Adventures of a Mama

Filed under Jersey City, Kids, Local News, Urban Living

Tagged as cooling centers, heatwave, Jersey City, jersey city cooling centers, jersey city parks, jersey city pools, jersey city sprinklers, public pools, sprinklers, staying cool, water parks

· 4:58 pm

Tachair Bookshoppe opens today

Grab the kiddies and head over to the grand opening of Tachair Bookshoppe today!

As we reported last week, the event begins at 4pm and will last until 8pm. Don’t miss Mayor Healy, Steve Fulop and the NY Celtic Dancers! Also, don’t forget to bring your own instrument and join the fun. Refreshments will be provided by O’Connell’s Bar & Grill, Sassy Sweet Treats and Crescent Moon Coffee. Click here to see the official flyer.

In the meantime, take a peek at what Aleta and Carol Valleau have been up to!

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the grand opening, check out Tachair’s Facebook page.

Tachair Bookshoppe, 260 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. 862-234-0822

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly JC, Jersey City, Kids, Local News, Urban Living

Tagged as book store jersey city, bookstore, Jersey City, jersey city bookstore, jersey city events, jersey city family events, jersey city grand opening, tachair bookshoppe

July 11, 2012 · 2:42 pm

A bookstore for Jersey City

Tachair Bookshoppe is a welcome addition to the ever-growing area of downtown Jersey City. Aleta Valleau and her mom Carol have been a “market bookstore” for about a year and half, selling used books in farmer’s markets across Jersey City. Aleta says, “we are super excited about finally opening our storefront and being a true-to-life, brick-and-mortar bookstore in Jersey City.”

The bookstore opens its doors, with a cielidh (a traditional Gaelic social gathering, which includes music and dancing) on Tuesday, July 17 from 4pm – 8pm. Mayor Healy will be there for the ribbon cutting and the special guest speaker is Steve Fulop. Fiddler Amy Beshara and guitarist Marian Lawlor will play traditional Celtic music. Activities will include poetry story time, NY Celtic Dancers, light appetizers from O’Connell’s Bar & Grill, Sassy Sweet Treats and more!

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the grand opening, check out Tachair’s Facebook page.

Tachair Bookshoppe, 260 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. 862-234-0822

1 Comment

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly JC, Jersey City, Kids, Local News, Urban Living

Tagged as books, bookstore, cielidh, grand opening, jersey city bookstore, mayor healy, ny celtic dancers, o'connel's bar and grill, sassy sweat treats, steve fulop, story time, tachair, tachair bookshoppe

July 10, 2012 · 5:12 pm

What’s going on in JC? July 10 – July 15

Here’s our list of family-friendly events and activities in the Jersey City, Hoboken and NYC area this week. Also, keep up with what’s going on locally: parking restrictions in Hamilton Park area for a commercial shoot, stuff for Mom & Dad to do and a great deal for Liberty Science Center tickets!

Parking Restrictions

ABC/Disney will be filming in Hamilton Park on Thursday, July 12 and Friday, July 13. There will be no parking on McWilliams Place from 9am – 5pm on either day. Defiant Productions will be filming a television promo for ABC/Disney’s upcoming talk show Katie, Katie Couric’s new show. Here’s a note from the production company with more info.

Events

Con Vivo Music Series

This music series takes place at Mercado Park, on the southeast corner of Newark and Jersey Avenues. This free event features chamber music and is tonight! Tuesday, July 10 from 6pm – 8pm at Mercado Park, Jersey City.

These FREE outdoor performances offer fun for the whole family every Tuesday night! Tonight check out After 3 Theatre and Mother Goose. “Celebrating the rich imagery of familiar rhymes, songs and stories, Mother Goose involves boys and girls ages 2 – 8 in a merry adventure.” Tuesday, July 10 at 7pm at Shipyard Park, Hoboken.

Groove on Grove

Tomorrow night head to the Grove Street PATH Plaza and check out this week’s Groove on Grove theme: Favela Chic Showcase: Special Au Capoiera Performance. Live music will feature United States of Bugaloo, Kiwi and Olhos d’Agua. Don’t forget the beer and liquor provided by Barcade, Saigon Café and Hard Grove Cafe. The Taco Truck will be joining in on the fun this week! Wednesday, July 11 from 6pm – 9pm (rain or shine) at the Grove Street PATH Plaza.

