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FRENCHTOWN, NEW JERSEY – WEEKEND GETAWAY
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By Brenna C. McCarthy
 Frenchtown,
NJ has somehow managed to maintain its integrity throughout its history. In this
village utopia, nestled on the banks of the Delaware River, people know their neighbors
and greet each other in the streets. After all, how can you hide in a hamlet that
covers just over one square mile?
One hundred years ago, the population of the
borough of Frenchtown was approximately 1,545 people. Today, Frenchtown has nearly
the same number of inhabitants. Locals tell us that Frenchtown is what New Hope
used to be 10 years ago. Businesses are expanding and new shops are opening up for
the first time in years. People are finally rediscovering Frenchtown and all that
it has to offer from biking to shopping.
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THINGS TO DO
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See full list of businesses and activities
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Whether you're a country native, homesick for
fresh air and trees, or a city native with a desire for peace and quiet, Frenchtown,
NJ has your remedy.
Race Street melds with Bridge Street to form
the L- shaped hub of the town. Stroll down this main drag you’ll notice the
diversity of Frenchtown’s shops and restaurants. Browse the antique stores
or distinctive shops like the Tanta
Kringle Christmas Cottage on Harrison street and Natural Instincts on
Race Street. Owner Frank, a bird-watcher himself, stocks indoor and outdoor gifts
for the nature lover. Don’t miss the bird lover’s section in the back
of the store.
The Book Garden is set in a 19th-century
Victorian home. This exceptional shop buys sells and trades a wide assortment of
new and used books. Sassafras also carries many unusual titles, cards, gifts,
jewelry and music from around the world.
Freeman’s Bicycle Shop offers a selection
of bicycles to rent for the day but they strongly recommend you reserve ahead of
time. Bike trails go on for miles along the river on both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania
sides. If you’re a hard-core cyclist these beautiful trails are hard to resist.
 View Frenchtown’s romantic sunsets from a hot
air balloon. With stunning views of the river and embankments, this is truly an
extraordinary way to tour Frenchtown. Call Alexandria Balloon Flights at
908-479-4878 for more information.
If you’d rather take in the view from the
water, you can buy an intertube May-September at the Citgo gas station atop
Race Street. At $10.00, you can’t beat the price, although you have to fill
it with air and walk it to the river yourself—this is a self-service station!
If going by car, check out the Sand Castle
Winery for tasting and tours (pictured left).
If you are into kayaking and canoeing, you can
rent for the day from Bucks County River Country. It’s a professional
outfitter about a 4-mile car ride south on the Pennsylvania side in Pt. Pleasant.
They shuttle you up the river so you can float or paddle down in your boat. Help
us convince the owners to cater to our car-less travelers who need a ride there
to sign up. As of yet they do not offer this service, so if you’re sans car,
you’ll have to settle for the tubes at Citgo for the time being, or make the
hike down. Call them at 215-297-5000 to voice your support!
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LODGING
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 For overnight and weekend stays try the
Widow McCrea House, a quaint bed and breakfast with reserved bicycles
for guests (pictured left).
We stayed at the Frenchtown National Hotel,
located right in the middle of town. There are eight rooms in this historic building,
as well as two dining rooms.
Although the hotel is the largest accommodation
in Frenchtown, appearances deceive, the bartender checked us in when we arrived
and the chef checked us out. It is a small town after all.
See full list of lodging
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DINING
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The Bridge Café, on the banks of the river, offers a unique casual outside dining experience
with live music on the weekends. (check the schedule)
Highly recommended is the Forge and Anvil Restaurant, offering country dining
in a relaxed atmosphere.
For breakfast, locals unanimously agree you must
go to the Frenchtown Café. Our stomachs agree too! It was a hearty
breakfast lover’s dream! Be patient,
seating is limited and this place is popular.
For dinner, BYOB and cash only to the delectable
Race Street Café. After 18 years, host Jim tells us that husband and
wife chef team are opening another location very soon. Dress casual-elegant and
it’s a good idea to make reservations.
For extra fine dining, reserve your table at
The Frenchtown Inn. Note there is a dress code.
See full list of dining
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NIGHTLIFE
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The town’s most happening late-night offering
is in the cellar of the Frenchtown National Hotel. Locals gather around this
lively watering-hole, set in what seems strangely reminiscent of your parent’s
basement—but this is a lot hipper!
Bridge St. Café also offers live
music on the weekends. (check the schedule)
See full list of nightlife
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TRANSPORTATION
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BUS:
The Trans Bridge Bus leaves from Port
Authority. The bus lets you off at the edge of town at Bridge St. Café (next
to the bridge to Pennsylvania). Bring your own bike on board if it is boxed.
As always, its good to confirm the schedule:
Transbridge 610-868-6001.
Travel time: 2 hours by bus.
CAR:
From the Lincoln Tunnel, take the New Jersey
Turnpike (I-95) South to Exit 14 (Route 78 West, toward Clinton). Head west on Route
78 to exit 15 at Clinton, then south on 513 through Pittstown to Frenchtown.
Travel time: 1-1/2 hours by car.
See full list of transportation
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TRAVEL
TIPS
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Packing extras: bike,
tennis racket, bathing suit, and camera.
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LINKS
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New
Jersey Tourism
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MAP
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For a detailed map of Frenchtown, please click here.
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WEATHER
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