Make some history this weekend.
Eric Malave
After a string of crushing defeats and disappointments, 10 wintery days spent along the Delaware River and throughout Central New Jersey went a long way to revive the spirits of George Washington’s army.
Follow the path to Princeton in the footsteps of the ragged Continental Army, all while experiencing local culture, cuisine, and recreation. You will find fun activities for the whole family, splendid shopping options, and stunning romantic retreats.
Revealing the trials and triumphs of the Ten Crucial Days Campaign, these historic sites explore the story of Washington’s much-needed victory in the winter of 1776-1777.
- Embark on your journey at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Stop by the visitor’s center and join a tour of where Washington and his army launched their crossing of the Delaware River.
- Before crossing yourself, grab lunch at the nearby Washington Crossing Inn, an upscale eatery in a preserved 1817 home.
- Travel across the Washington Crossing Bridge into New Jersey and visit Washington Crossing State Park. Make sure to see the Johnson Ferry House around where Continental troops landed on Christmas night 1776.
- Begin your tour of historic Trenton at the Old Barracks Museum. Built during the French and Indian War, this soldiers residence served as a hospital, prisoner camp, mustering ground, and quarters for both the British and American armies during the Revolution.
- From there, view the Trenton Battle Monument Historic Site at the location of Washington’s artillery during the December 26 battle that surprised and defeated the Hessian garrison.
- Washington may have crossed the river twice more in December 1776, but no need for you to! Head over to Mill Hill Park to visit a portion of the battlefield where the Continentals repulsed British attacks along Assunpink Creek in the Second Battle of Trenton.
- Like General Washington, slip out of Trenton and head north for Princeton. Here, your tour will culminate at the Princeton Battlefield State Park. At the site of Washington’s January 3 victory, see a descendent of the Mercer Oak that witnessed the death of General Hugh Mercer, the historic Clarke House, and the Ionic Colonnade marking the burial location of British and American troops killed in the battle.
- Cap off your trip in Princeton proper. Admire the university’s Nassau Hall and its battle damage from Captain Alexander Hamilton’s artillery fire against British holdouts and visit the commemorative Princeton Battle Monument Historic Site. Book a guided walking or ghost tour with Princeton Tour Company and they'll show you the way to all things Revolutionary in Princeton!
Consider making a short trip or even a longer detour to some area attractions that are sure to excite the whole family!
- These Trenton-based activities are guaranteed to be enjoyed by those of all ages:
- The New Jersey State Museum features collections of battle flags from New Jersey regiments in the Civil War, carnivore, herbivore, and marine reptile fossils from the time of the dinosaurs, state history, art, and archeology, and a planetarium that enchants guests with the wonders of space.
- If you’re visiting for the summer, head to the scenic Trenton Thunder Ballpark along the Delaware River to watch an MLB Draft League game.
- Only 45 minutes from downtown Trenton, Six Flags Great Adventure offers a host thrill rides, family attractions, and water park fun for everyone.
- Get a taste of this messy Philly classic on your drive up to Princeton at Meatheadz Cheesesteaks just off Route 1.
- For a day of fun in and around Princeton, these locations are perfect for families:
- Start the day at The Princetonian Diner for a hearty breakfast of classic American fare.
- Once full on food, burn some calories on the water. Princeton Canoe and Kayak Rental provides boating and access to the D&R Canal, Stony Brook, or Carnegie Lake.
- Round out the day with a trip to Terhune Orchards where kids and adults can enjoy the fun and relaxation of picking seasonal berries, apples, pumpkins, and flowers.
In the Princeton area there are plenty of shops to satisfy the itch of browsing art, food, boutique goods at local emporiums.
- Centered around the historic Nassau Inn, Palmer Square is Princeton’s open-air commercial hub with a wide array of local retailers and eateries to pique any shopper’s curiosity:
- Browse furniture at Arhaus Studios, toys at jaZams, or beauty products at Bluemercury.
- Find British clothing at Barbour, designer jewelry at Dandelion, trendy fashion at Highbar Boutique, sophisticated apparel at The Rain of Spain, or clothing for the little ones at Toobydoo.
- If art is more your style, take in the photograph gallery at Art on Hulfish or artisan goods at the Princeton University Art Museum Store.
- When shopping makes you hungry, grab some tasty ice cream at Bent Spoon, wine, pizza, and antipasti at Teresa’s Caffe, or sit down for some beer and pub food at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room.
- Labyrinth Books is an excellent stop for any bookworm searching for their next read (or hoping to brush up on their Revolutionary history!).
- Head north out of the Princeton for the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market, a great Amish market for baked items, hot foods, salads, produce, meats and cheeses, sweets, jellies, preserves, and pickled goods.
Delight in an unforgettable weekend surrounded by the culture, nature, and history of the Delaware River region.
- Begin your romantic getaway across the river in Pennsylvania:
- Pick up delicious breakfast sandwiches, pastries, or bagels from Colonial Farms.
- Enjoy a romantic stroll through Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (adjacent to the upper section of Washington Crossing Historic Park) to marvel at the beautiful native flower and plant species of the Delaware Valley.
- Spend the afternoon less than a mile from Washington’s embarkation tasting a selection of wines from Crossing Vineyards and Winery.
- Before traveling to Princeton for the evening, stop at Erini along the river for a Mediterranean-inspired meal in an immersive and seasonal atmosphere.
- Once settled in Princeton, enjoy these local experiences to connect with your better half.
- Start your day in the center of Princeton at Chez Alice Patisserie, savoring French pastries, macarons, croissants, and coffee in this adorable little cafe.
- In the morning, visit Morven Museum and Garden, the gorgeous home of Richard Stockton (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) and five New Jersey governors, which features exhibits on the Revolution and local history in addition to incredible artwork, architecture, and horticulture.
- For lunch, grab a savory sandwich or cup of hot soup from Princeton Soup & Sandwich Company in Palmer Square.
- Take in the splendor of nature with an idyllic stroll through one of the charming nature and hiking areas around Princeton, such as Mountain Lakes Open Space Area, Mercer Meadows, and Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. Or combine a Princeton Battlefield walk with the Institute Woods.
- Time left in Princeton before dinner? Stop into Art@Bainbridge for a free gallery experience in a restored 1766 colonial house.
- End your lovely escape with a dinner for two at Blue Point Grill. Offering a menu that rotates daily, this seafood restaurant provides a wonderful bookend to your romantic travels.
We’ve got some tips and advice for preparing a trip through the history of the Ten Crucial Days, including weather, accommodations, and historical background – everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one.
- Check the weather so you know what to wear and how to pack.
- Read up on the Revolutionary War, especially the events and significance of the Ten Crucial Days and Battle of Princeton.
- VisitNJ is the central spot for all things tourism in the Garden State. For specific travel information, special events, activities, and sites related to the Ten Crucial Days Campaign, go to TenCrucialDays.org.
- Accommodations abound in this area, particularly in Princeton. Short travel times from Princeton to Washington’s Crossing (Pennsylvania and New Jersey), and Trenton make staying in this university town a reasonable option.