By Charley Falkenburg, Special to the Packet
It was a late Friday afternoon and Hinds Plaza was comfortably full with people lounging about, soaking up the last bit of the August day’s sunshine. Whether they realized it or not, they were collectively pulling off what most would consider a miracle: not one was staring into a cell phone.
Instead, many were laughing over wine and cold drinks while most seemed content to kick up their flip flops and drink in the downtown scene. Maybe they were watching the couples stroll down Witherspoon Street or the two gentlemen reclined in the seats outside A Little Taste of Cuba, exhaling impressive O-shaped cigar smoke rings. Perhaps they were counting all the open parking spots or mentally commending the families who were off to brave the line at Halo’s Pub.
All signs pointed to Princeton being in full summer mode. Sure, Princeton wears any season well, but this is the time when the town seems to take that much deserved breather before going full throttle in September after the Labor Day weekend.
The streets are a little clearer and it’s less daunting to take on the challenge of finding a spot in Palmer Square — without even having to parallel park. The nice weather — especially this year’s perpetual springtime temperatures — has people opting to exercise their legs rather than burning fossil fuels to get to Point A and B.
Or maybe it’s because everyone still in town heads to the Community Park pool. As swimmers and sun tanners arrive, it’s not uncommon for them to pass soggy swimmers who are headed to Conte’s across the street to refuel with a pizza lunch.
Others opt to refuel with caffeine and in the summer season iced coffee is all the rage. Small World and Starbucks seem to have an endless supply of ice cubes on hand to quell the demands of its die-hard coffee fans. And unlike the fall, finding a table with an outlet is actually doable thanks to the MIA college students who are no doubt busy earning some cash for the new school year.
And the nightlife is just as relaxed. Whether on a Monday or Saturday evening, a steady trickle of folks can be seen making their way up, down and all through the downtown whether they be on dates or catching up with friends.
As expected, the outdoor patios of Blue Point Grill, PJ’s Pancake House, Witherspoon Grill and various other restaurant gems are packed with diners supping, their chatter and laughter floating out onto the main drags.
Crowds can be seen outside the Garden State Theatre, debating on which of the two movies would be a better bet while the thirsty head to Alchemist and the Barrister or Triumph to cool off with a cold craft beer or fruity sangria. The frozen yogurt places only get busier as the night goes on, filling with youths and hipsters indulging in a healthy sweet treat to the tunes of obscure indie music.
But by 11 p.m., all goes quiet.
The streets are empty save for the one or two late-night stragglers, enjoying the night breeze as they head to their cars. The night’s live bands wrap up their sets, their last notes faintly serenading couples that can sometimes be found smooching underneath the moonlight.
Restaurant workers are sprung and head out with uniforms un-tucked, counting their earnings. Their laughter fades as Princeton slips into another restful summer night.
All that, unfortunately for some, ends this weekend.
