Hudson Restaurant Week is kicking off their tenth year with Winter Restaurant Week 2014 starting on Monday, January 13th to Sunday, January 26th. Check out the list of participating restaurants: http://hudsonrestaurantweek.com/restaurant-listing/
There will also be a bonus Super Week from Monday, January 27th until Sunday, February 2nd. The list of participating Super Week restaurants can be found at http://hudsonrestaurantweek.com/restaurant-listing/super-week/
As in the past, Hudson Restaurant Week offers diners discounted pre fixe lunch and dinner menus. A great excuse to try new restaurants or revisit old faves!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options in Jersey City
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Vegan dining at Two Boots Jersey City, 133 Newark Ave |
Here are a few places to start with:
Two Boots Jersey City has not one but two vegan specialty pizzas: "V is for Vegan" pizza (Daiya non-dairy cheese, artichokes, shiitake mushrooms, red onion, basil and red pepper pesto) and the recently introduced "Bubba" (Daiya non-dairy cheese, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, Kalamata olives, broccoli, peppers, garlic).
You can also order any pizza with Daiya non-dairy cheese (additional charge) - goes great with the veggie-heavy "Earth Mother". As an aside, Two Boots also offers gluten free crusts and whole wheat crusts for their pizzas (additional charge).
The new grocer & cafe offers a "Yes Ve-gan" ramen dish with noodles and vegetables on their menu.
Orale's menu features a "Vegetariano" taco which is a garbanzo fritter with spiced yogurt, quinoa salsa and cilantro (hold the yogurt to make it vegan). They also had Seitan tacos, no longer on menu but has made appearances before.
DOCO in Hamilton Park often has vegetarian or vegan items on their menu, including past favorites veggie lasagna, vegan pasta with veggies, vegan cinnamon buns, vegan cake, hominy and vegan sausage and more. Check their Facebook page often for menu updates.
Thali at the Newport mall food court specializes in Indian vegetarian food. Diners serve themselves and pay by weight. Their counterpart, Taste of India, sits right next door and also offers some vegetarian dishes. Check out the review of both places in The Village Voice.
Local small business Jersey City Veggie Burgers (and recent Start Something Challenge winner) offers unique, gourmet veggie burgers such as their White Bean Broccoli Rabe burger and the black bean veggie burger on the menu at Left Bank Burger Bar.
You can also find Jersey City Veggie Burgers at various farmers markets around town (follow JCVB on Twitter for exact days/times), P & K Food Market at 170 Newark Ave, DOCO Market & Cafe in Hamilton Park or order online for delivery.
Check out Jersey City Eats review of Jersey City Veggie Burgers' pumpkin burger (at the 6th Borough Market).
The Cinnamon Snail, an award-winning NYC/NJ food truck offers a full vegan menu as well as several gluten-free items. Highlights include a selection of playfully-named vegan donuts as well as savory items such as Korean BBQ quesadillas.
They are often at the Grove Street Farmers Market but you can track their exact location via their Twitter: @VeganLunchTruck.
Subia's, at the corner of Wayne Street and Jersey Avenue, offers a full vegan menu of platters, salads and sandwiches with a wide variety of items. They also have a market where they carry hard to find vegan products such as Daiya non-dairy cheese and more.
Also, if you're interested in learning more about being vegan and living in Jersey City, check out Emily Mae's terrific website: Jersey City Vegan.
Update (6/19/2014): Also be sure to check out Milk Sugar Love at 19 McWilliams Place in Hamilton Park where they always have a vegan ice cream ready to scoop.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Regional Bike Share Program Coming to Jersey City
More good transportation news for Jersey City: Jersey City, Hoboken and Weehawken recently announced they will partner on a regional bike share program, bringing at least 300 bikes and 30 locations to Jersey City.
The program is also expected to be quite high-tech: bikers will be able to register online or via smartphone app as well as rent directly at the stations using a credit card. Bikes will even be equipped with GPS to collect data for the municipalities. Bikers will also be able to rent bikes in one municipality and return it in another.
For more information, check out this press release on the City of Hoboken's website.
The program is also expected to be quite high-tech: bikers will be able to register online or via smartphone app as well as rent directly at the stations using a credit card. Bikes will even be equipped with GPS to collect data for the municipalities. Bikers will also be able to rent bikes in one municipality and return it in another.
For more information, check out this press release on the City of Hoboken's website.
Celebrating New Years Eve 2013 in Jersey City
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The Iron Monkey's New Years Eve Party |
There are quite a few Jersey City bars and restaurants with New Years Eve events, but remember to make your reservations early.
Here are a few to get you started (in no particular order):
Manta
New Years Eve party from 9 pm to 2 am. $85 per person ($5 discount before December 23rd). Open bar, DJ, hors d'oeuvres, dinner buffet, Champagne toast and raffle prizes.
