Frenchtown – Best Small Town!

Frenchtown, NJ used to be one of Hunterdon’s best kept secrets – but not any longer!  Frenchtown boasts a vibrant arts scene, Victorian architecture, a rich history, and was recently recognized by USA Today as one of “America’s Top 10 Best Small Towns for Shopping.”  And, with the recent expansion of Art Yard, Frenchtown’s reputation as a center for art and culture continues to grow. The town is compact and walkable. It is a magical little town on the banks of the Delaware River. It is the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend. Galleries, restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops line Bridge and Race Streets, and the D&R Canal State Park stretches along the river for a scenic stroll or bike ride.

Shopping + Treasure Hunting

Part of the fun of Frenchtown is simply wandering from shop to shop. The town is home to independent retailers offering everything from books and home décor to vintage finds, records, clothing and unique gifts.

Sunbeam General Store, located in the historic Gem Building on Bridge Street, offers a wonderfully eclectic selection of gifts, home goods, jewelry, outdoor gear and other unexpected treasures. The building itself has been home to Frenchtown mercantiles since 1889.

Book lovers should make a stop at Frenchtown Bookshop, an independent bookstore on Bridge Street. Browse new and used books, discover a local author or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this community-minded shop.

For home décor, gifts and stylish finds, Modern Love offers a thoughtfully curated collection of home goods, gifts, stationery and other items that make it easy to find something special.

Heart of the Home showcases American-made and artisan-crafted goods, including jewelry, accessories, home décor and other distinctive gifts.

Music lovers can browse the selection at Blue Raven Records, an independent record shop carrying new and used vinyl along with CDs, cassettes, music equipment, artwork and other curiosities.

Frenchtown also has plenty of opportunities to discover clothing, vintage pieces and locally made goods. With new businesses and boutiques continuing to join the downtown mix, part of the experience is seeing what you discover when you wander.

Antiques + Arts

Art has always been an important part of Frenchtown’s identity, and the town’s creative community continues to thrive.

ArtYard is at the heart of Frenchtown’s contemporary arts scene. The interdisciplinary arts center presents rotating exhibitions, live performances, film, installations, workshops and other programming. Its campus on Front Street includes gallery spaces, an outdoor courtyard and the McDonnell Theater.

Another important part of Frenchtown’s arts community is Studio Route 29, which provides artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to create, exhibit and sell their work. The studio operates a gallery and shop on Trenton Avenue and also collaborates with ArtYard on exhibitions in its Courtyard Gallery.

Frenchtown is also home to MFA Gallery / Modern Fossils Art, a contemporary gallery featuring interdisciplinary and reclaimed-material artwork. The gallery is serving as the home base for the 2026 Plein Air Frenchtown event, bringing artists from around the region into town to paint the community and surrounding landscape.

And don’t be surprised to find art tucked into unexpected corners of town. Frenchtown’s galleries, studios, shops and artist-run spaces contribute to an arts scene that changes and evolves throughout the year.

For more places to explore, check out Welcome to Hunterdon’s Art Scene!.

Let’s Eat!

After all that shopping and gallery hopping, you’ll have plenty of options for a bite to eat.

Frenchtown Cafe is a longtime favorite for breakfast and lunch, serving scratch-made dishes in the heart of downtown. It’s a popular stop for brunch, breakfast favorites, sandwiches, burgers and sweet treats.

For coffee, espresso drinks and a relaxed café atmosphere, Perfect Day Cafe is now located at 52 Bridge Street. The café also offers pastries and light fare, making it an easy stop while exploring downtown. Also, located on Bridge Street is Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile.

For a scenic meal, Bamboo House serves Japanese and Thai cuisine, including sushi and a variety of Thai favorites. They are also BYOB so be sure to pick up some local brews from Wild Fern Brewing.

Cocina del Sol brings Mexican favorites to downtown Frenchtown, while Chez Daniel offers French-fusion cuisine in a cozy Bridge Street setting. The town also has additional choices for pizza, Italian food, casual dining and drinks, so there’s plenty to explore beyond the restaurants listed here.

And for something sweet, Sandy’s Scoops serves small-batch ice cream in a variety of creative flavors — the perfect excuse for one more stop before heading home.

Along the River

Of course, no visit to Frenchtown is complete without spending some time outdoors.

Take a walk across the historic Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge for views of the Delaware River and the surrounding landscape. Then head toward the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, where the towpath provides a flat, scenic route for walking and bicycling.

The canal towpath stretches for more than 60 miles through New Jersey and offers an easy way to experience the Delaware River Valley at a slower pace. Cyclists can also use the towpath as part of longer rides connecting Frenchtown with other Delaware River communities.

For visitors looking for an especially relaxed way to experience Frenchtown, simply grab a coffee, wander the shops and galleries, and finish your day with a walk along the river.

More Reasons to Visit

Frenchtown’s calendar is just as lively as its downtown. Throughout the year, the community hosts events including First Fridays, the Frenchtown Farmers Market, Riverfest, art exhibitions, live music, workshops and seasonal celebrations. The Frenchtown Business & Professional Association maintains a current calendar of events and local happenings.

The town’s annual Frenchtown Riverfest returns September 6, 2026, bringing vendors, activities and entertainment to downtown Frenchtown and Sunbeam Lenape Park.

Whether you’re looking for a day of shopping, an afternoon of art, a great meal or a scenic ride along the river, Frenchtown offers plenty of ways to slow down and explore.

For more information and current events, visit Love Frenchtown

And while you’re exploring, don’t forget to check out more of Hunterdon County’s charming downtowns, local shops, restaurants and outdoor adventures.