Hi!

I'm planning a day trip to Princeton University this weekend from NYC just for fun, to walk around, check out the campus. I heard it is a lovely university.

What is the best way to get there from NYC? NJ Transit train? Bus? I read something about transferring from Trenton to a 'Dinky'....what is a 'Dinky'?

Secondly, will the Dinky take me directly to Princeton University?

Thirdly, apart from walking around the campus, are there any other interesting things to do in the area? I'm not into museums. I love walking tours and checking out interesting neighbourhoods. Any good walking tours offered?

Lastly, any foodie things that must not be missed in the area?

Cheers,

gtrekker2003

Hi gtrekker - my boyfriend's family lives in Princeton, so we make the trek down there from Manhattan fairly frequently. NJ Transit is very easy. At Penn Station, purchase a ticket to Princeton Station (not Princeton Junction). The trip will last around 50-60 minutes depending on whether it's express or local. Get off at Princeton Junction (NOT TRENTON), but be sure to hang on to your ticket. You'll see another set of tracks running roughly parallel towards the end of the train. The dinky will probably be there when you arrive, so quickly walk over to it. It makes only one stop which is Princeton.

Princeton U is a gorgeous campus, and there is a great downtown area. I'm not sure if there are walking tours, but the downtown area is pretty compact and easily walkable. Nassau street is the main drag, and it runs alongside one of the borders of Princeton's campus. Hoagie Haven is a local legend of a sandwich place. They make fabulous cheese steaks. Palmer Square is the historical center of town, and the Nassau Inn is a local landmark. The Yankee Doodle Tap Room is an institution, and you can grab a pint while looking at Princeton memorabilia and pics of famous alum.

For fancier food, Mediterra and Blue Point Grill are great. Blue Point has an extensive seafood menu and they are BYO, which is a huge plus.

Have a great trip!

Hi
From NYC consider NJ Transit from Penn Station to the Princeton Junction stop where there is a shuttle that runs the last two or three miles into the borough of Princeton. The shuttle will put you about a ten minute walk or a very short taxi ride into the center of town. No need to go into Trenton. I haven't done this for a long time so you'll want to confirm the arrangement for the shuttle. You can probably do this on the NJ Transit website - it is a combination ticket. At one time there were lower rates for weekend 'excursions' although it was a restricted schedule.

I believe there is a map of the campus on the University website. Adjacent to it is Princeton Seminary. On the other side of town is the Westminster Choir College. Also on the website you will find information about activities on campus during your visit.

I don't know of any formal walking tour. The town is fairly small so you shouldn't have any difficulty finding your way about. The Nassau Inn is smack in the center of the business district and across the street from PU. You can check out their restaurant. Nearby check out a candy shop called Thomas Sweet. There used to be a store that had a huge inventory of collector type phonograph records. There also used to be a small restaurant called Chuck's which was known for Buffalo Wings long before they became popular.

I'm sorry my info isn't more current but it will give you a place to start. Princeton is a nice town. I think you'll enjoy your day.

Thanks for the responses.

Is there a visitor's center or somewhere that I can find a walking map of the area? Perhaps at the train station?

Just wondering.

Thanks again,

gtrekker2003

You might try some of these activities. As said above, the town is small and for a day trip, jsut walking the town and campus will keep you busy!

http://www.admin.ias.edu/pitp/2005files/weekend.html

There is a volunteer group of students who give campus tours:

http://webscript.princeton.edu/~oktour/index.php

Sorry, that web site doesn't seem to work but here is their phone #
Princeton University Orange Key Guide Service (609) 258-3603