America through Architecture: Georgetown’s Historic Neighborhood.
Georgetown is now home to many shops and restaurants that are located all throughout the town. Most shops are located on the towns main streets where you’ll find all kinds of boutiques and restaurants, you can even check out their mixed used development, Washington Harbor.
Welcome to one of the nations most historic towns, Georgetown. Located in the Northwestern part of Washington D.C. and founded in the mid 1700’s Georgetown history lies both in its community and its architecture.
Georgetown’s beauty is held both in its natural sceneries and its community! the towns collection of parks and historic architecture is likely to capture the heart of anyone visiting.
Georgetown would be first documented in 1632 by English fur trader Henry Fleet. The town would be established in the 1750’s, prior to this the port of Georgetown was established 40 years earlier than the town.
In the early 1820’s the Potomac River became so filled up with ports and silt that it became hard for boats to navigate. The solution was to build a new canal going from Harper’s Ferry to Georgetown, however the introduction to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad altered that.
after a tobacco inspection house was built alongside the Potomac river the town began to see an influx of business. Georgetown would then build wharves, warehouses and other buildings in the area eventually forming into its own community. This community would then blossom allowing ports, trade, and shipment.
During this time Georgetown’s buildings would develop into a federalist architectural style which can be seen in residential homes, commercial shops, and even hotels.
Georgetown is considered quite a peaceful town, You’ll often find both residents and visitors relaxing in the park or strolling the port. This is perfectly accompanied by a collection of restaurants for you to enjoy!
Most of Georgetown’s shopping is located within there malls. Such malls include, Georgetown Shops, Georgetown Park, and Cady’s Alley. These malls were built alongside Georgetown’s main avenues and are typically mixed-use shopping mall and condominium complexes.
Georgetown provides the perfect combination of shopping, eatery, history, and natural sceneries to make a vacation to the quant town a memorable one. unfortunately there’s no direct transit to the town, meaning if you’re out of state, your only real challenge is finding transportation to Georgetown.
With so many options you’re bound to find the perfect limo service for you, the only question left is.
What are the rate for a limo/car service to Georgetown from out of state?
Prices will vary depending on what specific location you are booking from, general prices area as follows;
Vehicle Class
Manhattan – Georgetown
Jersey City – Georgetown
Brooklyn – Georgetown
Trenton – Georgetown
Newark – Georgetown
LUX Sedan
$978.46
$953.82
$976.68
$755.72
$932.43
LUX SUV 6
$1229.53
$1198.23
$1227.27
$946.59
$1171.06
LUX SUV 7
$1357.56
$1322.93
$1355.07
$1044.52
$1292.88
Premium SUV
$1580.44
$1539.70
$1577.50
$1212.09
$1504.33
Prices will vary depending on specific locations.
Who has the best rates for a limo/car service to Georgetown from out of state?
Georgetown is filled with activities that make a visit both fun and relaxing. Whether you’re checking out their collection of parks, restaurants, or simply enjoying their historic architecture you’re bound to find something to do on your tour.
If you’re wondering what limo or car service to choose then look no further than My Destiny Limo. Their combination of luxury vehicles and knowledgeable chauffeurs make any ride worthwhile, so don’t hesitate, book today!
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.
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 café, 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Atlantic City: The East Coast’s Number One Vacation Point.
Planning a vacation can be fun but often times it may lead you to some of the same locations; Nashville, Miami, Las Vegas, maybe even Hollywood but might we point your attention towards New Jersey. While not primarily thought of when planning a get away Atlantic City has grown in popularity over time. Today, its seen as a primary destination among Tri-State area residents who visit their variety of casinos and hotels quite often.
The name Atlantic City was given to the resort town in 1853 soon after developers quickly moved into the area in hopes of building up the city hastily.
Atlantic City has been one the East Coast’s main vacation spots for a long time. The city is packed with restaurants, resorts, casinos, beaches, hotels, and so much more!
Today the town is home to just under 40,000 people and is a popular hotspot for tourist and vacationers alike.
Developers at the time wanted to open up to the public as soon as possible. The first hotel in Atlantic City would go up in the same year it was conceived, the building wasn’t even completed when it opened its doors to visitors. The next year transit would become available to the public, tolls would be built on the main roads and soon Atlantic City would explode in popularity, attracting thousands to their boardwalks.
