TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, mARCh 14, 2018 • 16
Lawrenceville Area Life Lawrence Township Offers Rural Pleasures, History, and Convenience
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nuggly situated in Mercer County and located in between Princeton and Trenton, Lawrenceville encompasses numerous outdoor spaces, diverse businesses, and elite educational institutions. When driving into Lawrenceville from Princeton on Route 206, you will travel down Main Street. Historic homes dot the roadway, flanked by a golf course, several small churches, and The Lawrenceville School. Charming downtown businesses include Chamber’s Walk, Fedora CafÊ, The Gingered Peach, Purple Cow Ice Cream, Wildflour BakeryCafÊ, and TJ’s Pizzeria and Pasta. Planning on visiting during the weekend? Begin your day with a piping hot bagel and coffee from Maidenhead Bagel Co. W hen The Lawrenceville School is in session, Maidenhead is filled with students, along with Lawrenceville faculty and their families, ordering hearty bagel sandwiches. Maidenhead seems to attract a very local crowd of regulars, which can give visitors a good feel for the small-town flavor and personality that Lawrenceville encompasses. Open land space is bountiful in Lawrence, making for great bird watching, mountain biking, and hiking at Mercer Meadows Pole Farm and along the LawrenceHopewell Trail. Families can also dive into the rural life at either Cherry Grove Farm or Terhune Orchards. Cherr y Grove Farm is a fully-operational dairy farm known for its delicious, locally-made cheeses. Cheesemaking classes are offered
throughout the year, along with handmade soaps. Products from Le Bon Magot, a local chutney and artisanal food product company, are also available at Cherry Grove Farm. Items like their Tomato and White Sultana Chutney and Brinjal Caponata incorporate exotic flavors into bite-sized, flavorful additions to any meal or recipe. Le Bon Magot products are also available for purchase online at www.lebonmagot.com and at other select retailers throughout New Jersey and the United States. Mercer Green Fest The 12th annual Green Fair, now named the Mercer Green Fest, will take place this Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rider University. This free event is open to the public and includes more than 100 eco-friendly vendors, businesses, organizations, and schools offering information on how to “go green,� save money, and improve the global community. There will also be an electric car display, science fair and robotics projects from area schools, food waste recycling programs, musical performances by Miss Amy’s Band, upcycled trash displays, and a visit from Eyes of the Wild, introducing children to fascinating wild animals. An indoor farmers market will sell a wide variety of locally-produced fruits, vegetables, cheeses, flowers, plants, herbs, and artisan food products. A family-friendly lunch celebrating locally-grown ing re d ient s f rom Terhu ne Orchards will be available for purchase all day. Mer-
cer Green Fest sponsors include the Trenton Thunder, Advanced Solar Products, EnviroPhysics, Princeton Air, and Terhune Orchards. For more information, visit www.mercergreenfest.org. L o c ate d on C old S oi l Road, Terhune Orchards has expanded in recent years to include a winery and wine tasting barn. The Mount family’s 200 fruit- and vegetable-producing acres attract visitors from around the Tri-State region. Open year round, the Farm Store sells locally-grown fruits and vegetables, apple cider, fruit pies, apple cider donuts, breads, cookies, and more. Children can enjoy the many pick- your- ow n ac t iv it ies that take place throughout the year (everything from apples to blueberries, and flowers). Upcoming events include the Annual Bunny Chase on Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1. The Bunny Chase features a treasure hunt with a springthemed surprise, wagon and pony rides, flowering plants, wine tasting, and, of course, cider and cider donuts. Top Schools Founded in 1810, The Lawrenceville School is a coeducational, college preparatory boarding school l o c a te d o n 70 0 a c r e s . Lawrenceville has 18 athletic fields, a nine-hole golf course, 12 outdoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor tracks, a boathouse, and a hockey arena. During the summer months, the playing fields are flooded with athletic campers participating in numerous sports camps. T he school maintains a house system, akin to British boarding schools, where
