Cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey have been at the forefront of discussions since the legalization of marijuana in 2022. Many eager entrepreneurs are looking to get involved in the ever-growing cannabis industry — and among them is a New Jersey-based celebrity who just opened a dispensary here in Hudson County. Rapper and actor Ice-T has teamed up with The Medicine Woman co-owner, Charis Burrett, to open a cannabis dispensary in Jersey City in March 2025.  As of January 6th, 2025, the dispensary has closed. Read on for what we know about Ice-T’s Jersey City-based dispensary, The Medicine Woman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Medicine Woman New Jersey (@themedwomannj)

About The Medicine Woman

The Medicine Woman was founded by Charis Burrett and her husband, Luke Burrett, back in 2019. It initially began as a California-based non-profit, where it delivered over 300 products to its patients, according to the website.

“Our mission at The Medicine Woman is to provide a full-spectrum of global plant medicines to benefit the health and wellness of our local communities,” the website reads. “We have now expanded to offer more than 1,000 products, have launched our own multi-collection private label product line, and are currently in the development phase of launching our 2nd brick and mortar location.” The second brick-and-mortar location is the recently opened Jersey City spot — and the first is located in Bellflower, California.

Read More: Hoboken Dispensary The Station Adds Recreational Sales

The Jersey City Dispensary

Ice-T, also known as Tracy Lauren Marrow, has been in the public eye for decades now. He is known for being a rapper and, more recently, an actor, portraying Fin on Law & Order: SVU. Ice-T and Charis have been close friends for a long time, per Forbes. The collaboration makes a lot of sense; Charis is an expert in cannabis, while Ice-T is deeply familiar with the cannabis industry’s historically disproportionate impact on minority populations. Plus, Ice-T is also well-acquainted with New Jersey. He was born in Newark, grew up in Summit, and currently lives in Edgewater, New Jersey.

“I’ve dedicated my life and career to giving back and paving the way for minorities,” Ice-T previously said in a statement. “As a New Jersey native, I’m excited for the opportunity legalization offers our community, and I look forward to ushering in a new era for cannabis in the state.”

On July 25th, 2022, Jersey City’s Cannabis Control Board approved four Class 5 cannabis applicants — including The Medicine Woman. The other applicants were MedUSA NJ, LLC; Oceanfront Holdings LLC; and The Other Side Dispensary LLC, per TapInto. The Jersey City Cannabis Control Board is in charge of creating and enforcing all things cannabis. All local dispensaries must receive its approval.

The Medicine Woman, which was hoping for a fall 2022 opening, is said to have 5,000-square-feet of retail space, and sells merchandise as well as New Jersey cannabis brands. According to TapInto in 2022, The Medicine Woman had already partnered with some local non-profits, including The Last Prisoner Project, Jersey City Employment and Training Program, Jersey City Mural and Arts Program, and Hudson County Community College.

Updates as of January 2024

In January 2024, The Medicine Woman was “approved by the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) Wednesday,” January 17th, to sell recreational marijuana, per NJ.com.  In a statement to NJ.com following the approval, Ice-T’s partner Charis said, “We could not be more ecstatic… We are so thankful to Jersey City and everyone involved that has helped us to get to this point.”

At the time, the duo planned to open The Medicine Woman at 660-684 Tonnelle Avenue in the spring or summer of 2024.

See More: New Cannabis Dispensary Nightjar is Open in Bloomfield

Updates as of March 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Medicine Woman New Jersey (@themedwomannj)

The Medicine Woman is now in its soft opening stages in Jersey City as of Thursday, March 27th, 2025, per an Instagram post from the team. The grand opening celebration will be held on the weekend of April 19th and 20th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Medicine Woman New Jersey (@themedwomannj)

January 2026 Closure

An HG reader flagged that the dispensary may have closed over the New Year. As of January 6th, 2026, the Jersey City location of the Medicine Woman has disappeared from the company’s website. The Google listing for the business shows it as ‘permanently closed.’ The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the business for more information and will update this piece when we hear back. 

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 Ice-T’s Dispensary ‘The Medicine Woman’ Closes in Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Crumbl Cookies, a cookie bakery chain with locations in New Jersey, has recently announced that its Jersey City location has permanently closed. Located at 318 Grove Street, the location has shut down as of Saturday, January 3rd. Keep reading to learn about Crumbl’s closure in Jersey City + what it means for the chain.

