Even though Hudson County is known for its incredible nightlife scene, sometimes a person needs to mix it up. With many people exploring the sober-curious lifestyle, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite alcohol-free activities to enjoy in Hoboken and Jersey City. From learning a new skill to trying out an adventurous hobby, there are plenty of choices for a fun way to spend the day or evening. Read on for some of the best alcohol-free activities in Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ.

Make Coffee an Event

Bwè kafe has coffee and so much more. The Hoboken Ukulele Appreciation Society meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM in the Bwe Kafe at Washington and 10th. With a donation of $20, beginners can borrow a ukulele and join in the circle. “Cheaper than therapy, more fun than going to the gym,” says Dave Lambert, who organizes these happy events. All kinds of pursuits — be they intellectual, athletic, or social — are way more satisfying when amped up on copious amounts of caffeine. Finding your fit for a coffee home is easy in a place where ambiance abounds. The signature sparkling espresso drinks at Sober Shot will definitely fire up neurons, motivate, and inspire.

Try an Only-Safe-When-Sober Skill

Some activities — such as rock climbing at Gravity Vault, go-kart racing at RPM Raceway, Jet-Skiing with New York Harbor Jet Ski, and archery at Aerow Archery are not advisable for the inebriated. Beginners and experienced rock climbers can stretch their limits at the Gravity Vault in Hoboken. At Jersey City’s RPM Raceway, thrill seekers can go fast and furious on 3,000 feet of lightning-fast straightaways and 90-degree hairpin and spiraling ramps. While jet skiing, you’ll cruise up and down the Hudson River, around Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, with the potential for a full loop around Manhattan. Aerow Archery delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body in an 8,000-square-foot open loft space that features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets ranging from 11 to 22 meters.

Read More: New Year, New Gyms: 10 New Fitness Studios In Hoboken + Jersey City

Do Something New

Patrons can book a virtual cooking class with a chef at Tony Baloney’s or an in-person cooking class at Hudson Table. Or, learn to box for fun and fitness. Budding artists can take a painting class at Urban Arts at Monroe Center. Collect some friends for an open studio sewing session at Galastella Studio in Hoboken, or if you’re into fashion, visit Youssoufiani in Hoboken — a leather craftsmanship studio that lets you create your own designer bag.

Workshops at Blue Sky Pottery are ninety minutes of stress-free, messy fun with a take-home prize to be proud of. And despite the name, Tipsy Tie Dye doesn’t serve alcohol and is BYOB for those who want to participate tipsy. The ticketed events — private party sessions are available — include tie-dying sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, towels, baby onesies, dog outfits, you name it. Painting does not require sipping at Art Mango in Jersey City.

Learn All About the Area

The constant calendar of events at the Hoboken Historical Museum runs a vast gamut between regionally reflective artists, film showings, lecture series, and exhibitions that tell stories of the Mile Square City in more ways than there are residents. The Jersey City Free Public Library’s New Jersey Room holds a trove of documents, artifacts, and new and old tomes telling tales of regional history for the history-curious. A search for information about the former homeowners of a property can become a romantic mystery for current-day residents, wondering what those walls have seen.

A Hoboken Food Crawl

With all of the tasty treats in Hoboken, one could easily organize a different food tour each weekend. Salty, sweet, or savory could each be the theme. Maybe the crew missed the summertime MutzFest — just pick a handful of Hoboken’s fantastic delis and compare the mutz. Perhaps mortadella or meatballs is more your speed. There are easily a dozen spots in Hoboken and Jersey City to do an ‘around the world’ style taste test. Or organize your own pizza tour, comparing slices from all around town.

The sweet tooths of the group aren’t left out of the fun. Hoboken is home to New Jersey’s top-rated chocolate chip cookie at Baking Mama. Pick up competitors from other local bakeries like Chip City or Dolce + Salato to see how they stack up. And if you’re one of the people who thinks ice cream is a year-round treat (let’s be honest, it is), Hoboken and Jersey City are lucky enough to have several top-tier ice cream shops. From il Laboratorio del Gelato and Morelia Ice Cream Paletas in Hoboken to the classic Jersey City shop Torico, the choices are anything but bland.

Photo Credit: Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Why not roll from one easily walkable great food location to another with a taste-testing mission? Fresh mozzarella aficionados will attest to the superiority of one mild velvety ball over another. What could be more delightful than a great sober date themed around a tour di mutz stopping at Fiore’s, Vito’s, Biancamano’s, Lisa’s, and Luca Brasi’s? Try one shared plate from each to tally which is creamy but firm, milky sweet, and most irresistible. Or compare sizes — the bocconcini are slightly smaller egg-sized balls, versus ciliegine, slightly smaller cherry-sized bites. If that’s too much dairy, you and yours might center an eating outing on shared cupcakes. Pit delicious bites of moist vanilla bean lusciousness at Baking Mama and Carlo’s Bakery against one another. Everyone wins.

There are actually professional foodies ready to take the crowd on a walking tour showcasing four or five of the best and most unique restaurants in town. Beyond the Plate seats walking tour groups around a table, to chat with chefs and owners, and hear delicious stories about the local food scene.

