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.  

The famous Colgate clock built in 1924 stands next to an empty lot where the company once stood. Further down are views of The Statue of Liberty.

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.

On the way to the Brooklyn Bridge something happened that changed our plans. But no matter where we go there's always something, um, interesting to see along the way.

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.

The Loew's Jersey Theatre (1932)
Photo Credit: loewsjersey.org

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.

We will never forget you.

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.

The rebirth of Jersey City

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.

The view from The Hyatt.

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.

The NJ Waterway that runs between Jersey City and Lower Manhattan is an easy way to travel

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?

Other posts you might enjoy:

• Wordless Wednesday: A Night of Magic In Hoboken
• Wordless Wednesday: Lovely Memories Of Summer Travel (1990)