^the sign posted on the exterior of Crumbl in Jersey City

Crumbl Cookies in Jersey City Closed + What it Means

Crumbl Cookies is a nationally-known gourmet cookie brand that has over 1000 locations in the United States and North America. Aside from its US locations, there are also two Crumbl outposts in Puerto Rico. It is best known for its freshly-baked cookies, with flavors rotating weekly. The store has a lineup of six different cookies each week — options include tres leches cake, chocolate peanut butter pie, key lime pie cookie, semi-sweet chocolate chunk, chocolate cake batter, wafer featuring Kit Kat®, iced oatmeal, and cookie dough bites. The weekly specials have become a social media favorite, with discussion forums, fan sites, and reviews about the new and upcoming flavors. It has also been known for its numerous celebrity collabs and viral TikToks, so this news in Jersey City comes as somewhat of a surprise.

Read More: 94 Spots That Prove Hudson County, NJ is a Foodie Destination

The Jersey City location at 318 Grove Street was widely anticipated: HG first reported on its opening in July 2024. It opened in February 2025. This marks less than a year of operation for the location, which opened in February of 2025.

As of January 3rd, 2026, the Grove Street location is now shuttered. Details on why the location closed are not available, but it aligns with a nationwide trend of Crumbl locations shutting down: locations in 11 states have closed recently. However, there are still several Crumbl locations for fans in the North Jersey and Jersey Shore areas, including Union, Clark, North Brunswick, and Holmdel. It’s worth noting this comes the same month as national, VC-backed chain Sprinkles Cupcakes announced its permanent closure of all stores.

There is no information on plans for the now-vacant space, but we will update this article as we receive more information.

See More: 10 of the Most Aesthetic Restaurants at the Jersey Shore

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.

News

The post Crumbl Cookies in Jersey City Announces Permanent Closure, Less Than a Year After Opening appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

2026 is officially here. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week, from all around the internet — but a special edition because we were OOO last week! Among the local news: after 15 years, Wicked Wolf announces closure in Hoboken; New Jersey Governor drops Turnpike widening plan; and a new 29-story luxury development nears completion in Jersey City. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week — ending on January 5th, 2026. 

Have a news story or press release? Email it to hello@hobokengirl.com for consideration.

This is an editorial article, meaning no one has paid to be in this article and it is just a round up of the latest stories across the internet. 

Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):

• Local Barre to Move to Downtown Hoboken Taking Over Physique 57 Space
• Hoboken Mourns Loss of Bagels on the Hudson Employee
• After 15 Years, Wicked Wolf Announces Closure in Hoboken
• Stevens Institute to Host Inauguration Ceremony for Hoboken Mayor Elect
• Crumbl Cookies Closes in Jersey City
• Wingstop Opens in Former Kong Dog Space in Hoboken
• Weehawken Family Seeks Help to Locate Missing 20-Year-Old Man
• AxD and Little Charm Bar to Move into Alba Boutique in Hoboken
• Man Charged With Murder + Arson Following Kearny Death Investigation
• Hoboken Woman Walking with Her Child Assaulted on Garden Street
• New 29-Story Luxury Development Nears Completion in Jersey City
• New Jersey Governor Drops Turnpike Widening Plan

Local Barre to Move to Downtown Hoboken, Taking Over Physique 57 Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Operators of Local Barre, barre-fitness studio and multi-purpose space located within the Monroe Center at 720 Monroe Street, Suite C300, confirmed to The Hoboken Girl that the business will move to downtown Hoboken in 2026. Local Barre will take the space formerly used by Physique 57 at 104 Hudson Street. Local Barre owners anticipate the move to be complete by the end of January. Read more here.

After 15 Years, Wicked Wolf Announces Closure in Hoboken

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In September of 2025, there were rumors circulating about Hoboken sports bar Wicked Wolf potentially relocating from its current storefront or closing. After hearing news (straight from the source — its owners) that the Wicked Wolf team extended its lease in the same location who shared that they had “no plans to close,” the long-time sports bar announced its closure at 120 Sinatra Drive after 15 years on the first day of 2026. Click here for more.

Hoboken Mourns Loss of Bagels on the Hudson Employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Bagels on the Hudson | Hoboken (@bagelsonthehudson)

Andres, an employee of Bagels on the Hudson, passed away suddenly. He was described by many as the face of the local bagel shop at 802 Washington Street and leaves customers heartbroken by the news of his passing. Bagels on the Hudson shared a post on December 29th in honor of Andres and expressing its sadness for the huge loss.