Jersey City Art Crawl

Jersey City has a serious art scene. What could be more uplifting than gathering a group of besties to discover contemporary art by regional artists? The best-laid plan for art enthusiasts is to jump on any JC Friday or attend the popular JCAST, Jersey City Artist + Studio Tour, when nearly 150 art spaces provide a weekend of performances, installations, studio tours, and art exhibitions.

Catch a Show

Jersey City Theater Center boasts two adjacent professional theatrical venues that host an impressive lineup of local and regional artists and performers for a fun ticketed night out. Snagging a seat at a local production set in the black box theater of Mile Square Theatre is not particularly difficult, but very rewarding. The global music, vibrant regional theater productions, and raw and innovative dance acts at Nimbus Arts Center are way more memorable than barstool antics. Shows are typically similar in cost to a movie.

Pursue a Challenge

Free pickleball or very affordable ice skating at Newport Skates in the winter is a great reason to hang out in Jersey City’s Newport area near the Hudson River waterfront. Push your limits by joining a local run club and elevate your fitness routine.

Play Well with Others

From billiards to board games, Play! Hoboken is a great place to have fun with friends. Symposia Bookstore has so much going on that a general theme is impossible to pin down. Open mic nights, trivia, philosophy discussions, book groups, craft-making events, and you name it — Symposia will host it.

Treat Yourself

We all need a little help taking care of ourselves. Everybody loves a luxury treatment experience, and a spa day with friends is a terrific treat for celebrating healthy living. Facial treatments, massages, and sand and pumice stone full-body exfoliation are the rewards we all deserve. Some spas to check out are Mia Spa 11, Evolve, Attain, Aspen Prime, Hello Hydration, and more. We also have a list of spas in Northern New Jersey here.

Explore Your Home Sweet Home

A group photo walk may be just the thing for exploring our picturesque city streets. Capture the beauty of cozy corner cafes and stately architecture, and document the fact that Hoboken and Jersey City are home to stunning landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. Bowling in the basement of the Barrow Mansion or a trip to historic Harsimus Cemetery are very cool ways to experience local splendor. Planning for a picnic party in a stunning setting is always a great activity, too.

Take a Nature Bath

Hoboken and Jersey City hold many unique park corners and green nooks to restore and refresh among the trees. There are also a few excellent locations for full nature immersion. For tips on how to get the most eco-explorative experience of Liberty State Park, it’s best to start at the Nature Center at Liberty State Park. The year-round center features exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary and has all kinds of cool programs for exploring and learning. Lincoln Park West is home to a wonderful preserved natural habitat for birds. Jersey City Reservoir No. 3, a decommissioned reservoir atop Bergen Hill in the Heights of Jersey City just south of Pershing Field, is another great place for finding the peace that only comes in nature.

See More: Date Ideas for Dry January in Northern New Jersey

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Lifestyle

The post Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Hear ye, hear ye! We at HG have an announcement to make — we now have the winners for the Best of Hoboken 2025 Awards. After weeks of our readers voting and local businesses working hard for your support, we have finally closed the polls and have tallied the votes to see who has won the title — and of course the bragging rights — of being the “best” in town.

FYI – we do not pick winners or nominees, the winners are chosen by voting over the course of two weeks by our audience, and nominees are the same — nominated fully by our readers and audience. This list is entirely editorial and separate from our advertising partnerships. If you don’t see a category you think should be on here, please click here to fill out our form to suggest future categories. We cannot guarantee inclusion, but we truly appreciate your suggestions and our team will take them into consideration for 2026.

Winners – please note: an email will be going out with your virtual decal + link to use plus instructions on how to obtain your physical decal in the new year. Please email hello@hobokengirl.com so we have your most up-to-date mailing address.

Thank you and congratulations to all who were nominated.

Winners, feel free to save this decal to post on your social media (we’ll also be mailing them in the new year (1 decal per winner) – so reach out to hello@hobokengirl.com with a specific mailing address for us to send needed).

Best Accessories: Brooke & Bel

Best Acupuncture Practice: Classical Acupuncture with Belinda Brown

Best Art Gallery: Hoboken Historical Museum 

Best Bagel: O’Bagel

Best Bar: 8th Street Tavern

Best Barbershop: Dean Wes Barbershop

Best Beer Selection: Cork City Pub

Best Blow Out: Salon Gatto

Best Botox/Fillers: Fillir

Best Breakfast Sandwich: Alessio’s Cafe

Best Breakout Hoboken Business 2025: Shay Dough

Best Brunch: Anthony David’s

Best Burger: Onieal’s

Best BYOB Spot: Otto Strada

Best Cannabis Shop: Blue Violets

Best Chicken Parm: Augustino’s 

Best Chiropractor: Hudson Family Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, & Acupuncture