Movies begin at 9pm in June and July and around 8:15pm in August. Bring blankets, beach chairs and whatever you need to get comfy in the park. You can bring food, but alcohol is not permitted. Get a babysitter, because tomorrow night they are showing (one of my new faves) Bridesmaids, rated R. FREE. Wednesday, July 11 at 9pm at Pier A Park, Hoboken.

Grassroots Community Rhythm Drumming Circle

This week, it’s the Hoboken Summer Bash! Enjoy performances by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band and don’t forget your picnics and blankets! Hosted by Frank Raia. Thursday, July 12 from 5:30pm – 10:30pm at the Amphitheater at Sinatra Park, Hoboken.

The Grassroots Community Space holds a community rhythm drumming circle on the second Friday of each month. They welcome people of all ages to “bring an instrument and share their own rhythm with the rest of the community.” You must bring your own instrument, as they will not be provided and feel free to come and listen and dance. $5 donation. Friday, July 13 from 7pm – 9pm at Grassroots Community Space, 54 Coles Street, Jersey City.

Saint Anthony’s Festival

This is one of my very favorite local events in Jersey City! Saint Anthony’s of Padua Church hosts a festival/carnival every year on Sixth Street from Brunswick to Coles in Jersey City. It’s a mixture of old-school block party and NYC street fair. Indulge in Polish, Italian, Spanish and Philippino foods. Grab some beers for $4 and play games at the Midway! There will be live music from Rb Express, Sequoia and Pogo Dance Band! Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 from 5pm – 11pm and Sunday, July 15 from 1pm – 10pm. 330 Sixth Street, Jersey City.

City of Water Day

The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance is working to “transform the New York and New Jersey Harbor and Waterways to make them cleaner and more accessible, a vibrant place to play, learn and work with great parks, great jobs and great transportation for all.” Sounds good, right? This Saturday, celebrate City of Water Day in either Liberty State Park or Governors Island in NYC. There will be free ferries running between the two locations all day, so feel free to check out both! There are even “in your neighborhood” locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Hudson River Park and Staten Island and more, with more activities including an “urban swim” in the Hudson River. Liberty State Park will host exciting waterfront activities like guided historic boat tours, paddle boards, kayak tours, live music, wildlife demos from the Turtle Back Zoo and kid’s activities like a wave tank and face painting. Plus much more! For a map of City Water Day and directions click here. Saturday, July 14 from 10am – 4pm at Liberty State Park, Jersey City and Governors Island, NYC.

Deals

Liberty Science Center Discounted Tickets

This Travelzoo deal will get you an adult ticket, plus a free child ticket (a $29 value) for $16.75 to the Liberty Science Center. The deal is good for admission through September 3 and parking is not included. You have three more days to grab this deal. Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City.

Van Vorst Park Flea Market & Fundraiser

Filed under Event Guides, Events, Family-Friendly JC, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kids, Uncategorized, Urban Living

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June 28, 2012 · 4:17 pm

Jersey City Family Activities & Fourth of July Events ~ June 29 – July 4

Here are some of the family-friendly events and activities you can enjoy this week and for Fourth of July in the Jersey City and Hoboken area!

Creative Grove

This “meeting place, market, art experiment and scene” convenes every Friday at the Grove Street PATH plaza in downtown Jersey City. Tomorrow, it’s a Belly Dancing/Wine Tasting Party. “Artists, food, fashion, recycled crafts, outdoor lounge, tribal market, whimsical creations, street art, play chess or checkers.” Admission is $20. Friday, June 29 from 3pm – 9pm at the Grove Street PATH Plaza.

This Saturday, the second annual community flea market will take place to benefit the groups that improve and maintain Van Vorst Park. If you are interested in selling your wares, visit the Van Vorst Park website for details. Saturday, June 30 from 9am – 4pm at Van Vorst Park, Jersey City.

Tango for Van Vorst Park Fundraiser

Part of the fundraising going on Saturday will include a night of Tango dancing, Argentinean wines, tapas and sweets. There will be dance performances and lessons available and included with admission. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Saturday, June 30 from 7pm – 11pm at Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Street, Jersey City.

