outdoor adventures and meditation with nature.
The trail leads to some of the scenic lookouts in the general area, offering views of the majestic Delaware River Valley.
If you visit during the Fall, we encourage you to reach these ridges, as you will see the colorful forests with changing foliage.
In addition to the trails, the Park has an off-leash dog-run park. So, if you visit the town with your pets, this park is a must-visit.
The Cooley Preserve and the Copper Creek Preserve are in the park, so don’t forget to check them out.
Address: 178 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
4. Discover unique stones at Gemstone Gallery
The Gemstone Gallery in Frenchtown is a unique attraction you won’t see in other small towns. It’s home to beautiful gemstones of all types.
Immediately you step into the shop, you will be greeted with the twinkle of semi-precious stones on the tables and shelves.
You’ll find glittering crystals, mineral cabochons, amethyst geodes, and other gorgeous stones.
Whether you believe in the magical properties of these stones or want a lovely decoration for your interiors, you’ll find lots of options here.
Supplies are often updated, so you will find something new each time you visit.
Address: 17 Bridge St, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
5. Bond with nature at Frenchtown Park
One of the top things to do in Frenchtown, NJ, is to connect with nature at Frenchtown Park.
The picturesque Frenchtown Park, located at the edge of the town, is the most accessible green space in the community.
Many families come here to immerse themselves in nature and for a quick escape.
While extremely forested, the large Frenchtown Park has numerous clearings where contemporary amenities are installed. You can use the fields and picnic grounds for relaxation and fun.
The Nishisackawick Creek runs through the center of the park. This body of water heightens the attraction’s beauty, giving it a peaceful atmosphere that nature lovers will undoubtedly enjoy.
You’ll also find a bridge crossing the creek, a stunning artificial structure that complements the fairytale-like beauty of the site.
Address: Creek Rd, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
6. Check out the restaurant in Downtown Frenchtown
Downtown Frenchtown
You’ll find multiple commercial and hospitality establishments offering various services and products here.
The perfect place to try out the local eating spots is at Bridgetown Street, one of the primary streets in the borough.
Bridge Café is a riverside destination close to the Uhlerstown- Frenchtown Bridge, with a menu comprising freshly brewed drinks and baked delights.
The Napoli Pizza & Italian Restaurant, located a bit farther on Kingwood Avenue, is perfect for those who want classics like pizza, cheesesteaks, and pasta.
Exploring restaurants in Downtown Frenchtown is among the top things to do in Frenchtown. NJ
Address: Frenchtown, NJ, United States
7. Slide around at Frenchtown Roller Rink
One place where everyone can visit, regardless of the season, is the Frenchtown Roller Rink. It’s a perfect place for those looking for physical but indoor activities.
With its modern amenities, hardwood rink, and corner, Frenchtown Roller Rink offers a terrific experience for every visitor.
Don’t fret if you do not have the gear, as the establishment offers rentals for all ages and sizes. And if you’re a novice at the sport, you can join riveting lessons where you will learn the basics.
When you get tired or hungry, head to the concession corner for some refreshing beverages and energizing snacks.
Gliding around the Frenchtown Roller Rink is one of the fun things to do in Frenchtown, NJ.
Address:2998 Daniel Bray Highway, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
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8. Hang out with friends at Arties Bar and Grill
Despite being a bit far from the town, Arties Bar and Grille has retained its reputation as a popular hangout place in Frenchtown.
This local establishment has been around for years, serving delicious dishes that make patrons return for more.
With the unique wooden motif, the establishment creates an environment that makes you feel like you’re in an isolated mountain restaurant.
However, everything here is traditional and typical. There is a menu of American and Italian staples that will assuage any craving.
Also, there’s a Beach Bar Outside with sand for flooring, which makes you feel as though you’re on the beautiful shores of New Jersey.
At Arties Bar and Grill, you can order any alcoholic beverage from their large selection.
Address:1121 NJ-12, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
9. Partake in the Festive Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a notable French Holiday that celebrates the Storming of the Bastille, a significant event of the French Revolution. Among the fun things to do in Frenchtown, NJ, is to participate in Festive Bastille Day.
