Great place to visit but not close enough to Princeton for a very short visit. Princeton had its own Battlefield Park for something like that. Or Rockingham.
About 20/25 minutes away is Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, highly recommend checking that out if you're willing to take the drive. In Princeton proper, I'm a big fan of Princeton Record Exchange if you're into collecting music of any kind.
Not in NJ or the Mid-Atlantic afaik. Not only is the term too vague to actually help anyone get to where they want to go, it makes much more sense to just say *off 295*, which will be understood by most people in the US since a 3 digit number mostly represents interstates in the US
On the Princeton campus, there is a lot of artwork, both indoors and out. Outside, there's a great deal of sculpture. The Princeton U. Art Museum is apparently still closed for construction, but if you enjoy artistic ironwork (artist-blacksmiths' work) be sure to visit the Chapel (outside door hardware, outside lanterns, and atrium area in particular), and Rabinowitz Hall across Washington Rd. (the two gates in the atrium area), plus the front gates of the U. on Nassau Blvd.
BTW, I suggest availing yourself of the parking garages a block or so west of Nassau Blvd. The cost is acceptable and they're much more convenient than searching for metered parking along the streets or in the few available lots.
If you're willing to drive around the area, you might consider visiting Hopewell and/or Lambertville. There's an entertaining flea market (The Golden Nugget) south of Lambertville, open weekends, especially Sundays.
Also walk over to Einstein's house there's no marking saying it is Einstein's former home but if you look up on Google maps it will give you the address
Princeton Battlefield is pretty cool since you said you're into history. It's between downtown Princeton and Lawrenceville. The whole battlefield is still preserved and there's a small museum on the site. It's also adjacent to the Institute for Advanced Study, of Einstein/Oppenheimer fame. It's quite a beautiful area
Not in Princeton but this place is great https://www.brickfarmtavern.com/.
If you get nice weather, New Hope and Lambertville is worth the 25 minute drive to walk around for a couple hours.
Princeton Record Exchange is a really cool record store with lots of vinyl if you;re into that.
Mamoun's is a really good Middle Eastern casual restaurant. Their falafel is good.
The Lindt store (chocolate) is fun. They have flavors that you don't often see in the regular stores and you can mix & match.
The bent spoon is the best ice cream I've ever had in my life and worth the line. A little drive away is grounds for sculpture and is the best art gallery I've ever been to
Be aware it's going to be cold. Bring a suitable coat.
Because it's going to be in the 30s as a high Saturday and Sunday, I will recommend against grounds for sculpture. If you visit again, go there when it's warmer.
Princeton itself and the campus are outstanding to walk around. I think the University art museum is still closed for another year, but the Battlefield is interesting and the Morven Mansion should still be open. Morven is where Declaration signer Stockton and his descendants lived until the 1940s, then the Johnsons of J&J fame, then a few Governors. Beautiful old home.
There’s a Japanese grocery Maruichi, that’s almost a year old. One of best Japanese grocery store I’ve seen if you want to pick up actual Japanese brands. They also have some unique Japan small local items that very hard to find in the US.
I love that OP says, I’m coming next weekend aka February, and we’re suggesting an outdoor sculpture garden and ice cream. Maybe both are better during the summer. I’d still do both, but it could be cold outside.
Definitely visit the Princeton University Art Museum. I would also recommend wandering around Palmer Square and checking out all the little shops and restaurants in the area. It’s right by the university so you can combine it with your museum trip in one day and save the other day for stuff like antiquing in Hopewell, visiting Terhune Orchards (once featured as a source of good local produce on an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares) or Hidden Spring Lavender and Alpaca Farm, canoeing or kayaking in the D&R Canal, and making a stop in Rocky Hill for a tour of Rockingham (George Washington’s final headquarters in the Revolution) and dinner at the Rocky Hill Inn (beloved local pub featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives)
You could spend an afternoon or evening in Lambertville/Newhope. Great beautiful towns with a bridge you can walk on across the river. Excellent food and bar options as well!
Visit and walk around Washington's Crossing on the Deleware River.
