By Chrysa Smith
Long before the malls and strip malls lined Route 1 in the Princeton Corridor, there was the ‘Square.’ In fact, there still is. Palmer Square, to be exact. Besides Nassau Street (the main drag lined with small shops and eateries) Palmer Square has been the gathering place for high-end shopping and dining, historical lodging, or simply lounging on the grass. And for good reason. It’s a beautiful homage to towns of old, most notably those found both in England and New England—when life focused around the center of town, where important matters were discussed, people gathered, and shops easily navigated. In Princeton, Palmer Square also happens to sit across from another historic site—namely Princeton University.
Palmer Square was built in the 1930s by Edgar Palmer—a wealthy New Jersey heir to a zinc fortune, and graduate of Princeton University. Since the 1700s it has been, besides the post office, anchored by The Nassau Inn—undoubtedly its longest operating business dating back to colonial times. A stately brick and Shaker building, it was a stopping point for those historical characters we know well—Paul Revere, Thomas Paine and members of both the Continental Congress and the Continental Army. Today, it serves as the preeminent lodging facility in downtown Princeton.
When I stepped into one of their lobbies, it was distinctly a homage to earlier times—a masculine vibe—huge stone fireplace, red leather couches and chairs anchored by more red, patterned area rugs and a dark atmosphere. Perhaps a snifter of brandy and an offering of tobacco would serve its earlier visitors well. But today, there is the Yankee Doodle Tap Room for a burger and a beer—maybe brunch on the weekend. And a little entertainment in the evenings. However, the Inn offers more in the way of lodging, and special events such as business meetings and weddings.
During my walk, I immediately noticed the staples–the businesses that I remember from so many years ago. Winberies Restaurant and Bar, and Thomas Sweet Chocolates, to name those that live in my most cherished memories. Thomas Sweet Ice Cream is what I remember most—just a short walk to Nassau Street. Winberies was, and still is, a place to grab a burger or salad—also weekend brunch. Frequented by university students, townies and visitors, I remember business lunches there. The menu may have changed, but being a dining hub of the square has not.
Perhaps what makes the square so charming, is that it truly reminds me of shopping in an English City—maybe harkening back to Dickens. There are the large stacked, brick fireplaces that are visible on the rooftops, and the small shops with older, paned windows are a far cry from the prefab sorts of shopping mall stores you find both on the corridor and throughout the country. But, as with many older towns, chain stores have also found their place on the square—Arhaus Furniture, Lily Pulitzer and Hermes to name a few. Another familiar name to those in Bucks, and frequenters to Peddler’s Village is Lace Silhouettes—a cute lingerie shop with unique jammies and undergarments that has not only found its way into the square, but to Cape May as well.
When I visited Olsson’s Fine Foods, my olfactory senses went into overdrive, as a case full of specialty cheeses sat in front of me. Accoutrements such as crackers, jams and dips lined the walls. And in reading through the Palmer Square merchant’s information, Olsson’s has been rated as one of the best cheese shops in NJ. Pair it with a bottle of your favorite wine from Corkscrew, just across the street, and take a place on the lawn. It’s beautifully landscaped—from lush plantings to fountains, the atmosphere is both charming and refreshing in a town lined with concrete sidewalks and a main drag across from the university.
NIC & ZOE is an interesting boutique. One-of-a-kind women’s clothing was explained to me by the owner. Since it is high-end, and I’d venture to say a bit eclectic, her seasons are even further out on the calendar than ordinary women’s wear shops. She claimed her shoppers know what they want and lines it all up in advance of upcoming travel and social events. So, not only does everything move quickly, you won’t likely find summer clothes during summer; fall clothing in fall. And unlike large retail stores, her business slows during the fall/winter holidays, because of the unique buying schedule.
After NIC & ZOE, it was a short walk to The Bent Spoon—clearly the place on the square for a cold treat. A long line, and a pre-dinner timeframe left me outside, but in retrospect, it may have been a mistake. Because this shop has been rated as perhaps the best ice cream shop in the country by several organizations, newspapers, and magazines. Over 600 rotating flavors are among the offerings that are generally unique and locally sourced.
Next, onto Miya Table & Home. This shop is the product of a gentleman who incorporated his flower shop on 28th Street in NYC a few decades ago and began importing goods from Japan. All types, colors and sizes of Japanese dinnerware were on display, as well as quirky gifts—like funky pencils and dog note pads—a big appeal for me.
I bypassed Hermes, as my closet, though not Hermes, is chock full. But for those with a taste for high couture, you can find it there. From jewelry to shoes to handbags that are often difficult to score. It was a quick crossover and down the street to the other side of the Nassau Inn. And it was back to Huffish Street, past Mediterra Restaurant, with, as its name suggests, a mediterranean menu. Outdoor dining and a front courtyard with fountain were flocked by its own little green square just to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
There’s even a beauty lift, compliments of Blue Mercury. It does have several locations selling high-end product lines like SkinCeuticals, La Mer, Trish McEvoy and Tom Ford—selling higher-end products than the widely known chain beauty shops like Ulta and Sephora.
And finally, one of my favorite stops is the Lindt store. For chocolate lovers, a veritable playland. Rows of wrapped flavored Lindt truffles and filled candies sat in two long lines of bins, ready to be grabbed up and mixed and match according to your taste. One side, US-made. The other, European.
As you might suspect, the square isn’t only a place for retail and regular dining hours. The change of seasons brings with it special events like Music Fest Sundays from 1-4pm throughout October, with groups that include everything from the Beatles and soul music to The Grateful Dead. And of course, in November, it all culminates with the annual tree lighting on Friday, November 29th at 5pm. Lots to do both daytime and in the evening, including your early holiday shopping.
The concept of a town square is not only historical and charming—it’s making a comeback. New housing complexes are embracing the concept of the all-inclusive lifestyle—building all the necessities of living and shopping into a space in the middle of or adjacent to the housing. It is said that everything old is new again. Somewhat true. Princeton has always been a great town with great offerings. It’s different than I remember, but I say better—especially Palmer Square. Ever evolving, it’s a great place to visit, for a short 35–50-minute drive, depending upon where you might live in Bucks.
Palmer Square is located off at 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. For more information, visit www.palmersquare.com.
Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor who enjoyed her trip back to the Princeton, New Jersey.