This festival was brought down by the French colonists who came to New Jersey. Each year, there are various themes for the event.
However, they are repeated elements that draw multiple people from all over the state.
Enjoy fireworks displays, grand parades, and elaborate parties- all of which are probably more festive than the sober celebrations of France.
The Festive Bastille Day also features live music concerts from local bands, experienced instrumentalists, and talented performers.
And, of course, delicious food is served in mounds from the numerous vendors and stalls in town.
Address: Frenchtown, NJ, United States
10. Engage in many water-related activities in the Delaware River
Delaware River
One of the best places to visit in Frenchtown, NJ, is to engage in water activities on the Delaware River.
The powerful Delaware River is a historically meaningful body of water marking Frenchtown’s western borders.
The river, spanning 301 miles, begins from the mountains in New York before discharging into Delaware Bay.
Although it is a significant resource for agricultural communities on its bank, numerous people use it for recreational activities. It’s the primary place in Frenchtown for water-related activities.
Multiple businesses in the village offer tube rides on the Delaware River, while other outfitters offer canoe and kayak rentals. Fishing is also a popular activity, whether on a boat or the shore.
Some freshwater species you will see include large and smallmouth bass, carp, sturgeons, and catfish.
Address: New Jersey, United States
11. Hike the D&R Canal Trail
D&R Canal Trail
The long D&R Canal Trail is a splendid trail that spans 77 miles, cutting across three counties within New Jersey.
A substantial segment passes Frenchtown’s western borders, running adjacent to the strong Delaware River.
Whichever route you use, you’ll come across many stunning attractions along the trail’s length.
If you go north, you will see the Raritan Canal, a historic waterway that linked the Delaware River to the Raritan River.
It served as the entrance point for watercraft, evident in the multiple launches and ramps you’ll find while walking and biking on the trail.
If you go south, you’ll get to Trenton, New Jersey’s capital. Along the way, you will discover numerous scenic sections, municipal parts, forested segments, and colonial homes and communities.
Address: New Jersey, United States
12. Enjoy a Mexican meal at Cocina Del Sol
burritos
Cocina Del Sol offers all your best Mexican dishes from burritos to tacos to fajitas. The restaurant’s lunch and supper menu features an array of creative entrees.
These entrees include the Enchiladas Santa Fe, a delicious blend of shredded chicken and creamy sauce rolled in Carne Asada or in two flour tortillas, which mixes Sonora-style skirt steak with salsa roja, peppers and onions.
Children have their own menu, which contains tacos, flautas, burritos, and chicken tenders. Dining at Cocina Del Sol is one of the best things to do in Frenchtown, NJ.
Address:10 Bridge St #2, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
13. Enjoy a meal with your loved ones at The National Hotel Restaurant and Bar
The National Hotel Restaurant and Bar
The National Hotel Restaurant and Bar is a gorgeous place with vivid and vibrant interior decoration. They always deliver B&B and Sunday night specials.
Their Chilean sea bass fish taco, however, is incredible, as well as the desert of peach schnapps Sabayon.
You can visit the National Hotel Restaurant and Bar with your spouse or friends and enjoy yourselves. Their seats are highly cozy and big enough to accommodate numerous people.
The food is perfectly made and arrives at the right time. Additionally, their customer care is always top-notch.
The National Hotel Restaurant and Bar is open from Tuesday to Friday from 3:00 pm- 10:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 pm- 10:00 pm.
Address:31 Race St, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States.
14. What’s Brewing at Maria’s
If you are searching for a place to get some great coffee and ice cream, What’s Brewing at Maria’s is the right place.
Their coffee bar and services are incredible and decent. The vegan ice cream option would amaze you.
Also, it’s an outstanding small-town coffee shop with tasty ice cream and desserts. Their prices are reasonably priced, especially for the area.
What’s Brewing at Maria’s has a great environment outdoors for some chill hangouts. It is open Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Address:52 Bridge St, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA.
15. Visit the Roseberry House
The Roseberry House is also called the Roseberry Homestead or the Walter Gess House. It is a rough-cut stone Georgian-style house constructed around 1765 to 1783.