Best Clothing Boutique: Brooke + Bel

Best Cocktails: Grand Vin

Best Coffee Shop: Bwè

Best Community Event: Saint Ann’s Italian Festival

Best Cookie: Baking Mama

Best Date Night Spot: Antique Bar & Bakery

Best Daycare: Greatness Grows Early Learning Center

Best Deli: Fiore’s

Best Delivery Restaurant: Alfalfa

Best Dentist: Lucas Dental Associates

Best Dermatologist: Schweiger Dermatology

Best Dessert Shop: KikiLu Gelato

Best DIY Experience: Hudson Table

Best Dog Walker: Gianna’s Pups

Best Dog-Friendly Business: Cork City

Best Espresso Martini: Dear Maud

Best Eyebrow Spot: SKIN by EC

Best Facial: Glowasis

Best Fitness Studio: Prime Cycle + Body

Best Floral Design: Hudson Flowers

Best Food Truck: Amanda Bananas

Best Fries: Elysian Cafe

Best Gift Shop: Washington General Store

Best Gluten-Free Menu: The Brick

Best Gluten Free Sweet Treat: Alfalfa

Best Hair Salon: Salon Gatto

Best Hangover Food: O’Bagel

Best Healthy Food Spot: Alfalfa

Best Hidden Gem: somewear in between

Best Home Decor: Washington General Store

Best Home Organizer: Sorted by Snow

Best Jeweler: W. Kodak Jewelers

Best Kids’ Activity: The Bunny Hive

Best Kids’ Boutique: Hoboken Clique

Best Lashes:W Lash Hoboken

Best Liquor/Beer Store: Sparrow Wine & Liquor Co.

Best Local Maker/Artisan: Shay Dough

Best Local Performer: Mike Buscio

Best Mac n Cheese: Antique 112

Best Makeup: Graceful Skin & Body

Best Margarita: East LA

Best Massage: Moonlight Spa

Best Matcha: The Hive

Best Medspa: Fillir 

Best Mutz: Fiore’s House of Quality

Best Nail Spot: Nailed It

Best New Hoboken Business: The Little Glow Society

Best New Restaurant: Mile Square Cafe

Best Nutritionist: Diana Orchant Nutrition

Best Outdoor Dining Set-Up: Apulia

Best Pasta: Otto Strada

Best Personal Trainer: Hoboken Fit Lab

Best Pet Groomer: Erica Li – Furever Fresh

Best Pet Shop: Cornerstone Pets

Best Photographer: David White Photography

Best Physical Therapist: Hudson Family Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, & Acupuncture

Best Pilates Studio: Elevate Pilates

Best Pizza: Tenth Street Pasta & Pizza

Best Restaurant: Antique Bar & Bakery

Best Seafood: Angelo’s Seafood Market

Best Sports Bar: Finnegan’s

Best Spot for a Late Night Snack: Mamoun’s

Best Spot for Visitors: Antique Bar & Bakery

Best Spray Tan: BlushTan Hoboken

Best Steak: Dino + Harry’s Steakhouse

Best Sushi: Okinawa Sushi & Grill

Best Sustainable Business: Uptown Farmer’s Market

Best Taco: East LA

Best Therapist: Mindful Power

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Menu: Karma Kafe 

Best Wedding Business: Handwritten in Hudson

Best Wine Bar: Bin14

Best Wings: Carpe Diem

Best Woman-Owned Business: The Hive

Best Work From Home: Bwè Kafe North End

Best Yoga Studio: YogaRenew

Noteworthy Non-Profit: Hoboken Shelter

Congrats to all of the winners and to those who were nominated, and thank you to everyone who voted!

If your business is a winner or you love any of these businesses, make sure to share this article to spread the news. Our team will be in touch with the winners in the new year to send you your decal to display for all to see.

The post Best of Hoboken 2025: Winners ANNOUNCED! appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The results are in! We at HG have an announcement to make — we now have the winners for the Best of Jersey City 2025 Awards. After weeks of our readers voting and local businesses working hard for your support, we have finally closed the polls and have tallied the votes to see who has won the title — and, of course, the bragging rights — of being the “best” in town.

FYI – we do not pick winners or nominees, the winners are chosen by voting over the course of two weeks by our audience, and nominees are the same — nominated fully by our readers and audience. This list is entirely editorial and separate from our advertising partnerships. If you don’t see a category you think should be on here, please click here to fill out our form to suggest future categories. We cannot guarantee inclusion, but we truly appreciate your suggestions, and our team will take them into consideration for 2026.

Winners – please note: an email will be going out with your virtual decal + link to use, plus instructions on how to obtain your physical decal in the new year. Please email hello@hobokengirl.com so we have your most up-to-date mailing address.

Thank you and congratulations to all who were nominated.

Winners, feel free to save this decal to post on your social media (we’ll also be mailing them in the new year (1 decal per winner) – so reach out to hello@hobokengirl.com with a specific mailing address for us).

