A Day in Frenchtown

We always say a Frenchtown day should start the right way — at Frenchtown Café for the breakfast of champions. It’s BYOB, so we never forget our “morning pick-me-up” Bloody Marys to go with fluffy omelets and the best home fries around. For a second caffeine fix (or just because it’s that good), we pop into Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile for expertly crafted coffee in a space that feels both fresh and familiar.

Fueled up, it’s time for a bike ride along the Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath, soaking in the river views before diving into the best kind of retail therapy. Our first stop is Modern Love, a collection of modern goods and wares so beautifully curated with an irresistible assortment for the DIY-inclined, from letter-writing treasures to everything you need to send a package with style.

Next up is Black Swan Provisions, where we can never resist browsing their artisan pantry. Think aged imported cheeses, handmade charcuterie, freshly baked breads, rare spices, and the kind of oil & vinegar that turns any dish into an occasion. The shop is a love letter to good taste — in every sense — and perfect for building a charcuterie board that will have your guests asking where you shop.

For something lighthearted, Sublime is our go-to for the perfect punny gift or a quick giggle. Then it’s on to Frenchtown Bookshop to place our preorder for Elizabeth Gilbert’s upcoming All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation — set to release September 9, 2025. (Fun fact: she’s from one of our river towns.)

If we’re in the mood for a little vinyl hunting, Blue Raven Records is our happy place — the selection is as carefully curated as the town itself. And for something truly unique, River Gypsy offers a bohemian mix of clothing, jewelry, and home treasures that feel like they’ve each been chosen with a traveler’s eye.

No visit is complete without exploring ArtYard or taking a stroll across the Uhlerstown–Frenchtown Bridge — though currently under maintenance, it’s still a landmark worth seeing.

When it’s time for lunch, Piazzi is our Italian BYOB favorite, with the liquor store conveniently located just around the corner on Trenton Ave. On weekends, we like to follow it up with a midday brew at Wild Fern Brewing, where live music and food trucks keep the afternoon lively.

Dinner is always a toss-up between Finnbar or The National Hotel, depending on our mood — both offering their own version of cozy, elevated evenings.

And, of course, there’s dessert. We love Sandy’s Scoops for homemade ice cream, sorbet, and vegan scoops — all made on-site in their Frenchtown location with milk from Spring Run Dairy and seasonal goodies from local farms. Just down the street, Honeymoon Bakery tempts us with pastries so fresh they might not make it home in one piece.

Frenchtown is proof you can shop, explore, and dine all in one beautiful, quaint main street. Its thriving art community, resident artisans, family-run restaurants, and curious annual events create a charm you can feel in every moment. One of our favorites? Frenchtown Riverfest — a one-day celebration of life along the river with over 60 vendors, two music stages, and endless small-town magic. This year it’s on August 31, from 11am to 7pm.

There’s so much more to do and discover here than we could ever list — but be sure to check hours before you go, as many Frenchtown businesses are closed on Tuesdays.

The magic of Frenchtown isn’t just in its shops or restaurants — it’s in how all these pieces fit together, turning a day here into a story you’ll want to tell again and again.