Fourth of July Information:

Fireworks

Macy’s will be displaying its famous fireworks, which will deploy from six barges (between 24^th Street and 50^th Street in Manhattan), over the Hudson River. However, there are a limited number of areas that they can be seen from in NJ. You will be able to view them from Weehawken, Hoboken and Jersey City Heights. Click here for information via MommyPoppins NJ. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, Liberty State Park will not be having fireworks and will be closed to the public on the evening of July 4.

Fourth of July Street Closures

There will be several major roadways closed in the area during the July 4 Fireworks display. Sinatra Drive in Hoboken will be closed from 7pm until the fireworks are over. Boulevard East from Weehawken to North Bergen will be closed beginning at 7pm. Port Imperial Boulevard and River Road from Weehawken to North Bergen at 7pm. The county is urging those who want to see the fireworks to use public transit. Click here for NJ Transit information regarding the fireworks and traveling. Click here for Hoboken’s fireworks information, including parking restrictions, street closures and the announcement that the Steven’s campus will be closed to the public on July 4.

JC Farmer’s Markets

Jersey City Farmer’s Markets will still operate the week of July 4. Hamilton Park Farmer’s Market will be held on the actual day (Wednesday, July 4), so don’t worry – you can still get all the fresh stuff you need for your BBQ! Check out this link on the Jersey City website for more information about all eight of the Farmer’s Markets our city hosts.

*Note: Hoboken Family Fun Night, Movies Under the Stars and Concerts in the Park are all canceled for the week of July 4.

Filed under Event Guides, Events, Family-Friendly JC, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kids, Urban Living

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June 27, 2012 · 4:00 pm

Surf City Opens Thursday

From the developers of Jersey City’s family-friendly beer garden Zeppelin Hall comes Surf City. It sits where the old Sandbar used to be on the waterfront. This new self-touted “restaurant & megabar” features three-acres on the water, complete with a sand beach, cabanas and fire pits! Their tag line is “New York latitude – Key West attitude” and they have banned things like dance and techno music (along with “steroids and Ed Hardy”), so it won’t be anything like it’s predecessor. More than 75 taps will bring an impressive American craft beer selection and, once up-and-running, the menu will consist of burgers, lobster rolls, fish and shrimp fry and more. As there is a “no fist-pumping” policy (thank goodness) you can relax and listen to casual pop/rock and vacation music or dine on one of their four outdoor decks. The best part? I learned today that they are totally family-friendly!

Jersey City has needed a place like this. There is so much vacant, wasted space along the waterfront — Surf City is a welcome addition. Plus, I love that there’s another place with a decent beer selection downtown! You can arrive by “boat, car, light rail or PATH” and there is unlimited free parking available. The hours are Monday – Friday 4pm – 2am and weekends noon – 3am. Check out their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter for more information.

The grand opening is Thursday, June 28 at 4pm.

Surf City, 11 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City. 201-516-9000

Not Yo Mama’s 4^th Annual Blow Out Bash

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly JC, Food, Jersey City, Kids, Local News, Urban Living

Tagged as beer garden, jersey city bars, jersey city events, Jersey City restaurants, jersey city waterfront, kid friendly bars, kid friendly jersey city, kid-friendly restaurants, sandbar, sandbar jersey city, Surf City, surf city bar, surf city jersey city, zeppelin hall, zeppelin hall jersey city

June 23, 2012 · 12:08 am

Jersey City Family Activities & Events ~ June 23 – 28

Here are some of the family-friendly events and activities you can enjoy this week in the Jersey City and Hoboken area!

Events

With live music, local artists, giveaways, more than 75 crafters (of course) and food from Vita Pizza, Lizzmonade and Hamilton Inn Beer Truck, this is definitely not “yo mama’s” craft fair. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Liberty Humane Society! Check out the Facebook event page for more information. Saturday, June 23 from 11am – 6pm. Powerhouse Arts District, 1^st Street and Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ.

Jersey City Pet Owner’s Day

This Saturday is the last Pet Owner’s Day of 2012. Bring your pets to City Hall for free shots and get them licensed. A one year license will cost you $8 for a neutered dog and $12 for an unneutered dog. A three-year license will cost you $20 or $30. Also, there will be $25 microchipping, $10 Frontline Plus applications and $5 per 10 lbs. of weight Strongid home dosages. Saturday, June 23 from 11am – 3pm (no rain dates) at City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Jersey City.

