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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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24 Things to love about the Princeton area

February 13, 2017 By Hilary Morris

We asked and you delivered. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to know what you, the public, loved about living in the Princeton area. We polled our followers on Facebook and Instagram and have shared their responses below. If there's anything they missed, add your favorites in the comments below.

Princeton Forrestal Village: We love how our village is a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, fitness, family activities and more: Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. Pinot's Palette Gymboree Play & Music of Princeton, NJ Tre Piani Luxe Home Company Forrestal Village Fitness
Belinda S.: Love abounds in Princeton for intellectual pursuits...wherever you go, whether it's the cleaners, a coffee shop or waiting for your child at the bus stop... amazing people doing amazing things. I ??Princeton
Kathleen W.: Our art studio Pinot's Palette is Princeton's new night out! Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, host bachelorette parties in our VIP room or join a regular class in our spacious, upscale studio located at Forrestal Village, with plenty of free parking.
Cristina F.: Love that there is always something going on somewhere in and around town. Whether with the kids or on a date night with my husband, there is always something to do. Our favorite spot is stop at the bent spoon and walk around the square!
Arts Council of Princeton: We love the Arts. The arts is important to Princeton's culture. We are pleased to be a part of the vibrant art scene and host art-inspired events to the wonderful Princeton community.
Liz F-W: As a mom, I love the Princeton Public Library -- so many baby and toddler storytimes, so many other parents to bond with, a terrific playroom. I also love all the tiny parks and playgrounds that sprinkle the area!
Suzanne O: Yesterday I dined Tre Piani with my girlfriend- had the best seafood risotto. Afterwards we walked into Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co. and then into Luxe Home Company. I also pointed out to her Pinot's Palette because she hasn't been yet but heard of it. Great spot to walk around! My other favorite spot is Witherspoon Grill for the BEST crabake (I'm a maryland girl and I swear its the best in NJ)
Sheetal S: I love the paintings Pinot's Pallet offers ! Can't wait to visit them !
Tracy M: The natural (and manmade) beauty of the area and the trails, parks and preserved lands for running, walking and hiking. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, Mercer County Park Commission, Baldpate Mountain, Sourland Mountain County Preserve, Mercer Meadows Pole Farm, Washington Crossing State Park, Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation, etc, etc
Gale S: Princeton University architecture (older buildings)
Beth C: The central location to meet, to revisit and bring out-of -own guests to experience the sheer ambiance of the town and find hidden treasures around every corner. The perfect blend of old traditions of Santa and tree lighting on Palmer Square to the newest trends in retail, food and events! In a nutshell, black squirrel inspired: "a place to experience history while also making your own."
Suzanne B: Love to hear about new restaurants and stuff going on at the spice shop!
Linda K: Palmer Square is lovely and the fireplace at the Nassua Inn is so romantic!
Jill S: Outside patio at Alchemist and Barrister
Julia D: Love the people and the stores.
Stella S: I love everything about Princeton.
Joshua I: Palmer Square and the people living or working in "The Square."
Jackie Z: I love all of the wonderful business owners who go out of their way to make shopping in Princeton a great experience. ..there is a mutual respect between the small business owner and their customers. I love supporting local businesses! And don't forget how beautiful Princeton is during the Christmas holidays!
Patricia O: The Princeton Community Works ...held annually in January at Princeton University 'a Frist Center.
@Janieh: There is so much to love about Princeton., but at the top of my list is the great access to cultural events and exhibits without needing to always travel to New York or Philadelphia. I love being able to see world class productions at McCarter, take in great art exhibits at the Princeton University Art Museum or the Arts Council of Princeton, hear wonderful music from the PSO and other local music organizations. Top of the list for me though is June when the annual Princeton Festival fills my calendar with events galore. And, of course, I have to mention Princeton Public Library (but I might be a bit biased on that one).
@cmiller237: Great food options from all kinds of restaurants including Agricola, Mistral and Jammin Crepes!!
@smartsimplesavvy: I love the diversity of people, food, and culture that Princeton offers. I also love that Princeton always has something going on. Whether it's educational or just plain fun, you're never bored in this town!
@mayra_de_la_caridad: The gorgeous architecture - can't look away! ?
And for the grande finale, #24 is an original poem by Heather S:

Princeton, why I love thee...
You are so full of history
Home to the university
And full of cultural diversity

Breweries and pubs full of spirits
Bed and Breakfast to take your dearest
Restaurants with the most exquisite fare
even better after a show at McCarter Theater

Ice Cream that just can't be beat
From The Bent Spoon to Thomas Sweet
Shopping on the highest end
Kate Spade, J. Crew, and Ralph Lauren

The architecture is the foundation of which dreams were made
Michelle Obama, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Steve Forbes, Dean Cain

From Einstein's House to the Battlefield Monument
There's so much culture - you can't help but be proud of it

Something about the winter though
When the lamp posts set the streets aglow
There is something magical in the air
And a beautiful sight right in Palmer Square

Something that is so exciting
Something about the town uniting
Something to visitors that's so inviting
Is that special Christmas Tree Lighting

Seems as though in Princeton all feel welcome
Regardless of race or sex, religion or income

You never know who you're going to meet
Walking down Nassau Street

Take in the past and enjoy the view
And witness the future be born around you