Talk about Sun-daze! We are SO excited to be enjoying the 80 degree weather this weekend and know you are too. Whether you’re strolling around town, relaxing on Pier A, or celebrating the Easter holiday with family today, we’ve got the low-down from around town this week for you to catch up on. Read below for all the info in our latest edition of Word on the {Washington} Street: your one-stop-shop for everything news in Hoboken.
JC Heights Choc-o-Pain Location Opening in May
One of Hoboken’s favorite bakeries will soon open their newest location in Jersey City Heights. Choc-o-Pain’s new spot will be located at 330-332 Palisade Avenue and will include a large bakery on site. The new space is set to open in May and will be the third location for locals to get their favorite French goodies. Plus, HG readers get an exclusive deal if you check out Choc-o-Pain on our Deals Directory.
Take Back the Night Happening Tuesday, April 18
April is filled with volunteer opportunities for the Hoboken Girl Helps team, but if you haven’t heard about this week’s upcoming event — listen up: Stevens Institute of Technology’s 3rd annual Take Back The Night. Join the Stevens community and CarePoint Health as they raise awareness for sexual assault and promote safety for all by participating in the walk from Stevens to Pier A, where a candlelight vigil and guest speakers + performances will follow. The Hoboken Girl team is joining the walk — if interested, please meet us at 6:45PM at the 9th Street gates of Stevens {email [email protected] with questions}. Bring anyone you want to join us – the walk is open to everyone!
Ani Ramen House Set to Open
Ani Ramen House’s Jersey City location at 218 Newark Avenue, is slated to open on Monday, April 24th. The new spot will not accept reservations and seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. The location will feature a full bar with beverage selections created in collaboration with New York City mixologist, Kenta Gota {a 2017 James Beard Award Semifinalist}. The Jersey City location will feature murals creatied by NJ artist Rich Tu. We can’t wait to check it out — since taste testing them at Mana Contemporary was the highlight of our night!
Fire Sweeps Hoboken Apartment Building
A fire at 5:30 AM on Friday morning, an apartment building on Monroe Street between 1st and Observer highway caused the streets to be closed through the morning commute. According to NJ.com, about 14 residents were evacuated from 6 or 7 units between two buildings as a result of the blaze. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Fire damage occurred on the top floor where the fire started and water damage was sustained in other areas of the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Hoboken Public Education Foundation Raising Money for Local Students
Pier 13 Officially Opens
Pier 13, a favorite Hoboken outdoor spot, is officially open — and we couldn’t be happier about it. Yesterday, the foodtrucks, “lawn” games, craft beers, and cocktails were in full swing as Hobokenites and visitors celebrated the re-opening. They will be open on Saturdays from 11:00 AM-10:00 PM and Sundays from 11:00AM-8:00PM. This is the 5th year Pier 13 will be opening and they’ll be celebrating with an anniversary party on July 1st.
Chakra Immersion at Pavana Yoga Encourages Balance + Wellness
On April 28th and 29th, Pavana Yoga will host a Chakra Immersion weekend. During the two-day event taught by local yoga instructor Kate Lombardo, attendees will delve deep into learning about what the chakras are and how to do things to bring them into balance. The weekend will combine yoga, journaling, meditation, essential oils, and other wellness techniques as a fun way to learn more about how to live a more balanced life. Registrants may sign up for one or both days and can register online here.
Sights, Bites, and Sips Comes to Hoboken
Hoboken Emergency Ferry Route to Become Permanent
NY Judge Found in Hudson River
Sad news came to the area on Thursday when Prominent New York Court of Appeals Judge, Sheila Abdus-Salaam, was found dead in the Hudson River. According to NJ.com, Salaam made history in 2013 when she became the first Muslim and African American woman to be appointed to the state’s highest court. The NYPD found the body off the Harlem coastline at around 1:45 PM. The investigation into her death is ongoing.
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That’s the latest Word on Wash!
Have any news tips? Email [email protected] to let us know.
Tropicalia: A New Resort Wear Store Opening in Bayonne on 2/22
Spring break and summers down the shore are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about what swimwear to sport on the water. While a lot of women may look at bikini shopping as the seventh layer of hell, a small but mighty store in Bayonne is looking to change that mindset. Tropicalia Resort Wear, located at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne, is opening on February 22nd and will be selling resort wear as well as allowing private shopping experiences to make shoppers more comfortable while finding their next favorite beach outfit. Read on to learn about Tropicalia Resort Wear and why the owner chose to open her store in Bayonne, New Jersey.
A Woman-Owned Business In Bayonne
The owner of Tropicalia, Jessie Laracuente, launched the brand in May of 2020. Swimwear has been a staple in Jessie’s life. She is Puerto Rican and grew up surrounded by water and living most of her days in a swimsuit. While she collected many different styles of swimsuits, Jessie felt there was something missing in those styles and wanted to create a brand to fill those gaps for women of all shapes and sizes.
Read More: This Bayonne Italian Restaurant is Named After James Bond’s Famous Drink
She is an active-duty military member currently serving in the Army. In 2021, she made her move to the East Coast. The military relocated Jessie from Los Angeles, CA, to Staten Island, NY, and during her move, she fell in love with Bayonne. It’s what made her decide to put down roots here and open a storefront for her growing business.
“I had visited New York twice before and knew I wanted to be in the city but not directly in it,” Jessie told The Hoboken Girl. “I discovered Bayonne, and it was love at first sight. I was drawn to its close-knit community, accessibility to the Light Rail, New York City, and other attractions. Now, as Bayonne continues to grow and expand, I’m excited to introduce my brand to the area.”
Since moving to New Jersey, Jessie has been growing her business within Hudson County by participating in local markets like the Main Street Pops Market. She says she’s looking forward to further introducing her brand to the Jersey City and Hoboken areas.
The Tropicalia Experience
Tropicalia Resort Wear officially opens to the public on Saturday, February 22nd at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne. Jessie welcomes shoppers with a big smile, surrounded by a rainbow of swimsuits lining the walls. The items for sale are luxury resort wear and swimsuits from premium Colombian brands. Jessie tells HG her collection is for women looking for a high-quality, stylish piece that makes them feel confident, elegant, but still on trend.
The bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups on display come in all sizes and colors, making it simple to find a piece to make one feel confident near the pool or beach.
On top of curating a colorful collection of swimwear and resort wear, Tropicalia will have solo shopping experiences available by appointment. “I know how stressful swimwear shopping can be,” Jessie shared with HG. “I want to create a space where my customers feel comfortable and confident.”
For those looking to schedule a private shopping session, email [email protected]. Prospective customers can also fill out the contact form on Tropicalia’s website. Depending on availability, guests can shop for as long or as little as they please. There is no spending requirement, so shoppers can browse at their leisure.
See More: Where to Buy a Bathing Suit in Northern New Jersey
“This personalized approach ensures they have the time and privacy to find exactly what they’re looking for,” Jessie said.
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