Hunterdon NJ Main Streets to Explore

Did You Know?

Hunterdon County is home to 8 of New Jersey's most charming main streets, featuring historic downtowns, unique shopping, farm-to-table restaurants, and scenic river towns along the Delaware River. From the iconic Red Mill in Clinton to the antique shops of Lambertville, the Victorian architecture of Frenchtown to the artisan culture of Flemington, each main street offers a distinct experience. Whether you're seeking boutique shopping, outdoor adventures, or a romantic weekend getaway, these NJ main streets deliver small-town charm just an hour from New York City and Philadelphia.

Clinton

The Red Mill is one of the Most Photographed Places in the Country.

Be sure to tour the museum and get a #selfie in front of it from the terrace of the Hunterdon Art Museum (another great museum to tour)!

Spruce Run and Round Valley Reservoirs

Looking to get out on the water in your boat or swim along the waterโ€™s edge? Head over to one of two reservoirs just minutes outside of Clinton.

The Landsdown Trail

Walk right from downtown Clinton over to the scenic Landsdown Trail. The trail is a simple flat gravel path that runs along the South Branch of the Raritan River and through beautiful countryside.

Flemington

TRIAL of the CENTURY

In 1934, over 50,000 people flocked to Flemington to follow the trial of Bruno Hauptmann, charged for kidnapping Charles Lindburghโ€™s baby.

Historic Shopping Destination!

Throughout the early 1900โ€™s, Flemington was the train stop about half way between Philadelphia and NYC. Patrons would stop in Flemington to shop at the then famous Flemington Furs, Fulpur Pottery and Flemington Cut Glass.

You can ride a steam engine!

All aboard at this family fun attraction starting in Flemington and then throughout the countryside. Ride on a historic train and even celebrate the holiday season with unique themed rides.

Frenchtown

Do You Know Why Itโ€™s Called Frenchtown?

Records indicate that several families with French names settled here, and in the late 1790โ€™s, people began to call the place โ€œFrenchtownโ€ after the language so many of its inhabitants spoke.

Host to Artists

Frenchtownโ€™s connection to the arts goes back to the 1930s when authors James Agee and Nathanael West decided it was a good place to write. More recently Liz Gilbert wrote โ€œThe Signature of All Thingsโ€ in 2013.

ArtYard

ArtYard is an alternative contemporary art gallery, theater, and residency program founded by a group of artists, filmmakers, curators, and writers.

Devil's Tea Table

A special place at the top of a cliff 250 ft. above the Delaware River, there is a stack of rocks known as the Devilโ€™s Tea Table with a fabulous view of the river and valley.

High Bridge

The Solitude House was visited by several important figures during the American Revolution, such as George and Martha Washington, General Lafayette, Colonel Charles Stewart, and Aaron Burr.

The Union Ironworks produced cannon balls and rifle barrels for the American Revolution right in High Bridge.

Solitude Falls

Enjoy the beauty of these scenic falls that flow down from the South Branch of the Raritan River and Lake Solitude. The falls are just a short drive up the road from downtown.

The Columbia Trail

Walk right from downtown Clinton over to the scenic Landsdown Trail. Right off of Main Street is access to a beautiful and simple path that takes you through the woods of Northern Hunterdon County. Be sure to look for little gnomes hiding along the way!

Lambertville

Top 15 Prettiest Towns in Americaโ€ฆ

...according to Forbes magazine! If that isnโ€™t reason enough to visit, consider it was also recently named โ€œ#1 weekend getaway city in New Jerseyโ€.

Antiques Capital of New Jersey

Hidden treasures and rare finds are everywhere at both large outdoor and indoor markets. For the true collector, RAGO Auction House is nationally recognized for their collections and expertise.

Delaware River Tubing

Take a safe and fun ride down the river on a tube, raft, canoe or kayak and enjoy the beautiful Delaware River.

ACME Screening Room + Music Mountain Theatre

Take in a live show at Music Mountain Theatre or an independent film at the Acme Screening Room.

Milford

Did You Knowโ€ฆ

Under Riverside Treasures there is an Underground Tunnel used for delivering food from the basement of 23 Bridge Street to the Gibson House Hotel in the 1800โ€™s!

Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse

Take a trip and taste world renowned cheese just outside of downtown Milford. You can even take a baking class and learn historic ways of baking!

Delaware River Tubing

Take a safe and fun ride down the river on a tube, raft, canoe or kayak and enjoy the beautiful Delaware River.

Milford Bluffs

For the outdoor enthusiast, a hike to the top of the Milford Bluffs provides incredible views over the Delaware River.

Stockton

Revolutionary War History

The river ferry located here was used by George Washington and his troops in the famous Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War.

Bulls Island Recreation Center

The park as 30 miles of trails, picnic area, overlook and viewing points, historical programs, and canoeing PLUS 100 species of birds and other animals and plants.

Prallsville Mills

The 10-building complex includes a grist mill, linseed oil mill, saw mill, and granary, dating back to the late 1700s and considered a significant example of early American industrial architecture.

