Start your Frenchtown adventure at ArtYard, the town’s contemporary arts center and one of the anchors of its thriving creative community. ArtYard presents exhibitions, performances, films, workshops and other programs throughout the year, bringing artists and audiences together in unexpected ways.

Take some time to explore the current exhibitions and check the calendar for what’s happening during your visit. The arts center is a perfect introduction to the creative energy that helped earn Frenchtown its national recognition.

Continue exploring Frenchtown’s arts community at Studio Route 29, an artist studio and gallery that provides artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to create and showcase their work.

Browse the gallery and shop for original artwork and handmade pieces while learning more about the artists and their creative process.

Continue your shopping adventure at Black Swan Provisions, a specialty shop featuring thoughtfully selected provisions and goods. It’s another example of the independent businesses and distinctive shopping experiences that make Frenchtown’s downtown worth exploring.

With its compact downtown, Frenchtown makes it easy to walk between shops, galleries and restaurants without having to move your car.

Spend some time browsing w o o l., a unique shop celebrating natural fibers, textiles and thoughtfully crafted goods. It’s the kind of independent shop that makes wandering Frenchtown’s downtown such a fun experience.

Take your time exploring the selection and discovering something you won’t find at a typical retail store.

No visit to Frenchtown is complete without browsing the shelves at Frenchtown Bookshop, an independent bookstore in the heart of downtown. The shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books and provides a welcoming place to discover your next great read.

Take some time to browse the shelves, pick up a book for the rest of your trip, and enjoy one of the independent businesses that gives Frenchtown its distinctive small-town character.

When you’re ready for lunch or a break, head to FiNNBAR. Travel + Leisure highlights the restaurant for its seasonal food and creative cocktails, making it a great place to slow down and enjoy a meal in the middle of your Frenchtown adventure.

Take a seat, enjoy the menu and recharge before continuing toward the river.

If you’re visiting on a market day, make time for the Frenchtown Farmers Market. The market brings local farmers, makers and food producers together and offers another way to experience the area’s strong connection to agriculture and small businesses.

Pick up something for the road or simply enjoy browsing the local offerings.

Music lovers will want to make two stops along Frenchtown’s downtown streets. Rock Art Revival celebrates the art and culture of rock ‘n’ roll with posters, apparel, jewelry, vinyl, books and collectibles.

Then head to Blue Raven Record Shop, where you can dig through new and used vinyl and discover something to add to your collection.

Whether you’re looking for a classic album, a piece of music memorabilia or simply enjoy browsing record bins, these shops add another layer to Frenchtown’s creative personality.

End your day by getting outside on the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath. The scenic trail follows the Delaware River and provides an easy way to experience Frenchtown’s natural beauty.

The Frenchtown-to-Lambertville section stretches approximately 15 miles, offering plenty of opportunities for walking and biking. You don’t have to tackle the entire route — even a short stroll along the towpath offers beautiful river views and a chance to slow down after exploring downtown.

Take a break from exploring Frenchtown with a meal at PiAzzi, a cozy spot in the heart of town offering Italian-inspired dishes. Settle in, enjoy a leisurely meal, and soak up the small-town atmosphere before continuing your Frenchtown adventure.

Finish your Frenchtown adventure at Wild Fern Brewing, a local brewery highlighted by Travel + Leisure as one of the town’s newer additions.

Enjoy a locally brewed beer and relax after a day of exploring Frenchtown’s galleries, shops, restaurants and riverfront.

Conclude your Frenchtown adventure with an overnight stay at The National Hotel, a historic landmark in the heart of town. After a day spent exploring Frenchtown’s art, shopping, dining and riverfront, settle in and enjoy the charm of this locally beloved hotel.

Staying overnight means there’s no need to rush home — take your time over dinner and drinks, enjoy Frenchtown after the day-trippers have left, and wake up ready for another stroll through town or along the Delaware River.