You get a true feel of the atmosphere of Mercer during winter since at this time you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and history of the county with the weather offering a calmer climate. We consider this season best for exploring and 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

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/nassau-inn/2520/

If you want to immerse yourself in the history of Princeton, stay at the Nassau Inn. Modern sophistication with amenities aplenty. And you simply can’t beat the view.

A snowy view of the outside of the Nassau Inn

Photo via kayak.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Hopewell Theater

5 S Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/hopewell-theater/7159/

An intimate and newly renovated theater offering outstanding events. There’s no bad seat in the house, and they’re selective in order to offer the best movies, performers, comedians, live music and children shows in the area.

A view of the stage at Hopewell Theater

Photo via HopewellTheater.com

 

McCarter Theatre Center

91 University Place, Princeton

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/mccarter-theatre-center/4459/

“Incredible performance.” “No dry eyes in the audience.” “Like a Broadway show in Princeton.” “Excellent performances. It was so awesome being here. I loved it so much.” You can’t find a bad review of this place…for good reason. Tony Award winning and featuring over 200 productions a year. You’ll make McCarter an annual tradition after coming just once.

A view of the outside of the McCarter Theater

Photo via McCarterTheater.org

 

CURE Insurance Arena

81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton

https://www.visitprinceton.org/cure-insurance-arena/

Catch top sporting events, family-friendly events like Cirque du Soleil or international music sensations. Large venue without being so big you can’t see from the back seats. If you’re looking for a bigger outing, this is a top one for us.

A view looking out onto the ice in CURE arena

Photo via yelp.com

 

BEER & WINE

Triumph Brewing Company

138 Nassau Street, Princeton

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/triumph-brewing-company/3616/

Triumph has live music (but only loud enough so you can still enjoy your dinner), one of a kind beer and cocktails selections and exquisite, top-notch food. Prefer a harvest panzanella salad? They got that. Thinking more nachos and wings? They got that too. You can even take a tour of their brewery. This one you can’t go wrong with.

 

Hopewell Valley Vineyards

46 Yard Road, Pennington

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/hopewell-valley-vineyards-llc/5788/

A local gem in Mercer. Blending Old World flair with New World style. They have weekly music events along with winery tours and tastings. Not to mention Sangria Making, brunches, and much more. Check out their upcoming Valentine’s Brunch to celebrate love at the vineyard!

 

COFFEE

Small World Coffee

14 Witherspoon Street, Princeton

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/small-world-coffee/6110/

Need an afternoon jolt? This is our go-to for a good one, along with a good vibe. Lots of seating both indoors and outdoors so you can find a spot to be alone or sit with a group of friends. Trendy, but high quality drinks and quick bites to get you back to the office on time.

UPSCALE FINE DINING

Rat’s Restaurant

French Restaurant

16 Fairgrounds Road

Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/rats-restaurant-at-grounds-for-sculpture/6732/

If you love some good ambiance visit Rat’s Restaurant. Located at Grounds for Sculpture, which features impressionist-inspired sculptures and gardens that bring a Claude Monet-styled atmosphere. Even without the scenery, their superb country French cuisine is raved about for a reason. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Rat's

Photo via ratsrestaurant.com

 

Brick Farm Tavern

Farm-to-Table

130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Road

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/brick-farm-tavern/7129/

A true farm-to-table experience with the well-being of their animals being the top priority. The food is also a piece of art, not only in looks but in taste. Exquisite and full of flavor. You’ll also want to visit their distillery.

 

Blue Point Grill

Seafood Restaurant

258 Nassau Street, Princeton

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/blue-point-grill/6581/

You’ll often find the best seafood near the sea, but this one is an exception. This highly Zagat-rated restaurant features impeccably fresh seafood with a daily changing menu reflecting their latest catches. Famous for the area’s best oyster selection and a must for those who enjoy seafood during the summer months. Serves dinner only and it’s BYOB.

 

Mediterra

Mediterranean

29 Hulfish St, Princeton

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/mediterra/6772/

These guys tap into the extraordinary cuisine of nearly 2 dozen cultures surrounding the Mediterranean, with an extra emphasis on Italian and Spanish, and pair it all with locally sourced ingredients. A sure treat and escape from the ordinary.

A view of the outside of Mediterra

Photo via palmersquare.com

CASUAL EATING AND DRINKING

Chambers Walk Cafe & Catering

Cafe

2667 Main Street

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/chambers-walk-cafe-%26-catering/4024/

Flavorful American cuisine using fresh local and organic ingredients. Winner of the 2018 Diners’ Choice Award Restaurant for its exceptional dishes. The restaurant overlooks downtown Lawrenceville and offers outdoor dining during the spring and summer months. Open for lunch daily and dinner Tuesday - Saturday. BYOB.

 

Olives 

Greek & American Cafe

22 Witherspoon Street

Princeton, NJ 08542

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/olives-catering/6028/

Good food... always. Olives is a family owned and operated business in downtown Princeton. Offering fresh & fast breakfast, lunch and dinner & catering with a variety of baked goods - muffins, Danish, cookies, breakfast breads & cakes, fresh salads, sandwiches, and homemade soups. 

 

Teresa Caffe

Italian Caffe

23 Palmer Square E

Princeton, NJ 08542

https://www.visitprinceton.org/listing/teresa-caffe/7061/

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 available.

A view of the interior of Teresa Caffe

 

Princeton University

Last but not least we have Princeton University. There are lots to see and take in here. So much so that we dedicated an entire article to it: 

See our Insider Guide to Princeton University here.

A view of a building on the campus of Princeton University

 

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 Check out our guide to make the most of those snow days!