Planning a couple’s getaway is not always easy – figuring out childcare, booking flights and researching a destination for restaurants and activities can all make it something that drops to the bottom of the to-do list. But when a fabulous new hotel recently opened in my town, I knew this was a great way for my husband and me to spend time together without all of the hassle that goes along with planning a longer trip.
The Graduate by Hilton Princeton opened last summer. The Graduate hotels are part of a collection of hotels based in university towns, and it was very exciting when this one came to Princeton. Until recently, I’d only had a drink there with friends (which was great!). Of course, it makes sense that I wouldn’t have stayed over in a hotel that’s just a five-minute drive from home. But then I got to thinking that this was actually a brilliant plan. My husband and I could easily get away for 24 hours and since we didn’t have to go far, we’d be able to maximize the fun.
We started our evening at Ye Tavern Restaurant, the bustling eatery on the ground floor of the hotel. The menu features elevated pub favorites and unique pre-Prohibition Era cocktails. I tried the Cantina Cooler, a tropical cocktail made with rum, coconut-kiwi, pineapple, falernum, lime and green chartreuse. While my husband opted for a Diet Coke, I was impressed that they also had a full list of mocktails. For appetizers, we shared an impressive charcuterie board. My husband had the soup, a corn bisque that was very savory and delicious. Then for entrees I had the Ale Braised Chicken, and he had the Fish and Chips. All around, it was a top-notch meal.
Fully satiated, we decided to take a walk around Princeton. It was funny that the streets we walk along each day took on a different vibe. We were on vacation! We returned to our room which was decorated in a collegiate manner, a nod to Princeton University. The best thing about the Graduate is all of the attention to detail – even our room keys were “student IDs.” We stayed in the King Princeton One Bedroom Suite and the living room felt like an opulent study complete with a wet bar. The bedroom had a king-sized bed and looked out onto Nassau Street and the campus. I particularly loved the wallpaper in the bathrooms. Every detail throughout the hotel was well thought out, but best of all, everyone we encountered from the front desk to the restaurant was friendly and welcoming. I also noticed lots of four-legged friends coming and going so this hotel is pet-friendly if you want to bring your pooch.
Though we went home after our amazing overnight, there’s so much to do in Princeton if you decide to visit. My top recommendations are:
Flower Picking at Terhune Orchards – Many people know about the fantastic seasonal fruit-picking here, but few know that you can also pick your own flowers. Visit the farm store to get scissors and a container and then stroll through a gorgeous field of flowers to create your own bouquet!
Princeton Canoe and Kayak Rental – Spend the afternoon paddling on the D&R Canal and/or nearby Lake Carnegie. This is such a scenic and serene way to spend some time, and the dock is located right near the Princeton train station.
Morven Museum & Garden – This National Historic Landmark is situated on five acres in the heart of Princeton. There’s a full schedule of events here from a twilight garden stroll to afternoon tea.
The Bent Spoon – No trip to Princeton is complete without a visit to this artisan ice cream shop featuring unique flavors such as lemon lilac, NJ organic strawberry and dark chocolate sorbet. And yes, if there’s a line, it’s worth the wait!
Graduate by Hilton Princeton is located at 10 Chambers Street, Princeton. Ye Tavern Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily until 9 pm, and until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
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