The Merchant
New Years Eve bash begins at 10 pm. $45 per person. Open bar, party favors, passed appetizers, Champagne toast (excludes gratuity).
The Brightside Tavern
New Years Eve celebration. Appetizers, buffet and dessert. $99 per person, open bar from 9 pm to 1 am.
The Iron Monkey
New Years Eve party. $65 per person for 3 hour open bar. Open until 4 am.
Powerhouse Lounge
New Years Eve with DJ, dancing, open bar and food. $75 per person ($100 at the door). Open until 4 am.
Orale Mexican Kitchen
New Years Eve: 3 course dinner for $35 or $65 with open bar per person. At the bar: $40 open bar from 10 pm to close.
9th and Coles Tavern
Farewell 2013 party. Drink specials, kitchen open until 1 am, Champagne toast at midnight. No cover.
Teppan
New Years Eve: unlimited sushi and hibachi from 10 pm to 12 am. $75 in advance only.
Casa Dante
New Years Eve hors d’oeuvres, 4 course dinner, dancing for $150 per person.
GP's Hamilton Park
On New Years Day GP's will be having a special New Years Day brunch event starting at 11 am.
Light Horse Tavern
Two seatings: 5 pm to 8 pm for $55 per person with piano music, 10 pm late seating for $95 per person with Jazz Quartet.
Zeppelin Hall Biergarten
New Years Eve party: DJ, dancing, no reservations, no cover.
VB3
New Years Eve dinner: 3 course prix fixe. Make reservations via Open Table
Roman Nose
New Years Eve: Starting at 5 pm, dinner specials, no cover, no reservations, complimentary midnight toast. Also, a special New Years brunch on January 1st from 12 pm to 4 pm.
White Star Bar
New Years Eve: Open bar from 9 pm to 2 am for $50 including wine, liquor and their entire craft beer selection. Tickets can be purchased that night or in advance by calling (201) 653-9234.
Updated (12/17/13, 12/23/13, 12/30/13) with additional events.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Jersey City Ties Happy Hour and Toy Drive for the Boys & Girls Club at Lucky 7 Tavern This Thursday, December 19, 2013
Local professional networking group Jersey City Ties will be holding their 3rd annual Happy Hour and Toy Drive for the Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County at Lucky 7 Tavern (322 2nd Street) this Thursday, December 19th from 6-9 pm.
Jersey City Ties will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for younger children as well as gifts geared towards teenagers (such as gift cards) as the Club members range from 5-15 years old.
For more information about the event, visit Jersey City Ties' Facebook page.
Jersey City Ties will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for younger children as well as gifts geared towards teenagers (such as gift cards) as the Club members range from 5-15 years old.
For more information about the event, visit Jersey City Ties' Facebook page.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Jersey City Alley Arts: New After School Visual Arts Program Hosting a Winter Open House on Sunday, December 15, 2013
Alley Arts, a new after school visual arts program in downtown Jersey City, will be hosting a Winter Open House event this Sunday, December 15th at 12 pm to 4 pm.
The open house will include several free workshops for kids including movie making, photography, portrait painting and TAG interactive art.
Alley Arts is located at 323 4th Street, in the alley way between Coles & Monmouth and Third & Fourth Streets (look for the mural pictured above!). They offer several six-week sessions on Movie Making, Photography, Alley Arts Explorers, and Gardening and Sustainability. Parents will be able to pre-register at the open house to receive discounted tuition.
The open house will include several free workshops for kids including movie making, photography, portrait painting and TAG interactive art.
Alley Arts is located at 323 4th Street, in the alley way between Coles & Monmouth and Third & Fourth Streets (look for the mural pictured above!). They offer several six-week sessions on Movie Making, Photography, Alley Arts Explorers, and Gardening and Sustainability. Parents will be able to pre-register at the open house to receive discounted tuition.
Groupon for BJ's Wholesale Club (New Members)
Groupon is offering a nationwide deal on new memberships to BJ's Wholesale Club: $35 for a one-year membership and a $25 gift card. According to Groupon, a one-year membership to BJ's will normally cost $50.
There is a BJ's Wholesale Club on Marin Blvd in downtown Jersey City (in the same plaza as ShopRite and Bed, Bath & Beyond).
There is a BJ's Wholesale Club on Marin Blvd in downtown Jersey City (in the same plaza as ShopRite and Bed, Bath & Beyond).
HPHA's Savor the Season Holiday Feast is Sunday, December 15, 2013
Historic Paulus Hook Association (HPHA) is throwing their Savor the Season Holiday Feast this Sunday, December 15th from 2 pm to 5 pm at St. Peter's Prep (Van Vorst Street and Grand Street).