Crumbl Cookies Closes in Jersey City

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Crumbl (@crumbl)

Crumbl cookie shop has closed for good at 306 Grove Street in Jersey City. The store placed a sign on its window reading “Saturday (1/3/2026) we are closing our doors for good. Thank you Jersey City!”

Wingstop Opens in Former Kong Dog Space in Hoboken

The 502 Washington Street storefront in Hoboken has seen several spots come and go over the years, and now the next chapter is officially here. International chicken wing chain Wingstop has opened its newest Hudson County location in the space most recently occupied by Kong Dog. Click here for more.

AxD and Little Charm Bar to Move into Alba Boutique in Hoboken

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by a X d | style under $100 (@shopataxd)

Hoboken-based shop Alba Boutique is moving its three concepts into one store. Little Charm Bar and a X d are moving into Alba Boutique at 716 Washington Street. The new layout will include an under-$100 edit featuring favorite collections and brands from a X d and an expanded Little Charm Bar presence. 

Hoboken Holds Police and Fire Promotion and Swearing-In Ceremonies 

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

The City of Hoboken recognized multiple members of its Public Safety Department during two ceremonies held on December 23rd at Hoboken City Hall. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the ceremonies celebrated promotions within the Hoboken Police Department and the Hoboken Fire Department, as well as the swearing-in of three new firefighters. All of the promotions take effect immediately.

Weehawken Family Seeks Help to Locate Missing 20-Year-Old Man

A 20-year-old Weehawken man, Emilio Acosta, has been missing since December 18th and his family is seeking the public’s help to locate him. The family says he could be in the midst of a mental health crisis. Per the Hudson County View, Emilio was last seen on December 18 near the intersection of Palisade Avenue and Angelique Street in Weehawken. There has also been a reported sighting of him at the Bergenline Avenue Light Rail Station. Acosta was last seen wearing a cream-colored New York Yankees sweatshirt, a blue Adidas ski jacket, gray sweatpants, and black Timberland boots. Additionally, he is said to weigh about 190 pounds, six feet one inches tall, with brown eyes and brown hair. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Weehawken Police Department at 201-863-7800 or the Missing in American Network Tip Line at 1-844-642-5678.

Closed Jersey City Barcade Puts Liquor License up for Sale

The recently closed Jersey City Barcade is officially putting its liquor license back on the market, though its Founder + CEO is emphasizing that the sale does not signal a permanent exit from the city. Barcade had a 14-year run at 163 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, and was a destination for food, drinks, and of course, games. It closed in April 2025. Now, the bar’s liquor license is for sale, and The Hoboken Girl chatted with Barcade Founder + CEO Paul Kermizian about the latest update. Click here for more.

Man Charged With Murder + Arson Following Kearny Death Investigation

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Kearny Police Department are investigating the death of a male that occurred on December 20, 2025. Per a County of Hudson press release, at approximately 6:45PM, Kearny Police located a male who was struck by an arrow. The victim, later identified as Pablo Criollo, 45, of Harrison, was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. During the initial investigation, Oscar Feijoo, 44, of Kearny, was identified as a person of interest. Oscar barricaded himself inside of his Kearny home. When members of Hudson County Regional SWAT attempted to make contact with Oscar, several fires were ignited within the home resulting in a multi-alarm fire response. Oscar exited the home armed with knives and was taken into custody shortly before 1PM on December 21st.

Stevens Institute to Host Inauguration Ceremony for Hoboken Mayor Elect

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Emily Jabbour (@emily4hoboken)

The swearing-in ceremony of Mayor-Elect Emily Jabbour and new City Councilmembers will take place at Stevens Institute of Technology on January 15th at 1PM. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. Registration for tickets will open the week of January 5th.

New 29-Story Luxury Development Nears Completion in Jersey City

Construction is nearing completion on The Greyson, a 29-story rental building at 25 Cottage Street in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood. Per TAPinto Hoboken, developed by Nasser Freres, The Greyson will offer 622 studio to three-bedroom rental homes, hospitality-inspired amenities, and a curated living experience, located near the Journal Square PATH station. Click here to view the new teaser website where prospective residents can join a priority list to be among the first to be contacted upon the leasing launch in February 2026. 

