Is anyone familiar with Frenchtown? (Lambertville, Hopewell: hotel, live, restaurants)

[ReluctantGardenStater]

I'm thinking about taking a small day trip on Sunday; nothing big, within NJ. I'm not very familiar with Hunterdon county and decided this upcoming weekend would be a great opportunity to better familiarize myself. Can anyone who lives in Hunterdon county or has knowledge of western NJ in general give me any advice about good spots to hit, and about Frenchtown in particular? I've heard good things about the town and it seems like a breath of fresh air.

[NY Annie]

My sister has lived out there for many years. Personally, I don't find much of interest especially this time of year - the leaves have finished - all the rain has pretty much knocked them off the trees.

[jerseyj]

Originally Posted by ReluctantGardenStater

I'm thinking about taking a small day trip on Sunday; nothing big, within NJ. I'm not very familiar with Hunterdon county and decided this upcoming weekend would be a great opportunity to better familiarize myself. Can anyone who lives in Hunterdon county or has knowledge of western NJ in general give me any advice about good spots to hit, and about Frenchtown in particular? I've heard good things about the town and it seems like a breath of fresh air.

Hunterdon Co. Is BEAUTIFUL! Definitely a breath of fresh air.

Frenchtown is a very small, very cute river town, cobblestone streets, eclectic, artisan shops and cafes.

To make a full day of your trip, drive down Rte 29 (about 15 miles, along the Delaware) and visit Lambertville. A bit bigger town, lots more shops and restaurants.
And if you haven't blown the whole day, cross the river, walk or drive across the bridge (I recommend walking) and spend some time in New Hope, Pa.

This is a favourite Sunday trip for us.
Have fun!

[Gerania]

I would do something like that. When I visit that area I always have a primary destination in mind and make a couple of quick stops on the way over and back. There are a lot of little towns along the river and they all have at least one thing to see or do.

You could stop at a winery like Poor Richard's or Sand Castle. There's a covered bridge in Uhlerstown, another in Erwinna. Take a walk over the footbridge between Bulls Island SP and Lumberville at the Black Bass Hotel.

Originally Posted by jerseyj

Hunterdon Co. Is BEAUTIFUL! Definitely a breath of fresh air.

Frenchtown is a very small, very cute river town, cobblestone streets, eclectic, artisan shops and cafes.

To make a full day of your trip, drive down Rte 29 (about 15 miles, along the Delaware) and visit Lambertville. A bit bigger town, lots more shops and restaurants.
And if you haven't blown the whole day, cross the river, walk or drive across the bridge (I recommend walking) and spend some time in New Hope, Pa.

This is a favourite Sunday trip for us.
Have fun!

[splitchin]

Also check this out:

Frenchtown Visitor's Center

[Rowen]

Frenchtown is a nice little town. I highly recommend the Race St. Cafe, the Frenchtown Inn right next to the bridge to PA, and the casual restaurant in the old train station (sorry can't remember the name). As jerseyj pointed out there are a few antique shops and galleries but you can walk through the town very quickly and it wouldn't take a whole day to see them all so definitely head down Route 29 and visit Lambertville which has many more art galleries and neat little shops. Parking is tough in both these towns so it helps if you get there early. If you like flea markets, there is a great one a little further south past Lambertville on Rt. 29 but once again you should arrive earlier as it gets very crowded and the vendors start packing up by 2:00 or so.

Also the walk across the Lambertville bridge into New Hope is a really nice stroll on a beautiful day. Beautiful views of the Delaware River. Have fun!

[ReluctantGardenStater]

I appreciate all of your responses. I haven't taken a drive in a few weeks, so as long as the weather isn't outrageously horrible on Sunday, my plans will go forward.

Some of the key things I hope to hit are the cafe's and antique galleries, and just some general strolling/downtime with a walk along the river. Will definately do Frenchtown and Lambertville, and if I have time, New Hope.

[Mathews]

Hi there! I am a FLA resident who grew up in Kingwood, which is adjacent to Frenchtown. New Hope is a great place for shopping.....and you can walk there from Lambertville. I would go to New Hope BEFORE Lambertville.

[norootsnepa]

Originally Posted by Mathews

Hi there! I am a FLA resident who grew up in Kingwood, which is adjacent to Frenchtown. New Hope is a great place for shopping.....and you can walk there from Lambertville. I would go to New Hope BEFORE Lambertville.

I grew up in Hopewell. While New Hope is nice, Lambertville has come a long way. Talk a walk off the beaten path and check out the many antique, art, textile shops. Talk a walk along the canal, have lunch at the Station. Frenchtown and Stockton are both great towns as well.