Where history meets high times
by Laura D.C. Kolnoski
For pure historic immersion, picturesque Princeton, in Mercer County, is perfection. Since the Founding Fathers tread its dirt roads and hallowed halls, the area has become renowned for top hotels and inns, fine and rustic dining, world-class shopping, and day or weekend excursion delights. From its venerable university to its lush green and rural character, the tony borough rolls out the berry-red carpet during the holidays.
Things to do
Let’s Go
Arts Council of Princeton
At 7 p.m., Friday, December 2, join the Eric Mintel Quartet in an interactive performance featuring holiday classics and original versions of songs by composer Vince Guaraldi, (A Charlie Brown Christmas). First come, first-served tickets ($15/$10 for seniors and students) are available at the door 30 minutes before show time. 102 Witherspoon Street, 609.924.8777. artscouncilofprinceton.org
Breakfast with Santa at the Nassau Inn
Santa Claus will be visiting the Nassau Inn on December 11 for two breakfast seatings: 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Tickets include a traditional breakfast buffet, children’s activities, and Santa Meet & Greet (take your own photos). Tickets: $19 for adults, $10 for children under 12. 10 Palmer Square, 609.921.7500, nassauinn.com
Drumthwacket
The official Governor’s residence since 1981 offers history, culture, and special events near the American Revolution’s Battle of Princeton. Built in 1835, the stately structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Holiday Open House dates are December 6, 11, 14, and 19; registration required. 354 Stockton Street, 609.683.0057, drumthwacket.org
McCarter Theatre
The legendary theatre is presenting a “re-imagined” production of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol December 9 through 31, with ensemble members from the greater Princeton community. Get into the spirit with Charles Dickens’s perennial masterpiece. Related special events are scheduled. 91 University Place, 609.258.2787, mccarter.org
Menorah Lighting at Palmer Square
Join guest speakers and the Odessa Klezmer Band for the ceremony that takes place at the North Plaza on Hulfish Street in front of Mediterra restaurant. Afterwards, there will be music and refreshments in the Senior Room at the Nassau Inn. Rain or shine, 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 27. 609.921.2333, palmersquare.com/events/ chanukah-celebration
Morven Museum and Garden
Wonder at the annual Festival of Trees at the estate that served as the Governor’s Mansion from 1944 to 1981 at this horticultural holiday tradition. Visitors enjoy the museum’s elegant galleries, hallways, and porches artfully decorated by local businesses, garden clubs, arts and cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations. 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., November 23 through January 8. The 18th century house sits on property purchased in 1701 by Richard Stockton from William Penn. Open to the public during regular museum hours. No reservations are required. 55 Stockton Street, 609.924.8144, morven.org
Princeton Tour Company’s Holiday Trolley Tours
Ranked the #1 Princeton Activity by TripAdvisor, the New York Times, AAA Magazine, Travel and Leisure, and more, this one-hour trolley tour passes homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Madison, Paul Robeson, John F. Kennedy, Nancy Drew, and other notable sites. 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturdays between Thanksgiving and New Year, $15 per person.
Princeton Tour Company’s Santa’s Helpers Walking Tour
Designed by the company’s best guides to create a memorable, whimsical experience for the whole family through a one-hour, slow-paced, picturesque strolling tour for young children, their parents, or just anyone fascinated by all things Santa. The tour begins and ends at Palmer Square. Registration required, $5 per person. 11:30 and 1:30 times available Saturdays through Christmas Eve. 855.743.1415. princetontourcompany.com
The Princeton Singers
A Child’s Christmas in Wales, narrated by author Paul Watkins, is scheduled for Saturday, December 3 by the acclaimed ensemble that has appeared throughout the U.S. and Europe. Holiday carols will accompany a reading of Dylan Thomas’s classic story replete with snowballs, Christmas whizbangs, pranks, and a heartwarming ending. Recommended for ages ten and older. Tickets: $25 adults/$10 students. Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, 866.846.7464(SING), princetonsingers.org
Princeton Symphony Orchestra Holiday POPS!