Hoboken Woman Walking with Her Child Assaulted on Garden Street

A Hoboken woman was assaulted on Saturday, December 20th, while walking on Garden Street with her toddler. Hoboken Police Spokeswoman Marci Rubin confirmed the incident to the Hoboken Girl and shared more information. Click here for more.

New Jersey Governor Drops Turnpike Widening Plan

Governor Phil Murphy announced on December 19th that the most controversial part of a $10.6 billion plan to widen the New Jersey Turnpike extension from Bayonne through Jersey City has been dropped. Per the Hudson County View, Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon is celebrating the revised Turnpike expansion project, but still believes more changes are needed. The changes to the projects are anticipated to save approximately $500 million in total costs to the estimated $11.7 billion project.

Electric Picks Jewelry Donates Gift Bags to CASA Teen Girls

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hudson County CASA (@hudsoncasa)

For the second year in a row, Electric Picks has donated gift bags filled with jewelry, beauty products, and more to CASA teen girls in foster care. CASA is a non-profit that supports volunteers who advocate for foster children. The organization shared a post on Instagram to express gratitude to Electric Picks for helping to make the holidays brighter for the teen girls.

New Businesses Coming to Hoboken and Jersey City in 2026

Several businesses have announced plans to open in 2026 in Hoboken and Jersey City, including well-known fitness companies, fast-casual eateries, and other establishments. Click here for more.

Hoboken Announces Winter Art Programs for Youth

Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs announced registration for youth and young adult art programs launched on December 17th for the winter season on RecDesk. Click here for more information including program fees.

Bayonne Breaks Ground on New Ferry Terminal

Officials from the City of Bayonne, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and New York Waterway broke ground on a new ferry terminal on December 17th at the former Military Ocean Terminal. Per the Hudson County View, in order to have a location for the ferry, the city is obtaining 2.3 acres of land from the Port Authority for $4.4 million. Of those 2.3 acres, 1.6 acres will be used for the ferry terminal and a parking facility, and 0.7 acres will be used for expanding the local waterfront walkway.

Hoboken Adopts North End Redevelopment Agreements

Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the City of Hoboken announced the adoption of four Redevelopment Agreements for the North End Rehabilitation Area. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the agreements, negotiated between Mayor Bhalla and Park Willow, LLC (Rockefeller Group), allow redevelopment projects at four sites to move forward, delivering affordable housing, public open space, protected bike lanes, and a new municipal parking garage.

Hudson Pride Center Receives New Jersey Budget Appropriation

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hudson Pride Center announced via a press release that for the first time in our organization’s history, we have received a direct appropriation in the New Jersey State Budget. The $850,000 allocation marks a historic moment for Hudson Pride and a powerful statement of support from state leaders for LGBTQ+ communities across Hudson County. Hudson Pride Center will use these funds to bolster its LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness programming, increase access to mental health and HIV prevention services, and further develop inclusive support spaces for youth, elders, and transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Hoboken Partners with New On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging Operator

Photo Credit: City of Hoboken

The City of Hoboken announced that Jolt Charge, Inc. (Jolt) will become the new operator of 14 of the city’s on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging stations beginning January 5th, providing additional revenue and services to the city and community. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the transition follows approval by the Hoboken City Council and a competitive procurement process to ensure continued operation and maintenance of the city’s on-street EV charging infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers. Under the new agreement, Jolt will operate and maintain the 14 on-street EV charging stations at no cost to the city and pay 54% more in monthly rent than the previous operator. This increased revenue will be reinvested into essential municipal services, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability initiatives, to help advance the city’s Climate Action goals of achieving net-zero energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

Event Requests for Hoboken Facilities and Public Spaces Open on 1/20

Event requests for city facilities, including block parties, 5K runs, and more, will open on January 20th at 10AM. Reservations will be available online through RecDesk. The City encourages everyone to register early to secure their preferred event dates. Events will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Events must be submitted at least 45 days in advance to be considered for approval. For additional assistance or questions, please contact events@hobokennj.gov.

Lawsuit by Would-Be Hoboken Cannabis Dispensary Allowed to Proceed, Alleging ‘Bribe’ in Permit Denial

Superior Court Appellate Court Judges Robert Gilson, Lisa Perez Friscia, and Robert Vinci ruled in favor of Nature’s Touch, the would-be Hoboken medical cannabis dispensary, allowing the business’s lawsuit against the City of Hoboken and outgoing Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. According to the Hudson County View, Nature’s Touch alleges that it learned of an alleged quid-pro-quo arrangement between Mayor Bhalla and Steven Fulop, the outgoing mayor of Jersey City, through a lawsuit brought against the City by former employee Pantaleo Pellegrini. Nature’s Touch had already been approved by the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission when its application was denied by the City.

