Where is the best shopping In New York City?

The Upper East Side: New York’s high-end shopping district.

The Upper East Side’s collection of high-end stores make it a must visit during any vacation to New York City.

New York City may be known for its bright lights and endless clothing stores but if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience than look no further then the Upper East Side.

New York’s Upper East Side is made up of three different neighborhoods. Lenox Hill south, Carnegie Hill north, and Yorkville overlooking the East River.

Why Should I visit the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side is also packed with galleries that show off both fine art and antiques such as; Kentshire Galleries, Guild Antiques II, Sotheby’s, and many many more!

While SoHo may be home to New York City’s fashion district the Upper East Side offers more than just clothing brands to anyone visiting. The Upper East Side is home to various establishments, from gift shops to even antiques stores some shops even offer specialty services to suit your needs.

Such specialty shops include Schaller & Weber, who has been Yorkville’s butcher shop since 1937. Argosy Books has a wide collection of old and rare publications to satisfy any bookworm, and of course no tour is complete without visiting Ralph Lauren.

Where is the shopping on the Upper East Side?

While the Upper East Side may be lined with antique stores and have an endless supply of art galleries but if you just want to do some shopping?

Such stores include Barney’s who’s extensive collection of high-end clothing and make up is rivaled only by their in store restaurant and cafĂ©, you can shop digitally as you eat might we add. You can also shop at America’s only nationwide upscale department store, Bloomingdale’s. Here you’ll find top designer brands and explore the latest fashion trends worldwide.

Luckily The Upper East Side has numerous shopping malls and department stores that offer an experience like no other.

Frederick Malle is home to a variety of perfumes and specialty gifts for any loved one, so be sure to take a taxi up to the Upper East Side and explore their never ending options of shopping.

The Upper East Side has a number of local stores and boutiques as well. These stores can vary from vintage clothing, thrift stores, and even consignment shops.

Looking for a more personal experience? Try Unique Boutique, Vivaldi, or even Blue Tree. The Upper East Side is also home to a variety of women’s clothing stores like; Anthropologie, Fivestory New York, and Anik.

The Upper East Side even has its own local Nordstrom just north of Lenox Hill.

If you do decide to take a limo to the Upper East Side please keep in mind most of these stores open at noon.

What’s the best way to get to the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side’s massive collection of luxury shops and restaurants is likely to drag any visitor out of their hotel, however that leaves a question. How do I get to the Upper East Side? At first you may look towards the subway or buses but those options are hardly reliable, so then what’s the best option? A New York Limo Service Of course! New York offers a wide a variety of limo and car services for anyone looking to experience New York as it should be.

If you’re looking to tour The Upper East Side some limo services offer hourly services for tours of the city.

With so many options the only hard part will be choosing the right car service! so then the question is.

What are the best prices for a car/limo service in Manhattan?

Prices will vary depending on specific locations and vehicle class but if you’re looking for a local transfer prices are as follows;

Vehicle ClassLower Manhattan – UESMidtown – UESUpper Manhattan – UES
LUX Sedan$132.53$111.33$123.57
LUX SUV 6$154.97$128.04$143.59
LUX SUV 7$168.69$138.89$156.10
Premium SUV$217.56$217.56$217.56
Prices will vary depending on specific locations.

What Limo/Car Service has the cheapest prices for Transportation to the Upper East Side?

The best prices for transportation in New York City are held by My Destiny Limo and are as follows;

Vehicle ClassLower Manhattan – UESMidtown – UESUpper Manhattan – UES
Private Shuttle$ 90.46$ 74.70$ 83.81
Prices will vary depending on specific locations

New York is the center of the world and with that comes some of the most expensive homes on the planet. So there’s no doubt that some of the wealthiest people reside withing the Upper East Side. This helped spawn culture of luxury shopping and fine dining for decades to come. There’s no better way to experience the Upper East Side then within a limo.

If you’re having a hard time choosing the right limo service then look no further than My Destiny Limo! there combination of luxury vehicles and knowledgeable chauffeurs make every trip hassle free. So book today!

Wall Street West and all its Wonders.

Exchange Place: Jersey City’s very own Wall St.

There’s no doubt that New York is home to some of the Tri-State areas most important companies and neighborhoods however recently, there’s been another city on the rise to the west. New Jersey has quickly been adopted into the New York greater metropolis and for good reason. Jersey City’s close proximity to Manhattan has allowed for the city to blossom in both art, culture, and of course finance.

Jersey City is now curating its own culture, even developing its own art district that mirrors its neighbor to the east. Though without a doubt New Jersey’s major addition is Jersey City’s finance center “Exchange Place“.

Originally the sight of railyards and industrial warehouses it’s now home to one of the east coasts key financial and transportation hubs

1838 to 1892 the Pennsylvania Railroad would purchase and remodel the terminal, expanding it into one of the most important transportation centers on the East Coast.

