Princeton, An Alternate Impression

Princeton is not all it seems. As portrayed in films, it is a staunchly old-world enclave of imposing architecture. The presence of the renowned university has cast a shadow over the town’s unique personality, though a day-trip from New York reveals an engaging community.

Always full on, Princeton’s Small World Café attracts professionals, bohemians, students alike; a well mix of the town’s inhabitants. A sunlit corridor of wood and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee set the mood as an ideal place for discussion, contemplation, or a leisurely read.

Steps away from the café, you will find Princeton’s most recognized cemetery, where the notorious of all stripes find their last resting place. Here, Aaron Burr Jr., the infamous slayer of Alexander Hamilton, has a moss-bedecked headstone, the oldest in the cemetery.

A few hundred meters from that are the Menendez’s, who were murdered by their sons out of greed, and at a short distance lays former U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

For the literature fan, the university’s Firestone Library houses many of Cuban magical realist Reinaldo Arenas’ original writings. Arenas’ friend and preferred translator Dolores Koch was a university
employee.

The author therefore willed original book manuscripts, notes, correspondence, and photos to the University. Just this year, his original copy of seminal autobiography “Before Night Falls” has
been made available to the public, on appointment only.

An ethnically diverse place, Princeton has its share of great food, from Guatemalan to Japanese to Middle Eastern, all contributing to a rising culinary hub.

Triumph Brewing on Nassau St. makes its own in-house beer, with a respectable menu of finger foods to complement. Another local favorite is Chuck’s, famous for their wings, and for the ice cream lover Thomas Sweets is a must.

A 90 minutes drive from New York’s Penn Station, plan your day well in advance to take full advantage of Princeton’s charm.

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by William Gish
Gloobbi Travel

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