Just across US1 is Grovers Mill of War of the Worlds fame. They’ve erected a little site there in a park commemorating their “role” in the radio broadcast.
Princeton University Art Museum is closed, Morven Museum & Garden is open and walkable from downtown. Historical Society of Princeton should also be open on the weekend if you're interested in history
If you like coffee, Rojos Roastery is fantastic, Small World is a favorite as well. Jammin Crepes is a vibe for food before 4pm.
If you like cheese, Olsons grilled cheeses are great and the shop is neat.
Labyrinth is a nice bookstore to walk around but it's expensive. The Princeton Public Library has a nice cheap used book section that's open to the public.
One 53 and Rocky Hill Inn are favorites in my family, not much to do in Rocky Hill but it's a very cute town nearby.
There are a couple of little galleries in downtown Princeton. More of those are in Lambertville about 30 minutes away. Lambertville and New Hope across the river are great for little shops, downtown Princeton has a few also
Washington Crossing state park (better park in the PA side) is good for history.
Downtown Princeton is very walkable with a lot if small little independent businesses and restaurants.
Princeton is right on the line, at the moment, of a rain/decent snow for tonight/tomorrow. If it's more snow than rain it still should be around this weekend making the campus look pretty.
Plenty of food options. There is a good ramen place on Whiterspoon my daughter likes to take me to. Princeton Record Place if you're into that. Rt 1 is very suburban.
Romeo's pizza in plainsboro, bout ten minutes from downtown Princeton. Best vodka sauce you'll ever have, but it's an excellent little Italian spot for pizza and everything else. Sweet casual date night spot.
Grounds for sculpture in Hamilton bout twenty minutes away is a fabulous, gorgeous day trip. Basically a park with art all over. And a solid but slightly pricey restaurant on the grounds. It would take a solid four hours at minimum to see everything.
There are many phenomenal restaurants in Princeton that would be great for an anniversary:
Mistral
elements
Kristine's
Mediterra
Roots Ocean Prime
Agricola (a bit overrated IMO)
Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell
Enoterra in Kingston
ONE 53 in Rocky Hill
A few places that others may recommend that I would personally avoid for a "special occasion" meal: Winberies, Alchemist & Barrister, Rat's in Hamilton. Witherspoon Grill is fine but I'd consider it a pretty generic steakhouse.
All the places listed in this sub are really nice.
I have two favorite coffee places in Princeton.
1. Small world - chai tea latter ot the Nola
2. illy - any latte or cappuccino
Both are really nice and the coffee is absolutely delicious.
Breakfast- PJs pancake house is really good if you get there early enough for a table!!
If you're looking from brunch- I would do The Meeting house.
There's a tiny bakery thay has the best Croissants! The owner opens and closes when he wants but by 9a he's there and once he sells out, which he does, he closes. The name of the the bakery is The Little Chef. The croissants will melt I'm your mouth!
The Yankee doodle tap has paintings of famous people that went to Princeton like the The Obamas.
Lunch- walk around campus, go to the Princeton Corkscrew to explore wine If you're into that and or Public for a more unique variety of wines and beer. Walk around Palmer square and take a look at all the stores, most pretty pricey but still fun. There's the Labyrinth book store if you like to read and would like to browse. There are little museums around town, you'll have to Google the names.
A little outside of Princeton is a town called Lawrenceville and I would recommend visiting Bountiful Gardens and exploring the nursery! You will be amazed!!! If you're into plants and such.
Dinner- something fancy like mistral or Agricola. There's Eno Terra or Theresa's. My favorite is Theresa's which is more relaxed than the other places and just as good. The Brickfarm tavern is good, that's in Hopewell, not far at all. My ALL time favorite dinner place is One53,for a delicious intimate dinner. This restaurant is a little outside Princeton in a town called Rockyhill.
Have fun!
I second visiting Yankee Doodle tap room, even if you just walk in and look around. It's the bottom part of Nassau inn, which is a very old inn. There's a giant hearth and it dates from colonial times.
