Destinations | Princeton Magazine

Lake Carnegie

A Princeton Treasure

By Laurie Pellichero | Photography by Charles R. Plohn

Andrew Carnegie portrait by Howard Russell Butler. (Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, Scotland)

It all began with a portrait. In 1902, steel magnate and noted philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was posing for painter Howard Russell Butler, Princeton University Class of 1876, when Carnegie brought up the many lochs he had built in his native Scotland. Butler, a former member of the University rowing team, took the opportunity to inform Carnegie of the cramped rowing conditions along the Delaware and Raritan Canal, where the team practiced but also had to deal with freight traffic traveling between New York and Philadelphia. This had forced the rowing program to disband in 1886.

Butler suggested a building a dam at the confluence of the Millstone River and Stony Brook, which would flood the swamps around the Washington Road Bridge, creating a reservoir that would be a much better option for the University’s team. According to Princetoniana, it was an idea that Carnegie quickly embraced. more

First Washington Crossing Reenactment for 2023

The reenactment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776 is one of the region’s most popular and well-attended traditions. Taking place on Sunday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the famous Crossing will also be accompanied by Colonial Era activities, learning sessions, and games. Jason Q. Bohm will narrate events in the Historic Village and children’s author Jenny Cote will be sharing two of her novels. The day promises to include fun and learning for all. more

So Much To See, So Much To Learn

Gap Years Take Off, and Not Just for Pre-College

By Wendy Greenberg | Photos courtesy of Center for Interim Programs

Within about 10 minutes of chatting with Holly Bull and Kate Warren, you begin to think about all the experiences you want to have, all the places you want to go, and how you can realize what you always thought was beyond your time constraints and logistical ability. You make a note that when ready, you will call Holly and Kate. more

Fall Festivals

By Donald H. Sanborn III

“Autumn leaves don’t fall; they fly,” Delia Owens writes in Where the Crawdads Sing. “They take their time and wander on this, their only chance to soar.” Those who are fortunate enough to be in Princeton and the surrounding areas this autumn will want to take time to wander to the many fall festivals. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: more

LHT Full Moon Ride 2023

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s Full Moon Bike Ride is an out-of-this-world experience! This year’s night of music and fun with a moonlight ride through Mercer Meadows Park is on Saturday, September 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Bring your own picnic dinner and dance to the music of a live techno DJ before the ride. Attendees can also participate in decorating their own bike before the start of the event. more

Montgomery Promenade Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony

Image Source: SJC Ventures

On Tuesday, September 26 from 3 to 4 p.m., a ceremony was held to launch the groundbreaking of Montgomery Promenade, a Whole Foods-anchored shopping center coming to Montgomery Township. The 292,700-square-foot center will be located on Route 206 at 1200 State Road. This site has sat undeveloped for more than 15 years and is now being developed by SJC Ventures, an Atlanta-based commercial development firm that specializes in mixed-use communities. more

Annual Halloween Night Hike at The Watershed Institute

Join The Watershed Institute in Pennington for a journey through the woods on a crisp autumn night. This Halloween tradition will take place on October 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Groups will be led by a trail guide in 15-minute increments. Along the way, learn about the characters in an Irish folktale as the story itself seems to unfold along the path. more

Newark History Society Event Live and Online at Newark Public Library

On Tuesday, September 19 beginning at 6 p.m., Newark Public Library will present a special program entitled “Black Liberation: Seeking Freedom in 18th and 19th Century Newark.” The event will be held at Newark Public Library, but participants may also join the program virtually at https://www.njpac.org/event/black-liberation-seeking-freedom-in-18th-and-19th-century-newark/. It is requested that those who are joining in person or virtually RSVP either way at the indicated link. more

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place

From September 16 through November 5, experience the Halloween season at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa., in Middletown Township, Bucks County. With over 28 theme park and water rides, shows, games, and fun activities, the amusement park takes on a special excitement during the fall. Halloween means new rides and attractions, costume contests, Scarecrow Scavenger Hunts, Halloween-themed shows and parades, and delicious dining. Don’t forget to take a photo in your Halloween costume with some of your favorite Sesame Street characters. more

Bike New York’s Twin Lights Ride Down the Jersey Shore

On Sunday, October 1, join over 2,000 cyclists for the annual Twin Lights Ride — an unforgettable bike ride down the Jersey Shore. For over a decade local cyclists, New Yorkers, and visitors from around the country have enjoyed the 15- to 100-mile ride in Monmouth County. All proceeds from the event help fund Bike New York’s free bike education and safety programs. more

The West Windsor Community Farmers Market Prepares for Fall Season

Voted one of New Jersey’s top-ranked farmers markets by the general public via American Farmland Trust, the West Windsor Community Farmers Market (WWCFM) is ready and excited for the return of fall in the Garden State. more

Bucks County Playhouse Launches “Stay and Play” Packages

With the 2023 summer season in full swing at Bucks County Playhouse, the iconic New Hope theater recently announced new partnerships to create travel packages with several area boutique hotels and inns.