The post 23 Hoboken + Jersey City News Stories This Week | January 5, 2026 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

This article is sponsored by Harborside Sport + Spine.

Between long workdays and packed weekend calendars, prioritizing health can easily slip down the to-do list. For Hudson County locals seeking a proactive, natural approach to wellness, Harborside Sport + Spine in downtown Jersey City provides personalized, whole-body care focused on long-term health without relying on medication or surgery. Located at 75 Montgomery Street, Suite 603, this modern wellness practice emphasizes restoring balance, improving movement, and supporting overall well-being through evidence-based, holistic treatments — making it a go-to destination for comprehensive chiropractic care, physical therapy, and integrative wellness services in Jersey City. Read on to learn more about this all-in-one wellness hub in downtown Jersey City.

A Whole-Body Approach to Wellness

At the core of Harborside Sport + Spine is a mission centered on empowering individuals to take an active role in their health through care that supports the physical, mental, and emotional body. Rather than relying on quick fixes, the team prioritizes prevention, education, and sustainable wellness through customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

The practice specializes in hands-on, personalized care that supports the body’s natural ability to heal and function—without immediately turning to medication or invasive procedures. This approach resonates with those seeking long-term solutions for pain management, mobility challenges, and overall wellness optimization.

Services Offered at Harborside Sport + Spine

As a comprehensive wellness hub, Harborside Sport + Spine provides a range of services that can be thoughtfully combined to meet individual needs, including:

• Chiropractic Care to restore alignment, improve movement, and relieve pain
• Physical Therapy focuses on strengthening, rehabilitation, and injury prevention
• Massage Therapy to reduce tension, improve circulation, and support recovery
• Acupuncture for pain relief, stress reduction, and overall balance
• Spinal Decompression to relieve pressure and support spinal health
• Regenerative Medicine designed to promote healing at the cellular level

Personalized Care Without the Wait

Efficiency and respect for patients’ time are central to the Harborside Sport + Spine experience. The team takes pride in seeing patients within 10 minutes of their scheduled appointment, making it easier for busy professionals and families to prioritize wellness without disrupting the rest of the day.

This emphasis on timeliness, paired with a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, creates a seamless and supportive experience from start to finish.

What Sets Harborside Sport + Spine Apart

Harborside Sport + Spine stands out for its drug-free, non-surgical philosophy paired with a collaborative, patient-first approach. With multiple services available under one roof, patients can receive comprehensive care without traveling between offices — an important benefit for those managing chronic pain or recovering from injuries.

An emphasis on education and long-term wellness ensures that patients leave not only feeling better, but also better equipped to maintain their health moving forward.

Visit Harborside Sport & Spine

Harborside Sport + Spine is located at 75 Montgomery Street, Suite 603, in downtown Jersey City. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit harborsidespine.com and follow along on social media:

Instagram: @harborside_spine
Facebook: Harborside Sport & Spine
Twitter/X: @HarborsideSpine

From injury recovery to preventative care, Harborside Sport + Spine brings a holistic, efficient, and personalized approach to wellness to the heart of Hudson County.

The post All About Harborside Sport + Spine, a Holistic Wellness Clinic in Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

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.

For the holiday revelers who have enjoyed the pine scent of a real Christmas tree at home this season, the unfortunate part you’ve dreaded is here — taking down the tree. From squeezing it through narrow brownstone doorways to elevators filled with needles to wrapping your tree in a fitted sheet like a dead body, sometimes it feels like the tree always wins. Luckily, we’re here to help with what to do — and not do — when it’s time to take down the Christmas tree. Read on to learn what to do to safely and responsibly dispose of your tree in Northern New Jersey.

Christmas Tree Do’s

Municipalities throughout New Jersey all have their tree collection schedules. In most cases, the trees are chipped and made into mulch, which is often freely available to residents.

Hoboken — Trees should be placed at the curb on Tuesday or Thursday evenings after 7:30 PM (after 9:00 PM on Washington Street).

Jersey City — Place your tree curbside Wednesday evening between the hours of 7:00 PM + 10:00 PM. Trees are picked up every Thursday citywide through January 29th.

