The Nassau Inn, situated in the center of Palmer Square. was built in 1765 on Nassau Street and moved to Palmer Square in 1937. They have been welcoming pets since 1996. Lori Rabon, General Manager, told FIDO Friendly that the Inn recently underwent a twenty million dollar renovation. No wonder Nassau Inn looks great at 77 years old! There are 188 guest rooms—all different sizes—and specialty suites. The inn hosts many weddings and corporate meetings. The stunning ballroom has six gigantic windows.
The Lobby 2 entrance welcomes visitors with its dark walls and dramatic red, leather sofas. A huge fireplace warms the room in colder weather. The ambiance is stately, yet cozy. The lounge is bathed in natural light streaming in the windows. A complimentary dog bed and dog snacks await in your room.
The Inn’s restaurant and bar called the Yankee Doodle Tap Room has framed photos of notable Princeton graduates on the wall including Michelle Obama, Brooke Shields, Tom Kean, and many others. Albert Einstein’s name is scrawled on one of the wood tables. They offer an array of nice appetizers, meals, and desserts. There’s also an outdoor eating area.
As you wander around Princeton, you’ll find water bowls outside some of the stores (maybe your dog will spot them first). The House of Cupcakes is just around the corner. I’m talking Snickers, Brownie, Boston Crème, and Peanut Butter cupcakes! They were winners on an episode of Cupcake Wars! There’s an adorable toy store across the street called JaZams. A plethora of lovely shops surround the Inn.
Witherspoon Grill, a charming restaurant near the Nassau Inn, has a large patio where you can eat with your dog. You’ll see lots of canines roaming around town with their humans. If you don’t have cupcakes or a dessert at Witherspoons (or even if you did), visit Thomas Sweet, a well know and delicious local creamery.
Just minutes away from all the stores and eateries you’ll find several dog-friendly parks: The Princeton Palmer Lake Trail, the Kingston Branch Long Trail, and the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail.
A short drive from Nassau Inn is Cutters, the local pet supply store. It’s beautiful with gleaming wood floors and fun dog toys (like the Three Stooges and Underdog). Their fresh bakery treats smell fantastic (you’ll want to grab one for yourself), comfy beds, and more.
~ FIDO Friendly Magazine Article by Elise Phillips Margulis