 
Best Accessories Boutique in Jersey City: Love Locked

Best Acupuncture Practice in Jersey City: Erin Kumpf Acupuncture & Herbs

Best Art Gallery in Jersey City: Deep Space Gallery

Best Bagel in Jersey City: B Bagels

Best Bar in Jersey City: Pet Shop Bar

Best Barbershop in Jersey City: Virile Barbershop

Best Beer Selection in Jersey City: Departed Soles Brewing Company

Best Blow Out in Jersey City: Love Lane Salon

Best Botox / Fillers in Jersey City: Evolve Med Spa

Best Breakfast Sandwich in Jersey City: B Bagels

Best Breakout Jersey City Business 2025: B Bagels

Best Brunch in Jersey City: Cafe Alyce

Best Burger in Jersey City: Wurstbar

Best BYOB Spot in Jersey City: Corto

Best Cannabis Shop in Jersey City: Lady L Cannabis

Best Chicken Parm in Jersey City: Venti Italian Specialties

Best Chiropractor in Jersey City: Dr. Brian P. Corrigan

Best Clothing Boutique in Jersey City: Cranky Angel

Best Cocktails in Jersey City: dullboy

Best Coffee Shop in Jersey City: Treehouse Coffee Shop

Best Community Event in Jersey City: All About Downtown Street Festival

Best Cookie in Jersey City: Bang Cookies

Best Date Night Spot in Jersey City: The Roxy

Best Daycare in Jersey City: The Brunswick School

Best Deli in Jersey City: Cangiano’s Marketplace

Best Delivery Restaurant: GTK Jersey City

Best Dentist in Jersey City: True Dental Care

Best Dessert Shop in Jersey City: Dulce De Leche Bakery

Best DIY Experience in Jersey City: Betty’s Ceramic Club

Best Dog Walker in Jersey City: Paw Mania

Best Espresso Martini in Jersey City: The Alps

Best Eyebrow Spot in Jersey City: Purdie Brows

Best Facial in Jersey City: Heyday

Best Farmers Market Vendor: Between Two Slices

Best Fitness Studio in Jersey City: Jane DO

Best Floral and Plant Studio in Jersey City: PLNTD

Best Food Truck in Jersey City: Wisp Express

Best Fries in Jersey City: White Star 

Best Gift Shop in Jersey City: Kanibal & Co.

Best Gluten-Free Menu in Jersey City: Busy Bee Organics

Best Gluten Free Sweet Treat in Jersey City: Busy Bee Organics

Best Hair Salon in Jersey City: Love Lane Salon

Best Hangover Food in Jersey City: Wurstbar

Best Health Food Spot in Jersey City: Busy Bee Organics

Best Hidden Gem in Jersey City: Call Me Mia

Best Home Decor in Jersey City: Sure Things

Best Home Organizer in Jersey City: Space Composer 

Best Jeweler in Jersey City: LoveLocked

Best Kids’ Activity in Jersey City: The Little Gym of Jersey City

Best Lashes in Jersey City: JC Lash Bar

Best Liquor/Beer Store in Jersey City: Riverview Wines Jersey City

Best Local Maker/Artisan in Jersey City: DeCarlos

Best Local Performer in Jersey City: Mike Buscio

Best Mac n Cheese in Jersey City: White Star

Best Makeup Artist in Jersey City: Eden Fabbo

Best Margarita in Jersey City: Orale

Best Massage in Jersey City: META Bodywork

Best Matcha: Jane’s Matcha

Best Medspa: Evolve Medspa

Best Mutz in Jersey City: Cangiano’s Marketplace

Best Nail Spot in Jersey City: Sophie’s Nail Studio

Best New Business in Jersey City: B Bagels

Best New Dinner Spot in Jersey City: Maxwell Alley

Best New Food Spot in Jersey City: Perquin

Best Nutritionist: Ashley Beale Nutrition

Best Outdoor Dining Set-Up in Jersey City: Rooftop at Exchange Place

Best Pasta in Jersey City: Corto

Best Personal Fitness Trainer in Jersey City: MKT Ready

Best Pet Groomer in Jersey City: Grooms by Tash

Best Pet Shop in Jersey City: Hound About Town

Best Photographer in Jersey City: Krisp Visuals

Best Physical Therapist in Jersey City: Liberty Physical Therapy

Best Pilates Studio: MKT Ready

Best Pizza in Jersey City: Razza

Best Restaurant in Jersey City: Corto

Best Restaurant with a View in Jersey City: Battello

Best Seafood in Jersey City: Scale Fish Market

Best Second Hand Shop: Another Man’s Treasure 

Best Sports Bar in Jersey City: Hudson Hall

Best Spot for Late Night Snack in Jersey City: Basile’s Pizza

Best Spot for Visitors in Jersey City: The Alps

Best Spray Tan in Jersey City: Suite Tee Beauty Studio

Best Steak in Jersey City: Edward’s Steakhouse

Best Stroller Friendly Restaurant: Porta

Best Sushi in Jersey City: Domo Domo Sushi

Best Sustainable Business in Jersey City: Lucky Honeybee

Best Taco in Jersey City: Taqueria Downtown

Best Therapist in Jersey City: The Me Project

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Menu in Jersey City: Pet Shop JC

Best Wedding Business in Jersey City: Sainte Lüx

Best WFH Spot in Jersey City: &Co.

Best Wine Bar in Jersey City: The Alps

Best Wings in Jersey City: Wing Bar

Best Woman-Owned Business in Jersey City: The Lucky Honeybee

Best Yoga Studio in Jersey City: Sol Spirit Yoga & Wellness

Noteworthy Non-Profit in Jersey City: Welcome Home Jersey City

Congrats to all of the winners and to those who were nominated, and thank you to everyone who voted!

If your business is a winner or you love any of these businesses, make sure to share this article to spread the news. Our team will be in touch with the winners in the new year to send the decal to display for all to see.

A previous version of this article was published listing Busy Bee Organics as Best Woman Owned Business, it has now been updated to reflect the correct winner as The Lucky Honeybee. 

The post Best of Jersey City 2025: Winners ANNOUNCED! appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

This article is sponsored by Say I do.