D&R Canal

You can bike along the quiet and pretty canal tow path from Stockton to Washington Crossing in Pennsylvania.

Clinton

Explore charming downtown Clinton! A unique blend of friendly small businesses, locally-owned shops, restaurants, and two museums, all surrounded by beautiful countryside. Clintonโ€™s Historic Red Mill, nestled against the South Branch of the Raritan River, is the most photographed scene in New Jersey. The charming downtown is often described as straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Enduring Mom and Pop boutiques offer unique, eclectic gifts and apparel, and excellent restaurants arenโ€™t to be missed. The Red Mill Museum Village gives visitors a peek into history, while the Hunterdon Art Museum directly across the South Branch of the Raritan River presents changing exhibitions of contemporary art. In addition, there are plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking the Landsdown Trail, kayaking the South Branch of the Raritan River, Fishing at Spruce Run Reservoir, and more.

Explore The Clinton Area

Flemington

Historic Flemington, Hunterdon Countyโ€™s beautiful county seat, invites you to stroll quaint tree-lined streets and admire itโ€™s charming buildings โ€“ 65% of the borough is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Flemington has always been a fascinating crossroads for shopping, agriculture, and the arts, and it has grown in recent years as a regional destination for innovative restaurants, and fabulous festivals and events in every season.

Explore The Flemington Area

Frenchtown

In Frenchtown, explore funky shops that blend the old and the new! Frenchtown is a passionate community located along the banks of the Delaware River. Boasting gorgeous Victorian architecture, rich history and the sheer beauty of the Delaware River through every season. Frenchtownโ€™s draw lies in the eclectic selection of downtown businesses, thriving art community, localing residing artists and artisans, family run restaurants and a curious assortment of annual events. The magic of Frenchtown is a mix of all these traits and then some! The only way to explain how it feels to be here can be encapsulated in two simple wordsโ€ฆLove Frenchtown.

Explore The Frenchtown Area

High Bridge

This Boroughโ€™s older homes, dramatic church and bridge construction make this town a visual treat to bikers, hikers, and those just passing through. Recreation in High Bridge is plentiful. Main Street is dotted with eclectic dining and shopping options and just off Main street is an entrance to a section of the Columbia Trail โ€” the stateโ€™s longest jogging and biking trail. Alongside the trail is Lake Solitude and Ken Lockwood Gorge on the south branch of the Raritan River โ€” a well-known fly-fishing spot.

Explore The High Bridge Area

Lambertville

Lambertville was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the โ€œTop 15 Prettiest Towns in America.โ€! From symphony concert in the park to the world-renowned Bucks County Playhouse, Lambertville and the surrounding area has everything youโ€™re looking for in culture and adventure. The area in and around Lambertville is brimming with talent in the performing arts, whether itโ€™s an independent movie screening, a symphony concert, or a live production at the world-renowned Bucks County Playhouse. Looking for some fun? Head outdoors! Rent a canoe for an afternoon paddle on the beautiful Delaware River. Or keep your feet on solid ground and enjoy a romantic carriage ride or a bike ride along the canal. Lambertville has it all!

Explore The Lambertville Area

Milford

A small town along the Delaware River, Milford is a picturesque and quaint community with a unique historical backdrop offering many interesting sites and distractions to the every day. Experiencing Milfordโ€™s river town, along with Delaware River town neighbors to the north and south, promises to make a visit to the area a rewarding one. Milford has a variety of shopping and dining options and is a great launch-point to explore Hunterdonโ€™s vineyards, farms, and outdoor adventure options. Explore Milford. Youโ€™ll be glad you did, and you probably cannot help but make some new friends along the way.

Explore The Milford Area

Oldwick

Nestled within the picturesque Tewksbury Township countryside, a historic road gently guides you to the charming town of Oldwick. Originally known as New Germantown, it was later rechristened as Oldwick, a name that embodies its rich heritage as the โ€œOld Village.โ€ A day in Oldwick begins with a step back in time and stroll down the tree lined main street of historic Oldwick, stop in the general store to grab a bite and enjoy a peek into the mix of quirky and refined shops along the way, before heading off, spend the day browsing the shelves at the local book store relax and end your day eating and drinking on the patio of the Inn.

Explore The Oldwick Area

Stockton

Just north of Lambertville, alongside the Delaware River, sits the tiny Victorian-era town of Stockton. This tranquil town has a yesteryear feel, with Victorian-era buildings enjoying new lives as inns, restaurants and galleries. A river โ€“ more specifically, the Delaware River โ€“ runs alongside Stockton and with the river comes a section of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and its top-notch recreational facilities. Although the D&R Canal is 44 miles long, many highlights are located in the Stockton area.The Bulls Island Recreation Area (three miles north) is a small, forested island with stands of sycamore and silver maples and the only place on the canal with camping facilities (43 sites).In Stockton, the 19th-century Prallsville Mills (part of the D&R Canal) includes original saw, grist and linseed mills and the John Pralls Jr. Historic Manor House.