Atlantic City was initially promoted as a medical retreat by Columbia graduate, Dr. Jonathan Pitney. With the help of Richard Osborne and Samuel Richards they managed to reach investors who helped pay for the needed charters to build the town.
Why should I visit Atlantic City?
The town has a wide selection of casino hotels, from Borgata to Harrah’s you can also stay at the famous Tropicana.
Atlantic City has quite a selection of famous hotel casinos, including Caesar’s, Hard Rock, and Golden Nugget.
Atlantic City itself is home to a number of restaurants scattered all over town, however there’s no doubt its best eats are by its boardwalk. Atlantic City’s boardwalk is packed with restaurants, grills, bars, and even lounges.
The town’s collection of bars and restaurants make taking a tour worthwhile for any vacation to Atlantic City.
In 1944 the town would be hit with a hurricane that completely destroyed the boardwalk.
Atlantic City may be filled with shops, restaurants, bars, casinos, and hotels, but by far its most famous spot is its boardwalk. The boardwalk itself has been around since the towns first inception, it even predates legalized gambling in the city.
Over time Atlantic City has garnered a reputation of giving its visitors a vacation to remember. After all the town became popular at the height of the prohibition. The only real question remaining is, How do I get to Atlantic City?
What are the rates for a limo/car service from NYC to Atlantic City?
Prices will vary depending on what part of NYC you are taking a taxi from, if you are taking a limo or car service from any of New York’s 5 boroughs to Atlantic City prices are as follows;
Vehicle Class
Manhattan – Atlantic City
Brooklyn – Atlantic City
The Bronx – Atlantic City
Queens – Atlantic City
Staten Island – Atlantic City
LUX Sedan
$587.67
$585.37
$620.11
$665.03
$513.11
LUX SUV 6
$733.12
$730.20
$774.33
$831.39
$638.41
LUX SUV 7
$808.34
$805.12
$853.94
$917.07
$703.56
Premium SUV
$934.18
$930.39
$987.84
$1062.11
$810.88
Prices will vary depending on specific locations
What are the Best Rates for a limo/car service to Atlantic City?
Newark Liberty Airport was opened on October 1st, 1928 and now serves over a million passengers yearly. While EWR is no longer designated a New York City airport, it still experiences a massive amount of flyers going to the big apple daily.
Newark airports location often makes it difficult to easily navigate back and forth, not many train or bus services are reliable enough to allow for easy transport through the states, meaning the only real way to get to Newark airport from the city is through taxi. Luckily both New York and New Jersey are packed with car and limo services.
Newark Liberty international Airport has three separate terminals that instead of being numbered are alphabetized. While not as complicated as other airports, it can still get rather confusing getting around luckily this can be easily offset by ordering a Meet & Greet service from a limo service.
EWR would expand in 1973 with the addition of 2 new terminals for flyers, Terminal A and Terminal B.
Terminal C was completed in 1988 and was designed by Grad Associates, its also exclusively operated by two separate carriers, United Airlines and United Express.
Terminal A is operated by the EWR Terminal One LLC and is a part of the Flughafen Munchen GmbH. Terminal B is uniquely managed directly by Port Authority and has four separate level.
What are the prices for a car/limo service to or from EWR?
EWR may not be considered a New York airport any longer but there’s no doubt that it still serves thousands of flyers going to NYC daily. If you’re one of those flyers, then be sure to make the easy choice of booking a taxi to bring you to or from the airport.
Luckily My Destiny Limo makes it simple with a wide variety of excellent chauffeurs and high quality vehicles making any vacationtour safe and hassle free!
With the countless of limo and car services available the only difficult part might be choosing the right driver!
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.
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.
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 massivecollection of high end clothing stores and boutiques making it a must visit during your vacation.
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.
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 Class
Uptown – Park Slope
Midtown – Park Slope
Downtown – 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?
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.
New York City is considered the center of the world and for good reason, its diverse culture and towering skyscrapers have made it the melting pot of the world for decades. With so many people packed into one city its no question that New York has garnered the busiest airports in the country. JFK is no exception to this with thousands of flights coming in and out of the airport daily. Yet despite JFK having a constant flow of people it is not the easiest airport to get to.
New York City may be known for its massive public transportation system however there’s no direct line to JFK. Trains don’t got out that far and there’s only one real bus route to get you there but it isn’t exactly reliable so then what is the best way? New York City’s extensive limo services make it the best way to go to or from JFK
What are the prices for a limo service to or from JFK?