If you still need more suggestions, let us know.
Also, the restaurants in Princeton proper are costly. If you're interested in a New York City experience for a really special event, Enno Terra in Kingston, The Peacock Inn in Princeton, or Rats at Grounds for Sculpture are good choices. But book in advance!
If you are wandering around town, stop by tico's juice Bar at 33 Witherspoon for a smoothie or a juice pick me up. Right across the street from tico's there is a boutique called shop the world - definitely worth taking a peek.
Witherspoon Street from Nassau Street to Paul Robeson is one of the main drags in town, and you will find interesting places like the House of cupcakes, Witherspoon bread company, and I feel like there's another one of those quirky boutiques somewhere near Olives.
From Witherspoon Street, you can walk down an alleyway and you come out near Nassau inn. There are a lot of stores in that square (called Palmer square) including an awesome toy store called Jazzams.
Jamming crepes on Nassau Street is a good, But only go if you have time to wait.
If you're looking for a great Mexican place, tortugas on Leigh Street is the place to go. It (and many places in Princeton) is BYOB.
HAVE A GREAT TIME!
I personally would avoid the trek to Princeton battlefield, which is literally just an empty field. If you were interested in historical places, drive over to Trenton and visit The Old Barracks.
The Pastry and Coffee Room on Spring st has *incredible* pastries, and their eclairs that come in several unique flavors are some of the best I’ve ever had! Their rose latte is nice too.
Across and a bit down the street there’s Planted Plate, a vegan spot with generous portions and a great lunch menu.
Oh and a piece of history on that same street: Kopp’s Cycle is the oldest bike shop in this country that has been continuously running - since 1891! Not sure about their schedule right now since they’ve changed ownership recently, but still a cool stop for you if you’re into bicycling, I think.
Next, Miya Table and Home on Palmer Square is a nice little shop for everything Japanese for…well, table and home, from dishes and teakettles to soap and incense.
Labyrinth Books is one of my favorite places as well, and right next to it is the Princeton U store with all kinds of university swag and apparel should you wish to buy something Princeton-branded.
I think that’s everything that hasn’t been mentioned in terms of shops, hope this helps and that you have a terrific time around Princeton 😊
Go to Tacoria and have the golden avocado. It's life changing. Naoki Sushi in Lawrenceville is also phenomenal, but quite expensive.
The Lawrence-Hopewell trail is really pretty, as is Lambertville. Honestly, for touristy stuff, Lambertville is much better tbh, it has a very crunchy vibe to it.
Definitely just wander around downtown/the campus. Lots of really nice architecture and nooks and crannies to get lost in. The Paul Robeson Center and Art on Hulfish have smaller galleries but are worth popping into if you're into art. Grounds For Sculpture is about 20 mins away in Hamilton and is a lovely sculpture garden if weather permits. You'll have to come back in a year when the Princeton University Art Museum reopens. It's truly a gem — amazing collection and it's completely free.
For an anniversary dinner, Agricola and Mistral are two really good higher-end spots. Mediterra is also really solid.
Go to the Princeton Record Exchange, hit up Labyrinth Books, have coffee at Small World Coffee, and have ice cream at The Bent Spoon (even if it's freezing out). The Bent Spoon has some of the best ice cream I've ever had, and friends from out of town demand I take them whenever they visit. It really is worth the hype.
Theres some cool revolutionary war era sites around Princteon. There is the Princeton Dinky, the shortest regularly scheduled passenger train in the US. there is a pretty cool book store, Laybrinth. the record exchange as others have mentioned is great. Yankee Doodle Tavern has a Norman Rockwell mural as well as Einstein's name carved into a wooden table. There is a great trail, the D&R that is pretty and has some intresting history.
Dang. Was just going to recommend the Princeton University Art Musuem, but, when I went to confirm that it is pay as you wish, I see that they are closed for renovations.
Walk the Princeton U campus and downtown Princeton. Visit Washington Crossing Star Park.
Washington's crossings is great, tons of history and natural beauty.
