It’s the little things that make the biggest impact sometimes, which has become very apparent during the pandemic lockdown. A simple walk outside now seems daunting. It’s difficult to remember what it was like to take a walk along Washington Street, and leisurely pop in and out of shops, or how it felt to hit the gym with an array of machines and weights available and ready to be used {never thought that was something to be missed}. In honor of just that, the Hoboken Girl team has compiled a list of simple pleasures that locals are missing right now. Read on for what to look forward to once the quarantine is lifted.
Grabbing a Coffee and Pastry at bwè kafe
Our at-home makeshift lattes just aren’t the same. Although bwè has suspended services in their locations, customers can still support by purchasing gift cards for that future coffee date.
Late-Night Bites at Tony Boloney’s
Although Tony’s is still delivering their melt-in-your-mouth pizzas, there is something we miss about standing in line post-Saturday-night-out at 3:00AM. The Sh#tfaced Chicken Pizza just tastes better after a few vodka sodas from The Shannon.
Hitting the Gym After Work
We never thought the gym would be on the list of things we miss, but our living room studio set-up just isn’t the same.
Read More: Local Fitness Businesses Offering Online Classes + Streaming Options
Weekday Mani-Pedi Deals
Locals’ cuticles are feeling the effects of quarantine. At-home DIY mani’s are doable, but it is much more difficult to mimic the feeling of getting a fresh pedicure unless your sig’ other is willing to give you a good 20-minute foot scrub and massage. Not being able to take advantage of local mani-pedi weekday deals has been tough.
Sifting Through the Racks at Local Thrift Shops
One of the most exciting things about thrift shops is sifting through and finding what’s new and unique. Hoboken and Jersey City have some of the best vintage and thrift stores around.
A Sweet Ice Cream Run
As temperatures rise, the next thing to crave is a creamy ice cream cone. We haven’t stopped thinking about Milk Sugar Love’s Maple Bacon Toffee ice cream since the last time it turned 60 and sunny.
Boozy Brunch with Friends
Whether it’s bottomless at the W, or BYOB at Anthony David’s, boozy brunch is deeply missed. There is something about a mimosa and pancakes that go hand in hand.
Sitting on the Green at Pier A
It’s especially difficult living in a city during the quarantine. Many locals don’t have yards, so a simple pleasure such as sitting on the grass by the pier is truly missed during this time.
Morning Tennis at Hamilton Park
The tennis courts, dog parks, and children’s playgrounds were always bustling at Hamilton Park. A morning tennis match followed by a stop at Milk Sugar Love sounds like the perfect start to the day right about now.
Open Mic Night at Headroom Bar + Social
Whether you stop by just for the entertainment or are one of the acts, Hoboken + Jersey City is filled with talent just waiting to emerge. Luckily virtual performances are getting us through in the meantime.
Trying a New Cocktail at Mathew’s Food + Drink
{Photo credit: @mathewsfoodanddrink}
At-home cocktails may do the trick, but they never seem to turn out as beautiful as Mathew’s famous glittery drink, ‘80s glam.
Catching a Game at Hudson Hall
Locals, and just about the entire world, are going through sports withdrawals. With so many games and seasons being postponed, Netflix binging is at an all-time high.
See More: Staying In? Here Are Restaurants Offering Delivery in Hoboken + Jersey City
Rooftop Hangouts at Porta, The Ashford, + City Bistro
As the weather gets warmer, it becomes much harder to deal with not being able to enjoy a rooftop beer or Aperol Spritz. Summer and rooftop bars just go hand in hand.
A Morning O’Bagel Run
{Photo credit: @obagel_family}
We are so grateful that our favorite bagel shops like O’Bagel or Wonder Bagels deliver during this time. Quarantine happy hours that turn into rough hangovers need to be cured with a toasted bacon egg and cheese sandwich.
Mobile Spray-Tans Before a Night Out
Staying indoors has our skin looking a little sad, and craving some major vitamin D. Tanning lotions can help, but locals are really missing their mobile sprays for that perfect, even glow.
Catching a Workout Class with a Friend
Thank goodness for virtual and on-demand classes many local studios are offering. Locals can still dance their A$$ off with the Jane DO app, but that vibrant studio energy is truly missed.
What are some simple pleasures you are missing during this time? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know: We started a podcast about all things news and lifestyle in Hoboken + Jersey City! Listen to the latest episode of Tea on the Hudson here and subscribe.
