TEN HIDDEN SECRETS OF JERSEY CITY
With Sharon Shahinian, Sales Associate in our Hoboken office
As a long-time Hoboken resident, I love spending time in neighboring Jersey City. Fortunately I have the opportunity to do a lot of business here and become even more familiar with the city’s varied architecture and metropolitan feel. Downtown Jersey City has a mix of historic brownstones, luxury residential buildings and a bustling commercial district. Also, the picturesque waterfront offers unbeatable views of the Statues of Liberty, New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline. “The Heights” is closer to my hometown of Hoboken and evokes a sense of community and charm with its Edwardian and Victorian-style homes. Jersey City is diverse and evolving into a cultural hotspot.
Here are my top ten best kept secrets of Jersey City:
1. Offshore Sailing School is located at Liberty Landing Marina in Liberty State Park and offers private, family and group classes where one can gain the confidence they need to either learn or master the art of sailing. I’m looking forward to the summer when I can return to the marina for sailing on the Harbor. Who needs the Jersey Shore when you have Downtown Jersey City!
2. Experience a day of adventure and history with a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from Liberty State Park. Whether visiting for the scenery, looking to join an audio tour of Lady Liberty or combining your adventure with a visit to Ellis Island, you’re just minutes from Jersey City!
3. The Morris Canal spans 102 miles from Phillipsburg, New Jersey to Jersey City. It opened in 1831 to transport coal from Pennsylvania, and the final link from Newark to Jersey City (New York Harbor) was established in 1836. Today, efforts are actively being made to preserve the Morris Canal Greenway for public use. The greenway offers remnants of the canal bed, planes, locks and a list of industries and communities that were part of it’s history.
4. Historic downtown offers something for everyone. From May to September there is the “Groove on Grove” concert series, which overs free shows in Grove PATH Plaza. Every Monday and Thursday from May to December shop at the Historic Downtown Farmers’ Market in the plaza. Choose from fresh produce, homemade mozzarella, baked goods and more from 25 vendors.
5. Pamper yourself with a trip to Zahara Day Spa located at 403 Monmouth Street. Najat Hafdi offers the most incredible facials and other services like massages, waxing and body treatments such as an anti-aging body wrap. Take your friends and make a day out of it!
6. Kids of all ages will love the Liberty Science Center (222 Jersey City Boulevard, Liberty State Park). I’ve taken my kids here for years. The Liberty Science Center has the nation’s largest IMAX Dome Theater and fascinating exhibitions including the first ever exhibit about the Rubik’s Cube.
7. The annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour is one of the city’s most anticipated events. Each year the number of artists participating grows, which sheds light on the plethora of established and emerging artists in the city. The tour highlights everything from painting, sculpture, music, film, theater and more art forms. Visit jcast.com for updates on this year’s tour.
8. Located at 212 Washington Street, Satis Bistro has a full wine bar, impressive selection of cheeses, tapas and sorbets. Satis also serves brunch and dinner in addition to cocktail events. Insider tip: stop by for dinner during Hudson Restaurant Week running through February 6, 2015.
9. Taqueria Downtown (201-333-3220) located at 236 Grove street, offers the most authentic Mexican food around. My personal favorite are the carnitas tacos topped with their housemade crema. There is so much to choose from and something for even the pickiest eater.
10. The Light Horse Tavern at 199 Washington Street is regarded as one of the best restaurants in New Jersey. The tavern has a welcoming bar and two-level dining space. Enjoy fresh oysters or lobsters from the raw bar and choose from the eclectic menu of American-inspired fare.
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Thoughts and opinions presented in this post are those of Sharon Shahinian and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions or endorsements from Halstead Property, LLC.