Weehawken — Curbside pick-up is easy, but needs to be arranged with the Department of Public Works.

Montclair — The Parks and Shade Tree Division at the Department of Community Services will collect Christmas trees from curbside throughout January weekly.

Read More: A Guide to Parking in Hoboken During a Snowstorm

Christmas Tree Don’ts

For curbside pickup, Christmas trees must be free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, stands, and anything else that isn’t a tree. Do not wrap the tree or put it in a garbage bag. Wreaths and garlands are not part of the municipal tree pickup. You’ll have to put those with your regular garbage.

It should go without saying that you cannot recycle your artificial Christmas tree, but we’ll still say it here just in case.

Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire. It’s also worth noting that coniferous needles contain nitrogen and substances called terpenes, which are highly toxic when burned, making the smoke unsafe.

Fire Hazard

Strictly speaking, a real Christmas tree is always a fire hazard. As the needles start to dry out, that fire risk increases. Four weeks, continuously replenishing the water, is the generally recommended time for safely keeping your tree up. That’s separate from the tradition that directs Christmas tree removal 12 nights after Christmas (yes, like the song), on the Christian day of the Epiphany, January 6th, that celebrates the three Wise Men who followed a star to make it a bit late for the baby Jesus welcoming party.

If you’ve invested in an artificial tree, all rules are off. Feel free to keep that baby up year-round as a coat rack, fully decorated for Christmas in July, or for whatever purpose you wish.

Get Crafty

Everyone is a maker these days. The more techie our work lives get, the more we want to construct something with our hands. Your old Christmas tree offers up quite a few potential projects if you aren’t quite ready to kick it to the curb.

Wider parts of the tree’s trunk can be cut into tree rounds and used for all sorts of things. You can make coasters and trivets from the rounds and tic-tac-toe game sets from assorted pieces. Cut a groove in a piece of wood for a card stand to keep your wifi login on display for guests. Make fresh-scented sachets from the needles. Bird feeders are an easy project and act of kindness to the birds: cut a foot-long branch off your tree, cover it in peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, hang it from a tree outside, and start waiting for spring.

See More: Cozy Things to Do in Montclair This Winter

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 How to Properly Dispose of Your Christmas Tree appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Winter in Hoboken and Jersey City is cozy despite the city vibes: quiet streets, warm cafés, comfort food, and any excuse to slow things down a bit. But if you find yourself defaulting to scrolling when the temps drop, you’re not alone (we’re doing it too!). That’s why we put together a phone-free winter guide filled with cozy, indoor, creative, and local activities designed to help you unplug and actually experience Hoboken + Jersey City this season. The irony is not lost on us that you’re probably reading this from your phone, but we all have to start somewhere, right?  From pottery classes and paint-and-sip nights to ramen crawls, bookstores, and wellness workshops, this list is all about being present (and staying warm while you do it). Read on for the Hoboken Girl’s Guide to a Phone-Free Winter. 

Click here to download the full Phone-Free Winter Guide (PDF)

Why Go Phone-Free This Winter?

Winter invites us to slow down, and leaning into that energy can make the season feel grounding instead of gloomy. Choosing phone-free activities helps create space for creativity, connection, and calm (plus, it’s a great excuse to support local businesses). We’re not experts at this, but we’re trying right along with you.

This guide was curated with:

• Cozy indoor experiences
• Hands-on crafts & workshops
• Local food, drink, and culture
• Activities that feel intentional, not rushed

This guide is for anyone looking for something different to do on a cold winter weekend, planning a phone-free date night, trying to beat seasonal burnout, or craving a slower pace. It’s meant to be saved, printed, or shared, but just something you can actually use (and print, if you’re being really hardcore).

Once you put your phone down (after this last click, of course!), grab a coat, and lean into winter around Hoboken and Jersey City. There’s plenty to do once you stop scrolling!
We’ll see you in the great outdoors (or online, but less frequently when possible – tricky for a team of journalists).

Download the curated Phone-Free Winter Guide for Hoboken + Jersey City

The post 25+ Analog Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City to Do This Winter appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Hoboken and Jersey City have lots of possibilities when it comes to learning a new skill or creating a masterpiece of your own. DIY classes can be fun as a solo day, a date night or a group activity. Locally, there are several classes and events that will get the creative juices flowing and improve various skills. Read on to learn more about DIY classes and events in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.