The holiday event will support the Paulus Hook Park Redesign. Tickets are $25/adults ($5 discount online), $20/seniors, kids under 12 are free.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit HPHA's website at www.paulushook.org.
The holiday event will support the Paulus Hook Park Redesign. Tickets are $25/adults ($5 discount online), $20/seniors, kids under 12 are free.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit HPHA's website at www.paulushook.org.
Enterprise CarShare Coming to Hoboken and Jersey City
Enterprise CarShare will start with 10 types of vehicles, from SUVs to economy cars, with plans to later expand the variety. They also hope to have a lower member-to-car ratio than other car-sharing companies, so there will be more cars for people to rent.
Currently there are numerous ZipCar locations all around Jersey City, as well as quite a few rental car locations (although not all of them have convenient weekend hours).
For more information about living in Jersey City without a car, check out Seen in Jersey City's guide to going car-less from June 2013.
Update (12/13/2013): In further transportation-related news, yesterday Jersey City auctioned off 20 new taxi medallions (raising $5.1 million). The additional available taxis on the street should be good news for commuters and residents.
Word Bookstore Soft Launch Tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Jersey Journal has reported that the Word Bookstore at 123 Newark Avenue, steps from the Grove Street PATH station, is only days away from opening officially.
The independent bookstore from Greenpoint Brooklyn has been eagerly anticipated in Jersey City since it was first announced in February.
The bookstore will have a "soft" opening tomorrow, Saturday, December 14th at 9 am (cafe to come later).
The independent bookstore from Greenpoint Brooklyn has been eagerly anticipated in Jersey City since it was first announced in February.
The bookstore will have a "soft" opening tomorrow, Saturday, December 14th at 9 am (cafe to come later).
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Outdoor Ice Rink Newport Skates Now Open
As previously posted the outdoor ice rink Newport Skates marked their grand re-opening for the season last Tuesday, December 3rd, in conjunction with the 12th annual Newport Tree Lighting.
For current rates and hours of operation, visit their website at www.newportskates.com.
More photos of the celebrations at last week's Newport Tree Lighting and Newport Skates unveiling are after the jump...
For current rates and hours of operation, visit their website at www.newportskates.com.
More photos of the celebrations at last week's Newport Tree Lighting and Newport Skates unveiling are after the jump...
Monday, December 9, 2013
Fundraiser to Benefit Grove Street Fire Victims at Two Boots Tonight, Monday, December 9, 2013
HDSID and Two Boots Jersey City are hosting a fundraiser tonight, Monday, December 9th to benefit the people and businesses who were affected by the terrible Grove Street fire.
Attendees will be asked to donate $15 at the door and are encouraged to bring clothing and non-perishable food.
They will be served one plain slice of pizza, beer donated by NJ Beer Company and music by Rock-it Docket.
Attendees will be asked to donate $15 at the door and are encouraged to bring clothing and non-perishable food.
They will be served one plain slice of pizza, beer donated by NJ Beer Company and music by Rock-it Docket.
First Annual Chilltown Craft Beer Festival Announced for Saturday, February 1, 2014
New Jersey Craft Beer (NJCB) has announced the first annual Chilltown Craft Beer Festival to take place on Saturday, February 1st at the Culinary Conference Center at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City.
Tickets are already on sale starting at $75 at www.vhshudson.eventbrite.com (discount for NJCB members forthcoming).
Proceeds will go towards Visiting Homemaker Service of Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Program.
Tickets are already on sale starting at $75 at www.vhshudson.eventbrite.com (discount for NJCB members forthcoming).
Proceeds will go towards Visiting Homemaker Service of Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Program.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Pershing Field Garden Friends' Holiday Soiree at Orange and Olive on Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Pershing Field Garden Friends' Holiday Soiree will take place on Tuesday, December 17th at Orange and Olive Caterer's at 398 Central Avenue in Jersey City Heights.
Tickets are $70 and include a cocktail party, passed canapés, stationary hors d'oeuvres and a raffle to benefit Pershing Field Gardens Friends.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Orange and Olive's website: www.orangeandolivecaterers.com.
Tickets are $70 and include a cocktail party, passed canapés, stationary hors d'oeuvres and a raffle to benefit Pershing Field Gardens Friends.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Orange and Olive's website: www.orangeandolivecaterers.com.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Not Yo Mama's Holiday Craft Fair at Boca Grande Tomorrow, Saturday, December 7, 2013
Not Yo Mama's 3rd Annual Happy Holiday Craft Fair will be taking place at Boca Grande (located at 564 Washington Blvd) on Saturday, December 7th from 11 am to 4 pm.
The fair will feature crafts, Boca Grande's Mexican cuisine, free prizes, holiday drink specials and music by Rock-it Docket!
