New Jersey Itinerary: Discovering the Vibrant Art and Cultural Scene in Hudson County

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Arrive in Jersey City and check in at one of the area’s group-friendly flag hotels. There’s a property sure to fit your budget.
Enjoy an early dinner this evening at the Liberty House Restaurant. Only the excellent culinary team that has earned the Liberty House accolades as one of New Jersey’s best restaurants matches the incredible view.
Tonight, begin your exploration of the city’s art scene at the Art House. Art House Production sprang from the need to connect a community through art and dialogue after September 11, 2001. Both visual and performing arts are featured. A stroll through the Art House Gallery sets the stage for this evening’s performance.

Day 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for today’s experiences.
This morning take a leisurely stroll on the mural-lined streets along Newark Avenue from Tonnelle to JFK Boulevard, Little India With a Twist of Art. Along Newark Avenue you’ll find The Jersey City Wave by Shepard Farley (2015) and The Beach by Haley (also in 2015). Some of the earlier pieces in the mural’s program are also found along Newark Avenue. Native by Gala and The Giraffe by Catherine Hart are both from the Jersey City Mural Arts Program first year, 2013. If this casual wandering has not worked up an appetite, than surely the fragrant aromas from the colorful street vendors will do the job.
Lunch will be on your own at one of more than a dozen restaurants in the Historic Downtown Restaurant Row known as Eat Street in Jersey City. From Italian and Korean to Ramen and Southern, your palate will have ample options. Save room for dessert at one of the neighborhood’s specialty shops.
This afternoon is a visit to Mana Contemporary, a leading arts destination based in a huge former tobacco warehouse. The facility brings together ongoing exhibitions, regular rotations in a variety of media and more than a dozen resident artists. There is no charge for admission to Mana. For small groups a guided tour is available at 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Large groups are encouraged to make an appointment for a guided tour.
Return to your hotel for some much needed rest and relaxation before an early dinner at Mathew’s, a lively neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Jersey City. Enjoy delicious food from an American fare menu along with craft cocktails and beer in a beautiful setting.
Tonight experience a remarkable performance at Nimbus Dance Works. Get ready for an evening full of deep-rooted emotional connection through structured and musical dances presented by a professional dance company. Huffington Post named Nimbus the “Best Dance Performances of 2016.”

Day 3

Start your day with breakfast and check out of your hotel before traveling to nearby Hoboken. This morning we’ll be doing A Walk in Sinatra’s Shoes.
Frank Sinatra, Hoboken’s most famous son, is simply known there as Frankie. The Hoboken Historical Museum’s Sinatra walking tour provides a glimpse into how his Hoboken upbringing shaped his early career. The walking tour map, which can be viewed on the museum’s website, highlights photo opportunities, early performance venues, Sinatra homes and favorite restaurants.
Lunch is at the LaIsla a Taste of Cuba. Incredible Cuban food is served at both the downtown and uptown locations. Havana meets Miami in Hoboken in a friendly and unassuming neighborhood atmosphere.
After a marvelous lunch, depart Hudson County for home with wonderful memories and an appreciation for the area’s art and cultural vibe.
OPTIONS: This itinerary is easily expanded to add an additional night in Jersey City and a day trip to New York City. ATTENTION BICYCLISTS: There are four distinct bike tour routes for exploring Jersey City Mural Art. Bike-share programs are available. For evening activities, park your bike and utilize the outstanding public transportation options.