students reside in a distinct house, living alongside faculty members. Another elite educational institution located in Lawrenceville is Rider University. Rider is a private, coeducational university with approximately 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students. Rider merged with Westminster Choir College (located in downtown Princeton) in 1992, but maintains a clear identity as its own liberal arts entity. A Spring Open House for prospective students will take place on April 22 at Rider. Rising juniors and seniors will meet current students, be led on campus tours, and learn about the wide range of majors and concentrations offered. Local Businesses The Lawrence Township area also encompasses the Route 1 corridor, dotted with Mercer Mall, Joe Canals, Quaker Bridge Mall, Brio Tuscan Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, and numerous car dealerships. Located on Route 1 South is Mrs. G TV and Appliances, a third-generation, family-owned business that offers the best in home appliances at discount prices. From dishwashers and washers and dryers to refrigerators and the latest TVs, the team of appliance professionals at Mrs. G can help you to place the finishing touches on your home. With the approach of the summer season, be sure to visit Mrs. G for an extensive selection of outdoor grills and barbeques. Planning a family vacation and need somewhere to board your dog? Look
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Le Bon Magot is available at the finest food purveyors throughout Mercer County. (609) 477-2847 | www.lebonmagot.com | @lebonmagot | info@lebonmagot.com
A DAY AT THE FARM: Terhune Orchards hosts family-fun activities every season, including the springtime Bunny Chase on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As seen here at last year’s event, children can follow the treasure hunt clues to a bunny surprise! Hungry? The Farm Food Tent will be filled with donuts, pies, cookies, apple cider, soup, chili, salads, hot dogs, and more. There will also be wagon rides, pony rides, and a visit with the farm animals. no further than Camp Bow Wow. This premier dog day care, dog boarding, and dog training business offers safe, fun, and individualized care for man’s best friend. Dogs are organized according to size and get plenty of stimulation and exercise interacting with other dogs in a large indoor/outdoor play yard. Ensuring that every dog is happy and healthy is a top priority of Camp Bow Wow’s staff, who are extensively trained in dog behavior, pet first aid, and CPR. Every canine “camper� must pass a socialization interview, be spayed or neutered, and be current on all vaccinations. Families can check in on their dogs from live webcams from anywhere in the world using a computer or mobile device. Create a spectacular spring and summer garden with the help of Peterson’s Nursery. A full-service garden center and landscape company, Peterson’s serves the greater Mercer County a n d s u r rou n d i ng are as. Peterson’s considers themselves to be a truly “green� business, recommending env ironmentally respon sible fertilizers. In the early 1980s, Peterson’s eliminated chemical pesticide spraying of plant inventory and now relies on more ethical solutions, including beneficial insects. The Lawrence Township area is also home to the Trenton Farmers Market, a historic institution housing 40 different businesses and nine farms. All of the businesses bring locally-sourced, Jersey fresh produce to eager customers. Winter hours are Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Familiar vendors include Terhune Orchards, Unionville Vineyards, Pulaski Meats, Stoltzfus Family Bakery, Hambone Opera, and Sandy Acres Farm. Halo Farms is right next door on
Spruce Street. St. Lawrence/Morris Hall St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center has served as a physical rehabilitation hospital for more than 40 years. Therapies include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, therapeutic recreation, and social and psychological services. They also offer brain injury rehabilitation, a state-of-the-art Outpatient Health Center, and a spacious gym. Upcoming community events include the Bicycle Safety Rodeo and Safe Kids Day on Saturday, May 12. The purpose of the event is to provide children and families an opportunity to learn about safety and prevention while participating in sports and other recreational activities. There will also be a number of safety games and activities and special guest visit from Trenton Thunder mascot, Boomer. Morris Hall Meadows at Lawrenceville offers a contemporary approach to nursing home living, based on The Green House model developed by Dr. Bill Thomas. Emphasis is placed on giving the maximum possible decision-making authority to the elder residents, with a focus on the health and engagement of mind, body, and spirit. Residents control their own daily routines and rhythms with the help of a support staff of multidisciplinary professionals. The sense is that residents feel that they are in a real home with empowered helpers. To stay connected to happenings in Lawrenceville, v i s i t w w w.l aw r e n c e v i l l e mainstreet.com. Stay tuned for Restaurant Week 2018 in downtown Lawrenceville and Music in the Park, which takes place at Lawrenceville’s Weeden Park on select Thursday nights throughout the summer. —Taylor Smith