Travel - Hoboken Girl

The Wildest New Jersey News Stories of 2025

Erin Lanahan — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:00:49 +0000

The post The Wildest New Jersey News Stories of 2025 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

TAPP Card Launches for PATH as MetroCard and SmartLink Phased Out

Erin Lanahan — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:25:09 +0000

The classic yellow MetroCards will soon be a thing of the past for PATH commuters. In an effort to make commuting more accessible, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) launched a new payment card and vending machine system. Riders will be able to instantly reload the TAPP card and still tap and go when commuting on the PATH. MetroCards and SmartLink cards will be phased out later in 2026. Read on to learn about the TAPP cards, how to buy them, and what to expect if you still have a MetroCard.

Shifting From Metro to TAPP

MetroCard sales and refills are set to end after December 31st, 2025. The Port Authority announced it will be replaced with the Total Access PATH Payment, known as the TAPP card, a reloadable physical fare option for PATH riders.

The TAPP cards are available to purchase online and from machines at all stations. The Port Authority also launched new vending machines, designed to be more user-friendly, at Journal Square and 33rd Street stations. There are plans to expand those new machines to other stations as more testing is completed.

Commuters can still tap their credit or debit cards on the fare gate to pay to get on the PATH. The TAPP card works the same way and helps make it easier for commuters to pay with cash. The Port Authority reports nearly 70% of the system’s 200,000 weekday riders now use contactless payments, and weekend riders are closer to 80%.

SmartLink Card dispensing machines have now been retrofitted to dispense TAPP cards at all PATH stations as the new machines come online. PATH passenger information agents have also undergone training to help riders as the new system is launched.

How Does It Work?

The TAPP card works a little differently from the SmartLink card. A new TAPP card costs $5 and can be reloaded with any monetary value, rather than a fixed trip increment. Riders can also purchase 10, 20, and 40-trip packages at vending machines, online, or by phone. If you register the card online, riders will receive a $5 travel credit on PATH. Online registration unlocks features such as auto-reloads and balance protection in the event of a lost or stolen card.

Over the next few months, PATH will migrate 1-day, 7-day and 30-day unlimited passes, as well as senior and disabled fare Smartlink card customers, to the TAPP platform. MetroCards bought before January 1st, 2026, will also eventually be phased out at a later date. Existing MetroCard balances will continue to be accepted until that date is set.

See More: With a Netflix Studio on the Way, What Does a Potential Warner Bros. Merger Mean for NJ?

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.

HG’s Guide to a Frank Sinatra-Themed Trip Across the U.S.

Erin Lanahan — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 02:18:08 +0000

It’s not as if there are many reasons to leave Hoboken, but if you did, a Frank Sinatra-themed trip might be just the ticket. In honor of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ December 12th birthday, we compiled a list of Frank Sinatra-inspired places nationwide. Keep reading for a guide to Frank Sinatra-inspired places around the United States.

Not all of these places are directly named after Frank Sinatra, but still take inspiration from his music and life in their establishments.

Frank Sinatra Service Area | Garden State Parkway, Galloway, NJ

Are you really a famous NJ resident unless you have a rest stop named after you? Frank Sinatra’s Garden State Parkway service area features photos and quotes from his life. It’s part of a 2021 project by the New Jersey Hall of Fame to rename nine Parkway service areas to honor New Jersey celebrities.

Frank Sinatra School of the Arts | Queens, New York

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FSSA (@fssanews)

This public arts high school in New York was founded with support from Tony Bennett’s nonprofit and named in Sinatra’s honor. The school not only provides arts education, but also houses a large 800-seat concert hall and multiple performance spaces.

La Dolce Vita | Beverly Hills, California

This restaurant opened in 1966 with Frank Sinatra as an investor. It became a classic Rat Pack hangout and serves cocktails and Italian dishes. It’s still a gorgeous dining destination.

Guarino’s Restaurant | Cleveland, Ohio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Guarino’s Restaurant (@guarinoscleveland)

Guarino’s is Cleveland’s oldest restaurant, located in the Little Italy neighborhood. It dates back to the early 1900s and is famous for hosting Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Cal Neva Lodge + Casino | Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Sinatra bought and owned this historic resort in the 1960s. It was widely considered its “Rat Pack” heyday. It was closed for renovations in 2013 and will reopen in 2027.