Originally developed as a transportation hub as far back as the mid-1700’s the name Exchange Place would be coined by local streetcars in order to better identify the location. Then in 1812 ferry service was established leading to a massive influx of commuters.

Sadly at the turn of the century business at Exchange Place began to dwindle, construction of the Holland and Lincoln tunnel caused business to move to Journal Square. Soon rail lines were replaced by bus routes, ferry service would be discontinued in 1949 and finally train service was suspended in 1961.

The decline of Exchange Place’s popularity was actually a blessing a disguise as it allowed for the Jersey City to embrace its potential as a waterfront.

Not all private buyers tore up the railroads, PATH renovated their portion of railyards in order to better serve commuters.

The large terminal previously occupying Exchange Place was soon deemed outdated. Small portions of land were sold to different buyers with 5 acres being given to the city. Railyards were torn up and the area was cleared for a potential business district. soon the area would become one of the most populated areas in Jersey City.

Jersey City’s waterfront was revitalized during the 1980s with many of its buildings being built in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

Is there shopping at Exchange Place?

Exchange Place is littered with clothing stores like Care + Wear, Buffalo Exchange, and even Jane’s Exchange. However after the redevelopment of the district Exchange Place saw it to construct shopping malls for its visitors.

Exchange Place has also added additional plaza’s and public parks for those looking to visit.

Exchange Place is now filled with a few shopping centers like; the Exchange Place Centre, or even the Harbor Side Financial Center.

Are there restaurants at Exchange Place?

Most hotels in the area have rooftop restaurants with phenomenal views of the Manhattan skyline. Restaurants like Vu, and Roof Top at Exchange Place serve modern and new American dishes while Porto Leggero is home to Italian cuisine.

Exchange Place features a number of restaurants littered across the neighborhood with some of them being located in hotels.

Exchange Place is also packed with street level restaurants like; Del Frisco’s Grille, Cava, and even a ramen spot, Anu Ramen House.

Exchange Place may be home to multiple restaurants and retail stores but it also has a number of Cafes to visit.

While it may house the typical Starbucks and Dunkin it also has more personal cafes like Mod Cup and Gregory’s Coffee.

With so many activities to do in the district the only thing left is finding transportation to Exchange Place.

What are the prices for a limo/car service to Jersey City’s Exchange Place?

While Jersey City may have its own public transit its hardly reliable, meaning the only real transportation to Exchange Place is through a limo/car service. Luckily New Jersey and New York are filled with multiple black car company’s looking to satisfy everyone of your needs.

Prices for a limo/car service to Exchange Place vary depending on specific locations

Vehicle ClassExchange Place – Jersey CityExchange Place – NewarkExchange Place – ManhattanExchange Place – BrooklynExchange Place – Staten Island
LUX Sedan$106.81$150.44$135.75$136.67$160.43
LUX SUV 6$122.30$177.72$159.06$160.23$190.41
LUX SUV 7$132.55$193.86$173.21$174.51$207.90
Premium SUV$217.56$217.56$217.56$217.56$227.64
Prices will vary depending on specific locations.

Who has the best prices for a Limo/Car Service to Exchange Place?

The best prices for a taxi or car service to Exchange Place are held by My Destiny Limo and are as follows;

Vehicle ClassExchange Place – Jersey CityExchange Place – NewarkExchange Place – ManhattanExchange Place – BrooklynExchange Place – Staten Island
Private Shuttle$71.35$103.77$92.85$93.54$111.20
Prices will vary depending on specific locations.

Jersey City is now home to many new districts that seem to mirror its neighboring New York. Art districts, fashion districts, and in this case, its very own Wall Street. Exchange Place is now one of the most important financial districts in the New York Metropolitan Area and will continue to grow for years to come.

Exchange Place is now packed with important financial companies and a multitude of shops and restaurants for anyone visiting to enjoy. So book a limo to Exchange Place today!

Places to visit in New York.

From Broke to Brownstones: Park Slope is more than its Nightlife.

There’s no doubt that New York City has garnered a reputation for its massive collection of shops, restaurants, bars, and lounges. With so many options it can be hard to choose where to go to next, but might we point your attention to one of the outer boroughs, Brooklyn.

For the past 2 decades Brooklyn has been going through a redevelopment period that rivals even its neighboring city, Manhattan. Buildings now tower downtown, shopping moved to Williamsburg, and Brooklyn is now home to some of NYC’s wealthiest neighborhoods.

Park Slope is a prime example of this, lined with brownstone and packed with shopping it is now home to over 60,000 people.

Where are the Good Restaurants in Brooklyn?

5th Avenue is known for their upbeat bars like Bar Crudo, and unique restaurants such as Colombian NY.

Park Slope is littered with lively bars and restaurants offering top tier foreign cuisine to anyone visiting. Most of these restaurants can be found on Park Slope’s main avenues, 7th Avenue and 5th Avenue.

