Farms, theaters, and eats galore: a weekend in Princeton

Even if your student days are far behind you, there’s something about a small college town like Princeton, New Jersey, that pulls at the heartstrings. Throughout his career, James Steward, director of the Princeton University Art Museum, has lived in several college towns. But nothing compares to Princeton, which was settled in the late 1600s, was the location for a decisive battle in the Revolutionary War, was the capital of the U.S. for a hot minute, and is home to the legendary ivy-league school.

“There’s so much history here, but this town is still very much alive. There’s a palpable energy on the sidewalks,” says James. “Plus, the town and the university come together in a way that’s particularly attractive and vibrant, since the university doesn’t sit somewhere out on the edge — it’s right in the thick of it.”

It was precisely this college town vibe that attracted Amar Gautam and Amanda Maher, owners of a popular new restaurant called The Meeting House. For many years, the couple had been living in Manhattan, where Amar owned a cocktail bar and Amanda was getting her Phd. A few years ago, they set their sights on Princeton as a place to raise their family and open their dream restaurant. “Princeton felt right,” says Amar. “We’re both very outdoorsy and there are tons of public parks. And there’s so much going on — great restaurants, quirky shops, theater performances, music, plays, and more.”

In other words, it checks all The WeekEnder boxes for the perfect weekend escape. Princeton, here we come.

-Laura Begley Bloom, New York's Senior WeekEnder Writer

While Princeton is home to some bigger chain properties, we’re partial to two inns that are small in size but big on charm.

This colonial-style inn from the 1700s has been given a modern overhaul (complete with a fine-dining restaurant). Some of its famous guests over the years have included Albert Einstein and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This inn dates to pre-Revolutionary days: Paul Revere dined at its previous incarnation, a tavern on nearby Nassau Street. Now, the property is set in the center of town on Palmer Square and is home to an historic gastropub, Yankee Doodle Tap Room, which has 19 craft beers on tap.

According to James Steward, director of the Princeton Art Museum, the town's proximity to New York city has at times been a blessing and a curse. “For years, Princeton was famous for not having a great food scene because people would say, ‘Well, if you were a serious foodie, you would just go to Manhattan or Philadelphia.’” No longer, says James: “It’s an overused word, but it has become a true foodie destination.”

PJ’s Pancake House - A pancake spot where generations of diners have carved their names into the tables and the booths.

Jammin’ Crepes - Sweet and savory crepes. Not to be missed: the Everything’s Better With Bacon and Jam, served with brie, arugula, strawberry-lavender jam, and (of course) bacon.

Small World Cafe - “There are a multitude of coffee shops in town and everybody has their favorite, but this is mine,” says James. “It has the most devoted staff, so loyal that the employees are called Small Worldlings.”

Sakrid Coffee Roasters - The Meeting House co-owners Amar Gautam and Amanda Maher are partial to this local coffee roaster, which is a twist on an Italian espresso bar.

Nomad Pizza - When Amar and Amanda aren’t eating at their own restaurant, they head to this family-friendly wood-fired pizzeria that features locally grown organic produce.

Olives Deli & Bakery - “This is the source of my lunch more often than I probably want to admit,” says James. “It’s also a great place to go on a Saturday and get picnic supplies.”

Diesel & Duke - A classic burger joint where everything is cooked to order, the fries are hand-cut, and there’s even a dog menu with an unseasoned all-beef patty for Fido.

Local Greek - “We went to Greece on our honeymoon, so we have an affinity for Greek food — and the dishes here are fantastic,” says Amar

Elite Five - Whatever Asian food you’re looking for — sushi, sashimi, ramen, yakitori — you’re likely to find it here. A heads up: The restaurant is BYOB.

The Meeting House - This modern American restaurant has quickly become a go-to for locals, thanks to its craft cocktail program and simple menu that changes based on the season. But some things are a constant, including the fried chicken and biscuits (a crowd pleaser) and Tuesday burger night (a fan favorite).

