Last week, I was scheduled to meet my 2nd oldest friend (we became friends in high school, and I…read morewas best man at his wedding) in Princeton, where we've been coming since we were both in a high school "art" class together and first came to the city on a "field trip." We haven't met in a long time due to his Covid concerns (his family is like my family, and his Mom can't afford to get Covid under any circumstances, so I completely understand his cautiousness). In the past, we'd often drive in together and park at the Hulfish Street Parking garage. We'd then proceed to the Princeton Record Exchange, where we'd spend a lot of money, then on to various bookstores (not too long ago, there was more than just one in the area) and spend more money, and then get something to eat with what remained, being careful to save just enough to pay for the parking at Hulfish. Last week, I was driving down from Basking Ridge, he was driving down from Teaneck, and we were going to meet at the Record Exchange. As I pulled up to Hulfish, I had to stop short before the entrance. Garage was FULL!!! I had never encountered this situation before and was momentarily flummoxed. I had previously encountered a situation where Hulfish was nearly full (and wrote a less than laudatory review about it), but this was the first time in all the years I've been coming to Princeton where it was full-- as in...no room for even 1 more car! I detest the thought of trying to find a parking spot on the street, and then I remembered the occasions where I've recently come to Princeton on my own and passed another parking garage not far from the Record Exchange (just down the street, as a matter of fact) while walking to the Record Exchange (which, let me mention as a passing aside, gets better and better with the years). I had never before paid much attention to it, but now...circumstances being what they were...it immediately came to mind. I'm old and resistant to change, but...realistically...what did I have to lose? Nothing. Beat parking on the street. So...I drove the short distance over through scenic Princeton streets, turned left at the illuminated PARKING sign, got my ticket from the machine set up at the entrance, and drove in. Unlike Hulfish, the parking isn't set up on just 1 level (or a 1 and a half level, as Hulfish is if the main level is full). Instead, it reminded me of parking at Hackensack Hospital in Hackensack. Basically, you drive upwards in a continuing ascending spiral until you finally locate an empty spot. If you get all the way to the top and still haven't secured a parking spot...well, tough shite, I guess. The lay-out at Hulfish is preferable to me, but...as I've said...it wasn't an option. So I drove up, and up, around, and up another level, and around, and upwards and onwards, until I reached "Level 3" and finally found an empty spot. Parking was a little bit tight for my admittedly neurotic tastes, but there was parking. Bottom line. There was no elevator that I noticed (and I probably need the exercise anyway), so I headed down the staircase to the street level, "parking ticket" safely ensconced in my wallet. Walking the short distance over to the Record Exchange, I met my friend, we bought a lot of DVDs and CDs (well...I did; my friend was more responsible with his money), bypassed the book store, had dinner (which I'll have to review at some future point), had ice cream (which is de rigueur whenever we visit Princeton), and went our separate ways after agreeing that we had to do this again soon. I went back to the garage and paid the bill via a different machine (this was a bit disconcerting to me at first when I encountered it at Hulfish after they replaced the human in the pay booth with the machine that took your money, dispensed change, and gave you a ticket to raise the mechanical pole that blocked your path at the exit). At Hulfish, it's never clear how much time you have to remove your car from the garage before the time on your ticket runs out. At Spring St. Municipal Parking, it's made clear; you have 15 minutes. I sprinted up those 3 levels like a geriatric O.J. Simpson (one who, in my case, was never a pro athlete, an actor, or a murderer), conscious of those seconds ticking away. At the 3rd level, I was momentarily disoriented, and seeing an empty space where I had assumed my car would be, felt my heart skip a beat as I thought, "Did someone steal my car?!?" Then I took a deep breath, walked around that upward spiral, and saw my car where I had actually parked it (still on Level 3) only a few hours previously. I eased my car gingerly out of the tight spot, drove down to the exit, put my ticket into the machine, and drove away as the mechanical pole lifted up, allowing me egress to the outside world. My friend? He ended up parking on the street. I still prefer the parking garage, even if it costs a bit. Hulfish is still probably my 1st choice, but Spring St. Municipal Garage is a good alternative.

Muni garage - full up with visitors and it doesn't always tell you that as you sit and wait. Small…read moreelevator so if you have a stroller - you may have to wait. Reasonable prices, though. Pay in the lobby (they need more machines, was only one at the elevator) before you go back to your car. 15min to get out once you've paid.

As I wrote in my initial review, in all the years I've been coming here...and the years have been…read moremany...there was never a problem securing a parking space. A few days ago, I came here for my semi-regular trip to the Princeton Record Exchange...and there wasn't a space. Anywhere inside Hulfish. Suddenly, unexpectedly, this formerly 4-star parking garage felt claustrophobic and dimly lit. And very small. I drove around and around the 1st level. No go. I went up to the 2nd level. No go. One or 2 a**holes parked their vehicles in 2 spaces instead of 1. Nice going, jacka**. Thanks for being considerate. After my 5th or 6th reconnoiter around the area, I saw someone getting ready to pull out. I stationed myself nearby in readiness. One minute passes. Two. What in hell are they doing?!? Finally, they begin...slowly, ever so slowly...inching the vehicle out of its narrow spot. As they do, a car comes from another direction, and...like a predatory shark honing in on vulnerable prey...pulls swiftly into my spot. I've been accused in the past of being a "hothead," and in my lifetime I've had my share of fistfights (most of which I lost), but in recent years I've taken to meditating, studying Buddhism and similar spiritual paths, and my so-called "Golden Years" are fast approaching, so I think my "street fighting man" days are long behind me (one of my old friends, a bank robber and accomplished street fighter, not too many years ago got into a confrontation with someone in Brooklyn and had a gun pulled on him. Luckily, no shots were fired. Getting into a physical confrontation ain't what it used to be...) Still, I wasn't about to leave without giving the offending driver at least some tiny piece of my mind. To my chagrin, an elderly woman tottered out of the car. I said to her, as calmly as possible, "Y'know, I was waiting for that spot for a long time." She seemed confused, disoriented, said she had been driving around the parking lot seemingly "forever," and finally mentioned that she was late for a beauty parlor appointment. Being the soft-hearted sap that I am, I mumbled, "Alright, don't worry about it, no harm done, forget it..." (I guess buying DVDs and CDs at the Record Exchange isn't as important as her appointment at the beauty parlor. I had a vision of her walking out of the garage like Keyser Soze from "The Usual Suspects," shedding her gray-haired wig, straightening her posture, wiping off the "old age" make up with a tissue, and heading off to the beauty parlor with a firm and self-assured step instead of the tremulous shuffle she had utilized inside the parking garage. Smiling at the memory of the hapless rube she had left behind in Hulfish, still circling around and around in the stifling airlessness of the place, still hopelessly searching for a parking space.) At that point, I was getting ready to leave and call it a day when I finally...finally...found a parking spot. By then, I had developed a rampaging migraine. Not that Hulfish is responsible for all that. Garages get filled up, and old ladies (and others) steal available parking spots. I'm not saying I won't seek Hulfish out again when I return to Princeton. It's convenient, and usually (emphasis on the word "usually") parking there isn't a problem. But after this most recent experience, it's hard to think of Hulfish as anything other than just another parking garage, smaller and more crowded than some others. And there are at least some other parking garages in the area (I passed at least one as I walked to the Record Exchange) that might be worth seeking out in the future. Memories only go so far.

Good place to park for a cheap price. When here to visit Princeton. Beautiful campus and the taco…read morerestaurant Tacoria was amazing.

Good station to get back to NYC from Jersey. Plenty of trains and parking. The parking is s little…read moreconfusing on what is daily parking or subscription parking. The big issue is the train station is not always open, so it's pretty cold on the platform if you are waiting for a train.

One of the main means to commute to the heart of Princeton, located at the southern edge of the…read moreuniversity, whereas long ago, it was located close to the entrance of Princeton (near current day Blair Hall of Princeton U), and then relocated to another stop meters south until 2013, which became The Dinky Bar & Kitchen almost a year ago, making this the third iteration, being a part of the current modernization of the university (bigger buildings, more parking). Nowadays, there's plenty of features that can make this station worthwhile to depart and leave from, including a nearby bus/shuttle/taxi stop, Wawa (which to be short, is as shiny as a diamond, even for Princeton U), bike racks, and most of Princeton U to explore, or attend. If commuting by rail, this station is the only way in/out of Princeton, offering a brief 5 minute ride on the historic "Dinky" route, shuttling passengers in/out of Princeton to Princeton Junction (or West Windsor) in a 5 minute ride, from then, you can connect with other routes on the NEC (as south as Trenton, or as north as Newark/New York), and Amtrak's routes. Ticket prices, it's 3$ to go to/from this station to/from Princeton Junction, and to the bewilderment of first timers, it's a separate trip, where the conductors are mostly lenient on making them buy a ticket on the train (3+5$ = 8$), and hypothetically, it'll be: 6.75$ for a Princeton-Trenton ride, 17.75$ for Princeton-New York Penn, or 19$ from Princeton-Newark Liberty Int'l Airport, all one way, but two tickets. In terms of amenities, there's a train shelter/waiting rooms almost immediately near the tracks that are pleasant in winter, open air seating/tables outside, great for summer, 4 NJ Transit TVMs, a Wawa, which in my opinion is leagues better vs the store in Princeton Junction's station, and a bathroom in Wawa. Fortunately, the rooms are open as long as the station is, in contrast to PCJ. The buses outside will offer connections to the rest of Princeton, and nearby communities, such as Montgomery, Lawrence, and more, as well as inside the university, and there's rarely taxis outside. Timing, it can range from an hour, 10 minutes to 90 minutes (70-90) to ride to/from this station to/from NY Penn, 25 minutes to/from Trenton, and 5 minutes to Princeton. Fortunately the "Dinky" arrives in sync most of the time when the (NJT) trains roll in, giving you 2-5 minutes to react and head out, same can be said for the opposite, while giving you ample time to park, purchase tickets, and more. Now for my cons, it's a bit upsetting to have to walk all the way from one end of the university to Nassau Hall to get into Princeton proper, but it's a good way to see the sights and be at peace! In cases of severe storms and/or snow, the line may be disrupted, giving commuters the option of switching to buses. It's an annoyance since the trip may take longer and may not be in tune with PCJ's timing, but at least they honor bus/rail tickets. It's a good station, and with plenty of conveniences, ample time to explore Princeton U, good restaurants/Wawa, and the chance to bike, you're in good hands here. Almost never felt like I was "unsafe here", but I'm sure Princeton U's police give a fair inspection every time. Until next time!

While having our NYE's dinner celebration, we noticed the Princeton Public Library across the…read morestreet. We are a family that loves going to the library. So the next day we decided to check it out. This place blew us away. The modern architecture is stunning with different levels, and there is even a fireplace. There is also a room dedicated just for magazines with the most current issues. If you like movies the library has an impressive selection of DVDs. Even their restrooms have fancy Dyson faucets. There is a cafe as well. One of the upper levels offers a nice outdoor patio balcony. Good to see the tax dollars going back to the community. No matter how old you are, go get yourself a library card. There is a parking garage nearby. It's a great way to spend the day reading a book or two.

One of the largest public libraries and most busy - right near Princeton University campus…read more Use the Spring Street Garage for easy access. Big floor for the children's section.