Hoboken

Atelier Sucre | 720 Monroe Street

Located in the Monroe Center, Atelier Sucré is a cooking studio where local bakers and home cooks can take group and private cooking classes and learn to make sweet French pastries like croissants, gluten-free macarons, and tarts + madeleines, as well as savory Northeast classics like New York-style bagels and homemade pasta and pizza.

ArteVino Studio | 720 Monroe Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Turning into a painter for a night is not as hard as it may seem with the guidance of the skilled instructors at ArteVino. Located in the Monroe Center, ArteVino regularly hosts paint classes where guests are guided through how to recreate an artistic masterpiece. Or, for those who are more advanced and want to try painting on their own, the studio has open-access options. To check out the full schedule and book a class, click here. 

Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street #C414

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Blue Skies Pottery is one of the few one-time pottery locations in the area. It’s located inside the Monroe Center and allows guests to try their hand at a potters’ wheel during one-time classes or by signing up for a multi-week course. Individual events are also offered for various groups or to hone certain skills. Reservations are required and can be made on the site here.  

Read More: This Artist Creates Wearable Art With Nods to Hoboken + NYC

Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street

Hudson Table is one of Hudson County’s most popular DIY class locations. At Hudson Table, guests can expect a highly interactive cooking class with renowned chef instructors. The hands-on classes have themed menus that cover a wide range of cuisines including Italian Bistro, Spanish Tapas, Texan Steakhouse, and more. The classes sell out quickly, but booking alerts can be made on the Hudson Table website. To book a class, click here.

Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ivy Mane Studio promises a ‘more creative you’ through its DIY concrete-pouring workshops. This Hoboken art studio has a variety of classes where participants can make items such as vases, ashtrays, table games, and more. Workshop pricing ranges from $75 + up, or private events can be hosted to celebrate any occasion. To learn more about upcoming classes and to register, click here.

Sushi Making Class at Saku Hoboken | 936 Park Avenue

Saku Hoboken provides a lesson in the art of sushi making without an expensive plane ticket to Japan. Its “Rolling with the Homies” sushi class is great for an individual activity, a date night, or for a group of friends. Each guest will learn how to make rice wine vinegar and three sushi rolls. Tickets are $75 and classes are provided on Tuesdays from 6PM-8PM. To learn more, click here.

Tipsy Tie-Dye | 155 1st Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Partying with color is the vibe at Tipsy Tie-Dye. Guests can choose from any items for sale in the shop such as sweatshirts, pants, and t-shirts to dye or items can be brought in from home to dye. Tickets are open to guests of all ages until 5:30PM and then the venue turns to adults-only from 5:30PM-10:30PM. The classes are not formal, but Tipsy Tie-Dye team members are available to help guests with the process. To learn more about getting a reservation or booking a private event, click here.

Urban Arts | 720 Monroe Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Urban Arts is a children’s art studio located in the Monroe Center. In addition to the wide range of programs provided for children, Urban Arts can be booked for a DIY class private event for guests of any age. Instructors are ready to assist with art mediums like pastels, acrylic paints, watercolors, colored pencils, and more. To learn more and inquire about pricing, click here.

Jersey City

Academy Darkroom | 279 Pine Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Photography  is a true art form and Academy Darkroom in Jersey City is a great place to learn. Students can learn how to shoot on a film camera and how to develop film. Classes are provided by the semester and sign-ups are available throughout the year. To learn more and to sign up for a course, click here. 

Art Mango | 269 Varick Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After a session at Art Mango, you’ll be asking “Picasso who?” Art Mango is a paint and sip studio that hosts painting parties with small businesses in Jersey City. Instructors will guide students through re-creating a beautiful painting regardless of skill level. To check out which paintings are coming up next and to book a spot, click here.

Atacama Clay Studio | 273 New York Avenue, Studio #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Would-be artists can unleash their inner potter at Atacama Clay Studio in Jersey City. This pottery studio has a class type for everyone: those who are just looking to try their hand at the wheel in a one-time class or, those looking to master the art, there are semester-long classes and membership opportunities. Skilled instructors are available at each session to guide students through the art of pottery and answer questions. To learn more about the class types and to secure a spot, click here.

Betty’s Ceramic Club + Supply Co | 224 9th Street

Betty’s Ceramic Club is located on 9th Street in Jersey City. This pottery haven has opportunities for beginners and advanced potters alike through membership options, six-week sessions, four-week short classes and even one-time opportunities. Betty’s also invites those who want to share the art with family and friends to celebrate special occasions with the shop’s party and event packages. To learn more about offerings and to book a class, click here.

