bigtravelbuzzTrenton is the capital city of the state of New Jersey, located in Mercer County. It is situated in the central part of the state, along the Delaware River. Here are some things to see and do in Trenton:
New Jersey State House: Visit the state’s capitol building, which was built in the 18th century and is home to the state legislature.
Old Barracks Museum: Learn about the history of Trenton and the role it played in the American Revolution at this museum, which features exhibits, artifacts, and reenactments.
Trenton Farmers Market: Shop for fresh produce, meats, and other goods at this popular farmers market, which has been operating for over 80 years.
Trenton Battle Monument: This 150-foot-tall monument commemorates the Battle of Trenton, a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War.
William Trent House Museum: Tour this historic home, which was built in 1719 and is one of the oldest houses in Trenton.
Arm & Hammer Park: Catch a baseball game at this stadium, which is home to the Trenton Thunder minor league team.
Artworks Trenton: Visit this non-profit arts organization, which features exhibitions, classes, and events showcasing local artists.
Cadwalader Park: Take a stroll through this beautiful park, which features a lake, walking paths, and a playground.
Trenton Transit Center: Take a train or bus from this transportation hub, which provides connections to other parts of New Jersey and beyond.
Mill Hill Historic District: Explore this charming neighborhood, which features historic homes, museums, and galleries.
Places to Visit in Trenton
Here are some popular places to visit in Trenton:
New Jersey State Museum: This museum showcases the cultural and natural history of New Jersey, including exhibits on geology, archeology, and art.
Old Barracks Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of Trenton and its role in the American Revolution. Visitors can see reenactments, historic artifacts, and more.
Trenton Farmers Market: This market has been operating for over 80 years and offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and other locally-sourced goods.
Trenton Battle Monument: This 150-foot-tall monument commemorates the Battle of Trenton and its significance in the Revolutionary War.
William Trent House Museum: This historic home was built in 1719 and is one of the oldest houses in Trenton. Visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of the city and its early settlers.
Artworks Trenton: This non-profit arts organization showcases local artists and offers exhibitions, classes, and events.
Sun National Bank Center: This arena hosts concerts, sporting events, and other live performances throughout the year.
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion: This museum is housed in a historic mansion and features exhibits on Trenton’s history and culture.
Cadwalader Park: This beautiful park offers walking paths, a lake, and a playground.
Mill Hill Historic District: This neighborhood features historic homes, museums, and galleries and is a popular spot for walking tours.
Best Time To Visit Trenton
The best time to visit Trenton is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. In the spring, the flowers are in bloom, and the city is alive with festivals and events. In the fall, the foliage is at its peak, and the city’s many outdoor spaces are perfect for walking and hiking.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in Trenton, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s (Fahrenheit). However, this is a popular time for visitors, as many outdoor events, such as fairs and concerts, take place during the summer.
Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy in Trenton, with temperatures dipping below freezing. However, this is a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports, such as skiing and ice skating, as there are several ski resorts and skating rinks within driving distance of the city.
Overall, the best time to visit Trenton depends on your interests and preferences. If you prefer milder temperatures and outdoor activities, then spring and fall are the best times to visit. However, if you enjoy summer events or winter sports, then those seasons may be more appealing to you.
How to get around in Trenton
There are several ways to get around in Trenton:
By car: The most convenient way to get around Trenton is by car. You can rent a car at Trenton-Mercer Airport or from one of the many car rental companies in the area. There are several parking lots and garages throughout the city, as well as street parking.
By taxi or ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Trenton. You can hail a taxi on the street or use a ride-sharing app to book a ride.
By bus: New Jersey Transit operates bus services throughout Trenton and the surrounding areas. There are several bus stops throughout the city, and you can purchase tickets at the Trenton Transit Center.
By train: Amtrak and New Jersey Transit operate train services from the Trenton Transit Center. You can take a train to New York City, Philadelphia, and other destinations in the region.
By bike: Trenton has a bike-share program called Trenton Bike Share, which allows you to rent a bike for a short period of time. There are also several bike lanes and trails throughout the city.
On foot: Trenton is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. There are several pedestrian-friendly areas, including downtown Trenton and the Delaware River waterfront.
Where to eat in Trenton
There are many great restaurants to choose from in Trenton. Here are some popular options:
The Trenton Social: This gastropub offers a diverse menu with options for all tastes, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. They also have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Cafe Antonio: This Italian restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes, seafood, and homemade desserts. They also offer a daily happy hour and live entertainment on the weekends.
