Enjoy a weekend in Princeton, N.J.

By Clara Bosonetto

For the AJC

Budget

Getting there

Frequent sale rates of $64 one way are offered to Philadelphia, a 45-minute drive from Princeton. One-way rates of $109 are valid Saturdays and Sundays only. Valid AirTran, Delta, USAirways, nonstop.

Stay

Complimentary breakfast is offered daily along with a light dinner reception (Monday-Thursday) at the Hampton Inn Princeton. Guests also enjoy complimentary WiFi and accommodations with microwaves and refrigerators. Minutes to downtown Princeton. All stays at Hampton Inn are guaranteed. A nightly rate of $129 includes a $40 dining credit at one of Princeton's premier restaurants. 4385 Route 1, 609-951-0066, www.princeton.hamptoninn.com.

Eat

Before you drop from sightseeing, stop in for coffee and a heavenly cupcake ($1.25-$2.25) at the Bent Spoon. Organic baked goods taste as good as they look. 35 Palmer Square W., 609-924-2368, www.thebentspoon.net. Teresa Caffe is committed to using organic, grass-fed beef, organic pork, and antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken. This neighborhood trattoria serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (items $2-$14). Evening antipasti $5-$13; pizzette $6-$10 and entrees $12-$19. 23 Palmer Square E., 609-921-1974, www.terramomo.com.

Experience

One of the finest museums in the country (yet little known) is the Princeton University Art Museum, with 72,000 works, including pieces by Ansel Adams and Andy Warhol. The museum, founded in 1882, also features its founding collection of porcelain and pottery. Closed Mondays; free admission. 1 Nassau Hall, 609-258-3788, www.artmuseum.princeton.edu. Charming Palmer Square is downtown Princeton's finest shopping and dining district. Continue to Landau's at 102 Nassau St. This woolen goods shop houses the only permanent Albert Einstein exhibit in the United States. Einstein lived at 112 Mercer St. in Princeton from 1933 until his death in 1955.

Moderate

Getting there

Newark, N.J., is also a 45-minute drive from Princeton. Frequent sale rates start at $84. Regular rates requiring a two-week advance notice start at $194. Valid on Continental or Delta, nonstop.

Stay

The Doubletree Hotel Princeton recently has been redesigned and features complimentary in-room Wolfgang Puck coffee and tea, USA Today and shuttle service within a 5-mile radius, plus in-room dining and a sundry shop. On-site is a heated indoor pool and fitness center. For stays through the end of the year, rates start at $101, including fresh baked cookies on arrival, WiFi and a cooked-to-order breakfast buffet. Request plan code PK1. 4355 U.S. Route 1, 609-452-2400, www.Doubletree.Hilton.com/Princeton.

Eat

One 53 Restaurant-Bar is a clubby bistro with seasonal menus using only the best from local vendors. This hot spot has an extensive wine list and a full bar with specialty cocktails. Starters $6-$19; entrees $21-$38. 153 Washington St., Rocky Hill, 609-921-0153, www.one53nj.com.

Experience

One of the oldest surviving buildings in Princeton is the Bainbridge House, circa 1766. It's also the home of the Historical Society, where a two-hour walking tour of this lovely town begins. Guides share tales of early history, the founding of the university and Princeton's history during the American Revolution. Tours start each Sunday at noon; $7 adults. 158 Nassau St., 609-921-6748; www.princetonhistory.org.

Splurge

Getting there

One-way, walk-up Business Class rates to Philadelphia start at $408; $441 to Newark.

Stay

A member of Small Elegant Hotels, the Inn at Glencairn offers modern amenities and en suite accommodations in a meticulously renovated 1736 Georgian manor. Fine art, antiques, Frette bathrooms and skeleton keys to enter guest rooms add to the charm. Gourmet breakfast, evening wine and cheese, beverages and bottled water throughout the day and WiFi are complimentary at nightly rates ranging $149-$189. 3301 Lawrenceville Road, 609-497-1737.

Eat

Elements blends food, service and environment. Interpretive American cuisine is served in an open layout of glass, stone, steel and rich woods and textures. Entrees $25-$45; daily chef's tasting menu $115 per person for nine courses. 163 Bayard Lane, 609-924-0078, www.elementsprinceton.com.

Experience

The 35-acre Grounds for Sculpture was created by J. Seward Johnson, a philanthropist, sculptor and heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune. Wandering through indoor seasonal exhibits and permanent outdoor exhibits is a great way to spend a day. Self-guided tour maps of the grounds and exhibits are available in the Visitor Center. Adult admission is $12. Plan to have a drink or a meal in the Lounge at Rat's or in Rat's Restaurant (Ratty in the book "The Wind and the Willows" served great food at his parties). 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, 609-586-0616, www.groundsforsculpture.org.