Performances are scheduled for 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., featuring the Princeton High School Choir. Journey through snow-dusted evergreens with excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and revel in arrangements of beloved carols. Richardson
Auditorium, Alexander Hall, Princeton University off Nassau Street. 609.497.0020. princetonsymphony.org
Princeton University Art Museum
With a history dating to the 1750s and collections of over 97,000 works spanning the world of art from antiquity to the present, the Princeton University Art Museum is considered among the finest in the world. Located at the heart of Princeton University, the Museum welcomes over 205,000 visitors annually. Special exhibitions, constantly changing displays, and dynamic educational activities are available. An extensive Museum store is a primo spot to find a treasure trove of thoughtful gifts. Elm Drive, 609.258.3788, artmuseum.princeton.edu
Santa Flies into Princeton Airport
And now for something completely different! December 24 marks the 40th anniversary of this free event, which has evolved into a tradition for families and the community. Prior to Santa’s arrival at 11:00 a.m., the Princeton Airport Flying Tigers will serve cocoa and cookies. Folk singer Pat McKinley will lead the audience in holiday songs until the Nierenberg family (airport owners) opens the hangar doors to await Santa’s arrival. Children will have the opportunity to take a picture with St. Nick. The Princeton Airport is located 3.5 miles north of Princeton on Route 206 at 41 Airpark Road. 609.921.3100. For full details, visit princetonairport.com.
Terhune Orchards
Owned by the Mount family, Terhune is one of the state’s most popular and scenic farms featuring animals, pick-your-own produce, holiday trees and greenery, a winery, and a country store offering fresh food and baked goods, cider, private parties, and more. The holiday season kicks off with a visit from Santa and Wagon Rides the weekend of December 3 and 4. A Grand Opening for the new Wine Barn is scheduled for December 10. 330 Cold Soil Road, 609.924.2310, terhuneorchards.com
Palmer Square
The charming shops and eateries at Palmer Square festively transform for the holidays. A 65-foot
Norwegian Spruce is adorned with 32,000 lights, and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, enjoy seasonal sounds and meet Santa. Find popular chains like Bluemercury, Brooks Brothers, Club Monaco, and Ralph Lauren, among a variety of unique purveyors. (Our picks are below.) See all the shops and full details at palmersquare.com.
Shop ‘til you drop
Barbour A British clothing store specializing in waxed cotton and quilted jackets, knitwear, shirts, trousers, headwear, and accessories. 67 Palmer Square West, 609.454.3010, barbour.com
Botari
Unique women’s accessory store featuring brands like Baggallini, Orla Kiely, Michael Kors, and MZ Wallace. 63 Palmer Square, 609.430.3031.
Cranbury Station Gallery
Opened in 1992, the gallery features such artists as the internationally known Joseph Dawley, Charles Wysocki, Patrick Antonelle, and Nancy Lubeck, and local artists George Ivers, Sydney Neuwirth, Chris Renton, Charles McVicker, and the owner herself, Kathleen Maguire Morolda. 39 Palmer Square West, 609.921.0434, cranburystationgallery.com
Dandelion
On the leading edge of designer jewelry, the shop is home to the world-renowned designs of Chan Luu, Ayala Bar, Couer de Lion, Ed Levin, Zoe Chicco, Melissa Joy Manning, and many others. Find original pieces from craftspeople around the world—as many as 700 global designers are on Dandelion’s radar. 47 Palmer Square, 609.921.0345, dandelionjewelry.com
Jazams
An owner operated, well-stocked toy store specializing in unique, thoughtful, educational, and just plain fun toys, books, and music for children of all ages. 24 Palmer Square East, 609.924.8697, jazams.com
Kitchen Kapers
Specializing in fine cookware, bakeware, cutlery, coffee and espresso machines, and much more since 1975; offering a large selection of leading brands such as DeLonghi, Wusthof, All-Clad, and Cuisinart.23 Hulfish Street, 609.924.9190, kitchenkapers.com
Pacers
Running A family owned-and-operated running and walking specialty retailer with six locations in the greater Washington, DC area, Palmer Square is their first New Jersey store. Providing top running and walking shoes, apparel, accessories, and a custom fit process. 7 Palmer Square West, 609.454.5429, runpacers.com
Thomas Sweet Chocolate
Thomas Sweet has been crafting fine quality, traditional-technique chocolate for 30 years. Their chocolate and fudge are made in fresh, small batches on-location daily. Truffles are hand-rolled, made with premium butters, creams, spices, and nuts. Chocolate can be custom molded to accommodate the most decadent chocolate desires. 29 Palmer Square, 609.924.7222, thomassweet.com
Zoe
A style landmark with the freshest looks from a wide rangeof top designers including Lanvin, Rag and Bone, Stella McCartney, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, and The Row. 11 Hulfish Street, 609.497.0704, palmersquare.com/shopping/zoe
BEYOND THE SQUARE (Other Stores)
Gilded Lion & Antiques A professional, responsible, client-oriented service dealing in antiques, rare objects, and fine arts since 1979. Consulting, appraisals, referrals, and sales of private pieces and collections, including a textile sold to the H.F. Dupont Winterthur Museum, shown and published in the exhibition, Masterworks from the Collection. 4 Chambers Street, 609.924.6350, thegildedlion.com
Hamilton Jewelers
This respected business combines the characteristics of an international jeweler with the unique hospitality of a regional family business with a global reputation for excellence. The team is highly accredited in their fields of expertise, from Watchmakers to Gemologists and Appraisers, to Certified Jewelry Professionals. 92 Nassau Street, 800.5.HAMILTON. hamiltonjewelers.com
Labyrinth Books A community and scholarly bookstore for engaged readers carrying new and used books, course texts, and tomes for children and adults. Their large, quality selection includes “remainders” at deep discounts in all subject areas. A $15 annual membership is available, with free membership for professors and teachers. 122 Nassau Street, 609.497.1600, labyrinthbooks.com
Landau The third generation, family run apparel shop is now celebrating its 60th anniversary in Princeton and 101st year in business. Founded in 1914 by Henry Landau in Jersey City, the wool experts moved to Brooklyn in 1919 and Princeton in 1955. Distinctive products are sourced in Ireland, England, Scotland, Austria, Nepal, New Zealand, and elsewhere around the globe. Famous for its outerwear coats, scarves, sweaters, mittens, and gloves – the owners, known as the “Wool Family” claim to be the first U.S. store to sell pantyhose. Located opposite Princeton University at 102 Nassau Street, 1.800.257.9445, landauprinceton.com
Princeton Record Exchange One of the leading and largest independent record stores since 1980, this music lover’s destination buys and sells new and used CDs, DVDs, video games and vinyl records. 20 South Tulane Street, 609.921.0881, prex.com
Princeton Shopping Center For over 60 years, Princeton Shopping Center has been a community shopping and gathering place with more than 40 local and national stores, covered walkways, and a two-acre landscaped courtyard called “the living room of Princeton.” Anchored by McCaffrey’s Market and offering special events throughout the year, the center includes a women’s boutique, wine shop, pet supplies, and gifts. 301 North Harrison Street, 609.921.6234, visitprinceton.org.
Princeton University Store The place to shop for all the Tigers in your life. The Holiday Shop features ornaments, stocking stuffers, accessories, party supplies, vintage posters, items for the Class of 2017, and more “spirited” goods. 36 University Place, 609.921.8500, pustore.com
Rouge Contemporary clothing and accessories, with sought after and hard-to-find brands from New York to Paris, conveniently located in the center of Princeton on the plaza. Wardrobe options for meetings, business trips, and social life from eclectic designers, handpicked by the owner. Enjoy trunk shows, events, and personal shopping. 51 Witherspoon Street, 609.921.0280. myrougegirl.com
South Moon Under Begun as a surf shack in Ocean City, Maryland in 1968, this style staple has evolved into a sophisticated, upscale clothing retailer offering edgy apparel and accessories for men and women. Inventory from across the country is sourced by a driven, talented team who carefully hand selects a range of intriguing styles that are socially and environmentally responsible.
3535 U.S. Highway One, Marketfair, 609.608.7014, southmoonunder.com
Viburnum Designs Florist This floral-forward favorite has an experienced staff who have worked in the fields of floral, home, event, corporate, and graphic design. Experts provide unique ideas expressing personal styles at home, weddings, events, and business locations. Corporate design, baskets, and gifts are also available. Located in downtown Princeton at 202 Nassau Street, 609.683.8800, viburnumdesigns.com
Dining
Dig In!
