Check out our favorite city (and Frank Sinatra's birthplace), Hoboken! Hop on the MNBN train towards Hoboken at the Plauderville stop (5 minute Uber from the Marriott Saddle Brook) and ride 5 stops (32 minutes) until Hoboken. The waterfront provides a gorgeous walkway and bike path to take in the best views of NYC and explore the (officially) most walkable city in NJ! Citibikes are available for rent all around the ctiy, if you feel like taking a bike ride (you can rent bikes the bikes within your Lyft app). Have a picnic in one of the many waterfront pier parks or take a stroll down bustling Washington Street and pop in the many shops, restaurants, and bars lining the street and surrounding blocks. Some of our favorite spots include Pier 13 (waterfront outdoor beer garden), City Bistro (where we got engaged), Belo Bar (our first date), Hudson Table (cooking classes), Pilsner Haus & Biergarten (indoor/outdoor beer garden), and Bin 14 (Alex's favorite restaurant & wine bar).
Hop on the Plauderville train station (a short 5 minute Uber from the hotel) and get to NY Penn Station after a quick train transfer at Secaucus, NJ in about 45 minutes total to explore New York City! From Plauderville, take the NJ Transit MNBN Train towards Hoboken, get off at the Secaucus Junction stop and transfer to the NEC Train towards New York Penn Station and get off at NY Penn. From there, you'll be in Midtown Manhattan and can explore all NYC has to offer. Check out Secret NYC, Bucket Listers NYC, and Time Out NYC websites for all of the latest and greatest things to do.
Explore the charm of the shops and restaurants on the main streets of Ridgewood, NJ or Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ in Bergen County. Downtown Ridgewood has more than 100 restaurants and an equal number of shops on the streets surrounding Van Neste Square Memorial Park, at the center of town. The village is also a cultural hub: Bookends bookstore is a stop on many authors’ book-signing tours, and the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival is held annually at the 1932 Art Deco Warner Theater, now a Bow Tie Cinema. In the downtown of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, pretty shops and restaurants line Sheridan Street and Franklin Turnpike.
Hudson Golf is one of our favorite activities in Hoboken! The indoor golf simulator venue caters to serious golfers, non-golfers, and everyone in between. Each of the 5 bays are equipped with TrackMan indoor golf technology, and the latest righty/lefty golf clubs and Titleist RCT balls are provided at no extra cost. For those waiting their turn to swing, each bay comes furnished with a dedicated TV and server for anything your party needs. Not a golfer? No problem! The bar serves a variety of cocktails, beer and wine, as well as food with local ingredients. Take a seat, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the downtown Manhattan and Jersey City skylines!
So much more than a mall! There are over 400 stores and attractions including Blacklight Mini Golf, Legends of the Hidden Temple (world's tallest indoor ropes course), Dream Wheel (Ferris wheel), North America's largest indoor water park, Nickelodeon Theme Park, Big Snow (year round indoor ski and snow resort), and the Escape Game (escape room) to name a few. American Dream is about a 15 minute drive from the Marriott Saddle Brook.
Embrace the fall activities and check out Demarest Farms! Demarest Farms was founded in 1886 and has since been a staple within the Bergen County Community. Offering a variety of activities, including peach picking, apple picking, and pumpkin picking, the farm is the perfect spot for family-fun. The farm market offers plants, produce, fresh baked goods, and more for all of its guests to enjoy!
Ever wanted to try axe throwing? In their safe, controlled throwing pit, customers take turns hurling their hatchet (smaller axe) to the target, honing in on their form and technique. After several trials, most find this activity to be addicting. When not throwing, friends gather in the common area at large farm tables and comfy couches. While you are welcome to order food in, snacks, beverages and ice are available for purchase. Stumpy’s Hatchet House Upper Saddle River is BYOB- beer or wine only – and they have buckets of ice to keep ’em cold for you.
One of our favorite dates was at SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater! The multi-level, all-season facility has been thoughtfully designed as an immersive rejuvenation & relaxation experience just for you. Daily Admission includes access to all pools, baths, saunas and bath houses. There are private, secure, full size locker to store your belongings, and there are complimentary towels & robes to use during your stay. Add on treatments, such as massages, can be purchased and scheduled ahead of time.
Check out the fall foliage and go for a casual hike at nearby Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Ramapo Valley County Reservation is Bergen County's largest park area and is located on the edge of the Highlands Region. With the recent additions of Camp Glen Gray, Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd, the park has grown to over 4,000 acres. Visitors can hike the hills and valleys, enjoy the Ramapo River and several ponds, and admire the vibrant ecosystem.
Go for a hike at the the Palisades Interstate Park, which was one of our favorite adventures with Madison. We like the Peanut Leap Cascade hiking trail that leads you to a waterfall. The Giant Stairs are also available for a more challenging option, weather permitting. There are more than 30 miles of trails offer opportunities that range from easy riverside strolls to challenging rock scrambles. As a bonus, there are beautiful views of New York across the Hudson River.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park! Sky Zone activities, including the Main Court, Foam Zone, Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam and more! Open jump is available during normal operating hours. All ages are welcome, and a Sky Zone liability waiver is required for each jumper. SkySocks are required and available for purchase.