Jersey City Heights is home to some of the best hidden gems in town. The cozy neighborhood blocks, green spaces, coffee shops, and fantastic eateries all contribute to the excitement of one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. $50 can go pretty quickly when exploring, eating, and entertaining on any given day, but we love a challenge. That’s why we created a budget-friendly itinerary to help readers make the most of all that Jersey City has to offer. Read on to learn how to have a $50 day in Jersey City Heights.
The challenge: Eat at least 2 meals and enjoy at least 1 activity for $50 or less in Jersey City (tip + tax will be extra). We spent the day on foot to avoid transportation costs.
Activity 1: $10
Every weekend, Meraki Yoga hosts seasonal (and affordable) outdoor yoga classes in two Jersey City Heights locations. We stopped by the 9AM Sunday class located at 498 Palisade Avenue at Riverview Fisk Park. Meraki Yoga creates an accessible space for all which is why the studio provides these outdoor classes on a sliding scale basis. This allows access to the beauty of yoga for all with the option to attend for free or for a $10 suggested donation. Donations are returned back into the community through non-profit efforts. Register for class online here.
Read More: How to Have a $50 Day in Jersey City
Activity 2: Free
Just in time, after yoga class ends at 10AM the Riverview Farmers Market is all set up and bustling with locals. Walk just a few steps from yoga to stroll through the farmers’ market with dozens of local vendors and food trucks. Though we didn’t make any purchases here, the variety of options is unmatched and filled with local favorites such as Choc O Pain, Jersey Pickle, and Rudo Plants + Home, to name a few. The Riverview Farmers Market is open every Sunday rain or shine from 10AM to 2PM and will remain open through November 24th this year.
Breakfast: $12
After a trip through the farmers market and working up an appetite at yoga, walk about seven minutes to Lil’ Dove Cafe at 589 Palisade Avenue. You can’t miss its colorful decor and inviting ambiance. We opted for one of the most popular menu items: The Classic Egg Sandwich which is typically made up of two eggs and cheese on a brioche bun. We decided to spice things up a bit and add bacon for an additional $1.50 and put it on an everything bagel for an additional $0.50 making the sandwich total $9. On the order was also an iced americano with cream for $3. After finishing a filling meal, Lil’ Dove is a great place to sit and mingle. The store even has a gift-shop-style section full of colorful home goods and gifts.
Activity 3: $8
After finishing breakfast, walk a quick two minutes to Sure Things at 561 Palisade Avenue. It was a fun surprise to pass by this welcoming shop filled with vintage objects, used books, pottery, wall art, and even some handmade items. We met one of the owners, John, who was so kind and welcoming and showed us around the store. After browsing and sifting through the many treasures, it was hard to pass on the store’s unique collection of vintage matchbooks. Priced at $3 a piece or 2 for $5, we grabbed three vintage matchbooks for a total of $8.
See More: How to Have a $50 Day in Montclair: Part 1
Late Lunch/Early Dinner: $17
Next, walk eight minutes through the cozy neighborhood streets to Central Bistro located at 403 Central Avenue. This neighborhood eatery is open seven days a week and has extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menus with a little something for everyone. Since we filled up on a big breakfast, a light lunch/early dinner was in order. Of course, trying Caesar salads around town is an activity within itself, so tasting this one was a real treat. With a generous portion priced at $12 and stacked high with homemade croutons and grated parmesan, this salad was a 10 out of 10. On top of that, we tried the fresh squeezed lemonade for $5 making the total for the day $47 which is $3 under budget.
Stay tuned for the next part of our $50 day series.
13 DIY Activities to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hoboken and Jersey City have lots of possibilities when it comes to learning a new skill or creating a masterpiece of your own. DIY classes can be fun as a solo day, a date night or a group activity. Locally, there are several classes and events that will get the creative juices flowing and improve various skills. Read on to learn more about DIY classes and events in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.
Hoboken
ArteVino Studio | 720 Monroe Street
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Turning into a painter for a night is not as hard as it may seem with the guidance of the skilled instructors at ArteVino. Located in the Monroe Center, ArteVino regularly hosts paint classes where guests are guided through how to recreate an artistic masterpiece. Or, for those who are more advanced and want to try painting on their own, the studio has open-access options. To check out the full schedule and book a class, click here.
Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street #C414
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Blue Skies Pottery is one of the few one-time pottery locations in the area. It’s located inside the Monroe Center and allows guests to try their hand at a potters’ wheel during one-time classes or by signing up for a multi-week course. Individual events are also offered for various groups or to hone certain skills. Reservations are required and can be made on the site here.
