Showing posts with label things to do in nj. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things to do in nj. Show all posts

Monday, February 20, 2012

Green Rock Tap & Grill

Hoboken is known for its hotspots and incredible nightlife, but for those with casual tastes and tighter budgets it just doesn't have the same appeal. That's why the Green Rock is a rare find in a yuppie town like Hoboken.

To be fair, I feel like I must start this review by being brutally honest. The bar isn't the nicest of venues. It has that odor of old wood that has been marinated in gallons of cheap beer, most likely the result of hundreds of spilled $1 drafts... but I digress. The bar has some tight spaces, and it can be ridiculously difficult to maneuver through the crowd . Also, the ladies room is tiny and is one of the worst that I have ever seen.

Yet the Green Rock does have some redeeming qualities. Most importantly, some fantastic deals. I have only been for happy hour on a Thursday night (actually, make that several Thursday nights) and have enjoyed the $1 drafts from 5-8, at which point the drafts increase to a shockingly high price of $2 a pint. On Thursdays you can also find a 2 for 1 appetizer deal that helps to make it a cheap night out.

If you like the fancy trendy bars and clubs, you will hate the Green Rock. But if you're a fun, go with the flow type of person, give it a shot.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Boonton Lanes

Looking for something to do in NJ, but you don't have a lot of cash to spend? How about a little bowling?

I know, I know. Who goes bowling anymore, right? Honestly, I haven't been bowling in 10 years, but when a friend recently wanted to do something that was "active," this oldie (but goody) came to mind.

Why? Boonton Lanes has several specials that they run throughout the week. If you're tight on cash, Boonton Lanes offers 3 hour bowling sessions on Friday and Saturday nights where you can bowl unlimited games for just $13. If 3 hours is too much for you, you can also check out $1 games on Mondays, $2 games on Tuesday and 25 cent games on Sunday (with a $6 cover charge).

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Chart House

Yet another fine dining experience in New Jersey, with great food and spectacular views of manhattan. I have been fortunate enough to experience The Chart House several times in the last year, and it is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives.

The Chart House sits on a pier in Weehawkin directly across from midtown Manhattan. Be sure to ask for a table near the window so you can enjoy the views. The service is spectacular and the food is great. I have had the fillet mignon, a chicken dish and the Goldiva dessert, and they all rocked!

The Chart House is a little pricey, but worth the experience.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

NJ Nets Help Prepare Your Taxes

The NJ Nets aren't known for being the best basketball team this year, but they are known for their wacky promotions.

This time, fans who attend Friday's game against the Orlando Magic, and who are 18 or older will get a coupon from Roni Deutch Tax Center to get their state income tax done free. Roni Deutch representatives will also be at the game to answer questions. Roni Deutch services for state income tax usually run around $29.

NJ Nets promotions from earlier in the year included a reversible jersey (one side with a Nets logo and the other side with a competitive team's logo) for fans who purchased 10 game ticket packages.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

SHU Basketball

March Madness is right around the corner, but we have a few college hoops games to get through first!

The Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball team has one final home game before the end of the season, which will be played at The Rock in Newark. If you're interested, support those SHU Pirates check it out as they go up against Marquette on Sunday, February 28th at noon.

Medieval Times

Medieval Times. Ever heard of it? That's right, I'm talking about knights, swords, a suit of armor, horses and castles. No, no - I'm not talking about history books, but rather the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. There are only 9 locations in North America, and one is right in our back yard!

Located amidst the chaos of Lyndhurst, the Medieval Times castle, which is visible from Rt. 3 if you know where to look, offers a great escape to the 11th century. While King Philippe and Princess Leonore offer a glimpse into their world, guests feast on a four course meal sans utensils. That's right folks, if they didn't have forks and knives in the 11th century, you don't get to use them in 2010 either!

Yet they they did have knights and battles to the death, all of which you get to enjoy! The arena is divided into 6 sections, each of which is represented by a knight who engages in different stunts and ultimately in battle. Only one knight will win - hopefully it's yours!

With a full service bar, full meal and great entertainment, Medieval Times is a great experience for all ages. The only drawback is pricing. At the most basic level, tickets cost $57 per person, although group discounts are easily available.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas in New York City

It isn't in New Jersey, but it sure is close! Don't forget to visit New York City during the holiday season to see the sites and enjoy the festive holiday season.