The Carnegie Club | New York City, New York

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Carnegie Club (@thecarnegieclubnyc)

This club is home to one of the longest-running Sinatra-themed shows in New York City. The Sinatra Saturdays Show runs each weekend, where crowds are serenaded by Sinatra’s classics with a cigar. There are special Sinatra-themed events around big holidays like Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving. Naturally, there is a special performance for Mr. Sinatra’s birthday.

Sinatra Live! | Las Vegas, Nevada

This intimate tribute to Sinatra opened in Las Vegas at the end of November 2025. Singer Michael Sinatra (yes, that’s his real name) sings classic hits while guests can sip cocktails, share food, or simply sit back and enjoy the music.

Capo Restaurant + Supper Club | Boston, Massachusetts

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Capo Restaurant & Supper Club (@capoboston)

While the restaurant isn’t inspired by Sinatra, it hosts Sinatra Sundays every Sunday from 5PM–8PM. For birthday dinners or anniversary nights, it’s a fun dinner and a show.

Establishments Named After Sinatra Across the Country

The easiest way to show a restaurant drew inspiration from Frank Sinatra’s life is to name their place after him. It seems to be a trend for some restaurants across the country.

Sinatra Bar + Lounge | Nashville, Tennessee

In a city full of Honky Tonks and country music, this Nashville bar and restaurant brings a Manhattan-meets-Palm Springs ambiance. Located in historic Printers Alley, it was created in partnership with Frank Sinatra Enterprises and serves the singer’s favorite dishes.

Sinatra in The Encore at Wynn | Las Vegas, Nevada

This fine-dining restaurant in a Las Vegas resort and casino surrounds guests with music and mementos of Sinatra. They serve sophisticated Italian dishes for guests to enjoy near cozy fireplaces or under the stars.

Sinatra’s Restaurant | Buffalo, New York

Sinatra’s in Buffalo is celebrating over 40 years of serving Italian meals to their community.

Sinatra’s Ristorante | Lake Helen, Florida

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sinatras (@sinatras_ristorante)

This family-owned restaurant is located inside Hotel Cassadaga. It has a lounge-like atmosphere and hosts live entertainment, five-course wine pairings, and monthly dueling pianos. It hosts a Sinatra karaoke event weekly.

See More: 12 Jersey Shore Musicians You Should Be Listening to in 2025

Travel

The post HG’s Guide to a Frank Sinatra-Themed Trip Across the U.S. appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The Sinatra Walking Tour: Hoboken With Ol’ Blue Eyes Himself

Danielle Lynch — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:35 +0000

When most people think about Hoboken they think of Ol’ Blue Eyes: Frank Sinatra, the “kid from Hoboken who got the breaks,” as writer Bruce Bliven coined him. All over the Mile Square, tributes pay homage to this musical and historical legend, as Hoboken was his birthplace and where he found his fame. The city is decorated with all things Sinatra from restaurants to landmarks that feature all parts of his life.

Thanks to the Hoboken Historical Museum, we have put together a Frank Sinatra Walking Tour around Hoboken to see all of the significant locations that played a huge role in shaping him into the man he was. Keep reading for all the spots to check out on a Sinatra walking tour to see Hoboken through ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

The Stops

Stop No.1 | 415 Monroe Street

First on the list is 415 Monroe Street, a “cold water” flat where Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12th, 1915 to immigrant parents Natalia Della Garaventa (known as Dolly) and Antonino Martino (“Marty” — explanation to follow) Sinatra. The building was torn down in 1970 but the legacy lives on in the spirit of the town. In 1996, the city memorialized the home’s location with the plaque pictured above. Fun fact: Sinatra weighed over 13 pounds at birth. He was delivered using forceps, which caused permanent damage to his face and ear.

Stop No.2 | St. Francis Church

^Sinatra with his mom at St. Francis Church, Photo Credit: Hoboken Historical Museum

Sinatra was baptized at St. Francis Church, located at 308 Jefferson Street, on April 2nd, 1916 by his Godfather, Frank Garrick. This church continues to serve the Roman Catholic community of Hoboken and holds strong to its Italian roots, offering mass in Italian on Sundays. Despite his many divorces, marriages, and quarrels, Frankie remained spiritual throughout his life.