7th Avenue is lined with sushi spots like Katsuei, Mediterranean food from Miriam, and Fausto’s Italian food that makes any vacation incomplete without a visit to Park Slope. 7th Avenue also has a wide selection of Japanese, Mexican, and even French cuisine!

When did Park Slope Develop?

Park Slope’s brownstones were developed as early as the 19th century, at the time the neighborhood would begin see additions ranging from locomotives to whole parks. These additions would attract wealthy New Yorkers who began to flock to the outer boroughs, like Queens or in this case Brooklyn.

Developers bought the farmland then contracted carpenters and brick workers to craft the brownstones into what you see today. These workers were often foreign immigrants who fled from countries all over the world to find work in New York. You can often see influences of their cultures based on the design of the brownstone.

The original owner, Edwin Clark Litchfield, would sell off this land to multiple buyers during the Civil War.

Brownstone was originally used for stoops on brick townhouses, eventually the materials durability and malleability made it ideal for construction.

Where is the shopping in Brooklyn?

5th Avenue features a number of fashion shops, from St.HROUDA to La Belle Boutique at 5th Ave. Park Slope‘s avenue even has a number of vintage clothing store such as Beacon’s Closet, Slope Vintage, and Life Boutique Thrift.

If you’re planning on buying a souvenir then look no further than 5th Avenue‘s, Gift Man or OM Gift Shop. 5th Avenue even has its own record store! Fifth Avenue Record Shop.

Park Slope‘s main avenues are lined with a massive collection of high end clothing stores and boutiques making it a must visit during your vacation.

5th Avenue also has a fair amount of home goods store, like La Nature Store, or Slope Home.

7th Avenue is also littered with women’s clothing stores like KIWI and Min-K. The BLOK HILL clothing store also features a home goods department BLOK HAUS.

Like 5th Avenue, 7th Avenue is packed with gift shops, making it the perfect place to find a souvenir during your tour of New York. Such gift shops include, Sterling Place, Mandala Tibetan, and even Leroy’s Place.

7th Avenue also features a men’s clothing store, Fig.

You’ll also find a Barnes & Noble along the avenue located right next to the New York Methodist Hospital.

7th Avenue is lined with churches, the most noticeable being the Old First Reformed Church, whose bell tower is easily spotted in the skyline.

What are Brownstones?

A brownstone refers to one house out of a row of houses, typically made of sandstone.

Park Slope is now home to a number of brownstones that took inspiration from different cultures and styles. You may see examples of Italianate, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, and even Renaissance Revival within the neighborhood.

Brownstones were built while horse carriage was still prevalent so they often featured stoops ascending to the entrance of the parlor floor in order to avoid manure on the street level. The ground floor is usually a few steps down from the street level and was typically used by servants.

Sadly some of these Brownstones are being demolished to make way for modern, cookie-cutter houses.

What are the best prices for a car/limo service to Park Slope?

The best prices to or from Park Slope will vary depending on where your hotel may be located, if you are coming in from Manhattan the best prices for a limo service are as follows;

Vehicle ClassUptown – Park SlopeMidtown – Park SlopeDowntown – Park Slope
LUX Sedan$166.35$149.29$129.38
LUX SUV 6$197.93$176.26$150.97
LUX SUV 7$216.22$192.24$164.27
Premium SUV$237.43$217.56$217.56
Prices may vary depending on specific locations.

What are the best prices for a car/limo service to Park Slope from outer boroughs?

New York’s extensive list of limo services and car services offer a wide variety of prices, if you’re coming in from one of New York’s outer boroughs rates are as follows;

Vehicle ClassQueens – Park SlopeThe Bronx – Park SlopeStaten Island – Park Slope
LUX Sedan$153.36$179.15$161.61
LUX SUV 6$181.43$214.19$191.91
LUX SUV 7$197.96$234.21$209.56
Premium SUV$217.56$258.59$229.59
Prices will vary depending on specific locations.

Why Should I Visit Park Slope?

Park Slope’s collection of vintage shops, unique restaurants, and lively nightlife make any visit worthwhile regardless at what time you may arrive. If you come at night, the slope is filled with bars and lounges letting you kick back and enjoy the evening.

Park Slope is packed with all sorts of activities making taking a tour worth while, and if you’re a nature person you’ll be happy to know Prospect Park is just a walk up the avenue, so book a limo to Park Slope today!

If you decide to take a taxi to Park Slope during the morning then you’ll be greeted with a wide selection of cafes and brunch locations to spice up the morning.

