Things To Do

Princeton Weekends: Shore days and diner nights

Curious about what you'll do when you live in Princeton? If you like the idea of browsing along Nassau Street, getting artsy sketching in the gardens, and are daring enough to try paddling on Carnegie Lake, Princeton is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from ivy towers to canal trails and give you a sharp snapshot of Princeton's historic and scholarly spirit.

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Diane Briante
Princeton Local Expert

Diane, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move

Diane has been rooted in New Jersey since day one and has lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before landing in Fanwood. When she and her family moved into their current place, she was very pregnant and still refused to stop lifting boxes or scrubbing things because she wanted it done right. She is the kind of New Jerseyan who can talk about Revolutionary War history, walk you through Duke Gardens, or recommend the best apple picking without checking a map. Her food loyalties are fierce, especially when it comes to pork roll on a hard roll with melted cheese, though she will happily join any naming debate. She is a lifelong reader who once tried to leave the library with more books than her card allowed. She even crossed paths with Sinatra during an honorary degree event at Stevens. At Snappy Scout she brings sharp local insight with a Jersey wink.

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Written with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts

What Will You Do in Princeton?

From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.

on a Saturday with perfect weather

Stroll the D&R Canal, waffle cone from <strong>The Bent Spoon</strong>

when the gals come to town for the weekend

Palmer Square splurge, then bubbles at the Dinky Bar

rainy dreary day

Princeton Record Exchange crate dive, indie flick at Garden Theatre

intellectually stimulating

Catch a McCosh lecture, pretend Einstein ghost approves your questions

artsy

McCarter Theatre night, followed by hot takes at Small World

outdoorsy

Institute Woods boardwalk wander, deer silently judging your sneakers

if you're a shopaholic

Boutiques on Palmer Square, then vintage gems at Greene Street

family oriented

Terhune Orchards cider donuts, goats, and apple picking diplomacy

in need of a selfie

FitzRandolph Gate glow at sunset, admissions anxiety optional

you have to see this

Gothic thunder inside Princeton University Chapel, gargoyles throwing shade

on a budget

Free galleries Art on Hulfish, library rooftop terrace views

for sports fans

Hobey Baker Rink hockey, cowbell echoing into late semester nights

Local's Q&AReal answers from someone who lives here

My Favorite Local Spot in Princeton

I love the McCarter Theater. Outstanding atmosphere, excellent shows.

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— Diane Briante

New Jersey Local Expert

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