This article is sponsored by Willow Lake Day Camp.

Winter is in full force here in Northern New Jersey: zipped coats, chilly mornings, packed schedules, and spring still feeling far away. But if you’re a New Jersey parent already dreaming of summer, you’re not alone — and camp sign-ups and seasons come quickly. Between juggling busy schedules and counting down the days until warmer weather returns, it’s only natural to start picturing sunshine-filled days, outdoor adventures, and those classic summer camp memories that kids (and parents) talk about for years.

The good news? That magic exists. Located at 200 State Route 181 in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, Willow Lake Day Camp has been bringing summer magic to local families for more than 40 years. Trusted year after year, the camp focuses on what matters most to parents: communication, safety, and the assurance that every child is cared for throughout the day. Read on to learn more about what sets Willow Lake Day Camp apart from other New Jersey summer camps.

Why Families Choose Willow Lake

Parents today have no shortage of summer camp options in New Jersey. What truly sets Willow Lake apart is its attention to every detail and every camper,  along with its excellent communication and a warm, caring atmosphere. With age-appropriate facilities and equipment and a dynamic program that grows with campers as they get older, every child is seen, supported, and valued. Nothing is treated as “minor,” whether it’s managing allergies and health concerns or sunscreen applications and daily check-ins.

“Families often say Willow Lake feels more like a sleepaway camp experience with the comfort of coming home every night,” according to its Director, Charles Maltzman.

Set on 35 acres along the north shore of Lake Hopatcong, Willow Lake is a family-owned and operated camp that has been welcoming campers ages 3-15 since 1980. Families come from across Hudson, Essex, Morris, and Union Counties, including many right here in Montclair and the surrounding area, and are drawn by the camp’s reputation for safety, variety, and care.

A Day at Willow Lake

At Willow Lake, the day doesn’t just start when campers arrive. It starts the moment kids get on the bus. Bus rides are fully programmed with games, trivia, and age-appropriate music playlists, setting the tone for a fun, engaging day. Upon arrival, campers are greeted by smiling counselors and brought to their designated arrival areas before jumping into a well-balanced schedule of Aquatics, Athletics, Arts, and Adventure.

Younger campers are exposed to a wide variety of activities, while campers entering 2nd grade and older begin to customize part of their day through elective choice, which builds their independence and confidence over time. The facilities are thoughtfully designed so even the youngest campers can hit a homer, zip line, climb, swim, and create art in spaces built just for them.

With four heated pools, campers receive daily small-group swim instruction from one of Willow Lake’s 40 certified lifeguards, followed by recreational swim time to cool off in the afternoon. It’s the kind of place where kids feel confident, cared for, and excited to come back each day- sign us up!

Across the property, campers get access to:

• 20 sports fields and courts
• 2 lakes for boating and fishing
• 15 dedicated art areas
• 6 zip lines and 3 adventure parks
• 2 cooking studios
• A full theater program featuring productions like Shrek, The Lion King, and Wicked

No two days feel the same, and every day is intentionally structured to balance fun, growth, and safety.

Keeping Campers Safe at Willow Lake

Safety is at the heart of everything Willow Lake Day Camp does. The camp employs over 150 teachers and nearly 200 high school and college-aged staff members, many of whom return year after year. Two full-time team members focus just on hiring and staffing, making sure every program has the best people in place. Each camper has 2 – 4 dedicated counselors, depending on age, so there is always a familiar face around and every activity is supervised by trained adults, coaches, or teachers.

Willow Lake’s 40-person Leadership Team includes educators, school counselors, and seven full-time registered nurses, overseeing two fully staffed on-site health centers. The owners and directors work year-round planning for camp and are on-site every single day throughout the summer, making sure everything runs smoothly and every camper feels supported.

Hands-on Leadership and Expert Directors at Willow Lake

For many families, Willow Lake represents important firsts. The first time sending a child to a non-local camp, the first time their kid rides the bus, and the first step toward independence. The directors take that responsibility seriously, creating a true partnership with parents built on trust and communication.

As parents themselves, the leadership team pays attention to both the obvious and the overlooked, from hydration and sunscreen to emotional support, confidence-building, and teaching the “soft skills” that screens can’t. Their philosophy centers on helping campers grow, try new things, build friendships, and gain skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

A great camp experience isn’t just about what happens during the day. It is also about peace of mind for parents. At Willow Lake, details like transportation, meals, and communication are thoughtfully planned to help ensure campers are safe, happy, and well cared for.