BBQ MusicFest – A Fun Raiser for NO Gas Pipeline

Although the ruling was in favor of the pipeline, No Gas Pipeline continues to fight. Join them at this “fun raiser” with live music, beer from NJ Beer Company, Legal Beans BBQ, Made With Love and Basement Bowling. Your $15 donation benefits their suit against the ruling. RSVP on the Facebook event page. Sunday, June 24 from 2:30pm – 9pm at Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Street, Jersey City.

These FREE outdoor performances offer fun for the whole family every Tuesday night! This week check out Americana Family Jamboree. Tuesday, June 26 at 7pm at Shipyard Park, Hoboken.

Movies begin at 9pm in June and July and around 8:15pm in August. Bring blankets, beach chairs and whatever you need to get comfy in the park. You can bring food, but alcohol is not permitted. This week they are showing Hugo, rated PG. FREE. Wednesday, June 27 at 9pm at Pier A Park, Hoboken.

Enjoy a performance by the New Jersey Symphony and don’t forget your picnics and blankets! Thursday, June 28 at 7pm at the Amphitheater at Sinatra Park, Hoboken.

Two Boots Pizza, 133 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly JC, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kids, Urban Living

Tagged as americana family jamoboree, barrow mansion, basement bowling, bbq musicfest, free shots for pets, hamilton inn, hamilton inn beer truck, hoboken concerts in the park, hoboken events, hoboken family events, hoboken family fun nights, hugo, jersey city events, jersey city family events, jersey city no gas pipeline, jersey city pet clinic, jersey city pet owner's day, legal beans bbq, lizzmonade, Made With Love, movies under the stars, nj beer company, no gas pipeline, Not Yo Mama's 4th Annual Blow Out Bash, Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair, Pizza truck, powerhouse arts, Vita Pizza

June 20, 2012 · 7:17 pm

Two Boots Opening Party Tonight

Two Boots Pizza in Jersey City has finally opened its doors! The ribbon cutting took place at 4pm today and the celebration festivities, including free pizza and live music, are underway right now. Here’s a link to the Facebook event page. Don’t forget to visit their official Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @twobootsnyc to keep updated.

JC Food Co-Op’s Spring Chef Showdown

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly JC, Food, Jersey City, Kids, Local News, Urban Living

Tagged as family dining, free pizza, jersey city events, Jersey City restaurants, Two Boots, Two Boots Jersey City, Two Boots PIzza

June 14, 2012 · 4:19 pm

Jersey City Family Activities & Events

Here are some of the family-friendly events and activities you can enjoy this week in the Jersey City and Hoboken area!

Events

Watch Jersey City’s best chefs battle it out tonight. The chefs were delivered a secret ingredient before the event. They are tasked to prepare a dish featuring that ingredient for sampling by event attendees. A contest will determine a winner and proceeds of the event go to support the JC Food Co-op. The event will feature “great food, live music, a tricky tray, silent auction and refreshments.” Tickets are $30 at the door. Thursday, June 14 at 6pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 440 Hoboken Avenue, Jersey City.

Made in Jersey City The Delectable Dish

Tonight 15 contestants vie for the title in the Sinatra Idol Contest. The winner receives prizes and a trophy. FREE. Thursday, June 14 at 7pm at the Amphitheater at Sinatra Park (Frank Sinatra Drive b/t 4^th and 5^th) in Hoboken.

Creative Grove

This “meeting place, market, art experiment and scene” convenes every Friday at the Grove Street PATH plaza in downtown Jersey City. Tomorrow, check out the DJ’s and Drumming with host DJ Daveed Martinez and live drumming by the Urban Latin. “Artists, food, fashion, recycled crafts, outdoor lounge, tribal market, whimsical creations, street art, play chess or checkers.” Friday, June 15 from 3pm – 9pm at the Grove Street PATH Plaza.

The Yappy Yard Sale

This yard sale is being hosted by the Liberty Humane Society as a fundraiser. People are invited to donate unwanted items to be sold. The proceeds support Liberty Humane’s mission to help animals in need. Items available for sale at the event include housewares, games and toys, clothing, books and more. If you are interested in donating items click here. Saturday, June 16 (rain date Saturday, June 23) from 9am – 4pm at 235 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City.