Stop No.3 | Site of Marty O’Briens at 333 Jefferson Street

Photo Credit: Hoboken Historical Museum

Next on the list is 333 Jefferson Street, where his parents, Marty and Dolly owned a bar and grill called Marty O’Briens. Sinatra’s father went by the name Marty O’Brien during his boxing days because of the large Irish population in the area. He named this spot after his boxing persona. Sinatra used to sing here quite a bit in his day and his presence always drew a large crowd.

Stop No. 4 | Tutty’s Bar

Tutty’s Bar at 610 Adams Street is now a residential area of Hoboken, but it was best known for being the spot where Sinatra and his friends would gather. They would hang on the corner and he would sing a capella. Imagine witnessing an impromptu Blue Eyes concert back in the day — total swoon.

Stop No. 5 | 354 6th Street

Continuing on 6th Street, towards 354 6th Street, was the Jefferson Hall and Weightlifting Club. Sinatra joined this club during the Great Depression. He paid $1 per month for membership.

Stop No.6 | St. Ann’s Church

The iconic St. Ann’s Church at 704 Jefferson Street still holds mass to this day and continues to host the most visited Italian festival in the area. It was here that Sinatra introduced President Ronald Reagan at a campaign trail stop in 1984. The gathering took place in the church gym where they ate and mingled with fellow Hobokenites over ravioli and sauce.

Stop No.7 | Otok Bakery (Formerly Dom’s Bakery)

^ Dom Castelitto outside Dom’s Bakery, photo from 2018

^ Maren Schmitt in the same spot, now Otok Bakery

For years, Hoboken’s most well-known gem was Dom’s Bakery at 506 Grand Street, where Sinatra and his family used to get all of their bread. Even after Sinatra left town, he would always return home for the best bread in Hoboken (and the world, for that matter).

In January 2023, Dom’s permanently closed its Mile Square doors, leaving many Hoboken residents devastated and wondering what would take the iconic bakery’s place. Enter Otok Bakery, a new bakery from the owners of Schmitty’s that’s continuing Dom’s legacy with its trademark line of bread, made by two former Dom’s bakers who are working the coal-fired oven.

Stop No. 8 | The Firehouse Engine Co. No.5

The Firehouse Engine Co. No. 5 is an important part of Hoboken history as Marty Sinatra served Hoboken as a firefighter and later as a fire captain at this firehouse. This building is now a private residence.

Stop No. 9 | Leo’s Grandevous + Sinatra Mural

Even out-of-towners know of Leo’s Grandevous at 200 Grand Street and can smell the delicious Italian food from down the block. This was one of Sinatra’s favorite local spots and he ate there often. The restaurant still reserves a chair for him and honors his legacy with pictures and memorabilia adorning the walls. Leo’s makes some of the best Italian food in Hoboken. Just across the street where the eatery sets up its extended outdoor dining, it commissioned a mural of the star in 2020, completed by a local, female artist. It reads “Come eat with me,” a play on his hit song “Come Fly With Me.”

Stop No. 10 | Jersey Observer Newspaper

Photo Credit: Hoboken Historical Museum

Once the Jersey Observer Newspaper, located at 111 Newark Street and, originally named the Hudson Observer, Sinatra worked as a copyboy earning $12 a week.

Stop No. 11 | Hoboken City Hall

Hoboken City Hall, at 94 Washington Street, is a landmark in and of itself. The city notably honored Sinatra on October 30th, 1947, when it celebrated Sinatra Day. He was driven up to Washington Street on a fire truck by his father, where screaming fans and friends gathered to watch him receive the keys to the city. It was raining that day, but that didn’t stop the crowds from being there.

Stop No.12 | Hoboken Middle School (formerly Demarest High School)

Sinatra attended Demarest High School on 4th and Garden for only half a year. During that time, many of his classmates and peers left school. Sinatra followed suit and dropped out. Now, this spot is known as the Hoboken Middle School.

Stop No. 13 | The Hoboken Public Library

The Hoboken Public Library at 500 Park Avenue has a Sinatra collection that was created in memory of his mother, Dolly, who died in a plane crash in 1977. Check out the library’s Sinatra collection for more information.

