Meteorologists have been saying for several days that the Northern Lights may be visible from the New Jersey area this week, which is something that seldom comes to fruition (remember that ah-hem April Fool’s Joke gone wrong). But tonight, October 10, 2024, thousands of people in the Northern New Jersey and NYC area were able to view them — as well as several days this past week. In Hoboken and Jersey City, the viewing happened around 7:30PM tonight. Here’s more about why the Northern Lights were visible in New Jersey this evening.
Starting as early as two days ago, many New Jersey residents reported seeing pink, purple, and green hues around the Garden State.
^photo from Montague, NJ; Credit: James Casson
This phenomenon, usually caused by geomagnetic activity or geomagnetic storms, called the “Northern lights,” or the Aurora Borealis, are often visible in Canada, but are most known to be visible in Scandinavian countries such as Iceland, Norway, and Finland.
^Princeton, NJ; Photo Credit Mary Lessard
Occasionally, they can be seen in New Jersey, and this past week was one for the books. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasted this activity and it was seen throughout the New Jersey and New York region.
^photo from Hoboken, New Jersey: Credit Jordan and Joelle Hernandez
Did you catch a glimpse? Share your photos with us @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok.
Julietta Gelato Cafe Soft Opening in Hoboken on 2/20
It may be cold outside, but gelato can be enjoyed at any time of the year (we think so at least). A NYC-based shop serving up Italian gelato, coffee, and baked goods will make its debut in the Mile Square this February, and we're sharing everything we know. Julietta Gelato Cafe will be located at 5th and Washington Streets in Hoboken, and signage went up in the space at the end of January. The team recently shared with The Hoboken Girl that the gelato shop will soft open in Hoboken on Thursday, February 20th. Read on for more about Julietta Gelato Cafe's arrival in Hoboken, New Jersey.
What We Know
The Julietta Gelato Cafe team shared with The Hoboken Girl back in October 2024 that it planned to open its Hoboken shop by the end of 2024 at 423 Washington Street in the Mile Square.
Signage went up in the space in late January — and the team recently shared with HG that the gelato shop will soft open in Hoboken on Thursday, February 20th, 2025. A grand opening date is still being finalized as of this writing. Julietta's hours will be 7:30AM-9PM during the soft opening stage, with potential plans to stay open later in the warmer months.
Read More: Best Bakeries to Visit in Hoboken + Jersey City
Julietta is a traditional Italian gelato cafe, according to its website. The shop describes its gelato as "a creamy, velvety delight made in small batches with authentic Italian recipes, using locally sourced ingredients and the freshest dairy." Some of the flavors on the menu include classics like pistachio and Stracciatella (vanilla with dark chocolate), and bolder options like salted caramel and butter. There are also vegan flavors, as well as the option to order an affogato (espresso shot over your choice of gelato) or a gelato milkshake.
Also on the menu is a selection of pastries — including Bomboloni (a filled doughnut), croissants, cardamom buns, pain au chocolat, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free granola bars, and everything seasoned rolls. A selection of sandwiches is also coming soon.
As for the coffee, Julietta has every option imaginable — from macchiatos and cappuccinos to flat whites and cold brew. Also on the menu are chai lattes, matcha lattes, classic tea, and hot chocolate.
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Julietta has two other locations in New York City — the Hoboken store will be its first New Jersey location. The other stores are located at 335 Bleeker Street in the West Village, and 366 5th Avenue in Midtown.
While we await Julietta's arrival in the Mile Square, locals currently have a few gelato options to choose from. KikiLu Gelato at 900 Garden Street serves up authentic gelato, cannolis, espresso drinks, olive oil, and more (order the W’Affogato, IYKYK). Jun's Macaron Gelato at 410 Washington Street has gelato, macarons, and handmade ice cream rolls, among other options like a macaron gelato sandwich. While not gelato, NYC-based Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Shop also recently crossed the Hudson and opened its newest shop in downtown Jersey City — and there's also a Hoboken location coming soon.
See More: A Guide to Coffee Shops in Nutley, Based on Your Preferences
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