Top Five Places to Visit Between Chatham Township and Princeton, NJ

If you're planning a road trip between Chatham Township and Princeton, you're in luck! There are plenty of great places to see along the way, whether you're interested in history, nature, or just good food. Here are our top five picks for places to stop on your journey.

Bridgewater, NJ: A Halfway Point with Plenty to Offer

As the midway point between Chatham Township and Princeton, Bridgewater is worth a stop on its own. The town is home to the Somerset Patriots minor league baseball team, so if you're a fan of America's favorite pastime, be sure to catch a game at TD Bank Ballpark. If you're more interested in history, visit the Van Horne House, where George Washington once stayed during the Revolutionary War. The house is now a museum, and tours are available on weekends. For a tasty bite to eat, head to Chimney Rock Inn for pizza, burgers, and craft beer.

1. Duke Farms

Duke Farms, located in Hillsborough, NJ, is a natural oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The 2,740-acre property was once the estate of tobacco tycoon James Buchanan Duke, but is now open to the public as a conservation area. Visitors can hike, bike, or even horseback ride through the park's trails, which wind around lakes, past fields of sunflowers, and through forests. Be sure to stop by the Orchid Range, which houses over 700 species of orchids, or the Sustainable Farm Market to pick up some local produce.

2. Washington Crossing Historic Park

Washington Crossing Historic Park in Titusville, NJ, is the site where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. The park is home to several historic buildings, including the Thompson-Neely House, a colonial-era farmhouse that once served as a field hospital for wounded soldiers. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park's buildings and monuments, or watch re-enactors bring historical events to life. If you're visiting in December, be sure to catch the annual Christmas Day Crossing event, when actors recreate Washington's crossing of the Delaware by boat.

3. Princeton University

No trip to Princeton is complete without a visit to Princeton University. Founded in 1746, the Ivy League institution has produced countless notable alumni, from US Presidents to Nobel Prize winners. Visitors can take a guided tour of the university's historic campus and see landmarks such as Nassau Hall, the oldest building on campus. Be sure to visit the Princeton University Art Museum, which houses over 100,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. If you're lucky, you might even catch a performance at the McCarter Theatre Center, one of the country's leading regional theaters.

4. Grounds for Sculpture

Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, is a 42-acre park filled with stunning artwork. The park was founded in 1992 by sculptor J. Seward Johnson, who wanted to create a space where people could interact with sculpture in a natural setting. Visitors can stroll through the park's gardens, which are filled with over 270 sculptures by artists such as Auguste Rodin and Yayoi Kusama. Be sure to visit the Domestic Arts Building, which houses rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. If you're hungry, head to Rat's Restaurant, a French-inspired bistro located on the park's grounds.

5. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a 70-mile linear park that stretches from Trenton to New Brunswick, NJ. The park follows the route of the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal, which once transported goods between New York City and Philadelphia. Visitors can hike or bike along the park's towpath, which offers stunning views of the canal and its surrounding forests. Be sure to visit the Prallsville Mills complex, a collection of historic industrial buildings that now house a museum and art gallery. If you're interested in fishing, bring your gear and cast a line in the canal or one of its tributaries.

In conclusion, there's plenty to see and do between Chatham Township and Princeton, NJ. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just good food, these five stops are sure to add some excitement to your road trip. So pack up the car, hit the road, and enjoy all that central New Jersey has to offer!