We all know the story too well — it’s a beautiful day outside, Hoboken is buzzing with brunch plans, yoga or Pilates classes are in session, and talk of which bar to attend later that day is just a few hours away. But like any good day booked with constant plans, serious strain goes on the bank account. To the outside {and inside!} world, Hoboken is V expensive. However, there are ways around that expensive lifestyle {while still enjoying yourself} — and we’re here to show you how, with our newest challenge: #HG50DollarChallenge.
The challenge: Eat at least 2 meals, enjoy 1 cocktail, and participate in an activity/workout…all for under $50 TOTAL in Hoboken {tip + tax can be extra}. Our first edition with HG contributor Jordan, below:
Jordan’s Challenge
Workout: FREE
Morning workouts are a common sight around town on a weekend, and I wanted to fit in {especially since already wearing yoga pants}. With so many great places and amazing “new client” options, it was tough to choose. On days like today the saying “if it’s free, it’s for me” takes on a whole new meaning. There are plenty of classes that offer free sessions for new members, but I decided to try out the Uptown location of Local Barre which offers a free class on your first visit. A morning sweat and booty boosting workout was needed. This brought my total to $0 so far.
Brunch: $24.00
After my calorie torch session, I was in need of some brunch {after showering, of course} — because, balance. When balling on the budget, Brass Rail {135 Washington Street}. is THE spot to hit up for a full {and delicious} brunch experience without the outrageous bill.
Each person in my group started off with a complimentary breakfast cocktail {choice of mimosa, red sangria, or beer of the day} while mulling over their extensive appetizer list. My fav is the yogurt parfait but others at the table enjoyed the French onion soup and salad. This was all followed by their generous-sized entrees. Choose from the likes of their signature burger or steak and eggs. All of this was for just $24 — an unbelievable brunch rate. If it wasn’t a day where I was trying to stick within $50, I would have added on one of their brunch drinks for just an addition $2 or $3 — but, commitment. This bought my current total to $24 thus far.
Activity: $13.00
Boozing midday is honestly the best for a budget as I didn’t really feel like drinking later in the day. Something a little more low key was on the brain. So, my friends and I headed up to check out Turquoise Cup’s new location {155 6th Street in Hoboken}.
Turquoise Cup is an adorable coffee + ceramics shop that offers classes and sessions for every level artist out there. Since my skills lean more on the side of stick figures than Picasso, I kept it simple and just joined in for an open studio paint night. There is an $8 studio fee which covers the glazing and firing of your piece plus unlimited seating time {this typically is not the case at other pottery places}. Payment for the actual piece that is painted is needed as well. I choose a small tile to put on my coffee table at home for just $5. The atmosphere is super inviting and allowed us to kick back and laugh at our below par painting skills without judgment. A bonus to this spot— it’s BYOB! Awesome for grabbing a cheap bottle of wine or bringing one from home to really get those creative juices flowing. After this stop, I had spent $37 total.
READ: Hoboken on a Budget: A Guide to Eating + Drinking For Less
Dinner {or a Snack}: $5.50
After painting for a near two hours, I couldn’t help but feel hungry again. Something fried and to-go was calling my name so I made a pit-stop at La Casa {54 Newark Street} before heading home. This spicy Latin location offers authentic dishes at great prices. Two empanadas and a soda ran me only $5.50 — and it was so filling that it actually wound up being my dinner. This brought my total for the day to $42.50.
The Verdict
Total spend for a workout, brunch, activity, and dinner — $42.50
It really isn’t hard to spend just $50 on a Saturday in Hoboken, but as you can see, I didn’t do anything crazy. I took a free workout class, had a filling brunch, participated in a fun activity, but didn’t have a fancy dinner {although I was full from those empanadas — but that wouldn’t always be the case}. If it was a day where I ate out for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner, the total would have been possibly more than $50. Lesson learned here is that most of the money spent living in Hoboken is on food!
See More: 5 Tips for Creating {and Sticking With} a Budget
Do you think you could only spend $50 on a Saturday or Sunday in Hoboken {but eat out every meal and enjoy a cocktail}? Share with us in the comments below or try it out yourself and email your day (and prices + photos) to hello@hobokengirl.com for a chance to be featured.
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