Top 5 Romantic Getaways for Lovers in Princeton-Mercer County

Couples don’t always have the same idea of what a romantic getaway is.

For some, an ideal itinerary is packed with wine tastings and horseback riding, while others favor historical sites and chef-inspired meals.

If you’re planning a grand romantic gesture for February or any time of year, head to the Princeton-Mercer region—where you’ll find all this and more.

With its charming hometown setting and central location between New York City and Philadelphia, the Princeton-Mercer region is the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked the area one of the top 15 romantic places the Garden State.

Here, we uncover some hidden gems—all near major roadways and connected by public transportation—that will make your romantic escape easy to get to and impossible to forget.

Play and stay in Princeton

This college town is romantic year-round, but you'll want to stick even closer to your significant other with a slight chill in the air. Consider booking a room at the iconic Peacock Inn, a renovated 18th century colonial mansion that was once a gathering place for great minds, including Albert Einstein and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Start with the Inn’s charming afternoon tea service before strolling the grounds of Princeton University. Outside the campus gates, you’ll find the streets burgeoning with shops and impressive eateries, including Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna, which offers a tapas menu for happy hour. If you’d rather stay in the cozy confines of the Peacock, you can dine at the award-winning, fine-dining restaurant onsite.

Glide onto West Windsor’s ice-skating rink

There’s something so romantic about grabbing hold of your lover’s hand and stepping onto the ice for a couple’s skate. At the open-air, sheltered Mercer County Skating Center in West Windsor, you can cuddle up close and keep each other warm for as long as you like. “Generations of Mercer County residents have enjoyed our Skating Center, which continues to grow in popularity,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. Afterward, take the U.S. News & World Report’s advice and get a table at Agricola Eatery in Princeton for a delicious meal cooked with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms.

Wet your whistle in Hightstown or Hopewell

Would you like your getaway to revolve around craft beers, spirits, or wines (or all three!)? Raise your glass to Hightstown. Wine lovers must visit Working Dog Winery, a local vineyard making award-winning estate wines amid the rolling terrain of eastern Mercer County. A recent visitor raved, “No better way to spend your weekend then at a dog-friendly vineyard!” Mark your calendars for Wine and Chocolate Trail weekends held in February.

Are craft spirits and brews more your speed? Hopewell is home to Sourland Mountain Spirits Distillery situated on the idyllic Double Brook Farm. This sustainable farm also features Troon Brewing and Brick Farm Tavern & Bar, making it the only location with a craft distillery, a craft brewery, and a pasture-to-fork restaurant in one place.

Get active in Trenton

Are you an active couple that likes adventure with your romance? Whether you want to break a sweat with an indoor challenge or venture into the great outdoors, Trenton has what you want. At Rockville Climbing Center, you can challenge yourselves to indoor rock climbing in a safe, controlled environment. For some outdoor action, hit the historic towpath along the Delaware and Raritan Canal stretching from Bakers Basin Road, Trenton, to New Brunswick for hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and biking. Before you leave, consider stopping by 1911 Smokehouse Barbeque on Front Street for “the world’s best BBQ” or Blue Danube Restaurant for Eastern European cuisine.

“Escape” to Hamilton

Some people may think of them as group activities but escape rooms can make for a fun twist on the typical date night. Visit Cloak and Dagger Escape Rooms in Hamilton, and huddle in one of their high-tech rooms packed with stellar storylines. While you’re in the area, check out Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture garden, arboretum, and museum, then enjoy some food at Rat’s Restaurant onsite.

There’s plenty more to enjoy in the Princeton-Mercer region, so keep the romance alive and visit anytime. For more information, contact the Princeton-Mercer Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau.