Say you’re going to a costume party, maybe for Halloween. Sure, you can go to one of the big-box party stores or the pop-up Halloween shops. You can buy the 500th Elsa costume (from Disney’s Frozen) that they’ve sold that week, and look just like everyone else as you glide around in your scratchy, cheap, … Continue reading Couture Costumes
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
Randy Ellis is best known in the Trenton area as “Randy Now,” the infamous talent booker, promoter, DJ, and bouncer of City Gardens. In the 1980’s and ’90’s, he booked talent such as REM, Green Day, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Iggy Pop, and The Ramones into this popular Trenton rock and roll establishment. (Jon Stewart … Continue reading A Hoarder’s Rock-and-Roll Cave
I passed the African Caribbean Market (“ACM”) for years before I stopped in. The issue for me (and I would venture for most readers of Hidden Trenton) is that neither West Indian nor west African cooking are on my culinary radar screen, so I have little reason to stop. Still, it’s a measure of the … Continue reading Ghana Get Me Some
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.
Artifacts is the best place in town to find quality Trentoniana for sale. The perfect acquisition for your restored, historic Trenton home or a unique gift.
Amidst the suburban sprawl of the Rte. 1 corridor, it’s easy to view NJ’s slogan, “The Garden State” as little more than an anachronism. But head due south from Trenton on 206, and you soon find yourself in honest-to-goodness farmland that still supports truck farming. The Columbus Farmer’s market is one of the commercial centers of this area of NJ, and is itself a bit of an anachronism. But it seems to be thriving, offering a mix of produce, meats, and baked goods.
This charming farm is located about a 30 minute drive north of Trenton. It makes for an incredible outing with kids to view the Llamas and Alpacas. Adults will find a visit fascinating as well, and will also enjoy the farm store which sells unique items, many hand made from the Alpaca and Llama wool. While not cheap, these items are priced lower than the equivalent quality in high end retail outlets.
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.
Some of the most beautiful candles on the planet are made in Trenton. Ana Candles, the original striped taper, are sold in premiere home decor, gift shops, and musuems across the country. You’ve probably seen them: they have a unique horizontal striped design in a variety of exotic colors. The design can’t be made with conventional candle-making equipment – Frank Weeden, the late founder of Ana Design Corporation, invented special machinery to make it possible.
Whatever your thoughts about the Museum itself (state treasure, or politically correct snooze-fest), the Museum Shop is one of the best places in the county to purchase an exotic gift for that special someone.
Women! Have you ever dreamed of having a personal shopper with exquisite taste who would travel to Paris on shopping excursions, to bring back affordable fashions that satisfied your deepest inner cravings? Betty Young, proprietor of The Comfort Zone, is just that shopper, and will push you towards an even bolder level of self-expression.
