Braddock Park: A 167-Acre Oasis in Hudson County

Enjoy the great outdoors at Braddock Park, which has been providing a beautiful outdoor recreation space to the Hudson County community since 1910.

Encompassing more than 167 acres, Braddock Park is one of the largest parks in Hudson County. When you visit, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline while you take advantage of all that Braddock Park has to offer. There are 45 various athletic facilities, from tennis and basketball to bocce, football and volleyball. Take in the sights of the 16-acre Woodcliff Lake from 8 miles of walkways and nature trails. Enjoy a picnic in one of the many open green spaces or designated eating areas, take a bike ride or a hike, or bring your furry friend to run around the dog park. For nature lovers, there’s an expansive arboretum and natural wildlife sanctuary, perfect for photographs.

Visit the website to learn more about all that the park has to offer!

Braddock Park
Bergenline Ave
North Bergen, NJ 07047
www.hudsoncountynj.org/braddock-park-north-bergen

Get Acquainted with Delilah at American Bulldog Coffee Roasters

When you stop by American Bulldog Coffee Roasters, do not forget to pet Delilah, the cafe's resident bulldog. Belly rubs are part of the price for this cafe's delicious biscotti, excellent coffee, matcha lattes, and anything else from the menu that is served by a friendly barista including the chai tea, scones, cookies, and muffins. All items are made in house and there are gluten free items available, as well.

Feel free to curl up with a good book or use the free Wi-Fi as you sip on your favorite drink and dine on your favorite pastry. There is plenty of seating and even a private seating area if you need to have a quick meeting or take a personal phone call.

American Bulldog Coffee Roasters is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

American Bulldog Coffee Roasters
31 N Broad St
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 857-4176
www.americanbulldogcoffeeroasters.com/ridgewood

Eat Fresh and Local at the Riverview Farmers’ Market

The Riverview Farmers’ Market is one of the best in the area, providing not only fresh, local produce and foods, but also family-friendly events and entertainment. Located in Jersey City Heights, Riverview Farmers’ Market offers locally grown produce, grass-fed beef, homemade cheeses and butter, free-range eggs and chicken, and baked goods, as well as artisan crafts, soaps, candles and more. While you’re shopping the vast selections of the local farmers’ finest, grab a bite to eat from one of the many food vendors, such as Anita’s Guacamole, El Chilango, Gina’s Bakery, and more. You’ll find everything from Jamaican Jerk Meatballs and Italian desserts to handmade pastas, all available to eat while you shop.

It’s not only the food and shopping that brings people together at Riverview. Visitors can enjoy events such as outdoor yoga, cooking demonstrations, live music, kids’ art programs, and dance performances. Visit the website to learn about Riverview’s regular vendors and how to become a vendor, along with a schedule of events and programs.

Riverview Farmers' Market
1 Bowers St
Jersey City, NJ 07307
www.riverviewfarmersmarket.org

Step Back in Time With a Visit to the Steuben House

Let yourself be immersed in history, legend, and lore at the famous Steuben House, located right here in Bergen County. Built in 1752 in the mill settlement town of New Bridge, along the banks of the Hackensack River, the grand Steuben House stands as a national and local landmark, known to have played a critical role in the American Revolution.

Due to its key strategic location during the Revolutionary War, the Steuben House functioned as a fort, military headquarters, and an intelligence-gathering location. In 1780, George Washington himself used the Steuben House as headquarters, and the house is known to have survived more of the American Revolution than any other home in America. It is now preserved by the state of New Jersey and is open to the public.

Constructed of Bergen Dutch sandstone and filled with grand fireplaces, winding staircases, and hand-crafted details, the Steuben House is a sight to see both inside and out. Visit the website for the full history of the famous house, and plan your visit to this iconic and legendary home in New Bridge!

Steuben House
1209 Main St
River Edge, NJ 07661
(201) 487-1739
www.bergencountyhistory.org/Pages/steubenhsehistory.html

See What Makes Cooktique a Must-Visit Shop for Bergen County Foodies

As the name implies, Cooktique is the boutique for cooks in Bergen County. This gem of a shop has everything you need for cooking, serving, and hosting, from utensils and glassware to French presses and cake stands. Shop luxury housewares brands, like Michael Aram Bittersweet Collection, Vietri tabletop pieces, and artistic handmade Nambe pieces made from the finest materials. Along with stunning centerpieces, high-quality bakeware, beautiful hand-painted serving dishes and more, you’ll find a wide selection of gourmet teas and foods, such as Italian-imported pastas and olive oils, jams and honey, and French-imported chocolates and biscuits.

Cooktique also offers cooking classes, such as the Adult Hands On Summer Series, where you’ll have the opportunity to refine your culinary skills and impress your family and guests at your next dinner party. Cooktique is a warm and inviting shop with personable customer service willing and able to help you find the perfect addition to your home. Visit the website to see some of Cooktique’s collections, as well as a calendar of upcoming classes and information about registries.