Downtown Jersey City, Jersey City, New Jersey

If you’re looking to get some shopping and dining done then there’s no better place to do it then Downtown Jersey City. Considered to be one of Jersey City’s most desirable neighborhoods to live in, the area has gone through major redevelopment. Largely due to The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, who worked in conjunction with property owners and local businesses to improve the neighborhood. Today, Downtown Jersey City is made up of the city’s historic downtown section and The Waterfront, which connects the neighborhood with Newport. Thanks to the efforts of both the residents and the local government Downtown Jersey City is now safer and cleaner. The city is now filled with activities that can range from dining, retail, fitness, to even services. With so many new things to do, we recommend taking a vacation to Downtown Jersey City.

Much of Downtown Jersey City’s history is similar to the rest of the state’s. The area would be occupied by the Lenape tribes until the first European settlers would come to the America’s. The neighborhood would be used during key battles during the American Revolutionary War.

Much of the neighborhood would be developed during the 19th century, with many brownstone buildings lined in the area. There would also be a number of industrial buildings constructed in the area, most of these buildings would be converted or redeveloped into residential apartments, a good example of this is the Dixon Mills.

Some old warehouses would even be turned into art districts, such was the case with The Powerhouse Arts District. Most of Downtown Jersey City’s high-rise buildings would go up during the 2000’s, flooding the neighborhood with new retail stores and restaurants. This also allowed for many tourist to visit Jersey City with the intention of checking out the new shops and restaurants. there are still new stores opening to this day, such as Bourke Street Bakery, the newest addition to the list of Jersey City bakery’s. Certain neighborhoods have managed to keep their historic buildings, most are lined on Harsimus which lies in between Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park.

Harsimus Rail Station

Harsimus is a neighborhood within the Downtown Jersey City District and is lined with 19th century row houses. Like the rest of Jersey City, it was previously inhabited by the Lenape, though most of its buildings would be constructed during the 1830’s. Much of Harsimus’ urbanization was done by John Coles, a merchant who expanded the neighborhood during this time. The city’s proximity to its shoreline allowed for the neighborhood to develop into a busy port city.

Harsimus would truly flourish thanks to the development of the railroad industry. During the 1870’s the neighborhood would be land-filled to make way for the addition of railyards. The addition of railroads and terminals allowed for huge stockyards to be built along the waterfront.

The neighborhood would face a wave of political corruption beginning in the early 1900’s. From 1910 to about 1950 Harsimus would be the site of gerrymandering, slowing down any further process of development. Between 1950 and 1970 the area would suffer from massive economic and population decline. Largely due to Port Newark’s development, which is now the main shipping dock of the Greater New York Metropolitan area. It was in the 1970’s that Harsimus would finally go through a redevelopment phase.

Slums would be cleared and many new housing projects would go up, most of which are aimed at middle and low income residents. This renewal had no effect on the 19th century row houses previously built in the neighborhood, largely due to a preservation movement. While the preservation managed to protect the row houses in Harsimus the surrounding area would be redeveloped. Mass transit and affordable rents attracted many artists to the area, many of whom converted their buildings into live/work spaces. The influx of wealth led to High-rise residential buildings being constructed within the area. Most artists would continue their work in the Powerhouse Arts District. The main road running through Harsimus is Newark Ave which houses a pedestrian mall.

The Newark Ave Pedestrian Mall is home to many shops and restaurants, the Mall also hosts a number of seasonal events too. There are current plans to develop the pedestrian mall further, including widening the streets.

West of Harsimus lies a small but wonderful historic neighborhood called the Village. The Village houses many historic buildings that have been preserved thanks to efforts by the local community. The neighborhood was once known as Jersey City’s very own “Little Italy”, many of its roots are still there today.

The neighborhood is littered with many restaurants and cafes for anyone needing some quiet time in the city. You’ll even find a wine tavern in the Village, filled with different types of cheeses and cocktails. The Village is also home to the oldest polish speaking parish in New Jersey, with many Polish worshipers attending the church daily.

Built in order to serve Polish parishioners, the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church serves as the neighborhoods main building of worship and doubles as a historic attraction. Before its inception polish Catholics would often have to take a ferry to the other side of the river just to attend service. The construction of the building allowed residents convenient access to a house of worship. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and is now one of the centerpieces in the Village.

Another one of the Villages historic buildings is the White Eagle Hall, which has been used as a community center since 1910. It was originally built by Polish immigrants who were led by Rev. Peter Boleslaus Kwiatowski. Rev. Kwiatowski would help establish many parishes around New Jersey. Ownership of the hall would be transferred over to the St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic church in 1934. The hall would serve as a bingo hall and practice center for a local basketball team called the Friars, coached by Bob Hurley.

In 1968 White Eagle Hall would serve as the stage for multiple band competitions, Frank Infante would begin his career here. This would go on until about 1975, eventually the building would be put up for renovation. It wasn’t until 2013 that the building would finally see a restoration period, the hall would then be reopened in 2017.

The Powerhouse Arts district is a name given to a district in Downtown Jersey City that was previously occupied by industrial warehouses.

The district itself is located on the Jersey City waterfront overlooking the Hudson River. The Powerhouse Arts District would be converted after many artists began to move into the area due to cheaper rent. Most artists would prefer to live in the same area they worked, this led to the city proposing new zoning laws that would allow people to work where they lived. Unfortunately the districts were never zoned and with a boost in the local economy the neighborhood began to favor high rise buildings. Many of these old buildings would still remain in the area, the most well known being the powerhouse. The main arts center is located in a renovated generating station named the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse, this is where the district would get its name.

Today, the Powerhouse Arts District is being looked at by many in the real estate business. There are current plans to build a new 900 foot skyscraper in the area, which would make it the tallest building in New Jersey. However many believe the area should stay as is.

The Powerhouse Arts district is now filled with shops and restaurants for residents to enjoy. its collection of bars, grills, and breweries make it an excellent spot for a vacation! So take a limo down to the neighborhood for a visit, but be warned, with so much to do you may want to have a driver for more than a few hours!

Another mixed-use community in Downtown Jersey City is Newport, which was redeveloped in 1986 by The LeFrak Organization. The district is now home to many retail and entertainment facilities situated on the Hudson Waterfront. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail also has a stop in Newport, connecting it to the local neighborhoods though if you’re looking for more reliable transportation try taking a taxi instead. Newport is home to a variety of restaurants, whether you’re looking for burgers, bakeries or bars!

From 1985 to 2009 the neighborhood would undergo a major real estate development. High-rise rental apartments and condominiums were built allowing for the additions of many new households.

Newport‘s redevelopment plan also allowed for the construction of new hotel buildings, with some hotels using remnants of old warehouses dating back to 1989. The neighborhood also contains a great number of office spaces, over five million square feet of it, with many big named companies residing within the neighborhood. Some of the most well-known companies include L’Oreal, Citigroup, Forbes, and even JP Morgan Chase. Newport is packed with both local shops and big name retail stores that tend to coexist in mixed use spaces.

The Newport River Market is a perfect example of this due to its dining, retail, and service options. The market is located on a river front and is home to stores like Target, Sears, Staples, and many more. If you’re looking for a quick bite, you’ll find the neighborhood loaded with pizzeria’s, cafes, and even houses a steakhouse!

Another great shopping area in Newport is the Newport Centre, better known as the Newport Mall. The mall would open in 1987 with over a million square feet of space and attracted buyers from all over. The Newport Mall was the first of its size in Hudson County and is home to over 150 stores and services.

The mall itself has three floors and is part of the Newport Complex, which stands as the sixth tallest building in Jersey City. The mall also houses AMC Theaters, JCPenny, Macy’s, and Kohl’s, the mall was also home to Sears back when they still operated. Today, the Newport Mall attracts visitors from as close as Bergen-Lafayette to as far as Atlantic City, making it an excellent place to shop for anyone visiting.

Another district that overlooks the Hudson River is Paulus Hook.

Paulus Hook is an elevated neighborhood in Downtown Jersey City that derives its name from the Dutch word for “point of land”, Hoeck. Like much of New Jersey, Paulus Hook was originally settled by the Lenape, then managed by the Dutch and English until the American Revolutionary War. During the American Revolution Paulus Hook would be the site of many operations, with many key forts built in New Jersey, one of which was located on Paulus Hook.

Paulus Hook would see a major construction boom following the addition of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. The rail helps connect Hudson County with other neighborhoods in the city, such as Bergen-Lafayette. After the September 11 attack the neighborhood would see major investments going into expanding the area.

The neighborhood is a popular shopping destination with lines of restaurants on Morris Street, and Washington Street. Both these streets are packed with excellent cuisine, from European to Parisian, any visitor will find something they enjoy.

Paulus Hook’s waterfront faces the Hudson River, you’ll find that the waterfront has phenomenal views to offer. Vacation goers will find that many of the locals are from the surrounding neighborhoods, many of who use the light rail for easy access. If you’re looking to avoid the public transit, you’ll be happy to know there are a number of limo services that can take you around the neighborhood.

Another popular stop off the HBLR is Exchange Place, Jersey City’s very own Wall Street, or even Wall Street West.

The district sits on a piece of land that was created by landfilling the shore on Paulus Hook. The neighborhood itself has been a transportation hub for much of its history dating back to the 1760’s. Exchange Place was the original site of the first steam ferry service, which stood at the head of a highway to Newark. The ferry would be established in 1812 and would influence the location of certain terminals built in Jersey City. From 1838 to 1892 the Pennsylvania Railroad would purchase and remodel the terminal in order to expand it. During this time the neighborhood was not referred to as Exchange Place but instead as the Pennsylvania Railroad station.

