Visit New Jersey: Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market

When we visited New Jersey in October, our friends had mentioned the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market is something we should check out.  We didn't have time to visit then, but on our recent visit to NJ in the summer, we happened to pass the market by when we remembered we should visit.  

We made a U-turn to what turned out to be a pretty incredible market!

There was a huge meat department, sweets department, ice cream, donuts, fresh fruit, and so much more!

If I didn't have to catch a plane to Italy, I would've bought a number of sweet treats for omiyage to take back to Hawai`i, and my friend would've bought some meats to cook up as well.

There was a Pickle Patch where you could get freshly made pickles, as well as an array of preserved foods, such as eggs (Beet Eggs are a very popular Pennsylvania Dutch Food).

There was even a free wine-tasting!

If you are near a Pennsylvania Dutch Market, I highly recommend stopping in for some cool finds!

Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market

4437 NJ-27

Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 683-5260

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Visit New Jersey: elements

elements in Princeton, New Jersey is one of my top restaurants I've ever eaten at. Ever. Their Chef's Tasting menu is so thoughtfully-crafted and exceptionally executed, and I consider the dining experience to surpass many other world-renowned restaurants that I've eaten at.

The 15-course tasting menu, featuring seasonal ingredients (many of which are sourced from Great Meadow Farms, or foraged by the chefs themselves) was incredible:

Oyster

Dumpling

Pike

Sweet Shrimp

Mushroom

Salmon

Trout

Caviar

Madai

Housemade Bread

Japanese Squid

Fluke

Skate

Grilled Celtuce

Lamb

Ribeye

Violet

Tahitensis Vanilla

The Sweet Shrimp presentation was so pretty! And I must say, the shrimp was so delicious as well. I rarely eat shrimp, but I devoured these in no time! The Mushroom (my fave fish on the tasting menu), Caviar, Dumpling, Pike, Squid, Fluke, and Skate were the highlights for me. I don't eat a lot of seafood, but each fish dish was perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Whether it was the Madai that was prepared to four ways, the shag bark-smoked ribeye, or the housemade bread - every dish was brilliantly executed and reflective of the place and season.

And of course, the desserts are always a highlight! Violet was reminiscent of the Violet Mints candy that was so popular in Hawai`i growing up, but it was infinitely more delicious. The Tahitensis Vanilla was amazing (the sweet biscuits alone are just fantastic!).

Service was excellent, and I already can't wait for the next time I can visit elements!

elements
6 Witherspoon St
Princeton, NJ 08542
(609) 924-0078

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Visit New Jersey: Plainsboro Nature Preserve

While in New Jersey, we did some outdoor exploration at Plainsboro Nature Preserve.

There are several different trails on the preserve, and for the most part, we stuck to the White Trail.  This was the main trail with the least mosquitoes (true story).  

During our time there, the people and the mosquitoes were minimal, but once we hit the thick forests (the Yellow Trail), the mosquitoes were just too many.  I did have repellent on, but the amount of mosquitoes were just too much for my comfort, so we went back onto the White Trail.

There was plenty to see at the Preserve - birds, berries, fungus, and more. 

McCormack Lake was so pretty!

The weather was nice and the temperature was in the low 70s, so it made for a very enjoyable walk through the woods. 

Would definitely love to explore other trails if I end up in the area again!

Plainsboro Nature Reserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd

East Windsor, NJ 08512

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Visit New Jersey: Princeton Battlefield State Park

I had no idea that Princeton played such a huge role in the American Revolution.  According to the website for the Princeton Battlefield State Park:

In one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution, American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars on the morning of January 3, 1777. American soldiers, pushed back by a strong British assault, were rallied by Washington who rode his horse between the British and American lines, leading his men to his first field victory over British troops. The Battle of Princeton capped 10 days of maneuvering and fighting, including three battles, which began with Washington’s famous December 25, 1776 crossing of the Delaware.

The Princeton Battlefield State Park also happens to be a great place for a hike.

We saw all types of foliage, and even some deer!

The historic Clarke House is open for tours.

The Princeton Battlefield State Park is a great place to visit, whether you're a history buff, or simply want to explore the outdoors.

Princeton Battlefield State Park
500 Mercer Road
Princeton, NJ 08540

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Visit New Jersey: Princeton University

If you visit Princeton, New Jersey, you must tour the grounds of Princeton University.  Spanning over 600 acres with over 200 buildings, this world-renowned institution, and the fourth-oldest college in the US, has some of the most stunning architecture you'll ever come across.  

The picturesque buildings have served as backdrops to a number of movies. 

Touring the campus, I felt as if I were in another country!

We only toured a very small part of the campus, but I would love to return to explore more, and visit the acclaimed museum once it reopens.

You may visit on your own, or take a student-led campus tour.  Click here for more information. 

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