• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
/
November 14, 2012

A Visit to Princeton, NJ

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

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!

[subscribe2]

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
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.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008
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

Leave a Reply to Carol Cain Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Politics at the airport: Yes. It’s true. I do want stuff.
Next Post
A Santa Barbara Wedding

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 and 2 puppies. 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

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe53 Post(s)
  • North America316 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

Contact

  • carol@girlgonetravel.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

Copyright © 2023 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice