Trenton: Recreation

Sightseeing

Much of Trenton's sightseeing centers around colonial and Revolutionary War sites. The State Historic District features homes built from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries; the Mill Hill neighborhood includes the city's first grist mill.

Trenton's oldest landmark is the 1719 home of founder William Trent. During the winter of 1776 to 1777, the city played an important role in the Revolutionary War when General George Washington retook Trenton from the British. The site of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River is marked by the Washington Crossing State Park, which is also the site of the Open Air Theatre and an arboretum. The Battle of Trenton is marked with a 122-foot shaft topped by a statue of Washington. The monument, dedicated in 1893, rises from the spot where Washington's troops first fired on the British. After retaking the city, Washington held a council of war in the Douglass House, now on public view. The churchyard at the Friends' Meeting House contains the graves of many Revolutionary War heroes. The Old Masonic Lodge, built in 1793 in the Georgian colonial style, is one of the nation's oldest lodges and displays a gavel once used by George Washington. Drumthwacket, once the executive dwelling of New Jersey governors, is open to the public, as is the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building where the state's gubernatorial inaugurations are held. Trenton's gold-domed statehouse, erected in 1792, houses a collection of battle flags. The State House, in continuous use since 1792, is open for tours. Cadwalader Park contains a small zoo, a herd of deer, a lake and a stream, and a branch of the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal.

Arts and Culture

Trenton performance groups utilize a number of facilities. The Greater Trenton Symphonic Orchestra presents classical concerts at the War Memorial Building and at Trenton's Trinity Cathedral. Other musical groups include the Boheme Opera Company, which performs opera and musicals from September through May, and the Greater Trenton Choral Society. Dramatic productions are scheduled at Mill Hill Playhouse. Artworks Art Center of Trenton provides gallery space and art classes. Area institutions of higher education also present musical and other performances.

The New Jersey State Cultural Center in downtown Trenton consists of the State Archives, the State Museum, a planetarium, and an auditorium. The museum houses collections of New Jersey flora and fauna, fossils, and Indian relics. The Old Barracks, built in 1758, has been restored and is now a museum commemorating its various occupants: British troops fighting in the French and Indian Wars, Colonial and Continental soldiers, and Tory refugees. The Trenton City Museum at the Olmsted-designed Cadwalader Park is housed in the restored Ellarslie Mansion and exhibits the work of local artists and craftspeople. Restored Victoriana is the focus of the Contemporary Club Victorian Museum. Other collections of note include the Meredith Havens Fire Museum and the Flag Museum and Swan Collection of Revolutionary memorabilia; both of the latter are located at Washington Crossing State Park.

Among Trenton's galleries are the Library Gallery at Mercer County Community College, which yearly features shows of county artists, and the Art Porcelain Studio, which displays porcelain pieces by Boehm and Cybis.

Arts and Culture Information: New Jersey State Council on the Arts, 109 W. State St., CN 306, Trenton, NJ 08625; toll-free (800)THE ARTS

Festivals and Holidays

The festival season runs year-round in Trenton, starting in January with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration, an homage to the music and oration of Dr. King. February is the month-long celebration of Black History month. The St. Patrick's Day Parade is March's highlight, with April bringing the Big Egg Hunt and an Arbor Day celebration. May Day celebrates the opening of the city's parks as well as the coming of spring with pony rides, games, and music at Cadwalader Park. The Mayor's Health Run and Walk is also held in May. Summer brings a wide variety of festivities, including the Wachovia Classic bike race and Trenton Heritage Days in June, the Independence Day Celebration in July, and the Puerto Rican Parade, Jazz Festival, and Annual Fishing Derby in August. Autumn is ushered in by the Gospel Festival and the Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament in September. The Trenton Feasts of Lights, which is a street fair held on Chambersburg, also takes place in September. October brings the Haunted Halloween Party, where children can enjoy haunted entertainment, a haunted trail, and other activities at the West Ward Recreation Center. The Thanksgiving parade launches the holiday season, which culminates in December with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Mayor's Children Holidays Party. The Battle of Trenton Reenactment also takes place in December.

Sports for the Spectator

The AA Trenton Thunder baseball team, which is affiliated with the New York Yankees, plays its April through August home games at Trenton's Waterfront Park. The Trenton Titans of the East Coast Hockey League, a developmental league, are affiliated with the National Hockey League's Philadelphia Flyers. They play at the state-of-the-art Sovereign Bank Arena at Mercer County.

Other professional sports franchises play throughout the year in nearby Philadelphia and New York City, both of which support professional teams competing in baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. Fans of high school football look forward to the annual contest between Trenton and Notre Dame. Other high school sporting events are also enthusiastically followed by locals. Horse racing can be enjoyed at Monmouth Park Jockey Club and The Atlantic City Race Course.

Sports for the Participant

Trenton's parks offer a full complement of activities including hiking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, and camping. Pleasure boats can be launched from a number of public boat ramps. The city maintains a number of indoor and outdoor tennis facilities. Golf is available at Mercer County's Mountain View Golf Course, Mercer Oaks Golf Course, and other nearby clubs. Skiing, skating, tennis, swimming, and water sports can be found within a short driving distance of Trenton.

Shopping and Dining

Trenton is noted for its pottery, china, and fine porcelain from makers such as Lenox, Boehm, Cybis, and Ispanky, which may be found at outlets and showrooms throughout the area. Trenton's principal downtown shopping district encompasses four blocks on State Street and five blocks on Broad Street.

Trenton's culinary fare reflects the city's eclectic heritage; it is famous for its pizza and hoagies. Other ethnic cuisine includes the dishes of Mexico and Scandinavia. Several Italian eateries in the Chambersburg neighborhood are highly acclaimed five-star gourmet restaurants.

Visitor Information: Trenton Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lafayette and Barrack Street, Trenton NJ 08608; telephone (609)777-1770; fax (609)292-3771; email trentcvb@voicenet.com