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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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November 14, 2012

A Visit to Princeton, NJ

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One of the things that I am loving about living in New Jersey is how easily and quickly it is to access smaller, cute towns that make for either great family getaways or romantic destinations.

What most people know about Princeton, NJ is limited to the university that share it’s name. And though Princeton University, the fourth-oldest college in the United States, is certainly a sight to behold and a wonderful place to walk through, the township of Princeton itself has a lot more to offer.

We only spent a night during this most recent visit, but even in that limited time we felt like we had really gotten away from it all. I love the charm of the downtown area especially, with its cute shops and small eateries and bars. Walking through the streets we witnessed residents and visitors come together in the various plazas to listen to local bands rock out some tunes or watch the children play around Palmer Square.

There is a strong art community in Princeton, much of which you can enjoy at their various museums – such as the Grounds for Sculptures, which displays over 270 contemporary sculptures and the Princeton Dolls and Toy Museum, which hosts a collection of dolls and toys from the 1600’s to present. Those are just two among the very many other art centers and museums in the region.

Walking around Princeton is fun  because of its history. The town dates back to late 1600s and its community has done well in preserving a lot of the historic sights, both in architecture as well as environment making it clear that you are somewhere very special when you visit.

We haven’t had the chance to try out too many places to eat in the area as our visits are often so quick, but I have to say that one of my favorites is also a favorite among locals: Winberies Restaurant and Bar. It’s not exclusive to Princeton, but it is one of my go-to spots because of the good food, the comfortable ambiance, as well as the family-friendliness. The kids also loved tasting the American based ice cream with gelato texture served over at The Bent Spoon, where artisan ice cream and delicious bakery are served, and where there is no such thing as a “small scoop”.

There are plenty of places to stay at in Princeton, from luxury hotels to quaint B&B’s. For my huge family, we chose a brand we love and trust: the Residence Inn at Carnegie Center. It is one of the locations that has been newly remodeled (if you haven’t check out the newest suites within the Residence Inn brand, I highly encourage a visit!) and also, the closest to downtown Princeton.

With all the amenities we love and enjoy from Residence Inn – kitchenette, pool, large suites, free Wifi, and fireplace, as well as the complimentary, hearty breakfast – we had a wonderful stay.

We had to leave Princeton, NJ earlier than we had hoped as we expected the storm to hit the evening we left, but I still have a long list of things yet to discover. A short ride from both PA and NYC, it’s a great little road trip to take with or without kids in tow, and one I highly recommend.

For more information on what to see and do and where to eat and stay, please visit the Princeton CVB website at http://www.visitprinceton.org/

My thanks to Residence Inn Princeton Carnegie Center for hosting us!

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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2 Comments
  • Dee
    November 14, 2012

    Will add to my list of day trips.

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    November 14, 2012

    @Dee: You'll enjoy it : )

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Follow @girlgonetravel

Life has been a LOT lately, and I am indulging in Life has been a LOT lately, and I am indulging in it. 

Especially enjoyed this recent walk through town as a storm slowly brewed. 

It felt lovely. 

#fingerlakes #corningny #newyork
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! @travisjcain will be painting MARK YOUR CALENDAR! @travisjcain will be painting a beautiful new mural at Elmira’s Mural Fest this year (weather permitting on Saturday, if not on a less rainy day)! Last year he painted this board which was recently on display still at @communityartselmira. 

Hopefully we have a sunny day and you can come out to support Travis and all the muralists that day! See you there!

#elmirany #painter #artist #communityarts
Sometimes it’s like I never left. #newyork Sometimes it’s like I never left. 

#newyork
SHOUT OUT to our oldest, @davidacain_, who carries SHOUT OUT to our oldest, @davidacain_, who carries with him the entrepreneurial spirit he’s inherited from his parents. 

While successfully working in supply chain management for a global corporation based in NYC, he continues to manage and operate his own product, @getcalma, a comforting heated eye mask that is currently on the Amazon top seller list for two years in a row and has a growing consumer following! 

We are so incredibly proud of David and his growing success as an entrepreneur and in his career, and know the future will continue to be bright for him!

To learn more about Calma and make a purchase, visit his website at GetCalma.com. 

#proudmomma #getcalma #entreprenuer #smallbusiness
The time has come to move on from my role as a bar The time has come to move on from my role as a barista at @the_garage_at_rye and towards my next adventure. 

I started this journey with a curiosity for a craft I admired and wanted to learn more about. It turned into a job. Then a serious passion. And now here I am, launching Café Cómodo (KOH-moh-doh), which means “Comfortable/cozy” in Spanish, a pop-up café serving espresso and seasonal drinks at local farmers markets and private events! (@cafecomodony)

Starting yet another business was never my intent…and yet, I fell further in love with the craft, the industry, and the culture.

I owe so much of what I have learned to @seschieber, who took me under her wings and taught me so much (and still does) and who embraced my nerdiness and eagerness with patience and kindness….and in the process became one of my dearest friends. Working alongside her has felt like winning the golden ticket. She further instilled in me a respect for the craft, the industry, and a commitment to always strive for a quality product, even in a world of Dunkins and Starbucks. 

Grateful for @abbdawes, @hannahmariee93, and Amanda who tolerated my clumsiness at the start while I fumbled my way through the register and the various drink recipes!

I wasn’t sure where this journey would lead, and as I look back at these clips I realize how much I have changed in the process. It’s not always a place that impacts you, but rather the people in it.

I will miss the regulars I’ve gotten to know whose names and drink orders I memorized and who I looked forward to serving. 

I’m so grateful for everything I learned, beyond just making coffee, because I know it will help me to further grow as a leader, an entrepreneur, and a team member wherever I go and in everything I do next.

I won’t miss the dark morning wake ups and long drives before sunrise though! 

I’m proudest of myself for wanting to develop a new skill and ✨DOING IT✨ even when it felt awkward, nerving, and impossible. I hope you will follow me on this next chapter and come say hi at the market (and hire me for your next event)!

Thank you to Charlie Hunter, owner of The Garage for this opportunity.

#coffee #cafe #popupcafe
Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the sounds of this beautiful place I call home. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #upstateny

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