John Roseberry bought the land in 1787 after it had been taken from an American Revolution Loyalist called John Tabor Kempe.
The Roseberry House, a two-and-a-half story, five-bay home, has a linked one-and-a-half stone kitchen, a large cooking fireplace, and three chimneys.
It was added to the State and National Register of Historic Places. However, it fell into ruins and was sealed up for over ten years.
Luckily, the Phillipsburg Area Historical Society (PAHS) helped in stopping the historic home from getting destroyed. Roseberry House is in Phillipsburg, NJ, 30 minutes from Frenchtown, NJ.
Address: Phillipsburg, NJ, United States
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16. Have breakfast at Frenchtown Café
Frenchtown Café
The Frenchtown Café is another great restaurant in Frenchtown to visit, especially for breakfast.
It offers a delectable breakfast menu, including over-easy eggs with bacon and Nutella French toast.
The blend of French toast and Nutella is excellent, especially with bananas, which gives it more flavor. The over-easy eggs are scrumptious with potatoes and seasonings.
You will undoubtedly enjoy the bacon for its thin and crispy textures and, most importantly, no grease.
To crown it all, Frenchtown Café has the best service providers, which makes your experience at this place more memorable.
Also, it offers indoor and outdoor seating so you can sit outside with your four-legged furry friend and enjoy the outstanding services provided by the restaurant.
We are sure that you will not leave any crumbs by the time you are done eating and you will surely want to come back again the next time you visit..
Address: 44 Bridge St, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States
17. Go golfing at Harkers Hollow Golf Club
Three golf professionals and one former club member purchased the Harkers Hollow Golf Club in 2017.
The new owners fixed up this old private club and added amenities for visitor’s comfort.
After playing golf, head to their Uniontown Bar and Grill restaurant, which serves lunch and supper daily.
Members and visitors can enjoy the Harkers Hollow Golf Club‘s semi-private pool. Non-members must be accompanied by a member or have a reservation made by a member.
Address: 950 Uniontown Rd, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, United States no
18. Grab a slice of pizza at Cafe Maria Ristorante & Pizzeria
Cafe Maria Ristorante & Pizzeria, specializing in serving pizza, offers an assortment of toppings and crust varieties.
Their pizza is one of the best in the region due to its unique and fantastic flavor. They, therefore, have many orders and customers.
If you visit this place, order their Cheese Pizza, the most popular dish on the menu. Tomato crust and Italian cheese are the ingredients used in making it.
Multiple side dishes are also offered, such as tortas, tamales, tostadas, buns, sandwiches, appetizers, rolls, calzones, and soups.
Cafe Maria Ristorante & Pizzeria is open Monday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Address:1013 NJ-12, Frenchtown, NJ 08825, United States.
19. Down a few glasses of beer at Invertase Brewing Company
The family-run and owned Invertase Brewing Company is open to visitors to enjoy a tasty beer on tap.
Inverse Brewing Company began with only four fixtures in October 2019 but has since expanded its services, products, and amenities.
Today, it is New Jersey’s most extensive beer garden, with a private event space and a bandstand.
The owners, Steve and Karen, and their son Stephen, put together every part of Invertase Brewing Company.
The family has devoted all their experience and abilities to producing high-quality craft beer that people will enjoy in a lovely and friendly environment.
Address: 51 Broad St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, United States
20. Sign up for a dance class at Dance Phillipsburg
Dance Phillipsburg is the right place for those interested in trying something new. It is a modern dance studio downtown that offers various entertaining dance classes.
Dance Phillipsburg offers a cabaret belly dance taught by professional dancer Tasha. Dance Phillipsburg also offers Belly Dance Drills, Yoga for Belly Dance, and Tribal Improv Belly Dance,
It’s uncommon to see dance studios that offer these types of dances, so grab the opportunity to register for a class at Dance Phillipsburg when you visit.
Address: 474 S Main St #3031, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, United States
21. Go hunting at the Buttonwood Game Preserve
The Buttonwood Game Preserve, located in Phillipsburg’s scenic, rolling hills region, features 155 acres of diverse habitat that offers excellent cover for pheasant, chukar, and quail birds.