The all-new “Stay and Play” packages are designed to provide an unforgettable experience for theater enthusiasts and visitors alike. The packages combine top-notch performances with luxurious accommodations, making for the perfect getaway in picturesque Bucks County, Pa. more

White Lotus Mindfulness Shop Opens in Downtown Ocean City

Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce was honored to hold a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for White Lotus in downtown Ocean City.

White Lotus is a specialty brand focused on handcrafted items such as crystals, all natural bath and body products, CBD, essential oils, healing products, and more. The clothing is comfortable, stylish, and affordable. They carry brands that are both fair trade and ethically sourced. The shop owners intend for their retail space to be a relaxing and inviting sanctuary from the busy outside world. Located at 601-A Asbury Avenue, they look forward to seeing you in the shop! more

Boardwalk Fun & Games At Pier Village

Make memories at Long Branch, N.J.’s Pier Village this summer that will last a lifetime. From classic carousels to high-end arcade games and even virtual reality games, this is a boardwalk experience like you’ve never seen it before. For the adults in the group, test your skills on chance games such as Skee Ball and state-of-the-art crane grabs for that sought-after token prize. more

Jurassic Quest, Nation’s Biggest Dinosaur Experience, Migrates to New Jersey

North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur experience is back — bigger and better than ever! New Jersey families can walk among the nation’s largest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when Jurassic Quest migrates to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison July 21-23 and the Atlantic City Convention Center July 28-30.

Walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that once ruled the earth. In addition to life-like dinosaurs, Jurassic Quest’s classic experiences for the whole family include some of the largest ridable dinosaurs in North America; live dinosaur shows; interactive science and art activities, including a fossil dig and fossil-like items to play with; bounce houses; inflatable attractions; and photo opportunities. more

State Fair Meadowlands Unveils Summer Concert Series

State Fair Meadowlands has announced a new Summer Concert Series featuring Latin, rock, pop, and R&B bands. The daily concerts round out the fair’s already robust free entertainment, which includes high wire shows, cycle stunts, magicians, and more.

State Fair Meadowlands, which runs June 22-July 9, is the largest long-lasting New Jersey event of the summer. Fairgoers will have their pick of everything from Latin rock favorites to funky dance tunes, soulful ballads, and popular rock covers. The concerts will take place at 7 and 9 p.m. each day. more

Amtrak Partners with “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” to Bring the Magic to Life

Amtrak recently announced that they are the official rail transportation partner for the Broadway show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, now playing at the Lyric Theatre in New York City. As part of the collaboration with the show and Audience Rewards, the official rewards program for Broadway, Amtrak Guest Rewards members, Broadway enthusiasts, and Wizarding World fans can earn and redeem Amtrak Guest Rewards points on tickets to the show. It’s free for Amtrak Guest Rewards members to register with Audience Rewards. more

Mother’s Day Weekend at Longwood Gardens

Join Longwood Gardens for Mother’s Day Weekend 2023 and celebrate the opening season of Festival of Fountains with the return of daily fountain performances. Guests can take in an Illuminated Fountain Performance on Thursday, May 11 through Saturday, May 13 when the gardens are open until 10 p.m. Another option is to stroll the spring flower displays where the gardens are open until 6 p.m. On Sunday, May 14 from noon to 3 p.m., enjoy guitar duo Chris Braddock and Dan Graper in the Conservatory. more

Dalton Farms Tulip Festival

Tulips bring more than a powerful pop of vibrancy to your garden. Did you know that this flower has historically been a symbol of wealth and was considered to be as valuable as a diamond during the 17th century?

With this in mind, Dalton Farms is gearing up for the Annual Tulip Festival. This year’s event will run from April 1 through April 23. The “you-pick” tulip opportunity includes the cost of an admissions ticket, as well as the cost of the flowers, which are $10 for 10 tulips, $20 for 20 stems, $30 for 30 stems, or $2 per stem. The tulips are available in a rainbow of colors and make for a magical way to spend a spring afternoon. more

Experience Lambing Day at Howell Farm

On Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Howell Living History Farm, experience the seasonal joy of lambing day. Will a lamb be born on lambing day? It has happened before, but it’s ultimately up to the schedule and the timing of the ewes. Lambing season lasts for several week and whether you’re at Howell Farm or not, there is much to learn about the practice of lambing in the barn where sheep spend much of their winter. more