Homemade Italian specialties make for a delicious experience at Valentino’s on Park. Located on Park Avenue just a half-block from the train station, locals know that Valentino’s on Park is the place to go for a either a family meal or a special occasion. The dress code might be casual, but this place the food is a step above! You’ll like the laid back atmosphere in the dining area and the friendly service. You won’t be rushed here, so take your time and enjoy your dinner! It’s the brick oven that makes everything from pizzas to baked entrees so good! But be prepared and make a reservation for the weekend – it gets crowded pretty fast.

Valentino’s on Park
15 Park Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 528-7142
http://www.yelp.com/biz/valentinos-on-park-rutherford

Floor to ceiling views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline are part of the perks of dining at Le Jardin restaurant in Edgewater, New Jersey. The terrace with a shimmering fountain is nice for al fresco dining when the weather’s nice. Stop by for their lunch express menu on weekdays and get soup or salad, an entrée, dessert and tea or coffee for just 20 bucks. You can also order off the menu from a tasty array of soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. The dinner menu features appetizers like Steamed Mussels Provencal, Maryland Crab Cakes, Grilled Baby Octopus and Shrimp Cocktail. Entrees include Veal Milanese, Braised Lamb Shanks, Roasted Duck L’Orange, Prime New York Steak Au Poivre, Blackened Tuna and Red Snapper Bouillabaisse.

Visit Le Jardin on Friday and Saturday nights to hear live music at the piano bar!

Le Jardin
1257 River Road
Edgewater, NJ 07020
(201) 224-9898
http://lejardinnj.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-jardin-restaurant-edgewater

Take a break from your busy life at James J. Braddock North Hudson Park. This great park in North Bergen is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, all in a spot not too far from Prospect Tower. Get some exercise with a run around the man made lake while enjoying views of the city or just chill out on a bench. Bring your lunch, and plan to have a picnic!

Dogs are more than welcome at the park, so your pet can get some exercise too. Make sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife like ducklings, turtles, and fish. Practice your skills on the tennis court or soccer field. Feel free to fish in the lake — just be sure you've got the proper permits. Parking is easy, too, which makes a trip to North Hudson Park a great escape from the city. 

North Hudson Park
North Bergen, NJ 07047
(201) 319-3747
http://www.hudsoncountynj.org/braddock-park-north-bergen.aspx
http://www.yelp.com/biz/north-hudson-park-north-bergen