Buttonwood Game Preserve has no sure kills; thus, each hunt is challenging yet fun. It prides itself on offering terrific bird opportunities on the same level as those discovered in the wild.
Buttonwood Game Preserve also offers sporting clay with 13 exciting and challenging day course stations, ideal for those looking to change pace and scenery.
Buttonwood Game Preserve rears about 5,000 chukars and 17,000 pheasants every year.
Furthermore, the trained bird dogs and the knowledgeable guides add to the whole bird hunting experience at Buttonwood Game Preserve.
Address: 175 Buttonwood Ln, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, United States
22. Stroll around the Van Nest-Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead
Van Nest-Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead
The initial 768 acres were first inhabited in 1763 by John Van Nest; the subsequent owners were Abel and John Hoff, and lastly, William M. Vannatta in the early 1800s.
The Farmland is among the biggest farmsteads in the region, showing its owner’s wealth. These structures, including the farmstead’s 1824 bank barn, 1700s stone house, and early 1800s out kitchen, symbolize their eras.
The Van Nest-Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead also has five additional frame structures dating back to the late 1800s to early 1900s, including a smokehouse, a privy, and three wagon houses.
In 2004, the Van Nest-Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead was added to both the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places for its agricultural and architectural importance in the region.
Address.3026 Belvidere Rd, Harmony, NJ 08865, United States
23. Have fun with your loved ones at the Warren County Farmers’ Fair
Warren County Farmers’ Fair
What started in 1859 as a social affair of manufacturers, mechanics, and farmers transformed into the Warren County Farmer’s Fair in 1937. Subsequently, it became a yearly event.
The most incredible features of the fair are all the fun and astonishing activities planned throughout the week and some free and fantastic entertainment.
One of the Warren County Farmers’ Fair’s mainstays is the famous Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival, which people have loved since 2001.
Warren County Farmers’ Fair is a family experience and a component of true Americana that provides healthy and affordable family entertainment for locals and tourists.
The Warren County Farmer’s Fair falls typically on the first week of August and lasts the whole week. You can check their page for their calendar to be kept abreast of the date
Address: 877 Uniontown Rd, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, United States
24. Sample tasty wine at Villa Milagro Vineyards
Villa Milagro, which translates to “a place or house of miracles,” is exactly how owners and visitors see the beautifully green mountain views of the Villa Milagro Vineyards.
Villa Milagro, one of the smallest wineries in New Jersey, was founded in 2007. In early 2001, Steve and Audrey purchased a 104-acre cornfield, constructed a homestead, grew a 10-acre vineyard in 2003, and began a winery.
They kept things simple and oversaw almost everything by themselves. Audrey’s love for food led her to create a selection of wines that complement an extensive range of menus, cuisines, and food styles.
Villa Milagro Vineyard is open for you to visit, soak in the beauty, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy one of humanity’s oldest delights.
Address: 33 County Road 627 Historic Riegelsville, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, United States
25. Hang out with family at Walters Park
Walters Parks is one of the city’s main parks with athletic fields, courts, and playgrounds, perfectly positioned to serve the whole historic and scenic town.
This park has a pool, an amphitheater, picnic and play areas, a pavilion, basketball and tennis courts, a ½ mile working track, outdoor fitness equipment, and baseball and football fields.
With two main playgrounds, Walters Park is a lovely place to hang out with the kids. They will enjoy the slides, swings, tunnels, rock-climbing walls, and monkey bars.
Walters Park is also a fantastic location for family gatherings or other special occasions too big to be held in a backyard.
Address: 1Meyner Rd, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Frenchtown
Although Frenchtown is small, it is filled with plenty and varieties of attractions that will please anyone.
It boasts a lively art scene, a rich and unique history, and Victorian architecture. It was once recognized by USA Today as one of “America’s Top 10 Best Small Towns for shopping.”
Whether you are a nature lover, gem collector, food aficionado, or an adventurer, you won’t lack what to do in Frenchtown, NJ.