36 Hours in Princeton, New Jersey

America, I.R.L.

I decided I wanted to go to Princeton the same way I discovered much of the world from my bedroom: a Google search.

I was a fourteen-year-old sophomore in high school. I'd just gotten back from New York for the first time, terrified that maybe I wasn't cut out for ballet. I googled "best schools for writing" to set a new dream. But in the process, I'd sort of given up on an old one. I've realized this recently and am back in ballet. I've been taking voice lessons. I really miss performing.

I was terrified to be myself at Princeton, largely I think because of social media. But now, I feel extremely grateful to have such a supportive alumni community to lean on and such a beautiful campus to come back to.

This past March, I returned to Princeton for the PULSE alumni conference. I brought Hailey Cognetti with me, because I love seeing the best old place of all through someone else's eyes.

Places Visited

The Dinky — Stopped for Bloody Marys. Great service, spicy drinks, beautiful restaurant.

Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads — Interesting statues located near New South, where creative writing classes were held.

Nassau Inn — A charming, historic hotel with tradition, perfectly located for a walkable Princeton experience. The author preferred it over flashier options.

Roma Dining Hall — Met with current student and artist Althea. She mentioned watching the author's testimonials and being encouraged by seeing "the weird girls are still at Princeton."

The encounter with Althea reminded the author about a similar conversation with musician and Princeton alumna Danielle Stephenson, who laughed and said, "Wow, you're actually such a nerd!" The author responded affirmatively, feeling genuinely understood.

Ye Tavern and Bar — Had a Vesper martini at this newer restaurant affiliated with the Graduate Hotel by Hilton. The interior was fun and crowded.

PULSE Alumni Conference — Held in Chancellor Green library. Don Seitz delivered a motivational speech that felt affirming for a young entrepreneur.

The Princeton Charter Club — The author's eating club. She showed Hailey the tap room, library, and back lawn—spaces tied to personal memories of dancing, reading, and socializing.

Hoagie Haven — Encountered frustration with touchscreen ordering systems; preferred speaking directly with staff.

Princeton Convenience — Quick snack stop.

Chez Alice — Quaint café/patisserie with good coffee, tea, sandwiches, and macarons.

Small World Coffee — Iconic campus café where the author recalled a date where her companion wanted to split the bill, making her realize she was "a midwestern American Girl through and through."

Princeton Record Exchange — Where the author used to purchase blues and soul records as a senior while writing her thesis on the Harlem Renaissance.

The author ended with visits back to Princeton Charter Club and Wawa before catching the Dinky home.