Read More: 20 Groups + Clubs to Join in Hoboken and Jersey City
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street
Hudson Table is one of Hudson County’s most popular DIY class locations. At Hudson Table, guests can expect a highly interactive cooking class with renowned chef instructors. The hands-on classes have themed menus that cover a wide range of cuisines including Italian Bistro, Spanish Tapas, Texan Steakhouse, and more. The classes sell out quickly, but booking alerts can be made on the Hudson Table website. To book a class, click here.
Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street
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Ivy Mane Studio promises a ‘more creative you’ through its DIY concrete-pouring workshops. This Hoboken art studio has a variety of classes where participants can make items such as vases, ashtrays, table games, and more. Individual class pricing ranges from $75-$105 or private events can be hosted to celebrate any occasion. To learn more about upcoming classes and to register, click here.
Mosaic Art Studio | 50 Harrison Street
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Participants can learn the art of Turkish lamp-making right in Hoboken. Mosaic Art Studio, located inside the Mission 50 co-working space, provides both a history lesson and an opportunity to make a creative piece. Guests start with a briefing on the history of Turkish lamp-making before being guided through how to make their own. As the project dries, guests are treated to Turkish treats before getting a grout kit to complete the project at home. To pre-book tickets and to learn more, click here.
New Jersey Coffee School | 720 Monroe Center
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Coffee is a way of life and those who are really into it can try to develop the skill of coffee making at the New Jersey Coffee School. While this location focuses more on skill-building for professionals, there are some classes for amateurs as well. The art of latte making is a great way to learn more about creating beautiful drinks from the comfort of home. The New Jersey Coffee School is consistently providing new classes for all skill levels. To learn more and to book a class, click here.
Sushi Making Class at Saku Hoboken | 936 Park Avenue
Saku Hoboken provides a lesson in the art of sushi making without an expensive plane ticket to Japan. Its “Rolling with the Homies” sushi class is great for an individual activity, a date night, or for a group of friends. Each guest will learn how to make rice wine vinegar and three sushi rolls. Tickets are $75 and classes are provided on Tuesdays from 6PM-8PM. To learn more, click here.
Tipsy Tie-Dye | 155 1st Street
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Partying with color is the vibe at Tipsy Tie-Dye. Guests can choose from any items for sale in the shop such as sweatshirts, pants, and t-shirts to dye or items can be brought in from home to dye. Tickets are open to guests of all ages until 5:30PM and then the venue turns to adults-only from 5:30PM-10:30PM. The classes are not formal, but Tipsy Tie-Dye team members are available to help guests with the process. To learn more about getting a reservation or booking a private event, click here.
Urban Arts | 720 Monroe Street
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Urban Arts is a children’s art studio located in the Monroe Center. In addition to the wide range of programs prvided for children, Urban Arts can be booked for a DIY class private event for guests of any age. Instructors are ready to assist with art mediums like pastels, acrylic paints, watercolors, colored pencils, and more. To learn more and inquire about pricing, click here.
Jersey City
Academy Darkroom | 279 Pine Street
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Photography is a true art form and Academy Darkroom in Jersey City is a great place to learn. Students can learn how to shoot on a film camera and how to develop film. Classes are provided by the semester and sign-ups are available throughout the year. To learn more and to sign up for a course, click here.
Art Mango | Jersey City
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After a session at Art Mango, you’ll be asking “Picasso who?” Art Mango is a paint and sip studio that hosts painting parties with small businesses in Jersey City. Instructors will guide students through re-creating a beautiful painting regardless of skill level. To check out which paintings are coming up next and to book a spot, click here.
See More: Crystals + Candle: A New DIY Experience in Upper Montclair
Atacama Clay Studio | 533 Central Avenue
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Would-be artists can unleash their inner potter at Atacama Clay Studio in Jersey City. This pottery studio has a class type for everyone: those who are just looking to try their hand at the wheel in a one-time class or, those looking to master the art, there are semester-long classes and membership opportunities. Skilled instructors are available at each session to guide students through the art of pottery and answer questions. To learn more about the class types and to secure a spot, click here.
Betty’s Ceramic Club + Supply Co | 224 9th Street
Betty’s Ceramic Club is located on 9th Street in Jersey City. This pottery haven has opportunities for beginners and advanced potters alike through membership options, six-week sessions, four-week short classes and even one-time opportunities. Betty’s also invites those who want to share the art with family and friends to celebrate special occasions with the shop’s party and event packages. To learn more about offerings and to book a class, click here.
