Day Trip: Frenchtown

Riverwalk: Paddle along a portion of the tree-lined 70-mile Delaware and Raritan Canal with a bike rented from Cycle Corner of Frenchtown (52 Bridge St, 908-996-7712). If the mercury starts rising, rent a tube or raft from Delaware River Tubing (2998 Rt 29, 866-WET-TUBE).

Waterside dining: Watch the Delaware amble by from the front porch of the Frenchtown Inn (7 Bridge St, 908-996-3300), where executive chef and co-owner Andrew Tomko serves baby back ribs that fall off the bone after being braised for six hours.

Just relax: Make an appointment for a facial—or a plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Michael Giuffrida—at Apothecary (12 Bridge St, 908-996-6300), a spa and boutique that occupies a cupola-topped Victorian once run as a boarding house by the Apgar sisters, whose parents owned the National Hotel (31 Race St, 908-996-4500).

Dog Day Afternoon: Don’t be surprised to find more than a few four-legged friends keeping watch over their owners’ shops. Stop by Beasley’s Bookbindery (106 Harrison St, 908-996-9993) and say hello to the store’s namesake, a four-year-old pug (left). Brooks Antiques (24 Bridge St, 908-996-7161) is home to Arthur, a six-year old West Highland terrier, and Mouse, an eleven-year-old Scottie. Tip: Be careful not to trip over water bowls on the sidewalk.

Spice it up: Follow the all-season Christmas lights down the stairs to Cocina Del Sol (10 Bridge St, 908-996-0900), where owner Rolando Huesca mixes traditional Mexican recipes for mole and tamales with American favorites. Be sure to try the Enchiladas Acapulco with shrimp and crabmeat.

Spend the night: After an exhilarating day rafting the Delaware, collapse on a queen-size featherbed at the 1870s-era Widow McCrea House (53 Kingwood Ave, 908-996-4999), then wake up to a three-course candlelit breakfast. The pet-friendly bed-and-breakfast mixes Victorian décor with 21st-century amenities, including Jacuzzis and DSL Internet access.

River celebrations: Snap a photo of the picturesque Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, or stop by for the Bastille Day fête (July 12–13), when the town celebrates its “Frenchness” with puppet shows, history lectures, and fashion displays. On Labor Day weekend, come for the town’s third annual River Fest with food, “green” product displays, and live music from reggae to gospel (866-287-0905).

Plus…

Browse handmade jewelry from local artisans and one-of-a-kind silks at Alchemy (17 Bridge St, 908-996-9000), or visit the Euphoria Studio (15 Trenton Ave, 908-996-3399)—a spa, salon, and women’s clothing boutique rolled into one. A night table made from croquet mallets and a chocolate factory crate, a basket made of Chinese newspapers, and an 1860 tax map are just a few of the unique pieces at Amy Roth’s River Edge Design Studio (36 Bridge St, 908-996-2111).

Check out Buck’s Ice Cream and Espresso Bar (52 Bridge St, 908-996-7258) for a fresh fruit smoothie, or stop in at Minette’s Candies (33 Race St, 908-996-5033) to satisfy your chocolate craving.

Or, if the weather’s right, grab some takeout from one of the local cafés and head to Borough Park on Nishisackawick Creek for a picnic. The creek once powered the town’s grist mills, which ground wheat and oats into flour. One of the original mills is now home to Barclay Studio (62 Trenton Ave, 908-996-3720), a boutique that specializes in custom-printed clothing.

Take a moment to harness your chi at Yoga Loka (34 Bridge St, 908-268-7430), located on the second floor of what was once Eddy’s, the largest hardware store in Hunterdon County.

Escape reality with the soothing sound of sculptures incorporating water at the Designs for Tranquility art gallery (41 Bridge St, 908-996-9990).

For casual dining, try the grilled spinach cakes with feta, brown rice and lentils over mixed greens at the Bridge Café (8 Bridge St, 908-996-6040), which once served as the town’s train station.