A day in Jersey City Newport. Yup, I went to Jersey City

Written by Carol Cain on 26 October 2010

So after multiple emails of being invited to visit Newport Jersey City (not to be confused with Newport in the Jersey Shore), I finally decided to take the (gasp!) PATH train into NJ. Jamie, my contact, promised me it would only take minutes from NYC. I didn’t believe her, but I went anyway. And it was only minutes (minus the extra minutes this New Yorker got lost looking for the entrance to a PATH station).

From 33rd St. and 6th Avenue, I took a short train ride (about 10-15 minutes) to the Pavonia/Newport station. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean, it’s Jersey City. I had driven out there years ago with my husband in search of affordable apartments and found a not-so-attractive destination, that looked more like the rough areas of Manhattan, or even Brooklyn, then anything else.

But once I exited the station, I walked out onto an incredibly clean and somewhat busy business center. Tall buildings, clean, tee-lined streets, hotels, restaurants, a marina, shops. They were all there. It was like this secret place I never knew about.

I made my way to the newly developed Westin Hotel Newport Jersey City (yes, the one hotel that offers us the comforts of the heavenly beds and products), and met up with my group.

The Westin Hotel with it’s 429 guest rooms, 24-hour fitness center (which by the way also includes a pool perfect for a few laps), and an award-winning staff behind their in-house restaurants is a beautiful location. Spacious and perfect for conferences, weddings, and other events, but also comfortable enough to accommodate those looking to stay near the city, but away from it. With such a short train ride into the city (the first stop is 14th st, then 23rd, then 33rd from Newport) it would be a wonderful option for those looking for a spacious, full-service hotel without the price tag of most NYC hotels. Plus you don’t need a car.

As a matter of fact, my entire visit to Newport Jersey City consisted of walking around. We walked around to visit local businesses such as the Dr. Lager’s office of Gotham City Orthopedics, the newest of his 3 offices. Here patients have access to care made easier through the use of digital X-ray equipment, diagnostic ultrasound and electronic medical records. Very much like the services one would expect to receive in a big city medical office, except instead of running around from center to center, you have it all in one location.

We stopped at Wild@Play, a sister company of Downtown Babies, and indoor play area that also offers activities with music, a jungle gym, martial arts, chess, art, story time, and family events. We stopped by Bambi Baby which supplies families with children all they could ever need to care for and entertain their little ones.

And I mention all of this to highlight the different things the town has to offer. As a matter of fact, I kept hearing it was a favorite shopping destination away from the crowds of the city.

I had the chance to check out one of their restaurants as well. Michael Anthony’s located right on the marina and overlooking the NYC skyline was a wonderful reminder of all the great things off the island of Manhattan. It was quiet, the views were great, and the food delicious! I had a crab bisque and a goat cheese salad and it was truly divine. Their lobster bisque is also a must have!

Another great restaurant option that I heard is a must-try is Azucar on 495 Washington Boulevard. Chef Nick Vasquez’s Cuban sandwich is known best after beating Bobby Flay in a Cuban sandwich “Throwdown” in March of 2009.

But there are many more restaurants in the area that have received great reviews, as well as many other hotel options. Newport Jersey City also hosts plenty of community events throughout the year. It might be fun to take a train ride over to check them out and take part in their Annual Halloween Pet Parade on Sat. Oct. 30.

You don’t have to have to make the decision to move out of the city entirely. But, take note of Newport Jersey City when you need a little break from it.

I had a great day there and know that if you haven’t discovered the area yet, you will be pleasantly surprised when you do!