Prices vary depending on what part of New York you are coming from, for Manhattan to JFK:
Vehicle Class
JFK – Lower Manhattan
JFK – Midtown
JFK – Uptown Manhattan
LUX Sedan
$168.97
$165.90
$169.97
LUX SUV
$201.26
$197.36
$202.53
LUX SUV 7
$219.91
$215.59
$221.31
Premium SUV
$265.53
$260.26
$267.24
Sprinter
$738.63
$728.18
$742.03
Rates for transport to or from JFK from Manhattan
What limo service has the best prices to or from JFK?
With New York City’s never ending list of car services to JFK it can become overwhelming trying to pick the right taxi. That begs the question, Who offers the best limo service to or from JFK? My Destiny Limo of course! Their extensive selection of vehicles are all in perfect condition and not only inspected but also cleaned before every ride. On top of this their team of experienced chauffeurs make every ride feel safe and comfortable. So whether you’re leaving a hotel in Manhattan, visiting a relative at Brooklyn, or taking a vacation in the outer states, if you’re going to JFK, book with My Destiny Limo Today!
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 visitJersey 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 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.
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.
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.
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 visitingHamilton 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.
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.
Welcome to Bergen-Lafayette, one of the six major neighborhoods in Jersey City and home to a number of mix-used residential complexes. The neighborhood used to be home to many industrial facilities but has seen a lot of renovation projects to make it what it is today. Bergen-Lafayette even went through a few name changes, during the early 1800’s it was called Bergen, then Bergen City. It wasn’t until about 1870 where the neighborhood would officially be incorporated into Jersey City. The merger with Jersey City would lead to a massive renovation project that would take years to finally settle. Today, the city is filled with malls and shopping centers for visitors to enjoy, so if you’re planning on VisitingJersey City, take a taxi down to Bergen-Lafayette.
North of Bergen-Lafayette is Journal Square, a multi-use business and residential area that is currently being redeveloped. New high-rises are allowing for wealthier residents to move in. Don’t be surprised if you see a few residents having a driver in their limo.
Journal Square used to be home to many farmhouses and manors, most of which were passed down from the previous residents of the “square”. During the early 1900’s many of these houses were demolished to make way for more modern buildings. Many of Journal Square‘s current buildings were constructed around this time, including the Public Service building and the Labor Bank Building. The Square itself was built in 1923, and was named after the Jersey Journal, who had their original building demolished to make way for Journal Square. From the 1920’s to the 1960’s Journal Square became a hub for vibrant culture and arts within the city. It was known as the “crown jewel” of the city, with many commercial and entertainment districts located in the area. Many of Journal Squares buildings would be constructed during this time, some of the buildings being built as far back as before WWII. The mayor of Jersey City has made it clear that he is looking to change the area. Journal Square is now looking to develop high rise buildings made for commercial and residential use.
Bergen-Lafayette is packed with parks and recreation centers. This makes it perfect for farmers market’s and any nature lovers planning a visit. Arlington Park Farmers Market is one of the many option available during the spring. You’ll find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to eat, making a vacation to Bergen-Lafayette a must. Arlington Park also holds a number of events during the seasons, making it that much sweeter.
Many urban planners and architects are beginning to flock to the square, most famous of which being the Kushner Real Estate Group. Redevelopment on the square hasn’t begun yet but with residential demand going up so will high rise buildings. This will also lead to load of new shops and restaurants opening in the neighborhood.
Bergen-Lafayette has recently had a few new small businesses open up in the neighborhood. Many of these businesses are either shops or restaurants offering all kinds of services and cuisines. Such is the case with places like Isla Pillipinas, who recently opened their doors to anyone looking to enjoy Filipino food. Most of these shops are part of Jersey City‘s push for its tourists to buy local during their visit, this has allowed for Bergen-Lafayette to expand its collection of shops. Whether its for the dining or shopping, we’re sure you’ll find a reason to hop on the light rail or take a limo down to Bergen-Lafayette.
Bergen-Lafayette has a number of roads that run from north to south through the neighborhood, many of these roads being built along the Hudson Palisades.
The Hudson Palisades is a strip of land well known for its steep cliffside that stretches about 20 miles north of New Jersey. The cliffside is one of New York City’s most famous natural landmarks and is a popular destination for hikers and campers. You’ll often find many New York residents taking transportation to the cliffside around spring times. Whether that be through New York’s extensive rail network or taking a car service to the cliffside.
