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by Tracee Sioux
 Hoboken
is a fantastic city for New Yorkers looking for a getaway rich in culture and history.
However, unlike some urban suburbs, Hoboken isn't shrouded in the dust of glory
days gone by. Its active nightlife and thriving downtown area, only 10 minutes from
Manhattan, characterize the city. Be sure to go on foot -- parking is a nightmare!
Peter Stuyvesant bought
the island from Indians in 1658 (Hoboken meaning "land of the peace pipe").
After changing hands several times, visionary Colonel John Stevens bought the island
in 1784 for $90,000 to turn it into a resort for New Yorkers. He built a park (aptly
named Riverwalk), a mineral water spa (called Cybil's Cave) a 100-foot Ferris Wheel
(named Observation Tower), and a tavern and hotel along the river.
Soon, 20,000 New Yorkers
were picnicking and partying in Hoboken every weekend. John Stevens transformed
Hoboken into an important shipping hub, using the railroad to transport good from
Europe throughout the states. Immigrants also flooded Hoboken for the cheaper rents
and proximity to New York. Hoboken still boasts an ethnic blend of Italians, Irish
and Germans.
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THINGS
TO DO
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See more info on these businesses
 Only one-mile square, the city
is an extremely accommodating destination for pedestrians. Nearly everything of
interest can be accessed minutes after stepping off the PATH train or the
New York Waterways ferry.
The shopping district is
clustered on Washington and Hudson Streets, running parallel to the waterfront.
The beautification of the waterfront, with various parks and the redevelopment of
the piers creates an awe-inspiring view of the Manhattan skyline. The postcard view
should give any hardened and cynical New Yorker a refreshing perspective; a reminder
of why the rest of the world is stunned by the otherworldliness of one of the greatest
cities in the world. In other words, the view from Hoboken's shores is good for
the soul!
 The
city of Hoboken and its natives are most proud of their two major contributions
to the world—baseball and Frank Sinatra.
America's favorite pastime
was born in Hoboken on June 19, 1846, when the first officially recorded baseball
game was played on Elysian Field between the New York Nine and the Hoboken Knickerbockers.
New York thumped the local team 23 - 1.
Unfortunately for baseball
fans, the Maxwell House Coffee Plant replaced the historic field at Hudson Street
and 11th. Diehard fans can view the site from Elysian Park across the street.
 Frank
Sinatra was born in Hoboken at 415 Monroe St. Visit the small museum next
door at 417 Monroe Street dedicated to this historical site. Reminisce even more in Frank Sinatra
Park! (Frank
Sinatra Drive and restaurants named after Old Blue Eyes bear no relation to the
man, except that he grew up in the town.)
The Hoboken Historical
Museum on Hudson Street is a fascinating place for those interested in local
history, culture, legends and folklore. Pick up a map and take a self-guided walking
tour.
Of course, Hoboken is home
to many weekend festivals, so be sure to check the
event calendar!
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LODGING
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There are no hotels located
within the city limits of Hoboken.
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DINING
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 Some
would say Hoboken boasts New York City caliber dining! Follow the neon hand to the
The Clam Broth House, a Hoboken institution, serving seafood and steaks since
1899.
Lady Jane's on Hudson,
is a sure bet. The local favorite has a hip bar in front and fine dining in the
back. Its two menus fit any budget or mood. Court Street, on Court Street,
has been ranked in Zagat's top 25 in New Jersey. The setting is intimate with candlelight;
the wine is select and surf and turf goes for under $25.
For an early dinner, don't
miss Amanda's on Washington. Between 5 and 6 p.m. the dinner special is $20.02
for two people (reservations are recommended). For a quick bite on-the-go, Vito's
Italian Deli on Washington Street has a wide selection of Italian favorites.
Don't leave without
sampling the award-winning homemade Mozzarella.
Malibu Diner on 14th
Street screams 1950's quaint in its architecture and serves breakfast, lunch and
dinner.
See full list of dining
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NIGHTLIFE
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Hoboken has long served
as a proving ground for bands, performers and comedians getting their practice in
a less discriminating atmosphere than Manhattan. For visitors, this means great
talent for low cover charges and a chance to see the big names before they make
it.
Ristra's on Washington
Street features a different band each week and an open mic night on Tuesdays. On
Sundays there is no cover charge for '80s night and drinks are cheap at 50 cents
a shot or $2 a bottle. Maxwell's, also on Washington, boasts live music from
the likes of Freedy Johnston, The Lazy Cowgirls, and Robert Randolph. Tickets can
be purchased from Tunes on Washington St. or Other Music in Manhattan
on West 4th Street between Broadway and Lafayette, or online at Ticketmaster.
Also at Maxwell's
is swing dancing taught by Earl Hicks. Hicks also sponsors a swing night at Willie
McBride's on Wednesdays. Another favorite is Boo Boo's on Newark Street
with $1 shots on Tuesdays between 9:30-10:30 p.m. Boo Boo's also has live
music on weekends.
If you ever dreamed of
performing in front of an audience you could take advantage of open-mic nights or
get your feet wet at Cadillac Bar on Newark Street during karaoke night on
Sundays. Catch a comedy show at the Clam Broth House on Wednedays or visit
Moran's on Sundays for its Irish Traditional Music Sessions. Flashback to
a brand-new club at Mulligan's on 1st St. for disco.
The DeBaun Auditorium
is located in the Edwin A. Stevens Building at Stevens Institute of Technology,
on 5th street, between Hudson and River Streets. The auditorium is home to a variety
of theatrical presentations, musical performances, movie showings, and poetic readings.
The Hudson Theatre
Ensemble is a group of locals, which puts on its performances in the basement
of the Hudson School Building. Shows include Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Odd
Couple (female), and Prelude to a Kiss.
Moviegoers will enjoy
The Hudson Street Cinema, on Hudson and 1st Streets. It has a selection of
first run films!
See full list of nightlife
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TRANSPORTATION
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TRAIN:
The first stop into Jersey
on the NJ Transit PATH train is Hoboken.
Travel time:
10 minutes.
FERRY:
For a different experience
take one of two NY Waterway ferries. To be let off right in the thick of
things take the Battery Park Ferry to Pier A on the South side of Hoboken (during
rush hours this commuter ferry takes longer due to making an extra stop in Wall
Street). Otherwise, get on at 38th Street to dock at 13th Street on the North Side
of Hoboken (farther from the downtown area - but remember we're only talking about
a city one mile long).
Travel time:
The trip is approximately
15 minutes from shore to shore and the ferry leaves every 15-45 minutes.
BUS:
If you prefer the bus, take
Academy Bus Lines or NJ Transit buses from Port Authority straight
to Hoboken.
Travel time:
10 minutes
TAXI:
Though taxis aren't really
necessary in a city so small, Hoboken has three options. Hoboken A-1 Taxi,
201-659-9191, Hoboken Quick Taxi, 201-792-7100, Hoboken Taxi, 201-420-1480.
See more info on
transportation
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TRAVEL
TIPS
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Upon arrival in the town,
pick up a Hoboken Reporter to check the local listings from one of the free
racks that are around town.
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WEATHER
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