Mistral - Modern global cuisine with an emphasis on small plates for sharing. “It’s ambitious fine dining with a visionary chef in the kitchen,” says James.

Elements - The sister of Mistral has an equally talented team and a five-course tasting menu that highlights local producers.

The Bent Spoon - “A classic ice cream shop where they create absurd flavors like cicada ice cream with real bugs — my kids love it,” says Amanda.

Lillipies - A small-batch bakery specializing in single-serve pies called “lillipies” that give the place its name.

Princeton’s connection to the arts goes back to pre-Revolutionary times, thanks to the university, which started collecting art in 1755. “The school always believed that art should be part of the teaching enterprise and to help students to access the world,” says James Steward, director of the Princeton University Art Museum, which is currently closed and being rebuilt by superstar architect David Adjaye. Here, James shares his favorite places to experience the town’s cultural highlights.

Art@Bainbridge -This downtown gallery occupies one of the oldest buildings in Princeton and showcases pieces from the university’s art collection. “We are programming exhibitions to make sure that the museum doesn’t wholly disappear during the years of construction,” says James.

Princeton University Campus Art - Scattered throughout the university grounds is a serious sculpture collection with works by Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, Maya Lin, and many others. “The fun part of that is that we are continually updating the collection and bringing in more diverse makers and more diverse kinds of public art,” says James.

Milberg Gallery - “The Firestone Library is generally not a public facility, but they created this new gallery space just before Covid,” says James. “Right now it has a wonderful exhibition about the art of Giovanni Battista Piranesi [a printmaker from 18th-century Europe].”

Arts Council of Princeton - “A place where community members can take courses in everything from ceramics to photography to fly-fish tying,” says James. “Its notion of what constitutes art is quite diverse.”

McCarter Theatre Center - “An independent Tony award-winning regional theater with super dynamic programming,” says James.

Richardson Auditorium - “This beautiful 19th century concert hall has an elaborate interior with period sculpture and painting and tilework,” says James. “It’s a gorgeous environment where you can listen to music.”

Princeton Garden Theatre - “In the old days, we would’ve called this an art house for cinema. It does independent film, foreign film, and the occasional mainstream release,” says James.

In and around Princeton, you’ll find several ways to combine history and nature.

Historical Society of Princeton - This historic society offers walking tours ranging from Princeton’s gargoyles to the town’s legendary eating clubs.

Princeton Tour Company - Another walking tour company, with holiday trolley tours, a cheeky exploration called the shameless name dropping tour, a self-guided Albert Einstein walk, and more.

Institute Woods - The best local spot for hiking with miles of flat trails and cinder paths.

Princeton Battlefield State Park - A Revolutionary War site where American and British troops clashed during the Battle of Princeton.

Surrounding Princeton are spectacular farms that have become destinations not only for chefs in search of amazing produce but families in search of a fun weekend activity. These are a few of the best.

Terhune Orchards & Winery in Princeton - A family-owned farm with local cider, fresh baked pies, a farmers' market, and a multitude of children's activities, including tractors to play on and barnyard animal petting.

Howell Living History Farm in Lambertville - This 250-year-old farm is home to New Jersey’s longest running corn maze

Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville - “An amazing farm where the cheese is all made from milk from their cows. We serve it at the restaurant,” says Amar Gautam of The Meeting House. “They also offer cheese making classes.”

Princeton’s downtown is filled with independent shops with a unique flare that sets the destination apart. Here are some of the local favorites.

Labyrinth Books - “This is where students buy their course books, but it’s also a book lover’s bookshop,” says James.

Princeton Record Exchange - “A cult destination where you can find out-of-print pressings of classical recordings,” says James.

Jazams - “A fantastic children’s store with a thoughtful selection of toys and books for kids,” says Amanda Maher.

Miya Table & Home - “Beautiful tableware,” says Amanda.

Zoë - “A well-curated collection of designer clothes,” says Amanda.

Princeton Corkscrew Wine Shop - “A great selection of wines with a very knowledgeable staff,” says Amanda.

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