You get a true feel of the atmosphere of Mercer during Winter because during this time of year you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and history of the county with the weather offering a calmer climate. We consider this season to be the best for exploring and we welcome you to truly see the towns we love. Below are our best spots for digging deep into Mercer.

WHERE TO STAY

Nassau Inn

10 Palmer Square, Princeton

Stay in the heart of Princeton at the Nassau Inn! Nassau Inn has the perfect mixture of contemporary sophistication and timeless elegance. It's a great escape with the accessibility of Princeton's famous Palmer Square

A snowy view of the outside of the Nassau Inn

Photo via kayak.com

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Hopewell Theater

5 S Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell

Hopewell Theater has a wide selection of events consisting of performers, live music and comedians. The venue offers a personal experience with a beautiful welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to check their calendar of events to see what you're going to see next!

A view of the stage at Hopewell Theater

Photo via HopewellTheater.com

 

McCarter Theatre Center

91 University Place, Princeton

With over 200 productions a year that are Tony Award-winning, make sure to check out McCarter Theatre. Make parking simple by utilizing free parking at Princeton University's West Garage available for patrons to use after 5 pm on weekdays and 7 am - 2 am on weekends. 

McCarter Theatre offers ASL, AD, OC and sensory-friendly performances. Additional accommodations are hearing assistance and brail programs.

A view of the outside of the McCarter Theater

Photo via McCarterTheater.org

 

CURE Insurance Arena

81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton

Cure Insurance Arena offers a wonderful time with your friends and family! With a wide array of events, there's always something for everyone. Make sure to take a look at the upcoming events and snag your tickets before they sell out! The box office for Cure Insurance Arena is open from Monday - Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

A view looking out onto the ice in CURE arena

Photo via yelp.com

 

GRAB A DRINK

Sourland Mountain Spirits

130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Road, Hopewell

Sourland Mountain Spirits is a great place to get a taste of the outdoors in Hopewell and experience farm-to-glass production. Every drop that is poured is with the heart and soul of each family member who's at Sourland. Take a walk around the property and try some new drinks while tasting some local food provided by Brick Farm Group. 

Bonus: They're dog and kid-friendly, so take a trip with your loved ones! 

Sourland Mountain Distillery, New Jersey

Photo via locallivingnj.com

 

 

Terhune Orchards

13 Van Kirk Road, Princeton

Terhune Orchards always has something going on. From events to festivals or just to explore the winery and take in the 250-acre farm, it's always a great time at Terhune Orchards! In the cooler months, they open their Wine Barn and have firepits to allow visitors to keep cozy while enjoying the company of their loved ones. 

A fire pit outside of Terhune Orchards in Princeton, NJ

Photo via terhuneorchards.com

 

COFFEE

Small World Coffee

14 Witherspoon Street, Princeton

No better way to start the day than with a good Cup of Joe! There's plenty of seating indoors and outdoors if you'd like to enjoy your coffee before continuing your adventures for the day! Located just steps away from Princeton University, grab a cup and take a walk around the beautiful campus. Make sure to check out their website for upcoming live shows!

Small World CoffeePhoto via smallworldcoffee.com

 

UPSCALE FINE DINING

Rat’s Restaurant

French Restaurant

16 Fairgrounds Road

Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

Rat's Restaurant is a great spot for a good ambiance tucked into Grounds for Sculpture. Walk through beautiful art pieces along the way to Rat's Restaurant and enjoy the tasty French cuisine. They're open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Call to make reservations today!

Outside of Rat's Restaurant in Hamilton Township, NJ

Photo via ratsrestaurant.com

 

Blue Point Grill

Seafood Restaurant

258 Nassau Street, Princeton

Blue Point Grill offers an ever-changing menu to reflect the assortment of the freshest catches. Famous for the area’s best oyster selection, Blue Point Grill always serves up beautifully prepared meals to show the natural, delicious flavors. Only open for dinner and is BYOB.

Outside of Blue Point Grill in Princeton, NJ

Photo via vrconcierge.com

 

CASUAL EATING AND DRINKING

The Savory Leaf Cafe

Cafe

960 Spruce Street

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

The savory Leaf Cafe is a vegan restaurant with delicious comfort food. They're a plant-based cafe that is free from meat, dairy, and egg providing mouthwatering foods packed with protein and lots of flavor. Make sure to try The Original VIBS - Vegan Ribs and the homemade mac and cheese!

A plate of food from Savory Leaf Cafe in Lawrenceville, NJ

Photo via savory-leaf-cafe.business.site/

 

Teresa Caffe

Italian Caffe

23 Palmer Square E

Princeton, NJ 08542

Who doesn’t love Italian food? Excellent cuisine using only the finest ingredients from its own farm and local sources. This option will never disappoint and offers exceptional selections for vegetarians. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Outdoor dining is available.

Inside the dining room at Teresa Caffe in Princeton, NJPhoto via palmersquare.com

 

Sweets & Treats

House of Cupcakes

30 Witherspoon Street, Princeton

If you're craving something sweet, House of Cupcakes will be able to fix that sweet tooth! You will find close to thirty varieties of cupcakes featured daily, along with delicious muffins, flavorful candy apples and mouthwatering novelty cookies. Smoothies, coffee, teas and assorted beverages are also available for purchase. The decor is bright, trendy and chic making it a great location to meet up with an old friend over a cupcake. 

Outside of House of Cupcakes in Princeton, NJ

Photo via tripadvisor.com

 

Wildflour Bakery & Cafe

2691 Main Street, Lawrenceville

This gluten-free bakery is always serving up some super yummy treats. Wildflour serves breakfast and lunch with an array of pastries, cakes and bread. You can reserve the upstairs dining room for a special occasion or have an event catered!

A basket of bread from Wildflour Bakery & Cafe in Lawrenceville, NJPhoto via wildflourbakery-cafe.com

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