Unexpected getaway: Treasures of Trenton

As an inhabitant of New Jersey for four years now, I've often had to stand up for this state and claim that it really isn't as bad as its reputation implies. Not to long ago, however, I realized that my defense has been rather unfounded due to my limited knowledge of the state outside Princeton. I decided that as my last distribution requirement, I would complete an independent study on the cities and landscape of New Jersey. I saw no better introduction than the nearby historic settlement and state capital, Trenton.

Trenton is easily accessible, so if you're around over fall break and need to get away, it's a great option. Here are the necessary details to make your Trenton trip run smoothly:

From the Dinky station, it will take you roughly 30 minutes on the NJTransit to reach Trenton, and it will only set you back $4.50 one way or $7.50 round trip. The Trenton train terminal will do little to impress you, especially while its main entrance is under construction, but don't be deterred — the trip is worth it. To find your way out, go up the stairs from the platform and take a right toward the Wallenberg Avenue exit. Directly across from the train station you'll see the historic Mercer County Cemetery on the northwest corner and Lorenzo's Restaurant on the northeast. The cemetery houses "statesmen, politicians, and plain citizens of the 19th century," and will give a preview of the history that lies ahead on the streets of Trenton. If its gates are closed, you might want to give Lorenzo's a try, so make sure you are dressed appropriately — "smart casual" is requested, and jeans and T-shirts are not permitted. If you make it through the door, an extensive menu of Italian options awaits you, including a 54 oz. steak for any duo of carnivores who have been lamenting Princeton's lack of legitimate meat.

Continue North up Clinton Avenue and hang a left on State Street — this will lead you into the heart of Trenton's historic district, home to a number of New Jersey government buildings and attractions. After walking five blocks, you will hit South Warren Street, a small historic district with a large mural depicting Trenton's past glory. The area is home to a number of independent shops that are worth exploring.

At 117 South Warren St., I found a used bookstore aptly named Classics, where there are some worthy treasures lining the two narrow aisles. In the "Uncommon Nonfiction 1st Editions" I found myself drawn to the 1923 edition of "Camping & Woodcraft" by Horace Kephart. Classics occasionally holds book signings and has a collection of works by local writers and artisans.

Classics' neighbor to the south is Gallery 125, which houses an interesting assortment of local art procured through open submissions. The space has a pleasant variety of photographs, watercolors and mixed media pieces on display. Farther down State Street is the New Jersey State Capitol Complex. The Thomas Edison State College sits on the corner of State and Barracks Streets. If you follow Barracks south for a block, you will arrive at the Trenton Visitors Center. Their brochure claims there is information available on Trenton and the surrounding areas, but it also claims that doors are open daily from 10am to 4pm, which was not the case when I visited. In the surrounding areas are the statehouse, state library and state museum, as well as the Old Barracks Museum and the War Memorial. The state museum is closed for the year for renovations, but the neighboring theater has a few pieces on display; the stag-moose skeleton, or cervalces, represents the ancient hybrid of elk and moose and is a highlight of the exhibition. The War Memorial is an imposing stone structure built in 1932 with a wide set of stairs leading up to a colonnaded overhang. It is home to the elegant Patriots Theatre. A closer and cheaper option than New York City, the Patriots Theatre hosts a variety of shows spanning all of the performing arts from opera to stand-up comedy. Trenton certainly doesn't have the glamour of New York City or the history of Philadelphia, but it offers a unique combination of culture and history right in our backyard. The next time you find yourself with a free afternoon, I recommend putting on some walking shoes and finding your way to the Dinky for the first train to Trenton. You'll be surprised at what you find.

Note: If you have suggestions for other New Jersey essentials that you would like to share with the writer, please direct your comments to brocca@princeton.edu. Patriot Theater •Opera: Turandot, Nov. 3 and 5. •Concerts: George Jones, Nov. 10; Smokey Robinson, Nov. 17 and 18. •Comedy: Lewis Black, Nov. 8; Jim Gaffigan, Nov. 24. Professional Sports in Trenton •Hockey: AA Trenton Tigers, operated by the New Jersey Devils, play at the Sovereign Bank Arena. www.sovereignbankarena.com •Baseball: AA Trenton Thunder, affiliated with the New York Yankees, play at Mercer County Riverfront Park. www.trentonthunder.com Museums •Ellarslie Mansion, home of the Trenton City Musuem is set in the middle of Cadwalader Park. and houses displays of locally produced ceramic ware, and through Nov. 5, "food as art." www.ellarslie.org •Grounds for sculpture is an outside sculpture garden with an accompanying indoor museum. www.groundsforsculpture.org