Parking is $8/day here if you don't have a parking pass. I think the parking permit is…read more$294/quarter. Both not bad options and much cheaper than other stations. Spending most of my life a little further north, New Brunswick train station was my go to. The parking lots there charge hourly unless you can find street parking or it's Sunday. This being a cheap option, especially since most are still on a hybrid commuting schedule, it may also be an option to not have to get a parking permit, so that's a win! The station is well lit and there is a nice amount of traction during commuting hours which is nice so you don't feel alone. The platform is outside so dress appropriately for the weather.

Ya gotta love Yelp when I found a text for the "10 best train stations in Princeton Junction"…read moresitting in my inbox. As the ONLY train station in Princeton Junction, maybe it's time to update my review. Pre-pandemic this station was subject to horrendous overcrowding and grossly inadequate parking for the Wall Street bedroom community money changers that rose pre-dawn for their daily migration into lower Manhattan. Currently, with WFH still lingering and the exit of many financial houses to the tax free climes of Florida, parking is far easier and in true close the barn door after the horses have run off fashion, a new multi-level parking deck is being constructed to accommodate the waning demand. As for the station, I would offer that clubbing and reverie is not what you're here for. A small coffee shop, ticket machines and wooden benches are your VIP amenities and IF (and it's a big if) the trains are on-time it's 60 minutes (more or less) into the bowels of Penn Station. All aboard, or should I just say, bored. Decent and functional snares four stars for the Junction. In any case, it still beats driving by a mile.

The parking deck has a new system where they scan your license plate as you drive in, so you don't…read moreneed a paper ticket anymore. On the way out they rescan your plate and have to pay. It's such an easy process and is a great upgrade! The parking deck has tons of spaces available and about 6 floors. We always have had good experiences with the parking here.

Parking was super easy I just went for the first time and it was a breeze. I would say prices are…read morereasonable but do be prepared to go in circles to find a parking spot fair warning. Overall will be coming to this station to park when I go to future nyc trips!

I agree with all that has been posted, I ran into wawa to get a coffee it just didn't even cross my…read moremind the ones right in front of wawa to be metered.. and he's off like a thief in the night right as i come out... who is the theif them or i? you could look at this in a different perspective they are the negative doers here not i..

oh the saga continues, they still are sending me unreadable dunning notices for something i have…read morepaid. Not only are they unfriendly they really need a quality improvement program.

Hockey is the sleeper sport at Princeton - always entertaining and almost always sold out…read more Popularity that certainly doesn't stem from state of the art facilities... Hobey Baker Arena was ancient when Woodrow Wilson stood between the pipes. First off, the sightlines are outstanding due to what can only be described as an intimate seating capacity. And here's the best part, if you like your sports slightly above freezing you are certainly pucked here - in July this arctic mausoleum must never get above 30 degrees and during the season it's positively Icelandic. Just be glad they have electricity. And for those of you that crave amenities well, there aren't any, so plan on visiting a 21st century eatery after the game. Hobey Baker Arena is the price you pay for old time hockey and if you're a fan, you wouldn't have it any other way. A true gem.

Hobey Baker Rink is probably one of the most historic hockey arenas I've ever gone to, which isn't…read morethat many considering I live in New Jersey and the most historic arena is Madison Square Garden. That's an NHL arena though whereas Baker Rink is a cozy 1200 person arena that hosts men's and women's college hockey games. Bring a coat for the winter games because there is no real heating as there are only 6 rows of seating so it doesn't have the advanced cooling systems modern arenas have. The seating is bleacher style, but it is reserved so you need a ticket and your seat is assigned. There is a small snack bar that has two lines. They accept cash and credit card and they serve pretzels, hot dogs, candy, soda and water. It isn't what you'd see at a professional game but it does the trick. The arena is clean and there is plenty of security so there aren't fan fights. Overall, I love going to games here because of the historic feel (being a historian, I'm kind of a suckered for that) and because of how close all of the fans are. Of you're into hockey and you're in the Princeton area, do yourself a favor and watch a game at Baker Rink.