There’s a moment in the life of every to-be-creative town or neighborhood when the critical mass of tasteful and visually experienced individuals decide to act and create a new cultural hub. At a spark, old warehouses turn into art centers, dusty antique stores give space to airy minimal design shops and cafes turn into excellent espresso bars. In many towns, that change is slow and gradual, in others — a curious intermix of accident and dedication.
Frenchtown, a small town in New Jersey located 65 miles away from NYC seems to have picked the latter and I am amused to have spotted Frenchtown in its cultural bloom. Here’re some of my favorite spots.
If you like my walking explorations, check out Sidewalk Botanist — my photo journal series about city details. For live updates, follow me in the field on Instagram, read my tidbits Twitter and subscribe to my weekly culture newsletter.