The Princeton-Mercer region is home to some of the finest K-12 schools in the state, some of the finest higher education institutions in the country, and some of the most respected businesses, corporations, and brands in the world.
With 104 public school buildings across 11 school districts, as well as 70 non-public schools and five colleges and universities, the back-to-school season in the Princeton-Mercer region is brimming with activity for students, parents, educators, and administrators.
We’re also entering conference and event season, when many strategic connections are made and deals are struck! Given the dynamic business community in the region, this is a time of renewed energy and purpose as professionals return from summer vacation and re-engage with colleagues, clients, and business partners.
Let’s take a look at several of the region’s top shopping destinations and event venues that you may want to consider exploring as the kids get back to school and you get back to business!
Shopping Destinations
The Princeton-Mercer region is filled with retail stores and centers that offer clothing, supplies, personal care items, and technology for students of all ages, from pre-K to grade school to college and adult learning. Here are several of the most popular destinations.
Palmer Square
Nothing says “Princeton” like Palmer Square, which blends the old-world charm of downtown Princeton with the modern vibe and trendy boutiques that you’d find in a big city’s upscale shopping district. Apparel, gifts, home goods, specialty shops, local restaurants and coffee shops, and more create the ultimate Princeton experience as you prepare to return to school.
MarketFair
Nestled along one of New Jersey’s premier shopping corridors on Route 1 in Princeton, MarketFair is home to more than 35 stores, restaurants, and more, along with the AMC MarketFair 10, all on a single level. Hot spots include Barnes & Noble, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Anthropologie, Athleta, Club Pilates, OrangeTwist, Seasons 52, and Bahama Breeze!
Quaker Bridge Mall
Enjoy a modern shopping experience in a classic New Jersey mall venue in the brightly lit Quaker Bridge Mall, just off 295 on Route 1 in Lawrenceville. You’ll find more than 90 stores across two levels offering fashion, food, beauty, tech, and fun, with discounts and events throughout the year, especially during the back-to-school shopping season. The mall opened in 1975 and is still going strong!
Shop Local
For truly unique, one-of-a-kind items, visit local shops and boutiques! Check out downtown areas, large shopping centers, hidden strip malls, and standalone stores in Princeton, Trenton, Hamilton, Robbinsville, Pennington, Hopewell, East and West Windsor, Lawrence, Ewing, and Hightstown. While you’re back-to-school shopping, explore local restaurants, historic sites, and cultural centers and turn the experience into an annual event!
Meeting and Event Space
Whether you’re planning a full-scale conference, a lunch-and-learn, or a monthly board meeting, these venues have meeting and event space that will impress everyone who attends.
Hyatt Regency Princeton
Near the Princeton Junction Train Station, the Hyatt Regency Princeton boasts high-tech meeting rooms and event spaces that can be configured to accommodate virtually any type of event, from intimate board meetings to major conferences. The Regency Ballroom offers 9,306 square feet of space and can host 1,500 guests! After your event or meeting, relax in the glass-enclosed heated pool or enjoy a comedy show at Catch a Rising Star.
Nassau Inn
Situated in the heart of Palmer Square in downtown Princeton, Nassau Inn is known for its rich history, which dates back more than 260 years to the days of Paul Revere and Thomas Paine. Nassau Inn meeting rooms, lobbies and public spaces accommodate from 6 to 300 guests, with state-of-the-art, dropdown audio-visual screens in most rooms, a 165-inch, flat-panel video wall, and a variety of menus and packages.
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal
With a sprawling campus on 25 wooded acres just off Route 1 in Princeton, the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal features more than 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Business professionals will enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, the latest audiovisual equipment, and custom catering in an elegant, upscale setting. Each space can be configured based on the goals of your meeting or event.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is a landmark of Hindu architecture spanning 185 acres in Robbinsville. Standing 191 feet tall, Akshardham is a magnificent Mahamandir carved in stone according to ancient Hindu scriptures. This incredible venue captures thousands of years of inspiring thoughts, values, and culture. Visitors become immersed in the spirit, artistry, sounds, and flavors of joyful living.
Graduate Princeton
Steps from Princeton University on Chambers Street in the city’s historic district, the recently opened Graduate Princeton captures the classic style and design of university traditions and landmarks. The 180-room hotel features both new construction and a century-old, five-story brick colonial structure, combining rich history with modern amenities, as well as meeting spaces with locally inspired surroundings.
Need more ideas and inspiration as you get back to school and back to business? Go to the Visit Princeton-Mercer Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more information!
