These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I recently introduced my daughter to the movie The Sound of Music. Well, by introduced I mean I ordered it on Netflix and we watched half of it. (So far.) We've talked about getting it since I sometimes sing Do-Re,-Mi to her when she is going to bed and wanted her to hear Julie Andrews sing it. (Of course, the daring, heart-pounding escape from the Nazis might not make for the most restful bed-time thoughts, now that I think of it. But, like I said -- we haven't gotten to that part yet.)

In the meantime, the movie has made me think about that other sweet song, "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things."

With summer winding down here, I decided to compile this little list of a few of our favorite things in northern New Jersey.

Made With Love - downtown Jersey City. We adore this little gem of a bakery on Newark Ave. Last year, in fact, I threw a little dinner party for myself there (it was my birthday) and created my own, ultimate "Girls Night Out." The bakery uses all organic ingredients and everything tastes wonderful. This year I also ordered buttermilk scones for my daughter's class for a special event and the owner and head baker delivered them herself, fresh from the oven, right to the school! We are hoping someday they will introduce gluten-free products to their lineup, like this place.

Van Saun County Park - Paramus (tucked away off Route 3). This park has it all and is worth the drive from Jersey City or Hoboken. They have a beautiful old-fashioned carousel, a large zoo, an irresistable choo choo train that runs around the outside of the zoo, a large playground area -- and, wait for it: pony rides! It's awesome. This week my daughter is doing a "pony camp" there and it's been a lot of fun, especially today when she demonstrated her skills and trotted with a pony named Finn (with a counselor jogging alongside them.) You can easily spend a day here.

River view Park and Washington Heights Park - Palisade Ave., and Central Ave, respectively. We have to represent, since we live in the Heights! Both of these parks have been renovated. Riverview has spectacular views of Manhattan, room to run around and play soccer, and a nice sized playground. (The very steep slide here is a family favorite.) There's also a community garden tucked in one corner (near Ogden) which is definitely worth checking out. On Sundays there is a newly established Farmer's Market. Washington Park recently underwent a massive overhaul; it boasts all new tennis courts, a large area with picnic tables, and one of the biggest playgrounds anywhere -- including a small toddler area and a fun, large climbing structure that looks like a barn, plus plenty of slides. It's also got a big sprinkler park. We used to drive to Hoboken for sprinklers, but now we don't have to. Both parks have vibrant park associations.

The Clearview Cinema in Hoboken. Just down the viaduct running from Jersey City to the north end of Hoboken, this relatively new theater is convenient and usually has at least one kid movies playing.

The public libraries. The beautiful Main Library in Jersey City is a frequent stop for us, but did you know that Jersey City residents can get a special sticker added to their library card which gives us privileges to the Hoboken library? Both libraries are near parks, so it's an easy little outing to combine a trip to pick up books and play outside. Plus, the Hoboken library has a very large children's room which is fun to explore, especially if your kids have already checked out the kid's room in the Jersey City branch.

Let the Festivals Begin

Spring seems like it might finally be underway (or maybe summer since the rain is gone and it's going up to 80 degrees today!). With the season comes lots of outdoor festival fun.

This weekend Van Vorst Park will host the Spring Festival of Children. The Saturday festival will feature music, dance, sports and art workshops, as well as a gardening tour sponsored by the very active group, Friends of Van Vorst Park.

We've spent lots of afternoons in this lovely park, which features a small sandbox (pretty rare in these parts), a few swings, a playground, lawns to run on, and gorgeous landscaping and flowers.

The park is walking distance to several nice places to grab a snack - our favorites include Made With Love and Wonder Bagels. It's also next door to the main branch of the Jersey City Public Library, which has a large, cheerful, recently revamped children's room on the first floor.

It's a great place for family fun and even features a dog run for folks with furry friends who need a place to romp. We hope to see you there. Having played in this park as a child when it was pretty run down, I think the volunteers behind Friends of Van Vorst Park are to be commended for their tireless work.

So "Sue" Me

There were about 800 things on the family "to-do" list this morning, but with the sun shining so nicely we had to get outdoors. A quick drive got us to Liberty State Park - and the enormous Liberty Science Center. That's the place to go if you want to come face-to-face with Sue - the best T-Rex skeleton ever found.

Sue is only in town until March 14 and she is definitely worth the trip. What we liked best about it is that you can really see it - just get right up close and marvel at that massive jaw! those huge teeth! the giant joints of the legs! The other activities and explanations they have in the exhibit are all good too.

After a checking out a few other exhibits, we bought tickets for the "simulator ride." For $5 each, guests choose one of several programs and climb in a vehicle that looks like a cross between a small space ship and a car that sits on hydraulic lifts. My daughter chose "Solar Coaster" and rode into space, zooming through the planets. From outside, I could hear squeals of joy.

We didn't stay for too long though, because we had to leave time to play outside at Liberty State Park where lots of tots where exploring the playground.

One final weekend note - Jersey City's First Fridays are finally beginning to offer more events for kids. Last night we checked out a few galleries, and heard live kid-friendly music at Made With Love (where there was also face painting). Ahymn Espresso Bar & Cafe up the street also had another musical duo - although they were playing adult music. For sitting patiently through two songs, the kid was rewarded with a nice purple balloon. Very uplifting.

When Mom is Too Sick to Cook

At the end of last year, I was at a friend's party in downtown Jersey City when a huge platter of warm empanadas were served. When I asked where they came friend my friend smiled. It turned out she had driven all the way to the Heights to pick these babies up. At $1 a piece I'm told they are the best, well-priced empanadas around.

Of course, we're no strangers to Rumba's since we live in the neighborhood but usually we are just dashing in for a cup of their fantastic coffee to go. (The wait staff somehow almost seem disappointed when I tell them I only want one sugar.) This warm, Cuban restaurant is extremely popular and never empty. Sometimes we'll get a roasted chicken dinner to go when we are having a busy night. Occasionally I've taken my daughter in on an early Saturday morning when dad is sleeping in. She gets a buttered roll and mom gets coffee. Here is a link to the menu.

Last week I was laid up with some strange flu-like bug and all I wanted was chicken soup and orange juice. Too weak to even contemplate dragging myself to the store and then into the kitchen, I walked into Rumba's and came out with an enormous container of chicken soup and another huge to go cup of FRESH squeezed OJ from Rumba's awesome retro-looking machine.
I paid $10.

There was plenty to satisfy the munchkin for dinner and it was just the right elixir for mom. Of course, I wouldn't mind if a Jewish deli opened nearby where I could get a nice matzo ball soup (because driving to Englewood or Tenafly is just too ridiculous when you are sick), but Rumba's can do right by you - whether you are sick or not, any day of the week.