My father grew up in Princeton, a historic borough in west central New Jersey. During my childhood, I took technology classes at the University in the summers. In college during the winter, I retreated to Princeton to read and write in the distinguished Gothic courtyards that are open to the public. There are several things to do in Princeton, particularly for those interested in academics. The small town consists of about 30,000 people -many of them my relatives who have been community members of the University town for generations.

How to Get to Princeton

Princeton is easily accessible by train via New Jersey Transit. A ride from Penn Station in Manhattan takes about an hour and a half, while a ride from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia is less than 40 minutes. At Princeton Junction, there are usually taxis waiting; however, there is also the Dinky, an old train that connects to the campus in less than five minutes. By car, Princeton is 20-minutes from New Jersey’s capital city Trenton and 40-minutes from New Brunswick.

Things to Do in Princeton

For over sixty years, my grandmother lived in a townhouse off Witherspoon Street, a narrow boulevard that leads to Princeton’s official entrance. On the east side of Witherspoon Street is Princeton Cemetery, a graveyard established in 1757 with famous burial sites such as the resting place of Grover Cleveland and his wife Frances; Vice-President Aaron Burr Jr (yes, the one who shot Hamilton), his father and grandfather; local Princeton scholars; and controversial war heroes.

Witherspoon Street becomes lively in Downtown Princeton, especially at night and on weekends. Cultural events are regularly hosted at Hinds Plaza, such as the weekly Princeton Farmer’s Market, live musical performances, public workshops, and student activist demonstrations.

A major state highway in New Jersey called Route 27 begins at Nassau Street over by the Albert Einstein monument (1 Monument Dr) and runs along the northern boundary of Princeton University. A walk along this street will take you past locally owned shops, traditional stores, and ethnic eateries.

Palmer Square (3 Palmer Square) is a shopping center on Nassau Street comprising of mainstream beauty, shoe and apparel stores; specialty food and wine boutiques; ice cream and candy parlors; a luxury florist; a post office; and a half dozen restaurants and cafés. Originally built in 1936 in the Colonial Revival style, Palmer’s Square replaced the houses and businesses once owned by members of the town’s African-American community.

Driving down Route 583 leads to Princeton Battlefield State Park, which traces the final battle fields where George Washington’s army defeated the British after the Battles in Trenton. A historic Quaker Meeting House was the first house of worship in Princeton and still offers Sunday worship. Exhibitions, workshops, galas, and cultural programs are hosted at Morven Museum and Gardens, formally the Governor’s official residence. While the gardens and galleries are open to the public on most days, year round, a tour of the historic residence requires an advance reservation.

Where to Eat in Princeton

On Nassau Street, the eateries change frequently, catering to the evolving tastes of students and locals. Some enduring favorites include:

• Terra Momo Bread Company – a rustic bakery with iconic pizza dough, formerly known as the Witherspoon Bread Company at 74 Witherspoon Street.
• Small World Coffee – a café enmeshed in the community since 1993 offering local art exhibits and live music. I used to study among the students at the original on 14 Witherspoon St; however, there is another location around the corner.
• Alchemist & Barrister Restaurant & Pub – a legendary gathering place for students, residents and visitors in an historic building with spirits, beer, bar food, and patio dining.
• Kristine’s – a distinguished French restaurant with dishes curated by Chef Nicolas Démurgé from Lyon located in Hinds Plaza.
• Next door, Witherspoon Grill is a classic American steakhouse owned by the same restaurant group.

Where to Stay in Princeton

There are two boutique hotels within walking distance of downtown Princeton. Several more chain hotels that are considerably more affordable are located two and a half miles away on Highway 1.

Nassau Inn is a local hotel located within Palmer Square. Originally a home built in 1756, the inn has always been considered as the center of city life. Located on King’s Road, it played host to many of the notable figures of colonial America, including Paul Revere, Robert Morris, and Thomas Paine. When the Continental Congress met in Nassau Hall in 1783, many of the Founding Fathers stayed at the Inn. It was later redeveloped as the centerpiece of Palmer Square. It went for a major renovation in 1985. In the Yankee Doodle Tap Room, you’ll find a mural by Norman Rockwell.

Peacock Inn is a slightly more upscale boutique hotel in a Colonial-style mansion dating from the 18th century that is filled with artwork, renovated bathrooms with rainfall showers, an elegant restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine, a lively bar filled with locals, and a furnished veranda. Rather than booking an evening at the hotel, enjoy tea in the garden from 2 to 4 pm. Parking is complimentary. (20 Bayard Ln, Princeton)