Stop No. 14 | 703 Park Avenue

In 1927, the Sinatra family moved to this location. His parents chose this neighborhood because it was a much wealthier German/Irish part of Hoboken. It continues to serve as a residential location in town and has been renovated since.

Stop No. 15 | Joseph F. Brandt Primary School

The Joseph F. Brandt Primary School at 215 Ninth Street is where Sinatra attended elementary school. He was quite an animated child and always had a stage presence, even at a young age. His mother made sure that he was always well-dressed.

Stop No. 16 | 841 Garden Street

The house at 841 Garden Street was the house where the Sinatra family moved in 1932 when Frank was 17 years old. He had his own bedroom on the top floor of this family home.

Stop No. 17M | 837 Garden Street

The home at 837 Garden Street served as another residence for Dolly and Marty Sinatra. The one-bedroom and one-and-a-half-bath brownstone apartment still stands today and is currently estimated to be worth about $1.8 million on Zillow.

Stop No. 18 | 909 Hudson Street

The house at 909 Hudson Street was the house that Frank bought for his parents after becoming a big band singer.

Stop No. 19 | The Sinatra Lounge at the Hoboken Historical Museum

The Museum has a dedicated space for everything Ol’ Blue Eyes called The Sinatra Lounge. Visitors can sit back on the couch and watch some of his movies, as well as documentaries about Hoboken, listen to his records on a circa 1920 vinyl player, flip through books about his life, and marvel at two paintings done by Sinatra himself that were donated to the Museum — a true rarity that all Sinatra fans should see for themselves. The walkway has a permanent portrait and plaque in Sinatra’s honor as well — a great photo op if there ever was one!

See More: A Visit to Baseball Legend Yogi Berra’s Museum in Little Falls

Stop No. 20 | Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology at 1 Castle Point Terrace is one of the most beautiful views in all of Hoboken, where Frank Sinatra was presented with an honorary Doctoral Degree in Engineering. This was awarded to him on May 23rd, 1985.

Stop No. 21 | Frank Sinatra Statue

A statue of Frank Sinatra debuted at the Sinatra Park Amphitheater beside Blue Eyes, next to Sinatra Park. The statue was unveiled on his birthday on December 12th, 2021. It’s a large installation that depicts him leaning against a street light post with one hand in his pocket and the other tipping his hat — in true Sinatra form. Of course, he’s wearing a suit and tie, shining a smile.

This list was adapted from the information provided by the Hoboken Historical Museum and is a comprehensive list of major historical sites. There are many more spots where Frank Sinatra left his legacy throughout the city and we invite you to explore that and so much more at the Hoboken Historical Museum.

Follow @thelocalgirl on Instagram for the latest hyperlocal news, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar which has over 40+ events weekly to peruse.

Overnight Parking To Close At Two Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Stations 1/1/26

Erin Lanahan — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:40:20 +0000

2026 will bring changes for parking along some Light Rail stations in New Jersey. NJ Transit announced overnight parking will no longer be allowed starting January 1, 2026 at Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stations. Cars left overnight will be subject to ticketing and towing. Here’s what we know about the changes and what stations are impacted by this parking restriction.

What Light Rail Station Parking Lots Are Impacted?

In Jersey City, overnight parking will not be allowed at the Liberty State Park Light Rail station and the West Side Avenue Light Rail station. In North Bergen, overnight parking will not be permitted at the lot near Tonnelle Avenue. In Bayonne, the 34th and 22nd Street Light Rail stations will not allow overnight parking.

NJ Transit customers can subscribe to the latest updates via email and text message at My Transit Alerts, through the TRANSIT Mobile App, or by visiting Travel Alerts & Advisories for the latest service-related information.

The Hoboken Girl reached out to NJ Transit, Liberty State Park, and Jersey City officials for more details on this parking restriction. While it is unclear whether the change will be permanent or temporary, HG has reached out to NJ Transit for clarity. This piece will be updated as more information becomes available.

NJ Transit Announces Plans to Expand Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Service

Kerrie Joyce — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 23:28:20 +0000

New Jersey commuters have had a whirlwind week of news headlines coming from NJ Transit and the New York / New Jersey Port Authority. The most recent of the headlines was an announcement on Friday, November 14th, that the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line will undergo a 10-mile expansion with seven new stops. Read on for more information about the new railway expansion plan.