The addition of the New Jersey Railroad and construction of a new intermodal terminal helped propel the neighborhood into an important transportation center on the East Coast. Local transportation in Jersey City would be the first to refer to the neighborhood as Exchange Place, in order to better identify where passengers wanted to go. At the turn of the century the station would be given to the city, where it would be expanded and renovated. The Hudson and Manhattan Railroad would open tunnels in 1910, and in 1926 the station would officially adopt the name Exchange Place. In 1949 business began to dwindle, ferry service was being discontinued and buses would replace rail lines. Then finally in 1962 the station would officially close down and be demolished, with many of its railyards being eliminated. Now a days most residents would prefer to take a taxi down to Exchange Place, sometimes even as far out as Pennsylvania.

Exchange Place is also home to a waterfront with fantastic views of New York City and still operates as a private terminal. Many trolleys and buses still start and end at Exchange Place and there are still a few ferries that run to it.

Newark Avenue allows easier access to EWR by providing a direct road to the airport. The Hudson Bergen Light Rail still operates out of Exchange Place making it easy to travel from Bergen-Lafayette or any other local neighborhood. If you’re planning on going further out you’ll be happy to know the PATH still has terminals at Exchange Place, so have fun visiting Atlantic City! Exchange Place isn’t just a terminal however, it’s also home to two of New Jersey’s tallest buildings, 99 Hudson and the Goldman Sachs Tower. With a plethora of restaurants, rooftop bars, and even vintage shops visiting Exchange Place should be on your list. 

North of Harsimus lies Hamilton Park, a quiet, Victorian aged greenspace surrounded by 19th century row houses. The park itself was constructed around 1827 and was founded by a man named John B. Coles. John B. Coles was a federalist from New York who laid out the groundwork for Downtown Jersey City’s foundation. He would name the park after Alexander Hamilton, who on top of being a founding father was also the founder for the federalist party. Hamilton Park is about 5.4 acre square that houses a wide selection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Inside the Park you’ll find many activities when visiting, ranging from children’s playground, basketball courts, and even dog parks. Hamilton Park even features a splash pond and sprinklers for little ones to enjoy during the summer!

The park also has a number of events as well, during the summer the community hosts the Hamilton Park Festival where visitors can enjoy music and food in the park. The Park also hosts outdoor movie nights, the schedule can be found on a banner in the entrance, or simply online. Hamilton Park is also home to a Gazebo that has a farmers market set up every Wednesday from May to December. Visitors can enjoy some iced cold lemonade, popcorn, and fresh produce sold in the market. The farmers market also sells jams, green vegetables, and even Empanadas!

The park also has its own preservation group that maintains Hamilton Park clean and safe for all ages. Hamilton Park Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the park’s natural beauty. Hamilton Park is also surrounded with different activities for all ages to enjoy whether that be ice cream shops, gyms or even instrument and dance classes.

You’ll find the park is engulfed with Victorian era buildings with colorful murals all over the neighborhood. If you’re looking to get some food while at Hamilton park grab a bite at Carmine’s Pizza or sit down at a restaurant for some Korean food. Hamilton Park also features a bar and even an hotel in the area, appropriately named Hamilton Inn. If you’re planning a calm vacation, try visiting Hamilton Park; its beautiful greenery and friendly residents make it an excellent spot.

Further south of Harsimus is Van Vorst Park, while very similar to Hamilton Park its history is different to the park up north. The park itself was a centerpiece of a township that used to exist in the neighborhood, appropriately named, Van Vorst Township.

The name itself comes from the Van Vorst family, who acted as supervisors to the land and helped in its development during the 1630’s. Van Vorst Park would begin to build row houses in the 1800’s. The Van Vorst family would manage the settlement throughout generations until about 1862, During this time the family would employ local florist, Peter Henderson, to landscape the park. Van Vorst Park would be renovated in the 2000’s thanks to a $2 million fund being raised by the Friends of Van Vorst Park. The park is now filled with playgrounds, sandboxes, a gazebo, and even sprinkler parks!

Van Vorst Park is very similar to Washington Square Park located near SoHo, New York City. However the park in Downtown Jersey City features much more traditional architecture. Today the park is mainly a residential area with many brick row houses and Victorian architecture. While there are still plenty of shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy, the neighborhood is much more of a visual treat. It’s traditional architecture and friendly residents make it a perfect place to escape from the noise, and with so many transportation options to or from New Jersey, getting to Van Vorst Park can be a hassle free experience. While you may be tempted to take public transit to Downtown Jersey City, don’t be afraid to take a taxi. Now a days the Tri State area is filled with limos and drivers that are more than willing to take you to Jersey City.

Jersey City hosts many events during the holidays. some of the city will even hosts toy drives for kids and even pop up shops to buy gifts. Jersey City will also put up Christmas lights for those visiting to enjoy. So take a limo down to Jersey City and enjoy the holidays.

If you’re planning on doing some shopping in the area than it might be best to contract a limo service. most limos in the area are willing to provide an hourly service for anyone doing a tour of the city.

