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Princeton Insider

Hi there. Welcome to Princeton Insider - the smart and official scoop on things to do, where to shop, and places to eat in Princeton. While celebrating the charm, authenticity, and opportunity that makes Princeton the darling of central New Jersey, we will keep your fingers on the pulse of what's happening. Stay tuned.

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10 Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July This Year in Princeton

June 30, 2020 By Rachel Fullan

So far this year, our holidays may have looked a little different. While the pandemic may still be shutting down large-scale events, there's still plenty to do and enjoy in our area. We've rounded up 10 ideas of social-distance-friendly ways to celebrate the 4th of July with your loved ones.

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks are taking place on July 4 as usual, and will be shown on NBC. The store chain has not yet announced specifics. Grab some sparklers for your own pre- or post-firework show.

In Person Reading of Declaration of Independence

9:00 AM

To celebrate America, town leaders from Allentown and Upper Freehold Township will join members of the community to read the Declaration at 9 a.m. in Heritage Park in Allentown. The Park can be accessed from both Main and Church Streets. The event has been moved this year from Sensi Park so that social distancing protocols set by the CDC and the State of New Jersey can be observed. All attending are asked to wear a face mask. The event will also be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/AllentownBoroughNJ/ .

Visit the Local Saturday Farmers Markets

Especially in the great Garden State, Saturdays are for Farmers Markets, fresh with delicious NJ fruits and veggies, baked goods and items. Three local farmers markets are taking place this Fourth including: Montgomery Friends of Open Space (9am-12pm) (Village Shopper III, 1378 Route 206, Skillman, near Mooyahs Burgers), Pennington Farmers Market (9AM-1PM)(lawn at Rosedale Mills (101 Route 31 North in Hopewell Township) and West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market (9AM-1PM) Vaughn Drive at the Princeton Junction Train Station. Whip up some delicious grub with your farmers market finds!

Terhune Orchards’ Winery Weekend Music Series

12PM -5PM

Terhune Orchards’ historic apple orchard is the spot to enjoy Terhune wine, light fare and relaxing music during their Weekend Music Series, every Saturday and Sunday this summer. Families are welcome! Check their social media/website for their picking schedule and pick some of your own blueberries while you are there!

“Stars and Stripes”, Music Mountain Theater

3:00 PM

Music Mountain Theatre presents “Stars and Stripes”, 3pm. - a patriotic salute to the American songbook featuring music from George M. Cohan to Nat King Cole and everything in between. It will be presented in concert format with ten live singers, socially distanced, as well as pre-recorded performances. Tickets are $25 per household. You will receive viewing information before the event. To order tickets, see the list of upcoming concerts or for information, visit our website at www.musicmountaintheatre.org or call 609 397 3337.

Get Your Grub On

Local spots are offering 4th of July specials like:

Lucy’s Kitchen - Lucy's has To Go items for catering like BBQ Chicken or BBQ Ribs for 4, and much more.
Brick Farm Market - Their cooler is packed with steaks, chops, chicken, sausages & hot dogs. Bring the flavor fireworks with a bottle of their house made condiments (think BBQ sauces, relishes, sauerkraut…). This week they are open Weds - Fri 8 am to 9 pm; Sat (4th of July) 8am to 7pm; Sun 8am to 7pm. Online ordering for pickup or delivery also available!
Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company - Their shrimp salad and crab cakes are essential for seafood lovers and their fresh fish is perfect for grilling.
McCaffrey’s - The grocery store has delicious items for the 4th and also features recipes on their website, like Coco-Cola Marinated BBQ Ribs, BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders and Mushroom Stuffed Burgers.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

Check out our blog post that highlights all of the area’s best spots to get ice cream to-go. Just call beforehand to check shop hours & rules.

Brick Farm Market's Smoke & Cider BBQ Night

5PM-8:30PM

Brick Farm Market's Smoke & Cider BBQ nights are back. You can come in and order for takeout or dine outdoors, any Wednesday thru Saturday, 5:00 – 8:30 PM, and Sunday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Market OR or place your order online for pickup or outside dining.

Enjoy great barbeque made from their own farm’s pasture raised local meats, and crisp local ciders from New Jersey’s own Ironbound Cidery. Hang out in the cool vibe as you savor pulled heritage Berkshire pork, smoked Devon beef, pastrami smoked Devon beef short ribs, Brick Farm Market fried chicken, and their twist on the classic sides, sauces, desserts and beverages. Seasonal and classic ciders from Ironbound Hard Cider will be available for sale (21 and older) to enjoy with your ‘Cue.

MarketFair’s 4th of July Printables

MarketFair is now open with modified hours of operation (Monday-Saturday 10AM-7PM and Sunday 12PM-6PM). Masks are required when visiting.

They pulled together some fun printables to do at home this Fourth of July, including a word search, directions to make TP firecrackers and a recipe for Independence Day Trifles.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Turning Basin Park and Mercer County Park are great spots to go to enjoy the great outdoors and pack a picnic. Toss your fishing pole in to see what bites. Also, Bass Chaser Charters offers guided fishing trips throughout the area.

You can also try out a new sport with your family or loved one. Paddle boarding or kayaking are great options for the summertime. Check store hours for local sports shops like Eastern Mountain Sports, Jay’s Cycles or Kopp’s Cycles.

What are your plans for this Fourth of July?