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Escapades to New Jersey, USA: A visit to Princeton and Atlantic City

October 29, 2024

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Princeton University, Inner Courtyard or the Cannon Green

Cannon Green at Princeton University is a beautiful location, particularly in the fall when the trees showcase their vibrant foliage. The area features a variety of tree species, including maples, oaks, and ginkgoes, all of which enhance the stunning autumn scenery.

You may be wondering why I was visiting these famous schools in the U.S. Growing up in a village (Marisol) with streets named after Harvard, Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Yale sparked my curiosity and added to my bucket list. Visiting them is a way to experience their history, culture. and the stunning architecture of their preserved old buildings, showcasing various architectural styles from Gothic to neoclassical.

Day 4 of our US tour 2024, our first stop was at Princeton University
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Princeton University is known for its stunning architecture and historic buildings, many of which reflect a blend of Collegiate Gothic, Romanesque, and Georgian Revival styles. Some of its iconic buildings, like Nassau Hall, East Pyne, University Chapel and Blair Hall, are integral to the campus’ identity.
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East Pyne Hall was originally the university’s main library and now houses various academic departments, including languages and humanities programs. Its combination of Collegiate Gothic architecture, open spaces, and proximity to the chapel makes it a distinctive part of the Princeton campus.

East Pyne features a prominent Gothic-style archway that provides a passage through the building, leading into an inner courtyard, the Cannon Green, with tables and benches, making it a popular spot for students to study or relax outdoors.
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Nassau Hall is one of the most iconic buildings at Princeton University and serves as a key historical landmark. Built in 1756, it is the oldest building on campus and is characterized by its Georgian architecture. it houses key administrative offices, including that of the university president.
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The Princeton Unversity Chapel was built between 1925 and 1928. The chapel is one of the largest university chapels in the world and is an exquisite example of Collegiate Gothic design, featuring stained glass windows and detailed stonework
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Blair Hall at Princeton University is renowned for its distinctive Collegiate Gothic architecture, a style that combines elements of medieval European design with modern functionality. The building was designed by the architectural firm Babb, Cook & Willard and completed in 1906.
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The experience of driving from Princeton would be even more enjoyable if the sun weren’t so bright. A softer light would enhance the vibrant fall foliage, allowing the rich colors of the trees to stand out even more vividly against the clear autumn sky.
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On our way to Atlantic City, we stopped at Walmart to pick up some groceries. Nearby, I spotted a Ross Dress For Less store and decided to check it out for some shopping. I was pleased to find and purchased five branded blouses at very reasonable prices, making the detour worthwhile.
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Atlantic City, located on the coast of New Jersey, is known for its vibrant boardwalk, casinos, and entertainment options. The city maybe rich in history and diverse offerings, including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the Boardwalk, the experience may not be as unique as some might hope. It could be its off
peak during my visit
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The Atlantic City Boardwalk, located outside the Hard Rock casino hotel, is a historic and iconic attraction, stretching along the beach and lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, bike rides, or boardwalk games. Some of the restaurants were closed during our visit.
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On our way to Washington, D.C., we stopped to refuel along the expressway and came across a Denny’s restaurant. Since I had never eaten there before, I decided to give it a try. I ordered a burger, and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors exceeded my expectations, making it a great stop on our journey.
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It was late in the evening when we arrived at our hotel in Washington, D.C. I had chosen this hotel because I thought it was just a few meters away from the Capitol. Although we initially planned to visit the Capitol inside, the process turned out to be troublesome. The hotel was quite expensive and didn’t offer complimentary breakfast, which was disappointing. In hindsight, I could have opted for a more affordable hotel that provided free breakfast, even if it was a bit farther from the city center. Additionally, this hotel only offered valet parking, which made the choice feel less practical. Overall, I realize now that selecting this hotel wasn’t the smartest decision.

More of the road trips, US tour 2024:

Marina, Monterey-Unexpected Business film site,
Boston, Harvard University,
Rhode Island and Connecticut: Brown Univerity, Yale University, Fox Casino

Updated on November 15, 2024

Have safe travels and great escapades!

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