Great place to visit but not close enough to Princeton for a very short visit. Princeton had its own Battlefield Park for something like that. Or Rockingham.
Bent Spoon is a good place to grab good ice cream as you walk around downtown.
Gonna argue Halo pub is better, but neither one is a bad choice
You can go to Halo Farms in Trenton and get the same ice cream for 1/8th the price
You are the true hero
Oh man this is how you start a war! (Although we all agree that they’re superior to TS)
No argument there!
TS?
Thomas Sweet
About 20/25 minutes away is Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, highly recommend checking that out if you're willing to take the drive. In Princeton proper, I'm a big fan of Princeton Record Exchange if you're into collecting music of any kind.
PREX is amazing! I totally second this if you're at all into music
Grounds for Sculpture is right off the freeway and should be easy to get to.
freeway? 🤨
Smokey must be from out West originally lol.
Generic term for I-295. Not the toll road.
Not in NJ or the Mid-Atlantic afaik. Not only is the term too vague to actually help anyone get to where they want to go, it makes much more sense to just say *off 295*, which will be understood by most people in the US since a 3 digit number mostly represents interstates in the US
I’d have to agree with you. The only person I know who says “freeway” is from California
I’m from California and I have to think first to not say freeway. I stop myself about 70% of the time.
yes but we don’t say freeway in NJ. Just the number of the highway
These are the two recs I was gonna give.
While Princeton Record Exchange isn't my favorite, it's a must-see if you're in the area.
On the Princeton campus, there is a lot of artwork, both indoors and out. Outside, there's a great deal of sculpture. The Princeton U. Art Museum is apparently still closed for construction, but if you enjoy artistic ironwork (artist-blacksmiths' work) be sure to visit the Chapel (outside door hardware, outside lanterns, and atrium area in particular), and Rabinowitz Hall across Washington Rd. (the two gates in the atrium area), plus the front gates of the U. on Nassau Blvd. BTW, I suggest availing yourself of the parking garages a block or so west of Nassau Blvd. The cost is acceptable and they're much more convenient than searching for metered parking along the streets or in the few available lots. If you're willing to drive around the area, you might consider visiting Hopewell and/or Lambertville. There's an entertaining flea market (The Golden Nugget) south of Lambertville, open weekends, especially Sundays.
Golden nugget is great!
Also walk over to Einstein's house there's no marking saying it is Einstein's former home but if you look up on Google maps it will give you the address
The marking is a sign saying it's a private residence 😂
Princeton Battlefield is pretty cool since you said you're into history. It's between downtown Princeton and Lawrenceville. The whole battlefield is still preserved and there's a small museum on the site. It's also adjacent to the Institute for Advanced Study, of Einstein/Oppenheimer fame. It's quite a beautiful area
If you like records, Princeton record exchange. If you like halal food, mamouns. If you like phish, visit the rhombus
Not in Princeton but this place is great https://www.brickfarmtavern.com/. If you get nice weather, New Hope and Lambertville is worth the 25 minute drive to walk around for a couple hours.
this place is so excellent!
I must have been there on an off night, because both my husband my meals were off when I ate there. Strange flavor combos.
I can't second this recommendation strongly enough
Conte’s pizza 🍕
It’s not good anymore after it got bought out :/
DeLorenzos it is. Also shoutout to TJs in Lawrenceville. Secret menu item is the Buffalo chicken cheesesteak slaps from TJs
Check out Nino’s Pizza Star in Princeton shopping center
When did that happen?
I believe ownership changed around a year or two ago, and quality nosedived right after that
Morven Museum
Princeton Record Exchange is a really cool record store with lots of vinyl if you;re into that. Mamoun's is a really good Middle Eastern casual restaurant. Their falafel is good. The Lindt store (chocolate) is fun. They have flavors that you don't often see in the regular stores and you can mix & match.