If planning a wedding is on your radar, there’s already a lot to think about. From creating a wedding website to managing a guest list and all the details in between, having one centralized place to handle it all can make the process far more seamless. ‘Say I Do’ is a DIY wedding planning platform designed to simplify the experience and help bring wedding visions to life. Keep reading to learn how ‘Say I do’ takes the stress out of preparing for the big day.

Features Couples Love

‘Say I do’ was created with one goal in mind: making wedding planning easier. Rather than juggling multiple apps, spreadsheets, and notebooks, the platform provides a single dashboard where everything can be managed in one place. Key features include:

• Custom Wedding Websites: Choose from a range of beautifully designed templates to match the vibe of the celebration, or create a site from scratch.
• Digital Checklists: Personalized wedding checklists guide couples through every major planning milestone.
• Online Wedding Invitations: Digital invitations make it easy to send, track, and manage guest communications while remaining eco-friendly.
• Digital RSVPs: Guest lists, meal selections, and responses are all managed seamlessly within the platform.
• Seating Planner: An intuitive seating tool helps streamline table arrangements.  

Pricing + Plans 

‘Say I do’ features a variety of plans designed to fit weddings of all sizes. The Basic plan is free and includes support for up to 85 guests, a custom wedding website, RSVP and guest list management, digital Save the Dates, and a planning checklist. Paid plans include additional tools and functionality:

• Standard: Includes everything in Basic, plus support for up to 150 guests, dietary preference tracking, guest address collection, and a password-protected website.
• Premium: Includes everything in Standard, plus support for up to 250 guests, a seating planner, digital invitations and thank-you cards, unlimited RSVP questions, and conditional custom responses.
• Platinum: Includes everything in Premium, plus unlimited guests, a wedding QR code, a hidden ‘Say I do’ label, and website section visibility controls.

Optional upgrades are available across all plans, including custom domain names and local or international SMS messaging to keep guests informed throughout the planning process.

For more information or to get started with ‘Say I do,’ visit the website and follow along on IG and TikTok for wedding planning tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.

The post This All-in-One Wedding Planning Platform Is Making DIY Weddings Easier appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Talented locals are what make the Hoboken + Jersey City communities so great. One local designer, Camila Aguilar, is turning the idea of jewelry design on its head with upcycled pieces that perfect the art of giving something old a new life. Her business, Slay By Mila Shop, has been spotted at several Hudson County pop-ups over the years, and it’s about time we learned more about the woman behind it all. Keep reading to learn more about Slay By Mila Shop and a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process. 

How it Started

The “Mila” in Slay By Mila Shop comes from talented owner and designer, Camila Aguilar, whose handmade jewelry has been worn by over 500 happy customers since opening in 2019. Camila is a mom, wife, and entrepreneur whose designs have been popping up all over Hudson County + beyond. Camila has called Jersey City home for the last three years and loves being a small business here, adding, “It has been so inspiring. Jersey City is filled with small businesses that encourage me to keep going! The different fashion styles help me come up with different collections and inspirations.” Camila set down roots in New Jersey after her family migrated from Argentina when she was four years old. She spent time living in New York, Union City, and Newark, adding, “the different cultures have made me who I am.”

Read More: Meet Molly Craig, the Jersey City Artist Behind ‘Anomolly’

Like most entrepreneurial journeys, the path is never linear but often leads people exactly where they need to be. Camila’s entrepreneurial spark started back when she was pursuing her dream of becoming a makeup artist. She utilized her Instagram to put herself out there while simultaneously working as a server and bartender throughout New York City. On her off days, she would take makeup clients, do $10 oracle card readings on Instagram, telling HG with humor, “Let’s just say I could never stay still!”

In the midst of her journey, and as a multi-hyphenate creative, she started to develop a love for handmade artistry and design. As an artist in many ways, Camila loved the idea of being able to express her own form of art in wearable ways. Camila’s makeup artistry was already a form of wearable art, so she tried her hand at another form: handmade jewelry. 

In November 2019, Camila and her mother opened Slay By Mila Shop. As things got rolling, Camila and her mom would spend hours hunting in the colorful shops of the Garment District in New York City just to source the perfect beads and charms for their visions. Camila was working at the bar and come right home to work on the jewelry. 

As time went on, Slay By Mila Shop’s custom designs were where things started to pick up. Camila told HG, “I would create crystal bracelets that would help people with whichever interest or guidance they wanted from the properties of the crystal. I would intuitively pick out a crystal and design for my client that fits their aesthetic. That really started the ball rolling for our business.” Soon after, Camila took over Slay By Mila Shop on her own with deep gratitude for her mom’s help getting here, adding, “I’m so inspired and appreciative of my mom, because if it was not for her planting the seed and taking initiative, I would not be where I am today with my art + shop. Thanks to her, I’ve been able to sell over 500+ handmade items in the past 7 years.”

The Magic of Upcycling

The beauty of Slay By Mila Shop may be evident in the pieces themselves, but the story behind each design makes it even better. Camila’s favorite part of creating is sourcing materials. She often hits the thrift store or flea market to dig for second-hand mismatched jewelry, chains, and charms, creating designs from upcycled materials, giving them a second life, shouting out Hoboken Thrift Box and Cyn City Thrift for their support.