Transportation
The camp offers central-location bus pickups in many surrounding towns. Buses are seatbelt-equipped, inspected daily, and driven by professional, year-round drivers. Two Willow Lake counselors ride each bus to ensure both safety and fun, and fewer stops mean quicker, safer rides.

Food & Allergies
Campers receive a morning snack, a full hot lunch, and an afternoon ice pop each day. Willow Lake works with an experienced caterer who serves school districts and is fully equipped to handle allergies and special dietary needs like celiac, kosher, and more. All of the camp is nut and seed free. Lunch includes hot meals plus salad, pasta, bagel, and sandwich bars, fresh fruit, yogurt, and more, with staff seated alongside campers to ensure everyone is eating well.

Communication
“Clear, consistent communication is incredibly important to us,” says Charles Maltzman, Director at Willow Lake. “From prompt responses to calls and emails to weekly newsletters and daily access to more than 1,000 private photos, we want families to feel connected to their child’s camp experience every step of the way.” Willow Lake is widely praised for its customer service and transparent communication. Families receive prompt responses to calls and emails, weekly newsletters, and access to over 1,000 private photos posted daily, so parents can truly see their child’s camp experience unfold.

All Camp. All the Time.

Sure, it may be winter right now, but those warm lake days will be here before we know it. When they arrive, Willow Lake Day Camp is ready to deliver what they promise year after year: Best. Summer. Ever.

The best summer memories don’t happen by accident; they’re built with intention. From carefully planned activities to safe, caring staff, every detail is designed so campers can have fun, grow, and make memories that last a lifetime.

To learn more about dates, rates, and enrollment, visit Willow Lake Day Camp’s website. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram for a peek into daily camp life and upcoming summer fun. Because the best summer memories start now- even in the middle of winter.

The post This North Jersey Day Camp Has Been a Favorite Since the ‘80s appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

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.

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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A post shared by Local Barre (@localbarre)

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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A post shared by Wicked Wolf | Bar & Restaurant (@wickedwolfhoboken)

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.

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.

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.

The post 10 Best Things in 2025 That Happened at The Local Girl appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The new year is right around the corner, and among the many things to look forward to are the many incoming business openings. 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. Read on for more about new businesses coming to Hoboken + Jersey City in 2026.

Hoboken

Caña Coffee + Bakery | 254 9th Street
Caña Coffee + Bakery is a women- and Latina-owned coffee shop and bakery with coffees and sweets.

City Fitness | 38 Jackson Street + 1000 Maxwell Street
Philadelphia-based fitness facility City Fitness will open two locations in Hoboken in 2026. 

Cuban Pete’s | 518 Washington Street
Cuban Pete’s, a BYOB Cuban restaurant in Montclair, New Jersey, is moving into the former Charrito’s space at 518 Washington Street. As of December 2025, a sign on the building says ‘coming soon.’ 

Dumbo Market | 38 Jackson Street
This southwestern Hoboken store will be a Dumbo Market, under the same name as the originally Brooklyn-based grocer.

Dutch’s Sandwich Shop | 86 Garden Street 
Popular Montclair-based Dutch’s Sandwich Shop will open its second location here in the Mile Square in early 2026. 

Duo Donuts + Matcha | 205 12th Street
The space used to be an architect’s office. The red brick building fits snugly between residential buildings and has a large window providing natural light.

Read more: NJ-Based Feedback Platform Twocents Arrives in Hoboken + Jersey City 

Greens, Goods, + Grill | 603 Washington Street 
This new spot will be a convenience store with a fresh kitchen. G3 is designed for the health-conscious individual with a busy lifestyle. It is located in the former Giovanni’s location. 

Lenwich | 95 Hudson Street
Lenwich is a NYC-based restaurant serving up breakfast and lunch, and will open its Hoboken location in early 2026. 

Nana’s Dumpling + Dim Sum | 38 Jackson Street
This Colorado-based dumpling and dim sum shop will open in the new Southend Lofts building. It will be the company’s first New Jersey location.

One Medical |  251-257 14th Street
Medical provider One Medical will take over the ground-floor retail space in the Constantine building, the former site of the Malibu Diner. 

