| Frenchtown |
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Frenchtown struggled to become a true community until the arrival of two men that came to purchase the land that is Frenchtown, and the surrounding countryside in Alexandria Township. The first was Thomas Lowrey, a wealthy land owner and merchant from Flemington, that came to live here in 1785. When his wife, did not like the community, Lowrey moved just up the Delaware River to Milford NJ, and eventually sold his property to the man for whom this "French Town" is named. That man was Paul Henri Mallet (Mallet-Prevost in some accounts). Mallet came to the United States from France at the time of the French Revolution. He was a well respected and well placed member of the Parisian Aristocracy, and came to Frenchtown to escape the guillotine. Mallet spoke French, and arrived here with French servants and associates from France. The residents of the community just assumed Mallet was French and began referring to this community as Frenchtown. It is this backdrop of history that has given this funny, funky little town across the river from Bucks County PA, it's special flavor and unique identity. It is also it's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia PA, that have shaped it's history and it's future. Located in Hunterdon County, Frenchtown is about halfway between the two megacities, and has become a welcome escape and getaway destination. Artists, art galleries, antique dealers, and home decor dealers have gravitated here and help to make the little town seem much more cosmopolitan in it's spirit. In town, and in the surrounding hilly/mountainous countryside in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 200 year old stone and stucco inns abound, along with charming little bed and breakfast inns. For dining in the area, the style choices run the gamit from Thai, to Fusion, to Sushi, to Mexican to French. For recreation, the area offers fishing, boating, kayaking, tubing, canoeing, biking, hiking, and rock climbing. - John Stringfellow (Frenchtown NJ Guide)
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