If you’re coming from out of state then you’ll be happy to know that most car services can go as far out as Pennsylvania or even Connecticut. This makes visiting New Jersey not just a possibility but a must.

Hartford, Connecticut

Welcome to the Insurance Capital of the World! Hartford, Connecticut is not only the state capital but also the fourth largest city in the state. The city managed to snag this nickname thanks to its abundance of big name insurance companies and its illustrious medical universities. Hartford is the main city of the Greater Hartford metropolitan area, and has a population of over 100,000. It’s also one of the oldest cities in the United States, this means the city is filled with rich history for any visitor to enjoy.

The city houses many of the country’s oldest buildings, some of which include the oldest art museum’s. the oldest park is also located in Hartford, making it an excellent location for anyone visiting.

Hartford was also where Mark Twain would raise his family, he would remark about how he found the town to be beautiful. For a while, Hartford was one of the richest cities in the United States, many of its riches coming after the American Civil War. This was because Hartford was the home of one of America’s most famous arms makers, Colt’s Arm Manufacturing Company.

Hartford is now in a strange situation, while the Greater Hartford Area is one of the richest in the country, most of its population lives below the poverty line. Though you’ll find this is true of most major cities. You’ll often find most of Hartford’s younger residents enjoying the nightlife, while the older residents take a limo home. Despite this, Hartford is filled with vibrant culture for any visitor to enjoy. Greater Hartford‘s is also filled with both high ranking universities and manufacturing companies, however Hartford is most known for its top tier insurance companies.

While an odd nickname, Hartford Connecticut is known for being the insurance capital of the world.

Many insurance companies built their main operating bases in Hartford due to its location. Connecticut is in between New York and Massachusetts, making it an ideal location for companies looking for a work force. With both New York‘s and Massachusetts’ concentration of workers, Hartford is perfect for insurance companies who mainly rely on blue collar workers. Recently, New Jersey has also become a prominent location for insurance companies, as it sits in between New York and Washington D.C.. now a days you’ll find many big name executives taking limos to places like Downtown Jersey City in order to extend their reach. Don’t be too surprised if you find a car service going to or from New Jersey and Connecticut.

During colonial times Hartford operated as a trading center for both the Dutch and the English. For a while, Hartford would be sold around until 1636 where Hartford’s boundaries would be officially set. Then new docks were built, helping explode the trade market within the city.

Hartford would also have a prominent role during the industrial revolution. The city would begin to specialize in manufacturing precision parts used in automobiles, clocks, and even rifles. Colt’s Arm Manufacturing Company was stationed in Hartford Connecticut. Hartford was also known for its innovation, with many modern pieces of technology coming from that time. Some of these include rotator cuffs for machinery, gear transmission for vehicles, and even chucks that are used for drills.

In the early to mid 1900’s Hartford was hit by a flood and then a massive fire that killed over a hundred people. Then after World War II, a number of Puerto Ricans moved to Hartford, this drove a lot of its original residence to outer suburbs. This led to a decline in the main city, causing insurance companies to move their offices out.

Hartford would storm back into power following the establishment of the Hartford Graduate School. The city would then kick off a 4 decade long rebuilding process beginning with the reconstruction of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Multiple colleges, and company buildings would be constructed, and many houses were turned into museums. Transit hubs were built and many skyscrapers began to pop up around the city, the most notable being City Place I. Connecticut’s insurance giants would move back in during this time, most famously the Phoenix Life Insurance Company. Most company’s would build their offices on Constitution Plaza.

Constitution Plaza is a mixed use development that is occupied by both retail and office buildings.

It was seen as the ideal urban environment and was often used as an example for what urban growth should look like. a mixed urban plaza were both vehicles and pedestrians can co-exist safely, while still allowing access to the road should any resident want to take a taxi home. The plaza is surrounded by a number of mid-twentieth century buildings that were mostly designed by Charles Dubose. Such buildings include the 100 Constitution Plaza, 200 Constitution Plaza, and many more. Though most residents would agree that the Phoenix Life Insurance Company Building is the staple of the plaza. Constitution Plaza also features a freestanding pavilion used by Trinity College as part of their campus, and a U shaped court that was repurposed to luxury apartments by the company Spectra in 2015. The plaza itself is connected via well kept walkways and has numerous large pedestrian areas that include pools, fountains, and even a clock tower. Constitution Plaza is now home to many restaurants and shops, turning it into a retail hotspot for anyone visiting Hartford.

Hartford’s main place to stay is currently the Marriott.

The Greater Hartford area is a name that is used to define a large boundary that covers both Hartford and even parts of New England. While Hartford is known for being home to insurance companies it has recently expanded its specialty. Recently Hartford is becoming one of the leading entities in the tech industry thanks to its location.