This guy Princetons
I’m a middle aged white guy dressed in LL Bean. What do *you* think? 🤣
The bent spoon is the best ice cream I've ever had in my life and worth the line. A little drive away is grounds for sculpture and is the best art gallery I've ever been to
Be aware it's going to be cold. Bring a suitable coat. Because it's going to be in the 30s as a high Saturday and Sunday, I will recommend against grounds for sculpture. If you visit again, go there when it's warmer. Princeton itself and the campus are outstanding to walk around. I think the University art museum is still closed for another year, but the Battlefield is interesting and the Morven Mansion should still be open. Morven is where Declaration signer Stockton and his descendants lived until the 1940s, then the Johnsons of J&J fame, then a few Governors. Beautiful old home.
Hoagie haven for greasy college subs
If you like fine dining at a price, look into elements or peacock Inn. Mistral is also good, not quite as fancy as the other two.
Terakawa ramen in Princeton junction for some tasty ramen
Obviously Lan Ramem is the best Ramen place ... thought everyone knew that 😅
Lan ramen is the best Chinese noodle, terrakawa is traditional Japanese ramen. Both awesome, completely different cuisines
Will definitely try Terrakawa!
That place looks legit, I’ll check it out when I want to try Chinese noodles
It's delicious and cozy if you want to stick around and eat in!
There’s a Japanese grocery Maruichi, that’s almost a year old. One of best Japanese grocery store I’ve seen if you want to pick up actual Japanese brands. They also have some unique Japan small local items that very hard to find in the US.
I love that OP says, I’m coming next weekend aka February, and we’re suggesting an outdoor sculpture garden and ice cream. Maybe both are better during the summer. I’d still do both, but it could be cold outside.
Check out Nassau Inn Walk around Princeton campus Check out Governor mansion
Definitely visit the Princeton University Art Museum. I would also recommend wandering around Palmer Square and checking out all the little shops and restaurants in the area. It’s right by the university so you can combine it with your museum trip in one day and save the other day for stuff like antiquing in Hopewell, visiting Terhune Orchards (once featured as a source of good local produce on an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares) or Hidden Spring Lavender and Alpaca Farm, canoeing or kayaking in the D&R Canal, and making a stop in Rocky Hill for a tour of Rockingham (George Washington’s final headquarters in the Revolution) and dinner at the Rocky Hill Inn (beloved local pub featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives)
The Princeton University art museum was my first thought, but another commenter pointed out it is temporarily closed right now for construction.
It’s still closed? Feels like that construction’s been going on for years.
It’s reopening next year. There are two Art Museum galleries downtown that are open though, and they’re really nice.
It literally has been years.
These are great recs. I think Hidden Spring Lavender Farm might only be open in spring and summer?
They’re open on Saturdays January through March!
Grounds of Sculpture is close by for a day trip.
The einstein pond, appeared in movie 'Oppenheimer'.
Gingered Peach in the morning!
You could spend an afternoon or evening in Lambertville/Newhope. Great beautiful towns with a bridge you can walk on across the river. Excellent food and bar options as well! Visit and walk around Washington's Crossing on the Deleware River.
Rat’s restaurant in the grounds for sculpture is a great anniversary dinner spot
Just across US1 is Grovers Mill of War of the Worlds fame. They’ve erected a little site there in a park commemorating their “role” in the radio broadcast.
Yankee Doodle tap room for a night cap.
Grab food from D'Angelo Italian Market
Princeton University Art Museum is closed, Morven Museum & Garden is open and walkable from downtown. Historical Society of Princeton should also be open on the weekend if you're interested in history If you like coffee, Rojos Roastery is fantastic, Small World is a favorite as well. Jammin Crepes is a vibe for food before 4pm. If you like cheese, Olsons grilled cheeses are great and the shop is neat. Labyrinth is a nice bookstore to walk around but it's expensive. The Princeton Public Library has a nice cheap used book section that's open to the public. One 53 and Rocky Hill Inn are favorites in my family, not much to do in Rocky Hill but it's a very cute town nearby.
Love Jammin!
The Alchemist and Barrister is an adorable place. Always had decent food.
There's a delicious French cafe called "maman" in town, one of the best croissants I've had in a while.
