Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + See, Where to Eat + Drink, + Where to Stay in Princeton, NJ Now
Welcome to Princeton, New Jersey. Founded before the American Revolution and home to Ivy League, Princeton University—you'll find everything from upscale shopping to bountiful historic architecture.
Tucked away on a quaint tree-lined side street and only steps from Nassau Street (Princeton's main shopping thoroughfare), we checked into The Peacock Inn. The circa-1700s inn has housed members of the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War to today's A-List entertainers.
The Peacock Inn in Princetown, New Jersey
As of late, each one of the inn's 16 guest rooms have been completely renovated and transformed into luxurious hideaways.
Located on the third floor (the front desk whisked away my luggage up there faster than I could) overlooking picturesque Bayard Lane, we were welcomed into the Stockton Suite and greeted with the most delicious macarons, which were complimented by chilled prosecco. Perfect relief from the humidity I had just escaped.
The Peacock Inn in Princeton, New Jersey
The 600-square foot plus Stockton Suite featured a king four poster bed, 42 inch plasma TV, Ben Shahn artwork, and as you can see above, a luxurious oversized bathroom complete with a jacuzzi tub, heated floors, rain shower and body jets, Frette linens, Molton Brown toiletries and my personal favorite: those beautiful privacy shutters.
It kind of went like this. It was hot, I had just drove quite a bit, so being welcomed by this bathroom was a bit of enjoyable relief. It only took a few minutes before the jacuzzi was on, the prosecco popped and macarons devoured.
The Peacock Inn in Princeton, New Jersey
Although I didn't have use for the heated floors that day, it would be perfect for all those chilly fall days ahead.
Feeling refreshed, I went out to explore the town that Money Magazine ranked as one of the top 100 towns in the United States to "Live and Work In."
Shopping in Princeton, New Jersey
Two of my favorite clothing stores, side by side. And so much character.
As you walk through the Princeton University gates... Nassau Hall was built in 1756.
Princeton University
I had worked up quite an appetite and headed back to The Peacock Inn to indulge in Chef Parvez's modern American cuisine at one of New Jersey's top fine dining restaurants.
I started off with an amazing martini known as Lavender Bumble.
Blended with gin, lavender honey, lemon and egg white—to die for.
My first course, the Peekytoe Crab Salad, had arrived.
The Peacock Inn in Princeton, New Jersey
A perfect summer gazpacho with watermelon, beetroot, labneh (Greek yogurt), radish and pumpernickel. This played double as my dessert.
Next, came the Terrine of Hudson Valley Foie Gras.
The Peacock Inn in Princeton, New Jersey
Decadent and divine with sugar plum, macadamia nut, toasted coconut and brioche.
I finished off with the Miso Butter Poached Halibut.
The Peacock Inn in Princeton, New Jersey
Creamy and mouthwatering with edamame, kaffir lime, baby bok choy, spring peas, white asparagus, orange and sunflower seed.
The following morning came fast, but before I went for a jog to check out more sights... Coffee.
The Peacock Inn in Princeton, New Jersey
A continental breakfast in the restaurant off the lobby consisted of fresh juices, pastries, yogurt, coffee and tea, I may have or may have not left any of my favorite for other guests: smoked salmon.
As I headed out for my jog, I visited the 1836 portico, a memorial that hovers over Princeton Battlefield.
Princeton, New Jersey
The columns mark the spot where American and British troops fought each other in 1777 in the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolutionary War.
There's no shortage of historic homes in Princeton—ranging from Colonial to Federal styles.
Morven (circa 1750) in Princeton, New Jersey
Drumthwacket (circa 1835) in Princeton, New Jersey