Sometimes you don’t realize what is near you until you have a guest from out of town. This week, a colleague from Arizona was visiting the East Coast, so we chose a spot that was easy for the three of us to get to: Princeton, NJ. I had been to Princeton before, but everything we did during this visit was new to me. We spent the day exploring the charming streets, admiring the historic buildings, and taking in the beautiful campus. Princeton was showing off for the beginning of November. The weather was perfect, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, and the fall colors were unbelievable. The trees were covered in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, making every walk feel especially scenic. It was the kind of day that made us slow down, enjoy one another’s company, and appreciate how fortunate we were to have such a beautiful destination nearby.
Kristine’s
My colleague Mallory found Kristine’s to be a great option for us to have lunch. Before going there, we looked to see if there was a sushi option nearby, but there wasn’t, so we decided to try Kristine’s instead. I am very glad that we did because the experience was wonderful from beginning to end. The atmosphere made me feel as though I had been transported to France, and the food was absolutely chef’s kiss. Mallory had never tried escargot before, and since it was gluten-free, we decided to share it as an appetizer. It was a fun way for her to try something new, and we all enjoyed it. We all had a good laugh with me trying to get one of the escargot’s out of the shell. One of my favorite meals in France is mussels and French fries, so that was what I had to order. The mussels were delicious, and the French fries were some of the best I have ever had—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. They were so good that I joked I should start a blog dedicated to rating French fries! Haha. Overall, Kristine’s was a delightful surprise, and I would happily return to enjoy another meal there.
Princeton University Cathedral
Those who follow my blog know that I love visiting churches, because I have found that there is so much peace, beauty, and love to be experienced within their walls. The Gothic-style Cathedral at Princeton University was especially stunning and did not disappoint. While visiting, I did a little research and learned that the original church dated back to 1756. In 1881, another chapel was built, but it was sadly destroyed by fire in 1920. The current Cathedral was completed in 1928, and its remarkable architecture continues to make it a special place to visit. Inside, the beautiful stained-glass windows filled the space with color and created an atmosphere that felt both peaceful and inspiring. While we were there, the organist was practicing, and the music echoed throughout the Cathedral, adding an unexpected and memorable touch to the experience. We also tried to find the denomination of the church and discovered that it was listed as Ecumenical, reflecting its welcoming spirit and connection to people from many different Christian traditions. Whether you appreciate history, architecture, music, or simply quiet places for reflection, this Cathedral is truly worth visiting.
Princeton University Art Museum
As we all walked around the Princeton University Art Museum, we kept saying that we were in awe of the beauty surrounding us. Every gallery offered something different to admire, from the delicate details in the Monet paintings to the fascinating religious relics and thoughtfully curated special exhibits. We took our time exploring the collections, discussing our favorite pieces, and appreciating the range of artwork on display. One of the most memorable moments was seeing Mallory’s face light up when she discovered a painting by her favorite artist, Edgar Degas. I was familiar with his work but had never really connected it to the artist himself, so it was especially enjoyable to experience that moment with her. The museum’s welcoming atmosphere, impressive collection, and free admission made the visit even more enjoyable. I will definitely be planning a return trip so we can see more of the exhibits and spend even more time taking in everything this wonderful museum has to offer.
Princeton University
The beauty of Princeton University was mind-blowing. The weather was perfect, and the trees were in peak bloom, adding vibrant colors and an almost magical atmosphere to the campus. There is something so peaceful and relaxing about walking around a college campus, especially one filled with historic buildings, charming pathways, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Every corner seemed to offer a new view to admire, and the bonus was getting to explore such an absolutely beautiful campus while enjoying a calm and refreshing day outdoors.
