Those who read my blog regularly know that we were unable to take a vacation this summer. Our area offers its own beauty, history and fun. We've been taking advantage of the laid-back feel of summer by visiting several areas that help us feel as if we've been away. Here's one area I think everyone who comes to the New York area should explore.
Last weekend my husband and I continued our summer theme of a “staycation” by exploring areas of fun and interest in our own backyard. Taking advantage of the beautiful summer weather, we wanted to do something outdoors that we’ve never done before.
We wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Unfortunately we got a late start. Growing up in New Jersey we should’ve known better. If you leave late you’re almost guaranteed getting stuck in traffic. Years ago most people went down the shore (a true Jersey term), drove out to the Hamptons or north to the Berkshires to escape the summer heat. That left the local highways desolate.
Not anymore.
As we neared the turnoff for The Holland Tunnel we saw miles of cars tied up in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Suddenly my husband shouted, “What’s Plan B?” I immediately answered, “Take the exit for Jersey City.”
Let me go back a few years. I was born in Jersey City, and my parents moved us to the suburbs when I was 3. My father continued to work there for years, and after we left my grandparents moved into our old apartment.
My last impression was the city’s unfortunate decline.
I still have a few memories of the old Jersey City, like The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre in Journal Square, a grand movie palace my grandparents took me to during sleepovers with them. Built in 1929, it’s now listed as a historical site. The theater eventually fell into disrepair, but today, under new ownership, I'm happy to report that volunteers have restored it to its original grandeur.
Jersey City is located along the Hudson River, lying directly across from Lower Manhattan and carrying 11 miles of waterfront property.
Today, young professionals are flocking to enjoy a rebirth of the area, with redevelopment along the waterfront and a new, exciting downtown that is enticing new residents. With cute cafes, good restaurants, and new businesses moving in such as Chase Manhattan Bank and Merrill Lynch, it is a desirable home to a diverse population.
After we parked and headed toward the path along the waterfront, the first thing I saw took my breath away: the sight of the beautiful Freedom Tower standing tall and majestic against the bright blue sky. We took a solemn moment as we remembered what once stood there, and how it changed the heart of a nation.
On September 11 Jersey City lost 37 of its residents. The city pays tribute to them with the dedication of two lovely memorials.
We will never forget those we lost.
As we began our stroll down the path, I was struck by the colorful artwork on display. As I looked closer I learned that each painting was created by a student. They expressed their ideas about freedom, hope, tolerance and compassion, and their plan for a better world. In a world gone mad, I pray that their dreams come true.
They are our future, the peacemakers of tomorrow.
We ate a simple lunch on a lovely patio while enjoying the scenery and the joy of a beautiful day. When we were done we continued on our walk, passing tall glass buildings housing various businesses, some small manicured gardens, comfortable looking benches, the PATH train station and a beautiful new Hyatt with unobstructed views of Manhattan.
We stopped into the Hyatt (of course I needed their bathroom!) and Gary waited for me on a comfortable couch surrounded by windows. He enjoyed a birds-eye view of Lower Manhattan as he waited.
It's easy to travel to Jersey City from Manhattan with the NJ Waterway delivering you right to the Jersey City waterfront. There is also the PATH train (run by The Port of Authority NY and NJ). Check their websites for accessibility and schedules.
We had a wonderful day, and I was happy to discover the renovation of my birthplace. I plan on visiting it again to explore more of its restaurants and culture in the near future. Want to join me?
I love the idea of exploring in your own backyard. It's something we definitely need to do more of. If only there wasn't so much darn traffic!
Gosh, I feel like I took the trip with you. Thanks for sharing (love the artwork!)
It's wonderful to see you were able to find joy close to home. Great photos of some super sites. One day I'll get to Jersey... and all points north, south and east of there. 😀
I feel like I had a mini-vacation this morning! Thanks for taking me along!
Great post! That Colgate clock near the now-vanished factory gave me a real Ozymandeous moment. (Did I even spell that right??)
Love looking at all the photos. It makes me homesick for the East Coast, although I don't think I've actually ever been to Jersey City. Looks like you had a great day.
What a wonderful and unexpected way to spend a beautiful summer day!
Awesome photo journaling, Cathy. This is my hobby and I am so impressed with your tour through New York and New Jersey. I have been to some of these areas and it brings back memories (all good, albeit, sad when I visited the 911 Memorial).
Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts in words.
Warmly,
Judith
Hi Cathy! Good for you for making the most of plan B! What's the saying, "life is what happens while we are making other plans. " Not only does your post share a good "life lesson" it also reminds us that sometimes our flexibility can lead to greater adventures that we could ever imagine. And hey, your trip to Jersey City made it seem like a place ALL of us should want to visit. ~Kathy
Enjoyed the post so much, Cathy! I have not been back to my birthplace is years and years...maybe it is time for a road trip! Thanks for sharing your journey!
This sounds really fun. I have been to the Hamptons, but never Jersey City. Next time!!
Cathy!!! I cannot believe we were out of town when you went on your tour of my new city. It's actually my old city--lived there 28 years ago as newlyweds and moved out West eight months later. We've come full circle. You are absolutely right, JC is a gem, and you missed my neighborhood which is adorable, so you'll have to come back!
Your photos make me want to come for a visit!
I really enjoyed your guided tour of Jersey City, Cathy! I've never been there but I'm ready to visit. Let me know when you'd like to make a return trip.
I love the way you embrace the many things your area has to offer ... I have friends in NJ and will spend some time there next year. Looking fwd!
I feel like I spent the day with you! What a great trip. Seriously. Loved the photos too. Years ago when I lived in Annapolis, Md., my next door neighbor was a Jersey girl. I loved her! And we've stayed in touch over the years, too!
I love that you had a Plan B so quickly and recounted so beautifully with this post and pictures.
I live out in the Wild West and I've ever been to New Jersey. Thanks for this peek into your area. I agree that staycations are wonderful.
So much to see in our own "backyards" if we look! I love your photos and hearing your story. Thanks for taking me on your journey Cathy!
Well us West Coast girls would love to go there for vacation! I do love a good staycation though and Lucky for me I live in a great town for that.