The cliff also helped map out many road patterns used today. The Palisades first documentation would be around 1541, where it would appear on a European map of the new world. Giovanni Da Verrazzano would describe the cliffside as a “fence of stakes”.
During the American Revolution the cliffside would aid in buying time for general George Washington to regroup his men in Englewood. Then from 1798 to 1845 the cliffside would be the site of many duels, most famous of which being a duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. During the 19th century there was heavy lobbying to preserve the Palisades. This was in response to many railroad companies looking to the cliffside for heavy quarrying. For 20 years there would be many unsuccessful motions to preserve the park until about 1909, where the Palisades Interstate Park Commission was created. For a while, the Palisades would be scouted for multiple building and relocation projects, however each time companies would be met with strong resistance from conservationists. In addition, many powerful people would join in the efforts to keep the Palisades a natural landmark, such as Mary Williamson Averell and even John D. Rockefeller Jr. Thousands of acres of land would be donated to the Palisades in order to keep them safe. One of the only additions made to the cliffside is the addition of George Washington Bridge, which opened in 1931. The bridge would help connect New Jersey with Upper Manhattan, and the palisades would help developers design the city.
Most of these roads make up the Bergen section of the neighborhood. A residential district lined with old Victorian mansions, row houses, and some impressive art deco designs. Some of the buildings here where remodeled for residential use.
Most famous of which being The Beacon, a mixed-use development that went through major changes in the early 2000’s. The building itself was designed during the great depression as a medical center, but after many years it was redeveloped into what is now known as The Beacon. There’s also a shopping district filled with old storefronts located within the area on Monticello Avenue. Bergen has a few buildings that are considered landmarks in the neighborhood, such the YMCA’s Renaissance Revival building and the Fairmount Apartments.
Today Bergen is filled with shopping districts and early 20th century buildings however not all of them stood the test of time. Some sections of Bergen-Lafayette have been around since the earliest settlements of North America. Such is the case with Communipaw, a historic district in Bergen-Lafayette that merged with New Jersey around the 1860’s. Communipaw was urbanized at the end of the 19th century, however most of its buildings were constructed during different time periods.
Whitlock Cordage is an old industrial complex built in the early 1900’s that has been repurposed. Originally, Whitlock Cordage was a rope factory that spanned more than 7 acres of land. The factory would operate from about 1909 to 2003 before a judge ruled for its demolition and resale. Whitlock Cordage was then purchased and renovated into over 200 affordable residential apartments. Whitlock Cordage is not the only industry building that was converted into a residential complex. Ficken’s Warehouse was built in 1910 and was used as a stable until being renovated for residential use around the 2000’s.
Berry Lane Park is another example of a former industrial ground being converted into a residential area. The area was formerly filled with auto shops, warehouses, rail yards, and plenty of industrial facilities. Some of those factories were major contributors to metal contamination throughout the local environment. The former industrial district was renovated from 2012 to 2016 and was opened for public use in June 2016.
Bergen-Lafayette is being reshaped and remodeled into a brand new residential and commercial district. not just filled with commercial business but also packed with parks for visitors to enjoy. Its commercial districts are going through high rise booms leading to an influx of visitors looking to get some shopping done in the area. If you are coming down to visit you’ll be glad to know that Bergen-Lafayette is filled with coffee shops and restaurants, you can even get Caribbean food in the city. Some New York residents already take a limo service down to Atlantic City so its no surprise that they’re stopping by Bergen-Lafayette to do some sight seeing.
Located Northwest of Washington D.C., and founded in the mid 1700’s, there lies a neighborhood called Georgetown. With a population over 70,000 Georgetown has a rich history from the day it was first founded. Today, Georgetown is home to some of the most fabulous restaurants in the country and some of the best shops as well! This makes it worth visiting for any tourist, so make sure you have transportation to the neighborhood to enjoy your stay. From its busy M Street to the beautiful Georgetown Park, there are plenty of things to do for anyone wanting to visit. Georgetown is also flooded with historic areas from both the 19th century and the 20th century. This can include things such as the Washington Harbor or even some of its historical schools. Georgetown is not just known for its high end shops and restaurants but also for its education. The neighborhood has consistently poured its resources into its education system landing them one of the most prestigious schools to attend, Georgetown University. Georgetown is a wonderful place to visit, and while it used to be more well known for its unattainable status. Though, recently its become much more accessible to the public, with more shops and restaurants for anyone to enjoy.