Connecticut ranks as the 3rd most educated state in the country, making it prime real-estate for both universities and tech companies. The Greater Hartford Area is home to many universities that specialize in many aspects. While mainly known for its medical universities, Hartford has recently expanded to other areas.

Hartford is now home to schools that specialize in areas such as tech, and manufacturing. Some of Hartford’s universities now specialize in healthcare. Some of these universities include UCONN, Trinity, and even St. Joseph’s. This has also made Hartford one of the best states for tech companies wanting to put to use the skills of graduates.

If you consider yourself a museum goer than you’ll be happy to know that Hartford is packed with them. From the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art to the Mark Twain Museum, Hartford is worth visiting for the history alone! Most people like to visit a new place for the shopping and dining and Hartford is no exception to this. Whether you love pizzerias or Halal food, you’ll find something for anyone, including a few taverns. If you’re Still looking for a reason to take a limo to Hartford than look no further then its collection of breweries. Phantom Brewery, Thomas Hooker Brewery, the Hanging Hills Brewing, and so many more. If Breweries aren’t your thing then you’ll be glad to know that Hartford also features a number of wineries as well.

As of late, The Greater Hartford Area is becoming prominent in manufacturing and even aerospace. Some of these manufacturing companies include Reno Machine Co., Novo Metal Finishing Equipment, Hebert Engineering & Design and plenty more, including a couple of solar companies. While most manufacturing companies in Connecticut fabricate heavy machinery and metal framing, they also conduct plenty of precision manufacturing as well. Companies such as Synectic Product Development, focus on developing medical products for hospitals and clinics. Hartford’s expansion into tech and manufacturing has led to an explosion of vibrant urban culture in the city.

Hartford is now home to many different types of arts, whether that be music, writing or even performing arts. Hartford has many different genres of music for anyone to enjoy, from salsa, jazz, blues, indie, composer and even electric! The city also has plenty of shows for any visitor interested in Street Performances, acting, or even comedy shows! Hartford has a number of parades for anyone looking to vacation on a holiday. Some of which include, St. Patrick’s Day, Veterans Parade, and even a Puerto Rican Day Parade!

Hartford has many activities for any visitor. If you’re planning a vacation to Connecticut soon, it’s important to have good transportation there. Now a days most limo service’s will provide an hourly service for anyone looking to take a shopping trip. Hartford is also home to one of the oldest parks in the United States.

Bushnell Park was conceived in the 1850’s and is a made up of 50 acres of green land. Today the park hosts many events including park tours and even a carousel. During Hartford’s winter fest Bushnell Park offers free ice skating classes for anyone visiting.

Bushnell Park is at the center of downtown Hartford, not only does it have scenic views but also offers a number of activities for visitors to enjoy. While one of its main attractions is the ice skating rink during the winter they also offer a carousel. During Hartford’s winter holidays they also offer free carousel rides on Sundays from 12 to 5 PM. There are also a number of marathons and even jazz concerts that can make visiting Hartford worth while.

Hartford is also packed with residents who work in the city, so you’ll often times find them taking a car service or taxi in order to avoid public transit. Most drivers in the city are very reliable, however if you want to be absolutely sure than you can also order a limo. Overall any visitor planning a visit to Connecticut should absolutely give Hartford a chance, but remember! Connecticut may be the insurance capital of the world but it has much more to offer for any visitor. If you’re looking to get away from all the noise then you’ll be glad to know Connecticut has plenty of quiet towns to enjoy, our personal favorite being Old Greenwich. So if you’re looking for your next vacation spot, give Connecticut a try!

The New York Botanical Garden

take a trip to The New York Botanical Garden

Welcome to the New York Botanical Garden! established in 1891, the Botanical Garden is an exhibition of all sorts of plants and flowers from around the world while simultaneously acting as a reserve to protect the very plant life inside of the Garden.

Inspired by a visiting botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton, him and his wife Elizabeth believed that New York should house a massive botanical garden in order to help the residents of New York better understand the nature around them and how valuable some plant species can be or how ancient some of the trees in the city are.

The 250 acre historical landmark is now the largest botanical garden in the United States. housing 50 specialty gardens it holds more than 1 million plants. Victorian style glass houses, Native plant gardens that house some of the most diverse plants located Northeast of North America, and one of the worlds most sustainable rose garden are among the many different types of exhibits available to any visitor coming to the Botanical Garden.

Despite the New York Botanical Garden being represented as an exhibit for visitors to come and admire different species of plants the garden also acts as a research facility. The New York Botanical Garden hosts nearly a hundred PH.D. level scientists from around the world and is one of the top two research Botanical Gardens in the world. the New York Botanical Garden also works with over 250 different research facilities located in 49 different countries from around the world.

The New York Botanical Garden is a living museum and one of the most beautiful places on the planet. whether you’re going to admire the visual masterpiece that the garden is or going to see what different species of plants exist around the world The New York Botanical Garden is a must see place.