Every semester, Princeton University opens a bunch of its classes to local auditors. Princeton residents get first dibs, but the program is open to anyone committed enough to jump through the hoops and register.
Trenton Circus Squad is a truly remarkable organization located in the historic (and extremely photogenic) Roebling Machine Shop, adjoining Roebling Market. Kids aged 6-18 are eligible to take free classes in circus arts: riding a unicycle, walking on stilts, juggling, wire walking, acrobatics, trapeze, slapstick comedy, human pyramids, German wheel and mini-trampoline. [sphere 9296 long=”180″] … Continue reading Bread and Circus Training→
The Trenton Transit Center, newly renovated in 2008 or so, is an extraordinary resource we Trentonians often take for granted. It’s the only place in the world where you can catch a commuter train direct to either NYC or Philly from the same station. Not to mention AMTRAK’s NE Corridor Regional Service that will take … Continue reading All Aboard!→
Trentonians Peter Hobday and Tom Moyer have always had impeccable taste in art, home goods, and collectibles. So when they opened their own shop in nearby Bordentown, Trentonians flocked down to visit them and purchase gifts and home decor (and to have their art framed by Tom). Shoppe 202 is an eclectic storefront, filled with … Continue reading Singular Shopping→
Trenton (and its surrounding environs) has a lot of terrific places to get food, from the in-town grocery stores (Food Bazaar and Supreme) to the official Trenton Farmers Market (technically not in Trenton) and the many many many specialty vendors. But it remains a town with so-called “food deserts” (places that lack access to fresh … Continue reading Greening the Parking Lot→
Once upon a time, Trenton housed a very well-regarded Bagel Shop on South Broad Street, run by the entrepreneurial TC Nelson (now the proprietor of Trenton Social). Since the closing of that shop in 2003, downtown Trenton has been bagel-less. Sure, you can get bagels at one of any number of Dunkin’ Donuts franchises–but those … Continue reading The Bagels Are Back→
The Autovalet Car Wash is located in a converted trolley barn on Lalor Street, right off 129 near the southern border of Trenton. It happens to be one of the nicest car washes you’ll ever visit and provides a pleasant waiting room with a nicely executed historical exhibit about the structure. It also happens to … Continue reading The Trolley Barn→
In continuous operation since 1921, Cohen’s is a delightfully old-fashioned business that is thriving. Within 500 feet of its original storefront, which was on 179 S. Broad), the shop is located in a squat and drab building near the courthouse. Off-street, private parking is available right off of South Broad. It’s a bleak exterior, but the moment you step inside you’ll be surrounded by elegance, cleanliness, and a peaceful energy. Cohen’s expert tailors (co-owners of the business) will quickly find out what you need, measure you, and spend all the time you in the world trying on various styles and options. They want to get your fit right, and they give you their full attention. Once you’re suited up, they’ll package everything up for you and have it ready for you to pick up a day or two later. If you are renting, you can pick it up in advance of your event, and return it to them shortly after it’s done.
The modest shop is run by Abdul, an Afghan native who has had restaurants in Pennsylvania for the last 30 years. He previously operated his Jahan across the street, in what is now a tobacco shop, he later moved to Langhorne, and now he’s back. It’s a clean but very casual place, and in my visits they’ve seemed to cater to a reasonably large take-out crowd. There are a handful of stools by the window and maybe 6 small tables that seat 3-4. In the back, underneath a giant TV that is on too often and too loud is a traditional floor rug and pillows. You order at the counter, but if you’re eating in, Abdul or one of his relatives will bring out your meal for you and bus the table appropriately. Sure, the plates have chips in them and the atmosphere couldn’t be more casual. But once you take a bite, you won’t care.
The menu is a mix of old-line “red-sauce” Italian dishes, with a fair number of more ambitious items (and specials) mixed in. The quality is good. Prices are higher than the typical Trenton-area Italian eatery, though not exorbitant (e.g. $19 for chicken; $27 for a veal chop).
Gennaro’s is a nicely turned out pizzeria and Italian restaurant in a newish strip mall where Nottingham Way and Rt. 33 converge in Hamilton Square (about 7.5 miles from Trenton). If for some reason you find yourself there, seeking sustenance amidst the soul-numbing suburban sprawl, by all means stop in for a pie. It’s really quite good. Nice, thin, crisp crust. Tomato “sauce”. Good quality cheese and toppings.
Evelynne Toth, the Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist who runs One Earth Acupuncture, is a woman with a mission, “I am passionate about the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine and making it widely accessible to the public. ” Her office is in a pleasant professional strip mall in nearby Bordentown, a 15 minute drive from … Continue reading Needlework→
Across the street from the hotel, and around the corner from the Old Barracks is Executive Cuts. Debra Hoy is owner, chief floor sweeper, and Executive Cuts’ only hair stylist. She’s also very good, cutting hair with the precision and calm assurance of a real pro.
Anthony Rabara is a long-time Trenton resident, a retired ballet dancer, and one of the top Pilates instructors in the world. At a time when every gym and workout joint claims to offer Pilates instruction, Rabara is the real deal, having started teaching in 1983.
Sayah Anne Richardson, the proprietor of Sayah’s African Fashion Studio, immigrated to Trenton from Liberia about 30 years ago. Ever since, she’s been Trenton’s “go to” dressmaker, creating custom fashions, or expertly altering dresses for a diverse clientele.
Art is a no nonsense mechanic. He works only on Volvo’s and Saab’s. He does all the work himself. He’s smart as a whip, and diagnoses problems that stump most other mechanics. Plus he’s honest. The cost of repairing my Volvo fell about 75%. And it runs better now than when I took it to the dealer.
Lucky’s has been located on the same location at Division between Clinton and South Broad for more than 45 years. John is the second generation, having taken over from his dad. Obviously, they haven’t survived this long in an unforgiving Trenton location by overcharging their patrons.
Wendy Nardi runs a tight ship at the Trentoniana Room, presiding over an extensive collection of maps, photographs, newspapers, trade-cards, directories, and books (and much, much more) all dealing with Trenton’s past.
Tony’s been the owner and tailor-in-residence at his Emory Street store (corner of Roebling Avenue) for more than 45 years. Still fit and spry, he and his wife (who is the seamstress) can do whatever it takes to make your clothes fit. Trust me, whatever you need, Tony’s seen it before.
Joe Festa has been cutting hair at the State Barber Shop for 45 years. It goes without saying that he cuts hair beautifully. But don’t you dare call him a “stylist”. No, barber will do nicely.