Georgetown was may have been founded in the mid 1700’s but its history goes all the way back to the 1600’s. In 1632 Henry Fleet, an English fur trader, documented a village of the Nacotchtank people called Tohoga, this is where modern Georgetown is now located. Henry Fleet had actually spent 5 years as the Nacotchtank’s prisoner, he was later freed for ransom. Henry Fleet saw the advantage that Georgetown had for shipping due to its connection to the ocean via the Potomac River. This lead to a port being build in the area and trade was then established. The port of Georgetown is actually about 40 years older than the city of Washington. Then in 1745, a tobacco inspection house was constructed alongside the Potomac River by a man named George Gordon. George Beall Jr. was also a prominent figure in the neighborhood, he was the grandson of George Bell who was a strong political figure among other things. In the 1750’s the 60 acre area was purchased by the Province of Maryland, this was done to turn the neighborhood into Georgetown. Robert Peter then became the first mayor of the town, Georgetown then began to build, using the river to its advantage by building ports and warehouses. After which the establishment of the federal capital helped Georgetown become its own independent district.
View of Georgetown University in the 19th century
In the early 1820’s the Potomac River became so filled up with ports and silt that it became hard to navigate up to Georgetown. This was becoming such an issue that it became difficult to trade in Georgetown. The solution was to build a new canal going from Harper’s Ferry to Georgetown, however the introduction to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad altered that. To start with, the railroad was finished before the canal could be done, and it was much cheaper than the ferry. This practically killed any hope for a ferry to bring in money. While the canal was still built it was not as profitable as they had hoped, this was due to the train being much cheaper and much faster. There was an upside, the canal was originally made to allow for civilian boats to pass but with most residents now taking the train, it gave another route for ships and cargo boats to take. This wound up being extremely helpful as it helped clear up some congestion and provided a boost for the economy in the town. Georgetown would follow the trend of the evolving industries throughout the decades; during the 1820’s they traded tobacco, sugar, salt, and even hemp, later incorporating flour, and even coal. For the next 40 – 50 years the area would remain largely self governed, while this was good for expanding business it would eventually become a problem. Georgetown eventually had to deal with its original problem, constant shipping of coal leading to the area becoming silted. To make things worse in 1889 a storm at the end of May washed away a poorly managed dam in the area. This nearly destroyed Georgetown, it took years for the area to finally begin to rebuild. Georgetown not only rebuilt but also expanded. This led to the expansion of the railroads and allowed for new factories to be built in the neighborhood. Georgetown’s waterfront became more industrialized, with warehouses, and apartment complexes going up in the area. None of these apartments were actually well kept. By the end of the 19th century, Georgetown was a mix of industry along the river, and “projects” for the workers to live in. However, older homes remaining unchanged though most of them would remain abandoned for a while.
The opening of the Buffalo Bridge in the early 1910’s helped connect Georgetown with Rock Creek Park. then in the 1920’s construction began on large apartment complexes along the edge of Georgetown. The C & O Canal would deal with a series of floods throughout the years until it was eventually sold to the National Park Service in late 1938.
The area would then remain largely industrial until about 1968, a series of freeways then allowed for some commuters to avoid Georgetown altogether.
Georgetown has some of the best schools in the country and for good reason. With money constantly moving in and out of the area it allowed for schools to be well founded. Georgetown is home to many university-preparatory schools, the first being Columbian Academy. Georgetown was not just fueled by wealth but also its desire to properly educate the young. Georgetown contains multiple private schools such as; Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Georgetown Day School, and many more. The schools themselves also contain some interesting history for anyone willing to read. Georgetown does contain some public schools, and most are operated by the District of Columbia Public Schools or (DCPS) for short. There are also a number of public libraries in the area, mainly due to the District of Columbia Public Library operating there. However the most well known university is without a doubt Georgetown University.
Georgetown University is one the oldest schools in the United States founded by bishop John Carroll in 1789. It stands as the best private research university in the country and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States with highly picky admissions. It stands as the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States however the majority of its students do not follow the religion. The school’s alumni include more U.S. diplomats than any other university in the United States. Georgetown University’s main campus is identifiable by Healy Hall, a National Historic Landmark. The school now houses about 10 undergraduate and graduate schools.
