Skylands of New Jersey Tourism Council

The Rivertowns of New Jersey's Skylands consist of both rural and main street towns, all geographically located on the northwestern to central western map of the state alongside the beautiful Delaware Water Gap and Delaware River.

First stop – Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Hop on board the Bel-Del Steam Train and take a trip down the tracks along side the picturesque Delaware River. Tours run weekends from May to October as well as themed trains during many holidays. For those that are fascinated with railways and canalways of New Jersey, Phillipsburg is the place for you. Atop of the hill, a few blocks past the turn off for the train depot is the Friends of NJ Transpotation Museum, full of historical time stamps of transportation history. Phillipsburg was the origin point of the great Morris Canal. The Morris Canal used a unique inclined plane technology to help overcome the rise in altitude between Phillipsburg and Newark. If so inclined, no pun intended, you can go across the river and take an actual canal ride at Hugh Moore Park, in Easton, PA. Take a voyage on the Josiah White II and listen while a costumed crew gives you an oral history of regional canals.

Stop for lunch at one of the fine eateries along Main Street or in a restored railroad car at the Union Station Grill.

After lunch head downstream (in your car) on Route 519 to the quaint town of Milford. Some novelty shops include the Thorpe's Country Corner and Yellow Lab Antiques. Drop by the famous "Baker" bread makers and enjoy some fresh made bread. Dine at the world class Ship Inn English Pub, New Jersey's first brew pub.

Retire for the evening at romantic Victorian Bed & Breakfast - Chestnut Hill on the Delaware, or at the The National Hotel, just down the road in Frenchtown, suitable for couples or families. Get a good nights rest to prepare for the next days activities.

In the morning rent some bikes from Cycle Corner of Frenchtown and take a short bike trip on the D& R Canal Towpath. A map of the trails is available online at www.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/bike/tours.shtm

Bring your bathing suite and sun tan lotion and enjoy 3 to 4 hours of fun tubing on the river. Lunch is included in the price of the trip. Half way down the river you will stop at a private island were you can enjoy a BBQ lunch at The Famous River Hot Dog Man.

After a day on the river, spend some time relaxing in Frenchtown a rural country village, with a cosmopolitan flair. Some unique galleries include Civilian Original, carrying hand-printed apparel and Decoys and Wildlife Gallery, a unique gallery of wildlife art & duck decoys. Frenchtown's Harrison Street Gallery is an artists' cooperative with over 20 local artists. Each month, the gallery features the works of a different local artist. Kathee's Frenchtown General Store is a fun filled store that will remind you of the classic general store minus the checkerboard and pot belly stove. Find anything you need any day of the year.

Dine at Cocina Del Sol, Frenchtowns only Mexican Restaurant. Rolando Huesca, owner and chef, was born and raised in Mexico where he developed the inspiration for delectable regional cuisine. Many restaurants and cafes have al fresco dining in the warmer seasonal months.

Take a detour from river to creek and visit Pine Creek Miniature Golf in nearly West Amwell, just 10 minutes from Lambertville. Pine Creek is one of America's largest and most beautiful miniature golf facilities. Find two challenging courses on 28 acres of trees, flowers, streams, ponds and waterfalls. Charming clubhouse, patio and picnic area. According to the New York Times, "Pine Creek is a beautiful country club-style course."

Travel another 10 miles downriver to Lambertville, where historic homes and restored public buildings boast a variety of inviting shops, including art galleries, antique stores, unique crafts and specialties, bed and breakfasts, inns, and restaurants. Lambertville is known as "The Antique Capital of New Jersey" and it certainly lives up to the title. Antique collectors will find everything from 18th-century furniture and decorative arts to 50's Modern.

Sports enthusiasts will find much to interest them here in addition to the Delaware River which is also accessible from Lambertville. Bikes can be rented in town at Body Tech Fitness. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park runs through the heart of the town, offering scenic recreation opportunities for walking, jogging, biking, or even cross-country skiing. Take a canoe ride on the canal or go tubing in the river. The choice is yours.

Plan your trip around one of the major events in Phillipsburg, Frenchtown or Lambertville.

Warren County Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival, Phillipsburg
Take the excitement of a Hot Air Balloon Festival, season it with the down-home goodness of Warren County's agricultural bounty, then blend in the old-fashioned flavor of the Traditional Arts Festival. Add the spice of a midway full of carnival rides, a Kids' Corral chock full of fun. You've got all the ingredients for big-time Family Fun!

Main St. Motor Madness, Phillipsburg
Car and Motorcycle Show held in 7 locations along Main Street. Antiques, collectibles, cruisers, muscle cars, modifieds, cash prizes from 11 AM to 3:30 PM. Steam train, Mini Train, shops and restaurants all open!

Bastille Day, Frenchtown
Bastille Day is celebrated in Frenchtown for an entire weekend. This charming little community salutes it's ties to France and the French Revolution. The festival features live music and entertainment, historical tours and lectures, puppet shows, clowns, art and craft gallery exhibitions, artist demonstrations, food vendors and more. Admission is free. 908-996-9000

Shad Festival, Lambertville
Artists & Crafters - 80 of the region's finest; Great Food & Live Music - featuring rock, blues, jazz and more!
Family Fun - games, face painting, sand art & caricatures
Shad Hauling Demonstrations
Guided Walking Tours of Historic Lambertville
Carriage Rides and more

To assist with planning this trip we have provided contact information, hours and other important details. It is always a good idea to call ahead to confirm the information provided. Also feel free to contact Skylands of NJ Tourism Council via email or call 1-800-4SKYLAND (475-9526)

Resources

Friends of NJ Transportation Heritage Center
Check out Phillipsburg Railroad Historian (908-859-1146) site for open house dates. The miniature train will be running these dates. 908-246-6554
The Ship Inn Restaurant and Pub 61 Bridge Street, Milford, NJ -- 908-995-0188
Cycle Corner of Frenchtown 52 Bridge Street, Frenchtown, NJ 08825 -- 908-996-7712
Harrison Street Gallery 108 Harrison St., Frenchtown, NJ 08825 -- 908-996-3325 First Sat., 5 pm- 9 pm
Delaware River Tubing 2998 Daniel Bray Hwy., Frenchtown, NJ 08825-3011
Open from Memorial Day weekend to mid September, Weekdays 10 am - 7 pm, Weekends 9 am - 7 pm. (Last tube in the water at 3 pm.)
Cocina Del Sol 908-996-0900
Pine Creek Miniature Golf,394 Route 31, West Amwell -- 609-466-3803
Body Tech Fitness 609-397-6900
Phillipsburg Downtown Association 908-454-8582
Milford Businesses 908-995-4323
Frenchtown Businesses 800-989-3388