Pura Vida | TBD 
This Miami-based fast-casual salad, smoothie, and sandwich chain will open its first New Jersey location in Hoboken in 2026. 

Saoco Cafe | 601 Jefferson Street
This is a new coffee shop. 

Small Door Vet | TBD 
According to a social media campaign, Small Door Vet plans to open a Hoboken location in 2026. 

Springbone Kitchen | 506 Washington Street 
The fast-casual brand is best known for its bone broth and protein bowls, and will open on Washington Street in early 2026. 

Starbucks | 1404 Willow Avenue 
A Starbucks location will open in uptown Hoboken, and there are rumors that it will be a Starbucks Reserve location. 

SWTHZ | 1125 Maxwell Lane Suite b150, Hoboken + 25 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City
SWTHZ, or sweathouse, is where hot meets cold. The fitness recovery center combines the power of infrared saunas and cold plunges for optimal mental and physical performance and wellness. As of December 2025, no opening date for either Hoboken or Jersey City location has been shared, but both addresses are listed as “coming soon” on the website.

Under Pressure Espresso Bar | 38 Jackson Street
This NYC-based spot will open in the Southend Lofts building. The food menu includes breakfast and lunch staples such as sandwiches and salads, plus pastries and smoothies.

With Love, Valentina | 700 1st Street
A small plates + wine bar called With Love, Valentina will open in Hoboken in 2026, taking the former space of Northern Soul. 

Jersey City

Àbákẹ́ Books + Cafe | 2 Webster Avenue
This spot will be a bookstore, coffee shop, and event venue, all in one.

Brazilian Steakhouse | 366 Palisade Avenue
Signage went up in a long-vacant storefront announcing an incoming Brazilian Steakhouse in the Heights. 

Chelsea Piers | 130 Bay Street
The popular New York City sports facility is expanding to the Jersey side. Located in the Arts + Powerhouse Building in Downtown Jersey City, the fitness space is planned to take over 60,000 square feet and have a rooftop pool, among other amenities. No opening date has been announced for this gym as of December 2025. 

Cornerstone Pilates | Bergen-Lafayette

This is a reformer Pilates studio set to open in Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette area. The exact address is TBA. 

Equinox | 20 Columbus Drive
Plans for Equinox in Jersey City are still unknown. Last year, HG reported the plans for the gym to open at the Harborside 4 complex, located at 20 Columbus Drive. The gym has yet to announce an opening date as of December 2025.

See more: New Jersey Lawmakers Propose Tax Breaks to Save New Jersey Diners

Hashi Market | 75 Park Lane South
Hashi Market, a Japanese market based in NYC is crossing the Hudson River to open up its first New Jersey location soon. The market will be located at 75 Park Lane South, inside the Park + Shore Development, and signage has already been spotted in the windows as locals await more information.

Hudson City Kids | 474 Central Avenue 
This spot will open in Spring 2026. It will be a children’s clothing store and community gathering space for parents. 

Krayon Park | 206 Van Vorst Street, 2nd Floor
This new spot is a kids’ educational facility and playspace. 

The Pilates Market (TPM) |  869 Communipaw Avenue
MKT Ready Fitness Club will open a Pilates-specific studio in March 2026. 

Urban Market | 333 Grand Street
Brooklyn-based Urban Market will open a 10,000+ square foot space on the ground floor of the 333 Grand apartment building in 2026. 

Varsity Pilates | 523 Palisade Avenue
This is a reformer Pilates studio opening in The Heights.

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 New Businesses Coming to Hoboken and Jersey City in 2026 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

2026 has officially arrived and we’ve got you covered with everything to do locally over the next few days in Hoboken and Jersey City by sharing our full events calendar for easy browsing while we’re OOO until 1/5. Below is the link to our calendar with Hoboken + Jersey City events happening from December 26th through January 4th, 2026. Don’t forget — you can also submit your events to our community guide HERE (we approve pending events daily).

Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE.

The Hoboken Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.

Usually, we put out a weekly events guide showcasing 200+(!!) events happening throughout the current week in Hoboken, Jersey City, Hudson County, and greater New Jersey. Since we’re away until 1/5, we’re changing things up a bit and linking our full events calendar so you can peruse all of the local events happening at your convenience.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

Don’t forget — you can submit your own event at any time to our calendar HERE.

See below for a few other fun things to keep you occupied while we’re away.

The post Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years 2026 in Hoboken + Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.