Georgetown University is one the oldest schools in the United States founded by bishop John Carroll in 1789. It stands as the best private research university in the country and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States with highly picky admissions.
It stands as the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States however the majority of its students do not follow the religion. The school’s alumni include more U.S. diplomats than any other university in the United States. this means that visiting the university is not as easy as getting on a bus, often times the students take a car service to the school. This means that unless you have the funds, Georgetown University is very difficult to tour. Georgetown University’s main campus is identifiable by Healy Hall, a National Historic Landmark. The school now houses about 10 undergraduate and graduate schools.
One of Georgetown’s best tourist destination is Georgetown Park. Georgetown Park is a mixed use area, consisting of both a shopping mall and condominium use. It also went through some of the most renovations throughout the decades. parts of its structure where actually used from old tobacco warehouses in the area, these parts can date as far back as 1838. In the 1850’s Georgetown Park was bought by John E. Reeside and Gilbert Vanderwerken, during which it was used to hold their Omnibus line. After it was used to hold the Washington and Georgetown Railroad, it was then converted into a machine shop for streetcars. At one point the building served as the United States Defense Communications Annex E. Donohoe Construction Co. acquired the building in 1975 and was tasked with developing the area into a combined housing and commercial complex.
When walking around Georgetown you’ll be greeted with the sight of America’s first style of home, federal-style. The town is packed with Federalist style homes built back during the 18th century. While the architectural style may be called “Federal” its actually a style from England called “Georgian”
These homes where often built by wealthy Englishmen who would hire builders and carpenters to construct rowhouses and townhouses. During this period of expansion most houses would be built in a federal-style, which was used to design homes between 1785 to 1830. These buildings feature low stoops, iron hand rails, and are well known for their Flemish bond brick layouts. The roofs on these homes are typically pitched and would often have two attic dormers, windows and entrances would also feature small cornices above them. Some federal style public buildings feature arched windows, these are typically used by churches and town halls. The standard federal-style home is built with wood framing on top of a brick basement. Federal homes are typically three stories high, flat, with six-over-six windows lined with simple masonry. the allure of federal-style homes is derived from the elegance of linear placement of doors and windows.
Federal style can also be seen used for the hotels in the area. Some of these buildings even feature pillars in the entryway, though these are mostly used in public buildings. With Georgetown being so synonymous with federal architecture its no wonder they offer tours to anyone visiting!
Washington Harbor is also one of Georgetown’s most famous destinations as well. Washington Harbor is a mixed used development that was designed by Arthur Cotton Moore. The complex contains luxury condominiums, offices, retail space, and restaurants. Washington Harbor has a postmodern architectural style. Washington Harbor has a set of floodgates designed to help protect it against river floods; the gates were later renovated after 2010. During its initial days it was mainly used as a commercial harbor, however this changed during the Industrial Revolution. At first Washington Harbor had to close because of a decline in commercial sales. This led to numerous Manufacturing plants and industry to be built in the area. After the 1960’s Washington Harbor went through numerous proposals but none were acted upon for almost a decade. Many Georgetown residents strongly opposed plans to build a series of highways throughout the city. Ironically enough the plan that eventually went through was a plan to tear down the already existing freeway. Washington Harbor was inevitably saved by President Nixon in 1971. Construction of the actual area began in the 1980’s and was opened in phases, the first phase being in 1986.
Today, the Potomac river contains multiple waterfront dining options, many of which can give you a fantastic view of The Kennedy Center. Some of the better options for seafood in the area are places like Sequoia, Nick’s Riverside Grill, and Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place. Georgetown is also home to some of the most famous restaurants in the country, so famous even presidents eat there! 2 of these restaurants are Farmers Fishers Bakers, and Fiola Mare, who have had the luxury of having guests like Joe Biden and James Bond. Some luxury hotels offer restaurants of their own, all of these restaurants offer top cuisine options for all their guests. Places like Bourbon Steak, and CUT by Wolfgang Puck can offer you a variety of Steaks and red meat options to satisfy your meat filling. There is also a restaurant called The Alex, named after Alexander Graham Bell, which features a Steampunk aesthetic for its visitors to enjoy. You can enjoy some Italian Cuisine at the Cafe Milano and Filomena Ristorante, or an all-American menu at 1798. Georgetown also features a number of stylish bars such as Richard Sandoval’sEl Centro D.F., which serves up authentic Mexican food all day!