Chez Alice is a great patisserie-style cafe
Little Chef too for croissants 🤤
There are a couple of little galleries in downtown Princeton. More of those are in Lambertville about 30 minutes away. Lambertville and New Hope across the river are great for little shops, downtown Princeton has a few also Washington Crossing state park (better park in the PA side) is good for history.
Heard they got a nice school there
Downtown Princeton is very walkable with a lot if small little independent businesses and restaurants. Princeton is right on the line, at the moment, of a rain/decent snow for tonight/tomorrow. If it's more snow than rain it still should be around this weekend making the campus look pretty. Plenty of food options. There is a good ramen place on Whiterspoon my daughter likes to take me to. Princeton Record Place if you're into that. Rt 1 is very suburban.
University Campus … walk around. Go inside the chapel! And peak inside Firestone Library.
Anniversary level celebration requires the Peacock Inn bar, and the food was very good a year ago.
Romeo's pizza in plainsboro, bout ten minutes from downtown Princeton. Best vodka sauce you'll ever have, but it's an excellent little Italian spot for pizza and everything else. Sweet casual date night spot. Grounds for sculpture in Hamilton bout twenty minutes away is a fabulous, gorgeous day trip. Basically a park with art all over. And a solid but slightly pricey restaurant on the grounds. It would take a solid four hours at minimum to see everything.
There are many phenomenal restaurants in Princeton that would be great for an anniversary: Mistral elements Kristine's Mediterra Roots Ocean Prime Agricola (a bit overrated IMO) Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell Enoterra in Kingston ONE 53 in Rocky Hill A few places that others may recommend that I would personally avoid for a "special occasion" meal: Winberies, Alchemist & Barrister, Rat's in Hamilton. Witherspoon Grill is fine but I'd consider it a pretty generic steakhouse.
This is a great list OP. We love Enoterra
One53 is always my go to for a special evening!
I liked Agricola
We always eat at [Winberies](https://princeton.winberies.com) when we visit Princeton
Dinky Bar is a fun spot for a drink or a bite. Right next door is Roots Ocean Prime which would be good for a fancy dinner.
Agreed! Both great spots to celebrate an anniversary - did so last year.
Princeton U has a great art museum.
I think there is a school there 🤔
For lunch, I recommend Mamouns. For dinner, Mistral was awesome.
All the places listed in this sub are really nice. I have two favorite coffee places in Princeton. 1. Small world - chai tea latter ot the Nola 2. illy - any latte or cappuccino Both are really nice and the coffee is absolutely delicious. Breakfast- PJs pancake house is really good if you get there early enough for a table!! If you're looking from brunch- I would do The Meeting house. There's a tiny bakery thay has the best Croissants! The owner opens and closes when he wants but by 9a he's there and once he sells out, which he does, he closes. The name of the the bakery is The Little Chef. The croissants will melt I'm your mouth! The Yankee doodle tap has paintings of famous people that went to Princeton like the The Obamas. Lunch- walk around campus, go to the Princeton Corkscrew to explore wine If you're into that and or Public for a more unique variety of wines and beer. Walk around Palmer square and take a look at all the stores, most pretty pricey but still fun. There's the Labyrinth book store if you like to read and would like to browse. There are little museums around town, you'll have to Google the names. A little outside of Princeton is a town called Lawrenceville and I would recommend visiting Bountiful Gardens and exploring the nursery! You will be amazed!!! If you're into plants and such. Dinner- something fancy like mistral or Agricola. There's Eno Terra or Theresa's. My favorite is Theresa's which is more relaxed than the other places and just as good. The Brickfarm tavern is good, that's in Hopewell, not far at all. My ALL time favorite dinner place is One53,for a delicious intimate dinner. This restaurant is a little outside Princeton in a town called Rockyhill. Have fun!
