Home of baseball and birthplace of Frank Sinatra, Hoboken is a small city sitting straight across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Its one square mile is crowded with coffee shops, bars and boutiques; residents range from students to new professionals and yummy mummies with baby strollers and puppies.
The city is also the location of Stevens Institute of Technology, where students have been welcoming in spring by studying on lawns overlooking downtown Manhattan. Cherry blossoms are blooming on the main thoroughfare, Washington Street, where by late afternoon the commuters are back from the big city and relaxing in bars open to the warm evening air. Carlo’s Bakery (of Cake Boss fame) has a constant queue down the block for its cupcakes – I’m yet to test them out with my well-known sweet tooth.
Hoboken punches above its weight, calm and cozy in contrast to its nearby neighbour, New York. Hanging out here does naturally lead to spending time in the city, mere minutes away on the Path subway. So stay tuned for some suitcase stories from another special city: that famous one that never sleeps.
Stories My Suitcase Could Tell Recommends:
Eat: Court Street is one of Hoboken’s oldest restaurants. Don’t be fooled by the bar – tucked away at the back are covered tables with candles and excellent American fare (the olive tapenade is a must). For an after dinner treat, head to the river. The Melting Pot’s chocolate fondue is fabulous, but even better are the evening views of the Manhattan skyline. Perfect for date night. (Update: As of 2015, The Melting Pot is now closed.)
Drink: The selection seems endless, and so do the happy hours. Go for the luck of the Irish at The Shannon, which transforms into a dance club on weekends; watch sports with a bucket of buffalo wings at Black Bear Bar & Grill; or suit up and enjoy the stylish options at the W Hotel.
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