This annual event, in its fourth year, will showcase local restaurants, cafes and bistros. Jersey City foodies can rejoice with participating restaurants such as The Iron Monkey, GP’s (the new restaurant opening across from Hamilton Park), Made With Love and lots more. FREE. Monday, June 18 from noon – 3pm at City Hall.

These FREE outdoor performances offer fun for the whole family every Tuesday night! This week check out The Hey Ya Brothers, a two-man slapstick comedy variety show for the whole family. Tuesday, June 19 at 7pm at Shipyard Park.

Movies begin at 9pm in June and July and around 8:15pm in August. Bring blankets, beach chairs and whatever you need to get comfy in the park. You can bring food, but alcohol is not permitted. This week they are showing Casablanca, rated PG. FREE. Wednesday, June 20 at 9pm at Pier A Park in Hoboken.

Two Boots Pizza Opening Party

Come and party with JC’s newest family pizzeria. Two Boots is celebrating their grand opening at their new location on Newark Avenue, as we reported last week. Enjoy live music and free pizza for the whole family! Wednesday, June 20 from 6pm – 8pm at 133 Newark Avenue, Jersey City.

Filed under Event Guides, Events, Jersey City, Kids, Uncategorized, Urban Living

Tagged as concerts in the park, creative grove, family fun nights, foodies, gp's, hoboken concerts in the park, hoboken events, hoboken family events, hoboken family fun nights, iron monkey, JC Food Co-op, jersey city events, jersey city family events, liberty humane society, made in jersey city, Made With Love, movies under the stars, pier a park hoboken, sinatra idol contest, Spring Chef Showdown, the delectable dish, the hey ya brothers, the yappy yard sale, Two Boots, Two Boots PIzza, Two Boots Pizza Jersey City

June 7, 2012 · 9:46 pm

Jersey City Family Activities & Events

Here are some of the family-friendly events and activities you can enjoy this week in the Jersey City and Hoboken area!

Events

The 27^th Annual Hamilton Park Festival

Check out an evening performance from Hoboken public schools’ music students tonight featuring The Hoboken Rockin Redwing Band, Wallace School Chorus and much more. FREE. Thursday, June 7 at 7pm at the Amphitheater at Sinatra Park (Frank Sinatra Drive b/t 4^th and 5^th) in Hoboken.

ARTfest at Creative Grove

Celebrate art and artists at Creative Grove Artist and Designer Market this Friday. Featuring Maya Azucena, Nadine LaFond and more! Friday, June 8 from 3pm – 9pm at the Grove Street PATH Plaza in downtown Jersey City.

This yearly festival, hosted by the neighborhood association, is chock-full of family fun! Some of the recreational activities lined up include a tennis clinic for adults and children, a basketball clinic for kids, a boot camp and more! Food vendors include Cocoa Bakery, Lizzmonade and a beer garden courtesy of Hamilton Inn. Enjoy live music, activities for kids and adults and local JC vendors. FREE. Saturday, June 9 from 10am – 6pm (rain date June 10) at Hamilton Park.

JC Children’s Theatre: The Fabulous Fables of AESOP!

JC Children’s Theatre begins a new show for the whole family. The Fabulous Fables of AESOP! Begins this Saturday at 2pm, although the 4:30pm performance is sold out, it will run through Sunday, June 17. Stories include The Lion and the Mouse, The Ant and the Grasshopper and more! This show is suitable for kids three years and older and the performance lasts for about 40 minutes (with a 15 minute workshop afterwards). Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Saturday, June 9 through Sunday, June 17 at Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Street, Jersey City.

These FREE outdoor performances offer fun for the whole family every Tuesday night! This week check out Rockin Railroad. Plus, there will be arts and crafts tables from 6pm – 6:45pm. Tuesday, June 12 at 7pm at Shipyard Park.

Movies Under the Stars kicks off for the season on Wednesday. Movies begin at 9pm in June and July and around 8:15pm in August. Bring blankets, beach chairs and whatever you need to get comfy in the park. You can bring food, but alcohol is not permitted. This week they are showing Money Ball starting Brad Pitt, rated PG-13. FREE. Wednesday, June 13 at 9pm at Pier A Park, Hoboken.