La Parrilla: This Latin American restaurant serves up traditional dishes such as empanadas, tacos, and burritos, as well as grilled meats and seafood.
1911 Smokehouse BBQ: This barbecue joint offers slow-smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. They also have a variety of sides and desserts.
Killarney’s Publick House: This Irish pub serves up classic pub fare, including fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. They also have a great selection of beers on tap.
El Tule: This Mexican restaurant serves up authentic dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. They also have a great selection of margaritas and other cocktails.
Osteria Procaccini: This Italian restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta dishes, and a variety of antipasti. They also have a great wine selection.
The Blue Bottle Cafe: This cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as baked goods and coffee drinks.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Trenton. There are plenty of options for all tastes and budgets.
Famous street stalls in Trenton
While Trenton doesn’t have many famous street stalls, it does have some popular food trucks that offer delicious eats. Here are a few:
The Taco Truck: This food truck serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas made with fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas. They also offer a variety of salsas and toppings.
Five Sisters Food Co.: This food truck offers a variety of sandwiches, including a classic Philly cheesesteak, a Cuban sandwich, and a vegetarian banh mi. They also have a rotating menu of soups and sides.
Maddalena’s Cheesecake and Catering: This food truck specializes in homemade cheesecakes in a variety of flavors, including plain, chocolate, and raspberry. They also offer catering services for events.
The Cow and the Curd: This food truck serves up crispy Wisconsin cheese curds with a variety of dipping sauces. They also offer other fried foods, such as fried chicken and fries.
Surf and Turf Truck: This food truck serves up seafood dishes, such as fish tacos, crab cakes, and lobster rolls, as well as burgers and hot dogs.
These food trucks can often be found at events and festivals throughout Trenton, so keep an eye out for them if you’re looking for some delicious street food.
Where to stay in Trenton
Luxury accommodation
Trenton has limited options for luxury accommodation, but there are a few high-end hotels in the surrounding area. Here are some options:
The Peacock Inn: Located in nearby Princeton, this luxury boutique hotel features elegantly appointed rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, and a bar with a wide selection of wines and cocktails. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Trenton.
Hyatt Regency Princeton: Also located in Princeton, this upscale hotel features spacious rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving American cuisine. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Trenton.
The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village: This elegant hotel features comfortable rooms and suites, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a restaurant serving American cuisine. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Trenton.
The Inn at Lambertville Station: Located across the Delaware River in Lambertville, this boutique hotel features beautifully appointed rooms with river views, a fine-dining restaurant, and a bar with live music. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Trenton.
These luxury accommodations offer upscale amenities and services, as well as easy access to Trenton and the surrounding area.
Where to stay in Trenton
Budget accommodation
Trenton has a few options for budget accommodation, including motels and budget hotels. Here are some options:
Motel 6 Lawrenceville: Located just a few miles from Trenton, this budget-friendly motel features clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Princeton/Lawrenceville: This budget hotel is located just off of I-95, about a 10-minute drive from Trenton. It features simple rooms with basic amenities, as well as an outdoor pool.
Red Roof Inn Princeton – Ewing: This budget hotel is located just a few miles from Trenton and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Quality Inn & Suites NJ State Capital Area: This budget hotel is located just off of I-295, about a 10-minute drive from Trenton. It features simple rooms with basic amenities, as well as an outdoor pool and fitness center.
These budget accommodations offer simple and clean rooms at an affordable price. While they may not have all of the amenities of a luxury hotel, they provide a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Trenton and the surrounding area.
Travel Tips Trenton
Here are some travel tips for visiting Trenton:
Explore the city’s history: Trenton played a key role in the American Revolution and is home to several historic sites, including the Old Barracks Museum and the Trenton Battle Monument.
Visit the Trenton Farmers Market: This popular indoor/outdoor market features a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other locally made products. It’s open year-round.
Check the weather: Trenton can experience hot and humid summers and cold winters, so be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Take a walk along the Delaware River: Trenton is located on the Delaware River, and the Riverfront Park offers a scenic walking path with views of the river and the Trenton-Morrisville Bridge.
Try the local cuisine: Trenton is known for its regional specialties, including pork roll sandwiches and tomato pie. Be sure to try these local favorites while you’re in town.
Use public transportation: Trenton has a bus station and a train station that provide easy access to nearby cities such as Philadelphia and New York City. The NJ Transit train station is located downtown and offers frequent service to nearby destinations.
Be aware of your surroundings: As with any city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.
By following these travel tips, you can make the most of your visit to Trenton and have an enjoyable and safe experience.