Day Trip: Jersey City

Safely harbored off of the Hudson and under the watch of Lady Liberty, Jersey City is a jewel with plenty of creative coves to explore and discover.

Jersey City.
John Munson/The Star-Ledger.

Feeling Free: At Liberty State Park Hike, you can bike, walk, or jog along the Hudson waterfront with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline (www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html).  Also check out Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park with their seasonal farmers’ markets and sidewalk sales. 

Get Hooked: The historic Paulus Hook area is home to many excellent dining experiences. The Iron Monkey features a rooftop bar overlooking downtown Manhattan. There’s also an art studio lounge with exotic foods and soulful artwork (99 Greene Street, 201-435-5756). Amelia’s offers an outstanding brunch selection and quaint sidewalk seating. A blanket is included if it’s breezy (187 Warren Street, 201-332-2200). Presto’s is Jersey City’s taste of Little Italy, a charming BYO that ensures you will never leave hungry (199 Warren, 201-433-6639).

Historic Landmarks: The Jersey City Museum displays and supports the work of top contemporary artists. Check out jerseycitymuseum.org for upcoming exhibitions (350 Montgomery Street, 201-413-0303). Care to explore, learn, and interact hands on?  The Liberty Science Center (222 Jersey City Boulevard, 201-200-1000) has the nation’s largest Imax dome theater and live science experiments that will interest the whole family.  

Uptown Eats: Grove Street is lined with legendary dining hot spots. Visit Marco & Pepe’s for its chic new American comfort food and casual atmosphere (289 Grove Street, 201-860-9688). Or spice it up at Taqueria for a taste of Mexico (236 Grove Street, 201-333-3220).         

Local Treasures: Tia’s Place is a shopping paradise for stylists and fashionistas (277 Grove Street, 201-451-9358).  Splurge on high-end label purses, outerwear, or (always a necessity) new heels. Rather get active? In fall and winter, you can head to Newport Skates, an outdoor ice-skating rink located right along the waterfront (95 River Drive, 201-626-RINK).

Treat Yourself:
Stop in for a massage, facial, or quick yoga session at Club H (60 Columbus Drive, 201-332-2866) and leave a little lighter, leaner, and less stressed. 

Time Out: Meet me at the Colgate Clock! The 2,000-square-foot Colgate-Palmolive clock dates back to 1924, when factories dominated the Jersey City waterfront.  Today it is the landmark for the Liberty State Park Ferry. Choose from various destinations, including downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Ellis Island.  Or just hop on-board for a calming ride.

All You Need Is….: LITM (Love Is The Message) is a restaurant, lounge, gallery, theater, and voice of expression for art. Love and peace is surely the message you will sway away with, after a few captivating hours—and beverages—here (140 Newark Avenue, 201-536-5557).

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