Agricola In Latin, Agricola means “farmer,” embodying the true farm-to-table spirit of this acclaimed eatery. Ingredients come from their own Great Road Farm as well as from other neighboring providers. 11 Witherspoon Street, 609.921.2798, info@agricolaeatery.com
Alchemist & Barrister A popular, atmospheric spot in an historic building featuring a newly renovated bar area, traditional pub, a year ‘round spacious patio area, and live music. International fare spans American, Mexican, Irish, and Asian dishes. Meads of the Month (honey wine), from ancient recipes, complete the experience. 28 Witherspoon Street, 609.924.5555, theaandb.com
Elements In 2008, along with business partner, Stephen Distler, Chef and Culinary Pioneer Scott Anderson opened this dining “experience.” Blending progressive modernist cooking techniques with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Anderson tantalizes taste buds with his trademark “Interpretive-American” cuisine. 609.924.0078, 66 Witherspoon Street, elementsprinceton.com
Mediterra Casual yet upscale dining combining the flavors of all 21 countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea, and a wine list with selections from 10 countries. A private dining room and the Taverna space are available for private parties, while al fresco patio dining happens during summer months. 29 Hulfish Street, 609.252.9680, www.terramomo.com
Mistral Mixing taste, style, and atmosphere, Mistral is associated with Elements and recognized for its James Beard-decorated chefs and food activists Scott Anderson and chef de cuisine Ben Nerenhausen. They emphasize fresh, local ingredients and artistically plated dishes presented from an open kitchen. Influenced by global flavor profiles and techniques, Mistral’s menu features interpretative American cuisine, much like its sister restaurant. 66 Witherspoon Street, 609.688.8808, mistralprinceton.com
Tre Piani Italian and Mediterranean cuisine from Chef Jim Weaver, a practitioner of the Slow Food movement. Most pastas are made in-house. Seafood, (including Cape May salt oysters!) main dishes, light entrees, pizzettes, and more. Its Tre Bar features “farm to bar” signature drinks. 120 Rockingham Row, 609.452.1515, trepiani.com
Triumph Brewery Enter the unassuming door on Nassau Street and enter a voluminous space that previously housed a movie theater, a hardware store, and bowling alley. Enjoy imaginative and eclectic appetizers, entrees, sandwiches, and small bites crafted from artisanal local ingredients and a multitude of beers on tap, plus their own hand-crafted brews made on site. In addition to the
New Hope location next to the train station, a Red Bank branch is nearing the end of construction next to the Two River Theater. 138 Nassau Street, 609.924.7855, triumphbrewing.com
Witherspoon Grill A refined, casual setting sets the stage for this steakhouse destination, featuring all-natural Prime Angus Beef, local-sourced poultry, and fresh fish and seafood from the Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company. Many steaks are hand cut in-house including the dry-aged Delmonico. Classic American fare and raw bar favorites are also on the menu. The vibrant bar scene, with a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, features live jazz on Tuesday evenings. 57 Witherspoon Street, 609.924.6011, witherspoongrill.com
Lights Out
Where to Stay
Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center This scenic lakeside property is surrounded by 370 acres of woodlands, offering a welcoming setting for meetings, weddings, special events, dining, and leisure getaways. Featuring luxurious guest rooms, a conference center, event space, indoor saltwater pool, and state-of-the-art fitness center, dining room, lobby bar, and helipad. Tucked away nearby is historic Laurie House, a former hunt club with the intimate atmosphere of a small inn with rooms for special occasions and seven B&B-style accommodations. One Chauncey Road,
609.921.3600, acc-chaunceyconferencecenter.com
Hyatt Regency The venerable brand offers a mix of classic elegance and contemporary design tailored for the business or vacation traveler. The “office to oasis” facility has 330 modern guestrooms and suites, spa-like amenities including a heated pool, 24-hour gym, flexible event venues totaling more than 32,000 sq. ft. of newly-renovated space, and the Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club. The Artisan Kitchen & Lounge serves Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. 102 Carnegie Center, 609.987.1234, princeton.regency.hyatt.com
NASSAU INN With its blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort, this inn stands out. Corporate functions, weddings, and social gatherings of up to 300 guests are hosted in 10,000 square feet of event space. The Inn’s business center and fitness facility are open 24 hours, while the legendary Yankee Doodle Tap Room serves creative gastro pub cuisine by a grand stone fi replace dating to 1756. Located on Palmer Square at #10, 609.921.7500, nassauinn.com
THE PEACOCK INN One of New Jersey’s favorite boutique hotels and fi ne dining restaurants, this landmark is an attractive colonial-style mansion that has been transformed into a modern luxury 16-room hotel, restaurant and bar; a member of the Ascend Hotel Collection. The Inn’s refined yet relaxed restaurant serves New American Cuisine and has received the Wine Spectator
Award of Excellence for the past six years. Corporate and social functions can accommodate groups up to 85 guests. 20 Bayard Lane, 609.924.1707, peacockinn.com
PRINCETON MARRIOTT AT FORRESTAL Dedicated to exceeding expectations, whether for a relaxing weekend getaway or business meetings, the Marriot’s refined accommodations are complimented by award-winning service. Located on 25 scenic wooded acres, the hotel complex boasts a resort-like feel. Work out in the fitness center, play tennis on the indoor courts, or enjoy the on-site spa. Seasonal American cuisine is offered at the Homestate Café; relaxed classics at Barley’s Pub. There is also 35,000 sq. ft. of venue space and planning services. 100 College Road East, 609.452.7800, marriott.com