Building into Bergen County

The Hudson-Bergen line currently only extends as far as North Bergen. The new plan, titled “The Northern Branch Project”, from NJ Transit will bring the Light Rail tracks 10 miles further north to an anticipated terminal at Englewood Hospital. There will be seven stops added across five municipalities, including North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood.

The project is still in the early stages of planning, and riders will likely have to wait a year or two before construction begins. The environmental impact statement considers potential impacts of the project on surrounding areas, including noise, wildlife, air quality, infrastructure, traffic patterns, and more.

Per press release, NJ Transit announced that it issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a contractor to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). As the proposal is currently written, the electric railway would be located along West Side Avenue in North Bergen and the existing railroad right-of-way owned by CSX Transportation between 91st Street in North Bergen and the northern Border of Englewood.

Northern Branch Corridor Project Proposal via NJ Transit

A previous version of the plan, titled “The Northern Branch Corridor Project” was published for public commentary in 2011. The original plan extended service to Tenafly, which was opposed by residents and community leaders. The Federal Transit Administration rescinded its Notice of Intent to review that Environmental Impact Statement in 2023 since environmental conditions have changed since its writing in 2007.

What Officials Say

“NJ TRANSIT remains committed to extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “This RFP is a concrete demonstration of that commitment. Providing mass transit options to all regions of New Jersey takes cars off the road, cleans the air we breathe, and drives economic activity, sustainable housing, and a multitude of other benefits.”

“As one of the most densely populated counties in the state, Bergen County welcomes additional mass transit options,” Bergen County Executive James Tedesco added, “The Northern Branch project will fulfill that need and enhance the lives of all who call Bergen County home. I thank NJ TRANSIT for continuing this vital project.”

See More: A Guide to 16 Eateries in New Jersey Train Stations

As part of the EIS process, there will be an opportunity for public comment once the draft is complete for a minimum period of 45 days.

A New Jersey Couple’s Tour of the State’s Shrinking Diner Scene

Kerrie Joyce + Carli Clesmere — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:00:15 +0000

New Jersey and diners are a classic match: a longtime pairing where it’s hard to imagine one without the other. Many classic NJ diners have closed in recent years, yet one New Jersey couple has dedicated themselves to visiting — and eating at — each of New Jersey’s ~400 remaining diners. Karri and Jon Ricklin of Bergen County have become unofficial ambassadors of NJ’s diner culture. Read on for more about the changes to New Jersey’s diner landscape, and about Karri and Jon Ricklin, eating their way through the diner scene.

History + Evolution of the Diner

One aspect of Jersey culture that we can’t get enough of is New Jersey’s iconic diners. Earning titles such as “the spiritual home of the diner” and “diner capital of the world,” it would be natural to assume the greasy, nostalgic establishments were invented in New Jersey, and you would almost be right. While the origins of the diner can be traced back to Rhode Island in the late 1800s, New Jersey became home to one-third of America’s factories manufacturing “prefabricated” diners beginning in the 1920s. By the 1940s and 50s, NJ diners had solidified roots in communities, particularly the Greek community which remains at the forefront of diner culture. Common traits of the iconic restaurants include metal elements, drawing influences from railroad dining cars and the later automobiles of the 1950s. Gemstone-colored, vinyl upholstered benches and sturdy mugs — the establishments offer us a time capsule into a past version of American consumerism, usually adorned with artwork paying homage to people and brands like Marilyn Monroe and Coca-Cola.

Primarily serving lengthy menus of breakfast foods, burgers, coffee, milkshakes, and classic soft drinks, the restaurants found a niche in the metropolitan Northeast. Some canonically stay open 24 hours, seven days a week, functioning as the setting for cross-country travelers’ pit-stops and theater kid gossip sessions — often witnessing the sight of twenty-somethings ending their night of partying crossing paths with folks stopping for a breakfast sandwich and coffee on their way to work. A few of New Jersey’s most cherished diners have even been the backdrop of scenes from The Sopranos and recent movies like A Complete Unknown, and even they are not immune to the crisis of NJ’s dwindling diner count.