Camila has made rosaries, wired crystal moons, friendship bracelets, rings, earrings, bangles, necklaces, upcycled bags, keychains, phone charms, hair clips, and more, saying, “as much as I try to stick to a niche, I can’t!! I love all styles of jewelry! But it has to be handmade or Upcycled. I’ll try anything once is my motto!” She has even created bulk orders for party favors for birthdays and weddings. “I’ve dabbled in a lot over the last six years, and it’s very hard for me to say no to a new idea, so that’s what makes Slay By Mila Shop unique”, she said

Camila’s current obsession is creating upcycled accessorized handbags. From finding the perfect secondhand bag, sourcing patches, beads, charms, and funky keychains, Camila finds a way to bring it all together to become a cohesive work of art, or as she says, “slaying it up”, getting as creative as possible. Besides an affinity for upcycled bags, custom orders remain one of Camila’s favorite experiences. She told HG, “I truly levitate when clients let me freestyle and intuitively let me create a special bag for them. It’s a great feeling being trusted with your art.”

How to Shop

Slay By Mila Shop’s designs can be spotted at pop-ups throughout New Jersey and New York City, with frequent updates on Instagram (so be on the lookout). Those interested in custom designs can fill out Camila’s custom form or simply send her a DM. Camila shared with us that her new website will be finalized next year for easy online shopping and collaborations with local shops. 

See More: There’s a New Sewing Studio Coming to Montclair

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

People

The post This Jersey City Resident Upcycles Jewelry appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The finalists for the Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2025 Guide are in! Thank you to everyone who nominated local businesses and people in Hoboken + Jersey City to receive the recognition that they deserve. Those who received the most nominations in each category advanced to the top three finalists, so before anyone says so-and-so was robbed, remember: we make the rules, we don’t pick the finalists.

***VOTING FOR 2025 BEST OF HOBOKEN & JERSEY CITY IS NOW CLOSED

How to Vote

Readers and community members are the reason these businesses are so successful so now it’s your chance to vote for your favorites. You can vote once per day in all categories, now through Sunday, December 7th at 11:59PM.  That’s it — we’ll do the tallying from there! The winners will be announced in mid-December once the categories are tallied.

Finalists will win a decal sticker to display on their storefronts and accolades on our website for all to see in the new year.

***By submitting your email, you agree to receive marketing communications from TheHobokenGirl.com.

This is one of the easiest + quickest ways to support your local favorites this holiday season — plus, who doesn’t love a friendly competition? Good luck to all our Hoboken + Jersey finalists — and let the voting begin!

The post The Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2025 Guide Finalists Announced — VOTE NOW! appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

This is a sponsored guide, but there are no affiliate links. Please contact each business to redeem your deals + appointments.

For us at The Hoboken Girl, it’s never too early to start prepping for the holiday season. In Hoboken and Jersey City, there are countless options for holiday shopping for fashion, beauty, and culinary gifts. To help you cross some names off of your list and get ready for gift-giving season, we’ve put together a holiday shopping guide so our readers can support local businesses in Hoboken and Jersey City, ranging from food + drink to wellness, beauty, health, fitness, fashion, and so much more. Some of the businesses included in our downloadable guide even have an exclusive code, just for HG readers. In addition to the exclusive deals, our guide also includes a comprehensive list of local businesses, broken up by category for easy browsing. And if that’s not enough, we’ve also included some of our editorial articles to help you plan your holiday season — from pop-up markets to festive bars. Keep reading to find out more about where to shop for local gifts, support small businesses, and treat your friends + family (or yourself) this 2025 holiday season in Hudson County.

Featured Businesses

Health + Fitness

Downtown Medspa | 115 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City 

Instagram: @downtownmedspa

Deal: $149 Hydrafacial.

Elevate Pilates | Multiple Locations

Instagram: @elevatepilates

Peak by MD | 95 Coles Street, Jersey City

Instagram: @peakbymd

Deal: Beat the Winter Uglies for $999. Includes the following: 3 Ultra Laser Facials, 3 months of NAD+ Injections, + 3 months of Glutathione Shots.

Pump Pilates | Multiple Locations 

Instagram: @pumppilateshoboken

Deal: New clients can get 1 week of Unlimited Reformer Classes for $99.

Skin by EC | 80 River Street, Hoboken

Instagram: @skinbyec_hoboken

Deal: Free AI Skin Analysis + $50 off Glow Getter Facial.

Schedule A Treatment
 
Studio 17 | 601 9th Street, Hoboken

Instagram: @studio17cw

Deal: Book a DiamondGlow Deluxe Facial & receive a free add on (up to $75 value)

The Stylist Salon | 105 5th Street, Hoboken

Instagram: @jill_thestylist_

Deal: 15% off for first time clients.

Volo Sports | Multiple Locations

Instagram: @volosports

Deal: $25 off league registration.

Beauty + Self Care

Paris Spa Center | 69 10th Street, Hoboken 

Instagram: @paris_spa_center

Deal: First-time clients can get 15% off Jet-peel standard treatments.

Health in Hands Spa | 1321 Washington Street, Hoboken 

Instagram: @healthinhands

Deal: Buy 2, get 1 free 60-minute massages.

Frequency | Online

Instagram: @frequencyskin

Deal:One-time discount code of 30% off all products available through December 25th.

Seazen | Online

Instagram: @seazen_soap

Deal: Free shipping with a $30+ purchase.

Blush Hoboken | 161 4th Street, Hoboken 

Instagram: @blush_hoboken

Deal: Custom facial.

Food + Drink

Beyond the Plate Food Tours | Online

Instagram: @beyondtheplatefoodtours

Deal: 15% off all gift certificates (for you or your loved ones) or book a private/corporate holiday tour for 5 or more, get 1 ticket free.

Double Dough | Online

Instagram: @double_dough

Deal: 10% off at any holiday pop-up.

Hudson Cakery | 1816 Willow Avenue, Weehawken

Instagram: @hudsoncakery

Deal: 15% off 4″ Gift Box Cake.

Hoboken Tea Company | Online

Instagram: @hoboken_tea_co

Deal: 20% off any purchase.

Mac & the Mushroom | 1012 Grand Street Studio 13, Hoboken

Instagram: @macandthemushroom

Deal: 20% off weekly flower subscriptions — 3 month minimum for discount to apply.

Savta’s Spices | Online

Instagram: @savtasspices

Deal: 15% off Savta’s Shulchan Shabbat boxes.

Retail

Bellwell | Online

Instagram:@bellwell.co

Deal: 10% off all holiday cards.

Booming TCG & Collectibles | 500 Observer Highway, Hoboken

Instagram: @boomingtcg

Deal: 10% off with any purchase.

Cornerstone Pets | 105 9th Street, Hoboken 

Instagram: @cornerstonepets

Deal: 20% off Holiday merchandise — (limit 1 purchase per household) and 20% off Gift Cards of $100 or more.

Buddoo Books | Online

Instagram: @buddoobooks

Deal: 10% off your order, exclusively for Hoboken Girl readers.

Handwritten in Hudson | Online

Instagram:@handwritteninhudson

Handwritten in Hudson is a Hoboken-based calligraphy studio creating personalized experiences this holiday season through live engraving, brush lettering, and heat foiling for events and gifting.

Lady L Cannabis | 547 West Side Avenue, Jersey City

Instagram: @ladyljerseycity

Deal: Get 200 loyalty points (equivalent to $10) when you mention the Hoboken Girl Exclusive Holiday Gift. Offer valid for the duration of this holiday promotion and can be redeemed online or in-store by new and existing customers with a Lady L loyalty account.

Little City Books | 100 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken 

Instagram: @littlecitybooks

Lucky Honeybee | 487 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City 

Instagram: @luckyhoneybee

Deal: 10% off all Lucky Honeybee candles.

Project Vintage | Online

Instagram: @pr0ject_vintage

Deal: 15% off on Depop or through Instagram DM.

VACASIN | Online

Instagram: @_vacasin_

Deal: 20% off entire site.

Mind + Body Services and Experiential Gifts

Roig Collection Art Gallery | 252 First Street, Hoboken

Instagram: @RoigCollection

Deal: $400 savings on all art purchases over $1,250.

Awaken You Therapy & Coaching | 1 Newark Street, Suite 21A, Hoboken

Instagram: @awaken.you.therapy

Deal: 50% off first 45-minute Coaching session + 50% off first 1-hour Reiki session.

Eliza Davis Therapy LCSW LLC | Online

Instagram: @elizadavistherapy

Dental Associates of Hoboken | 233 Washington Street, Hoboken

Instagram: @dental_associates_of_hoboken

Deal: Book your new or existing patient visit and unwrap your complimentary Bright Smile Bundle. You’ll also be entered to win the Cozy Basket Giveaway.

A Local Shopping Guide + Holiday Content

^ a sneak peek at the list

In addition to the featured businesses above, our team has also compiled a local shopping guide to Hoboken and Jersey City. The list is broken down by category, including kids, wellness, DIY experiences, shopping, vintage + thrift, and pets — everything you need to complete your holiday shopping locally.

If you want even more holiday content, our downloadable guide also features a list of holiday articles, including date night ideas, pop-up markets and events, festive bars, non-profits to donate to, where to get a Christmas tree locally, and dog-friendly Christmas tree farms. Download the full guide below to get started on your holiday shopping and planning.

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post <em>The Hoboken Girl’s</em> 2025 Holiday Shopping Deals Guide appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

This article is sponsored by 3 Acres.

Between holiday pop-ups, markets, and events, our calendars are quickly booking up here in Hoboken and Jersey City — but we have one more event you’ll want to add to your list. 3 Acres, a resort-style living complex in Jersey City, is hosting a Holiday Night Market on December 5th, filled with local vendors, donation opportunities, and even an Elf-inspired dinner experience at its restaurant, The Table. The evening promises to be a night of festive fun here in Jersey City, and we’ve got all the details below.

Holiday Night Market Details

For one night only on December 5th, 3 Acres is transforming into a Holiday Night Market, completely open to the public. Kicking off at 5PM, the event is four hours of festive fun, featuring local vendors,  vinyl holiday music, cocktails, festive treats, novelties, flash tattoos, and food trucks.

The Table and Three Thirds Cafe, 3 Acres’ on-site dining options, will also be joining in on the fun: The Table turning into an Elf-inspired dining experience, Three Thirds Cafe hosting a live, holiday acoustic set. Three Thirds is even extending its hours for the occasion, serving festive coffee drinks until 8PM.

To keep the giving spirit alive, guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for 3 Acres’ annual toy drive benefiting Jersey City PAL.

About 3 Acres

3 Acres is a resort-style residential complex on Jersey City’s West Side, offering 629 modern units and more than 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities that support an easy, live-work-play rhythm.

The property includes an on-site café, restaurant, and barbershop, adding everyday convenience to the community’s design. Inside the ground-level retail space, Three Thirds Cafe serves naturally pressed coffee, and light bites in a setting inspired by third-wave coffee culture and 90s vinyl. Guests can relax in the cafe lounge or on the outdoor patio while enjoying pastries, sandwiches, and salads.

For dinner or drinks, The Table has a menu of appetizers, handmade pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and seasonal dishes, along with signature cocktails, weekend brunch, and classic desserts such as its popular Downtown Bread Pudding served with Torico’s ice cream.

The Essentials

3 Acres, a resort-style living complex located at 400 Claremont Avenue in Jersey City. Its annual Holiday Night Market is happening on December 5th from 5:00 – 9:00PM. Parking is located across the street in the NJ Transit lot with validation when dining at The Table.

For more information, click here.

The post Jersey City Living Complex 3 Acres to Host Holiday Market on 12/5 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Jersey City residents are both resourceful and creative, to say the least. We also love a rare find. The locals here never cease to amaze us, and when it comes to creating sustainably, it’s even more exciting. Local artist Molly Craig is bringing the magic of upcycling to life with bolo ties, jewelry, and more, all sourced from materials being given a second life. Keep reading to learn more about Anomolly Shop and the Jersey City resident behind it all.

How It Started

Molly Craig grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and has been a Jersey City resident since 2021. Back in Molly’s household, creativity was always encouraged. Her mom ran a beaded jewelry business and made heartfelt greeting cards for every occasion, utilizing her crafty talents and unknowingly inspiring her daughter along the way. From an early age, Molly found herself drawn to crafting, beading, and working with her hands, all of which shaped the path she’s on today.

Later, Molly went on to study marketing at Hofstra University before moving into the world of graphic design. She saw this as a way to blend her creativity with strategy. Molly’s talents led her to work at HOLST + LEE, a handmade jewelry company based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where she played a role in the creation of bold, statement pieces. After three years, Molly transitioned into freelance life to take her graphic design skills a step further. Since 2014, Molly has been working as a freelance graphic designer and has had clients such as her previous employer, HOLST + LEE, and other small businesses and corporate clients.

Read More: Meet Your Neighbors: 5 Hudson County Locals With One-of-a-Kind Careers

While Molly loves her graphic design work, she was itching to have an element of non-digital creation in her life. Back in 2020, she started Anomolly Shop, a play on the word “anomaly” as in something that is unusual or unexpected. The goal was showcase her handmade designs that deserve to be shared with the world. As time went on, she began to find her niche. After finding a vintage cowboy hat brooch that caught her eye, she decided to turn it into a bolo tie as a gift for her boyfriend, which ignited a new wave of inspiration. Molly told us, “It was so much fun bringing new life to something old and forgotten. After that first bolo tie, I was hooked”.

Behind The Bling

Now, Anomolly Shop sells a variety of handcrafted designs. One of the most fascinating elements of Molly’s work has to be her eye for upcycling and turning what some may consider “trash” into treasure. Her particular fascination with bolo ties and cowboy aesthetic is reminiscent of times past and is reflected in all of her work. From vintage upcycled bolo ties, scarf slides, vintage rings, and beaded jewelry, every item from Anomolly Shop is crafted with care.

Molly shared, “ I’ve spent countless hours hunting through vintage and antique shops for brooches, clip-on earrings, and broken treasures that can be reimagined as bolo tie centerpieces. I’ve always been drawn to Western wear and the cowboy motif. I even have a tattoo of a cowgirl riding a horse on my arm. To me, cowboy culture represents a wilder time when life wasn’t so predictable. It embodies a spirit of freedom, resilience, and self-reliance that feels rare today.”

See More: Hudson County Artists to Know + Collect

Molly’s travels have played a big role in her design inspiration. She loves adventuring around new cities and exploring different second-hand and vintage shops to see what the locals wear. Sharing with HG, “I have found a lot of my vintage parts in Utah, Arizona (In the 1970s, the Bolo was declared the official neckwear of Arizona), and recently found a bunch on a trip abroad to Turkey!”

Aside from Molly’s jewelry and accessories, she loves to design intricate beaded Mosaics. Right now, she has a piece on display in the DS Special Projects show, Down the Block, a group show located below Andco North at 222 Ninth Street in Jersey City.

How to Shop

Locals have likely caught Molly at one of the many pop-ups around town. Next up, she will be at the Deep Space Miniature Shop and Riverview Holiday Market on December 6th. For those shopping around town, Anomolly Shop also holds a space inside Cranky Angel at 333 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. To follow along with where Molly will be popping up next, or to order a custom, follow @anomollyshop on Instagram or check out www.anomollyshop.com.

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post Meet Molly Craig, the Jersey City Artist Behind Anomolly Shop appeared first on Hoboken Girl.