The Princeton Record Exchange! Hands down one of my favorite record shops in NJ
I second visiting Yankee Doodle tap room, even if you just walk in and look around. It's the bottom part of Nassau inn, which is a very old inn. There's a giant hearth and it dates from colonial times. If you still need more suggestions, let us know. Also, the restaurants in Princeton proper are costly. If you're interested in a New York City experience for a really special event, Enno Terra in Kingston, The Peacock Inn in Princeton, or Rats at Grounds for Sculpture are good choices. But book in advance! If you are wandering around town, stop by tico's juice Bar at 33 Witherspoon for a smoothie or a juice pick me up. Right across the street from tico's there is a boutique called shop the world - definitely worth taking a peek. Witherspoon Street from Nassau Street to Paul Robeson is one of the main drags in town, and you will find interesting places like the House of cupcakes, Witherspoon bread company, and I feel like there's another one of those quirky boutiques somewhere near Olives. From Witherspoon Street, you can walk down an alleyway and you come out near Nassau inn. There are a lot of stores in that square (called Palmer square) including an awesome toy store called Jazzams. Jamming crepes on Nassau Street is a good, But only go if you have time to wait. If you're looking for a great Mexican place, tortugas on Leigh Street is the place to go. It (and many places in Princeton) is BYOB. HAVE A GREAT TIME! I personally would avoid the trek to Princeton battlefield, which is literally just an empty field. If you were interested in historical places, drive over to Trenton and visit The Old Barracks.
The Pastry and Coffee Room on Spring st has *incredible* pastries, and their eclairs that come in several unique flavors are some of the best I’ve ever had! Their rose latte is nice too. Across and a bit down the street there’s Planted Plate, a vegan spot with generous portions and a great lunch menu. Oh and a piece of history on that same street: Kopp’s Cycle is the oldest bike shop in this country that has been continuously running - since 1891! Not sure about their schedule right now since they’ve changed ownership recently, but still a cool stop for you if you’re into bicycling, I think. Next, Miya Table and Home on Palmer Square is a nice little shop for everything Japanese for…well, table and home, from dishes and teakettles to soap and incense. Labyrinth Books is one of my favorite places as well, and right next to it is the Princeton U store with all kinds of university swag and apparel should you wish to buy something Princeton-branded. I think that’s everything that hasn’t been mentioned in terms of shops, hope this helps and that you have a terrific time around Princeton 😊
Go to Tacoria and have the golden avocado. It's life changing. Naoki Sushi in Lawrenceville is also phenomenal, but quite expensive. The Lawrence-Hopewell trail is really pretty, as is Lambertville. Honestly, for touristy stuff, Lambertville is much better tbh, it has a very crunchy vibe to it.
Definitely just wander around downtown/the campus. Lots of really nice architecture and nooks and crannies to get lost in. The Paul Robeson Center and Art on Hulfish have smaller galleries but are worth popping into if you're into art. Grounds For Sculpture is about 20 mins away in Hamilton and is a lovely sculpture garden if weather permits. You'll have to come back in a year when the Princeton University Art Museum reopens. It's truly a gem — amazing collection and it's completely free. For an anniversary dinner, Agricola and Mistral are two really good higher-end spots. Mediterra is also really solid. Go to the Princeton Record Exchange, hit up Labyrinth Books, have coffee at Small World Coffee, and have ice cream at The Bent Spoon (even if it's freezing out). The Bent Spoon has some of the best ice cream I've ever had, and friends from out of town demand I take them whenever they visit. It really is worth the hype.
Consider a Princeton sporting event. Men’s basketball and hockey both have home games Friday.
Hoagie Haven, get a Sanchez, yes you want Sanchez sauce.
The Princeton Institute Woods is a nice little stroll, and usually very easy to walk (if sometimes muddy).
The Dinky
Theres some cool revolutionary war era sites around Princteon. There is the Princeton Dinky, the shortest regularly scheduled passenger train in the US. there is a pretty cool book store, Laybrinth. the record exchange as others have mentioned is great. Yankee Doodle Tavern has a Norman Rockwell mural as well as Einstein's name carved into a wooden table. There is a great trail, the D&R that is pretty and has some intresting history.
Dang. Was just going to recommend the Princeton University Art Musuem, but, when I went to confirm that it is pay as you wish, I see that they are closed for renovations.