Recent Closures

While the most recent estimate of the total number of diners in the state stands at a whopping 600, which is more per capita than any other state, they have been on a steady decline, with around 150 closing their doors in the last 10 years. Some of the diners that have had to shut down in recent years include well-loved, even famous spots. With steady, loyal customer bases and many of the restaurants receiving accolades from the likes of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, what is behind the struggle to keep their doors open?

White Mana of Jersey City, located at 470 Tonnelle Avenue, earned the status of Historic Landmark to eternally preserve the iconic ‘prefab’ design, according to owner Mario Costa. Mario shared the history of the diner, which dates back to 1939, while his history with the diner began when he first worked there as a high school student in 1972.

While White Mana remains open with thriving business, Mario did share one change that began early on in the pandemic that most diners have yet to recover from. “I used to be open 24 hours, and after COVID for some reason most of the diners, even Tick Tock in Clifton, that used to be open 24 hours and now they’re not.” Mario said, attributing the reduction in hours and possible closures of other diners to decreased foot traffic during the late-night hours. Mario noted that the White Mana can not be torn down due to its landmark status, but said that other diner owners may opt to accept offers to buy the land, which would most likely amount to a larger sum than what they make as a business.

This was likely the case for the iconic, now closed Malibu Diner of Hoboken. Malibu Diner had hopes of reopening after it announced a temporary closure back in 2019 for redevelopment plans to build a multi-use building, with residential units above a commercial space which would house the diner. After the announcement, Hobokenites panicked and HG has been keeping track of new developments in the story ever since. The Babalis family told The Hoboken Girl in 2021 that they agreed to the plans in order to bring the diner (built in 1941 and renovated in the 1980s) up to code, but in September 2024 the ground floor commercial space was listed “For Lease.” At an October 20th Planning Board meeting, the City approved an application from One Medical to open in the space located at 251 14th Street.

One of the state’s other beloved diners, Bendix Diner, served as a filming location for iconic NJ movies including Jersey Girl, Boys On The Side, The Many Saints of Newark, and of course its own documentary short film Bendix: Sight Unseen. Bendix was formerly located at 464 NJ-17 in Hasbrouck Heights and has yet to accomplish its goal of reopening after its closure in January 2025 due to a health code violation related to its fire suppression system. As of April 2025, the 77-year-old legacy restaurant was listed for sale.

Early last year, Starview Diner of Somerdale, NJ, also announced it was closing its doors and welcoming its new owners, a small NJ franchise, Amy’s Omelette House, into its 9 South White Horse Pike location. Starview’s owner, Stefanos Kitrinos, concluded the diner’s 25-year run with a handwritten note announcing his decision to retire.

Keeping New Jersey’s Diner Spirit Alive

For many New Jerseyans, diners embody more than just a dining experience; they represent the essence of the state. There’s something about the chrome counters, the swivel stools, and the waitresses who call everyone “hun” that feels timeless. And while some of these beloved landmarks have shuttered over the years, the spirit of the Jersey diner lives on through locals like Karri and Jon Ricklin of Bergen County. Karri, a nurse, and Jon, a small business owner, have shared a life full of love + plenty of pancakes for more than 41 years. Their diner story began in 2015 at the Livingston Diner, when Jon smiled behind a menu for a quick photo. What started as a playful snapshot soon turned into something much more meaningful.

A few years later, during a road trip, that memory resurfaced. The two decided to visit every diner in New Jersey and recreate that same photo at each stop. One snapshot became ten, then 50, and now, nearly seven years later, the Ricklins are closing in on their 300th diner visit. What began as a humorous tradition evolved into an online phenomenon when their daughter decided to share their story on social media. It did not take long for the Ricklins’ TikToks and posts to gain attention for their charm, humor, and authenticity, proof that diner culture is as loved as ever (for us New Jerseyans, of course).

When our team’s own diner enthusiast, Carli, sat down with the couple, the conversation naturally turned to Bergen County classics like Stateline Diner in Ramsey, Dumont Crystal in Dumont, and The Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst. For Jon and Karri, what defines a true New Jersey diner goes beyond the food. It’s about the feeling: the swivel chairs, the booths filled with chatter, the comfort of breakfast being served all day, and that unmistakable warmth that hits you the second you walk in.

When talk turned to menu favorites, Karri and Carli shared that their go-to orders were similar: omelets and hearty salads. Jon, on the other hand, goes for what he calls “diner core” — burgers, wraps, and breakfast plates stacked high with comfort.

As the couple continues their cross-state diner crawl, they’ve come to represent more than just a fun hobby; they’ve become a reminder of what makes New Jersey feel like home. Each photo, each plate, and each friendly “hun” is part of a larger love letter to the state’s culture + community. When asked about creating their own dream diner, Jon and Karri didn’t hesitate. They picture a factory-built, stainless-steel classic, decked out with glowing neon signs, a dessert case full of homemade pies, and that familiar buzz of conversation. For the name? They’d split the state in two: The Taylor Hamlet Diner in the north and The Pork Roll Palace Diner in the south—because in true Jersey fashion, you can never agree on just one.

Before we wrapped up our chat (and yes, everyone was officially starving by then), Carli asked the Ricklins what advice they’d give to someone planning their own New Jersey diner crawl. Their tips were simple:

Go hungry.
Be a leftover person.
Turn each visit into a little trip and explore what else you can discover nearby in local NJ towns.

Ultimately, diners have always been about connection, comfort, and community. Thanks to the Ricklins, that tradition continues one menu photo at a time.

See More: These Spots are Why Jersey is the Diner Capital of the World

A Trip to the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York

Jennifer Tripucka — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 02:00:11 +0000

Tucked away on a quiet country road in Saugerties, New York, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary is not your typical farm. Instead of raising animals for food or profit, this 150-acre property provides lifelong refuge to hundreds of rescued farm animals from all over the country. All of these sweet creatures are living the life of their dreams, surrounded by willow trees, open acreage, and caring humans. The Local Girl team got a chance to visit recently and wanted to share the beautiful work they do as a non-profit organization since 2001 (and yes, they’re open for visitors through November on weekends!).

Founded by Kathen Stevens, a former high school English teacher, the sanctuary began as her dream rooted in compassion. After witnessing the realities of industrial farming, Kathy left the classroom and set out to create a space for animals often overlooked: cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and horses. Two decades later, Kathy, recently retired, has built a beautiful legacy at the sanctuary that has grown into one of the nation’s leading farm animal sanctuaries, caring for more than 300 residents at any given time and welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

A Mission Rooted in Compassion

From the beginning, Kathy envisioned CAS as more than just a rescue. “Saving animals is only half of what we do,” she said. “The other half is saving people, by opening hearts and minds.” Through immersive tours, school programs, and volunteer opportunities, CAS encourages visitors to see farm animals not as commodities, but as beings with emotions and intelligence of their own.

On any given day visiting, you might meet Milton, the gentle cow rescued from the dairy industry who loves pets, or Quincy, the rooster who lets his lady friend Vanessa (a hen) fully eat her breakfast before he gently finishes his food. Walking around the sanctuary, you’ll spot Trudy, the mini donkey who is 22, and Miracle, 18, her daughter that she had birthed soon after she came to the sanctuary.

Many animals are rescued around the country, some as close as the Catskill Game Farm, where Trudy was rescued, to hoarding situations like Cricket, the elderly horse and a brood of chickens from Colorado (where they were left in a “cage free” building packed in wall to wall with hundreds of others). Today, they’re all living peacefully in harmony on the sanctuary.

Education Through Experience

The Catskill Animal Sanctuary has become a living classroom where empathy and education intersect. The team regularly hosts guided tours, children’s programs, and vegan cooking demos, all designed to help people make more conscious choices about animals and the planet.

Many of the staff come from animal-welfare and environmental backgrounds, and are able to share firsthand how the sanctuary’s work ties into border issues such as factory farming, climate change, and food sustainability — all without judgment. “We meet people where they are,” Kathy often says. “Our goal is not to shame, but to invite curiosity.”

Beyond its educational outreach, CAS has become an important part of the Hudson Valley community, drawing both locals and visitors from the tri-state area for weekend tours, volunteer days, and special events. It also operates The Homestead, an on-site vegan bed-and-breakfast, providing guests with a full-circle sanctuary experience, waking up to the sounds of roosters instead of alarms and sharing breakfast with panoramic farm views.