Cooktique
9 W. Railroad Ave
Tenafly, NJ 07670
(201) 568-7990
www.cooktique.com

Explore 146 Acres of Outdoor Space at the Van Saun County Park

Need a place to unwind and escape the rigors of everyday life? Head to Van Saun County Park in Paramus! The park spans 146 acres and is popular among residents of all ages.

Van Saun County Park is well liked among families with young children due to an oversized playground and convenient location. There’s a kid-friendly train ride and ponies for riding, as well as a carousel. One of the park's most popular attractions, however, is the Bergen County Zoological Park, which hosts a small collection of animals on display. There’s a small entry fee for the zoo and some of the other activities, but there are also traditional free activities, like hiking and fishing. The park also offers complimentary use of public barbecue grills and picnic tables.

Van Saun County Park is open every day until 4 p.m., and activities rotate based on weather (go sledding in the winter months!). If you’re a Bergen County resident, some activity fees are discounted.

Van Saun County Park
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 261-7312
www.co.bergen.nj.us/index.aspx?NID=852

The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey: This Hidden Gem Flies Under the Radar

Founded in 1972, the Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey is a museum dedicated to telling the story of New Jersey’s flight history. Though it’s not the most well-known attraction in northern New Jersey, those who visit the museum consider it a hidden gem.

Here, interactive exhibits help make aviation history interesting and relevant to people of all ages. Exhibits include “Women in Flight," information on the first American hovercraft, and the rocket engine that propelled the X-15. There are also special programs available, like the "Dare to Fly, " which includes a museum tour and a design workshop taught by pilots where young visitors can build their own gliders and compete against one another.

The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and entry is $8 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.

The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey
400 Fred Wehran Drive
Teterboro, NJ 07608
(201) 288-6344
www.njahof.org

Treat Yourselft to a Little Retail Therapy at The Outlets at Bergen Town Center

The words “one-stop-shop” have never been more relevant than when used to describe the The Outlets at Bergen Town Center in Paramus. The shopping center is located just a short ride from Paramus Park Mall and Garden State Plaza, but the outlets' edge lies in its hard-to-beat outlet prices.

The shopping center has a collection of discount and outlet stores from all the major department stores: Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdales Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Saks Off 5th among others. There is also a significant collection of factory stores offering discounts on major brands like Nike, Gap, Banana Republic and J.Crew.

And if you need to run an errand or grab a bite, or squeeze in a workout, the center also has a Target, Whole Foods, CVS, and Blink Fitness. Make sure to get there early on weekends to avoid the chaos of the parking lot!

The Outlets at Bergen Town Center
1 Bergen Town Court
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 845-4050
www.bergentowncenter.com/index.aspx

Go Nuts for the Nutella Flavor at Ice Cream by Mike

Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or you’re the type to go all out with a two-scoop hot fudge sundae, you’ll find all of your favorite ice cream creations at Ice Cream by Mike. Unlike many other ice cream shops, however, this Bergen County favorite makes all of its premium flavors using only all-natural ingredients, which makes you feel good about letting yourself indulge.

There are flavors like the popular Nutella, chocolate toasted almond, and classic strawberry made from fresh, local strawberries only when they’re in season, as well as a wide variety of other flavors that change from day to day. You can order your ice cream in a cup or a cone, or if you’re in the mood for something more elaborate, go for a sundae or a fresh-made chocolate malt.

While it may be a bit difficult to spot from the outside, Ice Cream by Mike is a locals-only favorite that you’ll be happy to stumble upon.

Ice Cream by Mike
163 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 343-4514
www.yelp.com/biz/ice-cream-by-mike-hackensack

Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ice & Ice Cream: Cups, Cones and Sundaes Galore

Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ice & Ice Cream is a one-stop dessert shop for all of your favorite sweet, icy treats. Whether you prefer the creamy flavor of ice cream or the cold, refreshing taste of Italian ice, you’ll find both at this old-fashioned dessert shop. The small chain of ice creameries has locations across the East Coast, but the Bergen County location is one of the best places in town to cool off on a hot summer day — or any day of the year, really.

There’s never a bad time to enjoy a colorful, gourmet Italian ice, a velvety scoop of vanilla ice cream made with real milk, or a thick, creamy milkshake topped with whipped cream and a cherry. The flavors change from day to day at Uncle Louie G’s, and there’s always something new to try. If you’re planning a special occasion, you’ll even find custom ice cream cakes that can be personalized with your own message.

Uncle Louie G’s
111 West Pleasant Avenue
Maywood, NJ 07607
(201) 909-5151
www.unclelouiegee.com/locations/1244/new-jersey-maywood

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