Hunterdon County was named for Robert Hunter, a colonial governor of New Jersey. Language changes over time and location. Robert's family seat of "Hunterston" was in Ayrshire, Scotland, but the name became "Hunterdon" when it was used in the U.S.
Hunterdon County is a place where outdoor activities can easily fill up a weekend trip. Cross-town trails, antique flea markets, and Colonial-era taverns look over the Delaware River on the west, while farms and vineyards dot the interior, and arboretums and parks make for pet- and family-friendly visits on the east.
A nature walk or bike ride through the Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal State Park is a possibility. The towpath is 70 continuous miles of gravel path. But a beginner-friendly trail between Stockton and Lambertville is roughly four miles each way.
Clinton, New Jersey with Red Mill (foreground) and the downtown district
across the Raritan River (background) Image by John Bohnel - CC BY-SA 3.0
It's not all outdoors, though. As the weather gets colder, you might find it preferable to visit the Stockton Inn Boutique Hotel, a 300-year-old property, still serves as Stockton’s anchor and makes the case for staying in town. This nine-room pet-friendly hotel has two new adjacent “carriage houses” and two new on-site restaurants and bars run by globally-trained Executive Chef Bob Truitt and New York City tiki bar legend, Brian Miller. It is across the street from the Stockton Market.
The Sergeantsville Inn is popular with locals and restaurant critics. Hunterdon County is also home to a restaurant owned by Saveur magazine’s founding food editor and former test kitchen director called Canal House Station. Book your seat A.S.A.P. as USA Today named Canal House Station as one of the Best Restaurants of 2025.
Art, wine, and food come together at Finnbar, a Frenchtown place that blends art and hospitality, showcasing local artists on its restaurant walls, welcoming visitors from ArtYard up the road for a pre- or post-show bite, and sharing profits with nearby non-profit Studio Route 29.
Visit The Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm in Asbury. Ironbound is a regenerative farm and incubator, on-site cidery, winery, market, restaurant (with an indoor tasting menu), and animal farm that supports New Jersey’s agricultural ecosystem through 579 farm trail and second-chance hiring practices. In the fall, weekend food trucks park out in the pavilion, musicians show up, and the fire pits light up. And with several indoor/outdoor spaces, there isn’t a bad seat to snag.
Hunterdon County’s craft beverage scene is also a trip in itself, with nine breweries, two cideries, and six vineyards, including Unionville Vineyards and Beneduce Vineyards, part of the Jersey Winemakers Co-Op “Open Source” wine project.
If shopping in picturesque small towns with charming main streets are your vibe, then Bridge Street in Frenchtown should be considered. Check out the records abd do some vinyl shopping at Blue Raven Records, picking up outdoor gear at Sunbeam General Store, and gift shopping at Modern Love.
Antique shop lovers should spend an afternoon on Union Street in Lambertville, meandering the aisles of must-visit stores like A Touch of the Past Antiques, Midiri Antiques, and the People’s Center.
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