CAS’s work has been featured in major outlets and recognized by organizations like PETA and VegNews, but at its core, it remains deeply personal. Every donation, tour ticket, and volunteer hour goes directly toward animal care: feed, veterinary services, and ongoing habitat improvements.

How to Visit

The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is open for public tours seasonally, typically from spring through fall, with advance reservations recommended. Visitors can explore at their own pace, book a guided tour, or even stay overnight at The Homestead. To learn more or plan a visit, head to casanctuary.org.

Donations to the Catskill Animal Sanctuary directly support the daily care, feeding, and veterinary needs of more than 300 rescued farm animals. Supporters can contribute online through the Donate page at casanctuary.org, where both one-time and recurring gifts are accepted.

The sanctuary, located at 316 Old Stage Road in Saugerties, NY (EIN 14-1827972), also participates in employer matching gift programs. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide food, shelter, and medical care for animals who have found a safe home for life.

CAS also welcomes in-kind donations and sponsorship opportunities, allowing individuals and families to symbolically “adopt” an animal and follow their story throughout the year.

How to Volunteer

CAS welcomes volunteers year-round, from individuals to groups who want to lend a hand and make a difference. Opportunities range from hands-on animal care and barn maintenance to gardening, event support, and visitor education. Training is provided for all new volunteers, and shifts can be scheduled for a few hours or on a recurring basis.

To get started, interested volunteers can fill out a short form on the Volunteer page at casanctuary.org/volunteer.

See More: This New Jersey Local Flew Across the East Coast for an Animal Rescue Mission

Whether it’s mucking stalls, leading a tour, or helping with seasonal events, each volunteer plays a vital role in keeping the sanctuary thriving, and in sharing its message of compassion with every visitor who walks through the gates.

Travel

The post A Trip to the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Jersey City Local Hosting Hispanic Heritage Month Food Tour in Kearny

Kerrie Joyce — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:23:28 +0000

Jersey City foodie and entrepreneur Alessia Aron is set to host a Hispanic Heritage Month Food Tour through downtown Kearny, New Jersey. The event is presented by Beyond the Plate and Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone. It will feature visits to several Hispanic-owned eateries along the walking tour. This is the second-ever Kearny Kravings event, the first of which was a dessert crawl that took place in July. Read on for more details about the food tour event happening in Kearny on October 11th and 12th, 2025.

Tour Details

The Hispanic Heritage Month Food Tour in Kearny will take place on Saturday, October 11th, and Sunday, October 12th, from 2PM-5PM. The event will include tastings at five different Hispanic-owned eateries in the community, which are included in the ticket price. The cost of attendance is $40 per person, which covers all food and drinks tastings, and a mini-cooler bag. “Think Peruvian causa and ceviche, Ecuadorian encebollado, Venezuelan Hallaca, traditional Colombian drinks, and so much more,” Alessia told HG.

The tours will be led by local New Jersey tour guides, who are well-versed in community history, to make the tour an educational experience engaging both minds and mouths. “This tour is not just about satisfying your foodie cravings—it’s an edible passport celebrating immigrant stories, family traditions, and entrepreneurship,” the event page reads. The exact restaurants that will be included have not been made public yet, and the meeting location will be sent to ticketed guests prior to the event.

Space is limited, as there are only 15 spots available per tour. The event is a three-hour walking tour, and comfortable shoes are recommended. The event also states it is rain-or-shine, but will be rescheduled in the event of severe weather.

Cultural Significance

Per Beyond the Plate, the food tour is meant to celebrate the Hispanic community in the area, since 60 percent of the population is Hispanic-identifying. The event highlights “behind-the-scenes” stories from chefs and business owners as part of the tour. ““Food is one of the most powerful ways to connect, share stories, and uplift the voices of the people who make our communities stronger,” Alessia said via press release. The tour, described as an “edible passport,” is meant to celebrate family traditions and history, connecting guests with entrepreneurs in the community through “food, drink, and storytelling.”

See More: Halloween Events Happening in Montclair + Essex County for 2025

The post Jersey City Local Hosting Hispanic Heritage Month Food Tour in Kearny appeared first on Hoboken Girl.