All of the major department stores are decorated for the holidays from Macy's with interactive displays (you can write a letter to Santa by touching a screen on the window!) to the nightly light show on Saks Fifth Ave, you are sure to feel like a kid again!

That's not enough? How about the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center or The Pond in Bryant Park (which is also surrounded by the shops at Bryant Park).

Sunday, November 29, 2009

New Jersey Nightlife

Out and about and in the mood for a little bit of the fun New Jersey nightlife that this great state has to offer? Let the recommendations begin!

On Thanksgiving Eve I found myself at Sona 13 in Morristown, NJ. The establishment, which is in the former location of the Funky Monkey, is clearly the hotspot of Morristown these days. By 11:00, the line was down the block. Once inside, the crowd of festive friends and trendy 20 something year olds crammed into the semi-small space to socialize and enjoy the music.

Speaking of music, the tunes were courtesy of a dj (or sound system of some sort) and consisted of shorter snippets of popular music. While there was limited room for dancing, a few daring souls cut a rug and showed their moves to the world.

I definitely recommend Sona 13 because:
- Sona 13 is the "it" place to be
- Fun atmosphere with a great crowd
- Decent prices and specials throughout the week

Monday, November 23, 2009

Hoboken Waterfront

Hoboken is known for many things. A rockin' nightlife, good restaurants, the birth place of legendary Frank Sinatra, and awesome views of New York City.

And this is where I come in with yet another idea of things to do in New Jersey. Aren't there times when you aren't interested going to bars or parties, yet you still want to be active? Hoboken has some fabulous piers with grassy areas designed for lounging, playing frisbee, and chilling with your puppy. Not your style? Try the benches along the brick waterfront paths.

An added benefit, this fun little activity is appropriate during the day or night! That's right. Enjoy the fascinating view of the NYC skyline with some of the most amazing structures of our time in the brightest sunlight. Or, watch the cruise ships and small boats as they lazily coast down the shoreline. Yet, my favorite is the view at night, with the Empire State Building lit with different shades of light and the beautiful twinkle of lights that emerge from building to building.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend a trip to Hoboken just to relax on the fringe while watching the city that never sleeps do its thang.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Apple Picking in New Jersey



It seems to be a tradition in the Northeast - as soon as a chill hits the air, we go apple picking! The Northeast has no shortage of farms with acres of fields filled with varieties of apple to choose from, but I like to stay right in the area and pick my apples from a regional farm.

OK, when I say 'right in the area', I really mean a good half an hour West at a farm that isn't too far off of Rt 80 called Longmeadow Farms. It isn't necessarily the coolest of the apple orchards that I've ever been to, but it's fun, fresh, and most importantly homegrown right in our great state.

In addition to a large variety of apples, the farm has pumpkins, berries, flowers, and honey that comes straight from the beehives that are cultured right on the property.

PS Even better than apple picking was the opportunity to take some awesome pictures. Check out some cool shots below such as the daytime moon, apple in the dew, and the fly apple. Enjoy!










Saturday, October 17, 2009

New Jersey Devils


One of my all-time favorite things is the vast world of sports. And, while it isn't a sport that I can actively partake in, I am a huge fan of NHL hockey. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement as the 2009 - 2010 season began last week, even if my team hasn't had a stellar beginning (let's just say that my fingers are crossed that things will get better).

To add to the excitement of a brand new season, the second game of the year included one of the biggest rivalries in the tri-state area - the New Jersey Devils vs. The New York Rangers. The game was held at The Rock in Newark, which is ridiculously easy to get to via mass transportation. I will refrain from discussing the final outcome of the game, but all of they hype leading into the night created an awesome atmosphere and great pride for Jersey's Team. The pre-game festivities included balloons in fun twisty shapes, street hockey, promotions and radio stations. All of this in addition to an awesome new hockey statue that was designed by a New Jersey native that lives in the Champion Plaza in front of the arena.

Even more amazing? You can get tickets to any New Jersey Devils home game for as low as $35! Top tier not your style? Plenty of seats are still available for home games. Better yet, the Devils have several packages - guys night, college night, mini game plans, and a Family Four Pack that includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for an insanely low price. For more ticket information check out http://devils.nhl.com/.