Explore The Stockton Area

FAQ About NJ Main Streets

What are some of the charming main streets I can visit in New Jersey?

Hunterdon County features 7 of New Jersey’s most charming main streets: Clinton, Flemington, Frenchtown, High Bridge, Lambertville, Milford, and Stockton. Each offers unique small-town character, from Clinton’s iconic Red Mill to Lambertville’s antique shops. Forbes Magazine named Lambertville one of the “Top 15 Prettiest Towns in America.”
For shopping, visit Lambertville (30+ antique stores and the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey”), Flemington (Stangl Factory arts district and Main Street boutiques), and Frenchtown (eclectic mix of vintage shops and artisan galleries). Clinton also offers charming boutiques along its historic Main Street.
Top dining destinations include Clinton (Clinton House, Dora Restaurant, Fourchette), Flemington (Matt’s Red Rooster, The Corner, Lone Eagle Brewing), Lambertville (Under the Moon Cafe, El Tule, The Boat House), Frenchtown (The National Hotel, FiNNBAR, Piazzi), and Stockton (Stockton Inn, Stockton Market). Many feature farm-to-table menus using local Hunterdon County ingredients.
Four of Hunterdon’s main street towns are scenic Delaware River towns: Lambertville, Frenchtown, Milford, and Stockton. These river towns offer Delaware River tubing, the D&R Canal towpath for biking, waterfront dining, and historic bridges connecting to Pennsylvania.
Hunterdon County is rich in history. Visit the Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton (one of the most photographed sites in NJ), the Historic Courthouse in Flemington (site of the 1934 Lindbergh trial), Prallsville Mills in Stockton (18th-century industrial complex), and the Solitude House in High Bridge (visited by George Washington). Flemington has 65% of its borough listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Each town offers outdoor adventures: Clinton has Spruce Run Reservoir and the Landsdown Trail, High Bridge features the Columbia Trail and Ken Lockwood Gorge for fly fishing, Lambertville offers the D&R Canal towpath and Goat Hill Overlook, and the river towns provide Delaware River tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. The Milford Bluffs offer stunning views over the Delaware River.
For a perfect day trip, start in Clinton for morning coffee and Red Mill photos, drive to Flemington for lunch and shopping at Stangl Factory, then head to Frenchtown or Lambertville for afternoon antique browsing and dinner. The towns are all within 20-30 minutes of each other. For river town hopping, follow Route 29 from Stockton through Frenchtown to Lambertville.
A NJ river town is a charming historic community located along one of New Jersey’s scenic waterways. In Hunterdon County, the term refers to four picturesque main street towns along the Delaware River: Lambertville, Frenchtown, Milford, and Stockton. These river towns share common characteristics including Victorian-era architecture, walkable downtowns with views of the Delaware River, access to the D&R Canal towpath for biking and walking, and historic bridges connecting to Pennsylvania. River towns are popular for Delaware River tubing, kayaking, waterfront dining, and antique shopping, making them ideal destinations for day trips and romantic getaways.
Hunterdon County’s main streets are historic because many date back to the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras. Flemington, the county seat, has 65% of its borough listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the site of the famous 1935 Lindbergh baby trial. Clinton’s Red Mill was built in 1810 and is one of the most photographed sites in New Jersey. High Bridge’s Solitude House was visited by George Washington, and its Union Ironworks produced cannon balls for the American Revolution. Stockton’s Prallsville Mills complex dates to the late 1700s. Frenchtown was settled by French-speaking families in the 1790s and retains its Victorian architecture. These towns have preserved their historic character through careful restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Hunterdon County offers numerous family friendly activities across its charming main streets. In Flemington, ride a historic steam train on the Black River & Western Railroad or explore the world’s largest miniature train display at Northlandz. Clinton offers the Red Mill Museum Village and kayaking at Spruce Run Reservoir. High Bridge provides easy access to the Columbia Trail where families can spot hidden gnomes along the path. In Frenchtown, kids love the Frenchtown Roller Rink. The Delaware River towns offer family-friendly tubing adventures. Throughout the county, families can enjoy U-pick farms, meet farm animals, visit ice cream shops like Sweet Scoops in Clinton and Sandy’s Scoops in Frenchtown, and explore farmers markets. Many restaurants are family-friendly, and seasonal events like Dickens Days in Clinton create magical experiences for children.
Yes, Hunterdon County is excellent for shopping, offering a diverse mix of antiques, boutiques, artisan goods, and unique finds across its charming main streets. Unlike typical malls, Hunterdon’s shopping experience combines retail therapy with historic architecture, local artisans, and walkable downtownsโ€”perfect for a leisurely day of browsing. Lambertville is known as the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey” with over 30 antique stores and the nationally recognized RAGO Auction House. Flemington features the Stangl Factory arts district with galleries, pottery studios, and boutiques, plus Main Street shops in historic storefronts. Frenchtown offers eclectic vintage shops, artisan galleries, and the Sunbeam General Store. Clinton has charming boutiques like Christine’s Bath & Gift Boutique and Read Mill Books.