Mosaic Art Studio | 411 Monmouth Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Participants can learn the art of Turkish lamp-making right in Hoboken. Mosaic Art Studio, located inside the Mission 50 co-working space, provides both a history lesson and an opportunity to make a creative piece. Guests start with a briefing on the history of Turkish lamp-making before being guided through how to make their own. As the project dries, guests are treated to Turkish treats before getting a grout kit to complete the project at home. To pre-book tickets and to learn more, click here.

Youssoufiani | 33 Wayne Street

Youssoufiani was founded by Armenian-born Ani Youssoufian in 2024. The studio is focused on leather craftsmanship, highlighting handbags and other accessories as DIY projects. Ani welcomes students of all skill-levels, inviting them to customize their one-of-a-kind designs through techniques like embossing and monograms. To learn more about the studio and to reserve a spot, click here. 

See More: Hackensack’s Union Street Park: Part of an Expanding Art + Graffiti Scene

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 14 DIY Activities to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Dear Hoboken Girl readers and friends,

2025 kicked off with our 13th birthday, and we’ve been constantly reminded of the path we’ve been on and how much more there is to learn. 

One constant has been you: our readers, supporters, commenters, neighbors, and friends. It truly feels like we’ve created a little community here on the internet (and IRL in Hoboken + Jersey City), and that’s the whole point. The DMs, the emails, the shares, the reads, the laughs, the stories — it’s all what brings us together at the end of the day. Thank you for the encouragement as we explore what makes where we live so interesting, and as our team of journalists connects you to the most crucial pieces of our neighborhoods, which include the good and the challenging.

Something we’re teeing up for January 2026 is a focus on screen-free activities (because we haven’t met a single person who isn’t trying to cut back!), and to kick that off, we rounded up 25 screen-free things to do in Hudson County (reminds us of our Unplugged #HobokenGirlSocial circa 2019, tbh…). 

Analog 2026 is where we’re at — and realizing that we’re writing this FROM the internet feels a little hypocritical and meta, but you get the idea.

But, in the meantime, we’re closing the year with our own TLG highlight reel, sharing some of the things that happened in 2025 that we’re most proud of. 

• Supporting non-profits: We were able to support over 15 local non-profit organizations through our initiatives, including the HG Puppy Bowl, our HG Women’s Networking Event, and the Hoboken Girl Breakfast Sandwich, totaling over $3,000 raised for Wise Animal Rescue and over $10,000 raised for Hudson County CASA + Hoboken Public Education Foundation, as well as donating $10,000 ($1000 each to 10 local non-profits in the New Jersey area) to local non-profits of our readers choosing for Giving Tuesday.
• Along those lines, we launched The Local Girl Gives! This is something we’ve been doing since 2017 with our Hoboken Girl Helps initiatives, where we volunteer in-person with groups of our readers and organize ways to give back, and this year we were able to donate $10,000 10 NJ non-profits ($1000 each), based on who you shared with us. The non-profits we gave back to included:
  • New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children;
  • The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum
  • Guttenberg Arts; the Hudson Pride Center;
  • Waterspirit;
  • Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund
  • Whole Spectrum Autism;
  • FARAH: Foundation for Arab American Heritage;
  • Wise Animal Rescue; and
  • The Forest School at Tenafly Nature Center
• We launched a new interface of our site, and parent brand, The Local Girl
• We redesigned our sites and launched our newest sister site, The Fairfax Girl in FFX, Virginia. 

We spotlighted dozens of adoptable animals, and of course, countless small businesses and community members who are what make our communities what they are. We also covered the Hoboken election, including polling all the Mayoral and Council candidates on their visions; looked into crime statistics in Hoboken; figured out why there are so many coffee shops in town; and did the deep investigative journalism of organizing all the pizza slices in Hoboken by price. 

We’ll still be posting a bit here and there, but our core team will be OOO from December 25th to January 4th.

Our out-of-office messages are up, our DMs will have an auto-reply, and we’ll be a bit off the grid this week. On January 5th, we’ll be back with regular content. You’re welcome to send us tips at any time to hello@hobokengirl.com + @thehobokengirl on Instagram, but they’ll be read upon our return.

See you next year! 

The Hoboken Girl Team 

The post The <em>Hoboken Girl </em> Team’s Holiday Message appeared first on Hoboken Girl.