An Aussie in NJ: Jersey City
Hello, it’s Anna aka An Aussie in NJ. Thank you so much for the awesome messages and support from the last Aussie in New Jersey post. For this post I decided to take a trip to Jersey City.
I have wanted to go to Jersey City ever since we arrived. I had only seen it from Manhattan and I really wanted to go to the Statute of Liberty which is kind of high on my bucket list. I packed my husband in the car and we headed up to Jersey City, where I found out you can also catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. However you need to book months in advance to get in to the statue, something I didn’t know. Though, we did manage to see the Statute of Liberty from the banks of Liberty State Park and it looked amazing, so still on my bucket list but one step closer.
On to Liberty State Park; Well! New Jersey, you really know how to do your outdoor areas well. The park was covered in snow and we almost had it to ourselves. Despite the weather, you can totally imagine how awesome it would be to picnic there in the warmer months. As we drove in and got ever closer to the water’s edge, the more excited I felt and the more concerned my husband was that I would end up in the harbor trying to get a perfect photo. Firstly, the Statute of Liberty is right there, and then you notice the view of Manhattan plus all the great landmarks like the Empty Sky Memorial at the end of the park. Finally, you notice the incredible serenity that surrounds you.
We happened to stumble across old Jersey Central Lines train yard, which is also worth a peek; but unfortunately due to Super Storm Sandy you can no longer go inside, but the station yard is huge and has lots of architectural detail.
I was really excited about going to the historic downtown Jersey City area. One thing I have heard over and over again about Jersey City is how good the food is! For some great recommendations or to try a little bit of Jersey City food you should check out Jersey Girl Food Tours. So we headed Newark Avenue, which was closed off as a predestination mall, so you could wonder around and try and pick from the endless choice of incredible restaurants.
On good advice we ended up in an authentic Neapolitan restaurant called Porta (they also have a location in Asbury Park). It was such a surprise once we walked through the door – a real industrial feel, finished off nicely with a live duo in the corner. The food could not have been yummier. We had a wood fire pizza and salad but we can’t wait to check out their other signature dishes, such as the French toast or spaghetti and meatballs. They also have a killer cocktail and craft beer list – perfect. I couldn’t believe the size of the space, loads of huge tables with groups of friends catching up and smaller tables for families and couples, there are actually two bars inside. The wood fire ovens where specially designed in Italy for Porta and make all the difference.
While having lunch, we overheard the table next to us with their huge bag of quarters was heading to an arcade so naturally we followed them, sorry not sorry! To our amazement we arrived at Barcade. With the knock-out combo of the beer list and vintage arcade games I knew I was never getting my husband out of there. Important to note this is an over 21 venue only, but there is great spaces to sit and have a bite to eat, something to drink and of course some games to try and cement your name on the high score list.
Finally I tempted my husband out with the thought of Ice cream in 32 degree weather – why not! I mean we really couldn’t go past Torico and we were glad we didn’t.
So now we are both so full of food we had to walk it off, and there was no shortage of things to look at whilst wondering the streets. Awesome boutiques and an array of restaurants that we want to visit next time around. One of the things I didn’t expect was the color the city has. There are huge amazing murals that you cross the street to see are everywhere.
A photo posted by New Jersey Isn’t Boring (@newjerseyisntboring) on
Jersey City is full of incredible art with loads of both pop up and permanent places to check it out. Jersey City also has a festival once a year to celebrate the local artists, which I can’t wait to see. Lastly, on the way out I wanted to visit Hamilton Park which is still part of the downtown area although you could easily mistake it for Brooklyn. The park and tightly lined streets are filled with brownstone after brownstone, I was kind of expecting Carrie Bradshaw to stroll down the street in her Jimmy Choo’s…. maybe next time.
While researching Jersey City I have discovered there are loads of Neighbourhood, and each has something different to offer. I for one can’t wait to be back in Jersey City and do some more exploring!
I love exploring New Jersey so please keep sending in anywhere you think I should visit. – Anna
