When you start thinking about your next vacation, there are probably some spots that instantly come to mind: Miami, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; Aspen, Colorado; New York City. Vacation makes you think about places where the weather is always sunny, or the skiing is always fresh, or cultural and entertainment options are abundant.
One vacation spot you might not think of is Princeton, NJ… But you should!
The history-laden town that the esteemed Ivy League university calls home is a hidden gem. Despite what some may think of the location, you are guaranteed the fact that there is more to do than what others might think, especially when it all relates to one of its most iconic attractions.
The McCarter Theatre & What It’s Presenting
If you’re a huge fan of theatre, you must check out the McCarter Theatre. For theatre-lovers, it’s a reason in and of itself to plan a mini-vacation to Princeton. As an independent non-profit organization that lives on Princeton University’s campus, it has access to many resources and high-profile people that a theatre in a different town would lack. Its location has allowed it to become a world-class theatre that focuses on community engagement, education, and entertainment. The McCarter also places a heavy emphasis on diversity, making the arts accessible to all, and operating at the point where art and scholarship intersect.
As 2020 dawns, there are so many fun, unique events coming up at the McCarter that are worth the trip. Here are just some events that might make you plan for January or February:
- Goodnight Nobody
- The Mikado
- The Big Time
- Yamato Drummers of Japan
- Dance Theatre of Harlem
- Gregory Porter
- Yuja Wang, piano
- Claire Chase, flute
- Jake Shimabukuro Trio
- Romeo & Juliet
- Russian Renaissance
- Lewis Black
- Mummenschanz
- Laurie Berkner
- The Laurie Berkner Band
- Bruce Hornsby and yMusic
- Joey Alexander Trio
- Isaac Mizrahi
A full calendar of events is located on the website. One thing you should note is that there are no plays on Mondays, so you should plan on being in town at some point from a Tuesday to a Sunday.
Once you’re at the theatre, you have a great opportunity to learn more about the community and its people keeping the spirit of the theatre alive, learn about some of their school programs, and buy a gift card for a person that you want to invite to a play that they’ll never forget.
Where Should You Stay?
Given its distinguished university, the many local historic sights, and the culturally significant attractions like the McCarter, there are many fine hotel options in Princeton, NJ.
With its modern design and affordable luxury, the Hyatt Regency Princeton is a popular choice for travelers. Its convenient location near Route 1 and the Princeton Junction Train Station make it a good home base to explore the area from.
If you’re a history buff, consider the Inn at Glencairn. This boutique hotel resides in a renovated 1736 Georgian manor. Laden with history but equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, it offers visitors an unparalleled experience.