The fair will feature crafts, Boca Grande's Mexican cuisine, free prizes, holiday drink specials and music by Rock-it Docket!
6th Borough Market Returns This Sunday, December 8, 2013 in Hamilton Park
The 6th Borough Market is back this Sunday, December 8th at 1 McWilliams Place (on Hamilton Park) starting at 11 am for their last market of the year.
The 6th Borough Market is a family-friendly, outdoor market where you can find all kinds of unique handmade items, vintage finds, food, kids activities and more! Check it out before the season ends.
The 6th Borough Market is a family-friendly, outdoor market where you can find all kinds of unique handmade items, vintage finds, food, kids activities and more! Check it out before the season ends.
The Jersey City Project Presents Project: MARKET Outside City Hall on Grove Street This Sunday, December 8, 2013
The Jersey City Project is debuting this weekend with their first initiative, Project: MARKET, an outdoor market that will take place in front of City Hall at 280 Grove Street this Sunday, December 8th from 10 am to 7 pm.
Project: MARKET will feature an impressive list of vendors including many local favorites like Thirty Acres, Milk Sugar Love, See Spot Rescued, highly anticipated Talde JC (restaurant by Top Chef alumni Dale Talde) and more!
There will also be live entertainment, gourmet food trucks, handcrafted items, artwork and a DIY silk screen printing workshop. A great opportunity to #shoplocaljc!
Project: MARKET will feature an impressive list of vendors including many local favorites like Thirty Acres, Milk Sugar Love, See Spot Rescued, highly anticipated Talde JC (restaurant by Top Chef alumni Dale Talde) and more!
There will also be live entertainment, gourmet food trucks, handcrafted items, artwork and a DIY silk screen printing workshop. A great opportunity to #shoplocaljc!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Michael Anthony's Closing, Battello Restaurant to Open in Early 2014
Michael Anthony's has sadly announced they will be closing. They are located at 502 Washington Blvd, right on the waterfront in the Newport neighborhood of Jersey City.
Michael Anthony's will have specials for the next two weeks and then the space will be remodeled for Battello, currently available for catering with the restaurant expected to open in early 2014.
Michael Anthony's will have specials for the next two weeks and then the space will be remodeled for Battello, currently available for catering with the restaurant expected to open in early 2014.
Santa Photos at Liberty Humane Society This Sunday, December 8, 2013
Getting ready to send out this year's holiday cards?
Bring your dog to Liberty Humane Society at 235 Jersey City Blvd this Sunday, December 8th between 12 pm and 4 pm for a photo session with Santa!
For $10 you will receive a printed & emailed photo of your best buddy, proceeds to benefit the animals at Liberty Humane Society.
Santa will also be at the Madison Civic League at 1200 Washington Street in Hoboken on Saturday, December 14th between 12 pm and 4 pm.
Bring your dog to Liberty Humane Society at 235 Jersey City Blvd this Sunday, December 8th between 12 pm and 4 pm for a photo session with Santa!
For $10 you will receive a printed & emailed photo of your best buddy, proceeds to benefit the animals at Liberty Humane Society.
Santa will also be at the Madison Civic League at 1200 Washington Street in Hoboken on Saturday, December 14th between 12 pm and 4 pm.
Square Route Holiday Market This Weekend, December 6-8, 2013
Square Route presents a three-day Holiday Market this weekend at the Hewn Arts Center, 140 Sip Avenue, Jersey City.
The market will start on Friday, December 6th from 4 pm to 8 pm (part of JC Fridays) and continue on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm on both days.
There will be over 30+ merchants and artists on hand, including art, vintage, collectibles, music, crafts, furniture and more!
The market will start on Friday, December 6th from 4 pm to 8 pm (part of JC Fridays) and continue on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm on both days.
There will be over 30+ merchants and artists on hand, including art, vintage, collectibles, music, crafts, furniture and more!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Hamilton Park Condo on Auction.com: Bids Start at $90K on December 5, 2013
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315 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City |
According to Auction.com this is a bank approved short sale for a 665 square foot, one bedroom, one bathroom condo at 315 Pavonia Avenue.
The eye-catching starting bid of $90,000 is far below the average downtown Jersey City condo sales price of $525,109 (according to Hudson Realty Group's 1H 2013 Hoboken and Downtown Jersey City Market Report).
Customer Appreciation Brunch at GP's Restaurant in Hamilton Park on Sunday, December 8, 2013
GP's Restaurant at 236 Pavonia Avenue (near the East entrance to Hamilton Park) is throwing a Customer Appreciation Brunch this Sunday, December 8th starting at 11 am.
Customers will be treated to free brunch cocktails and may enjoy seasonal brunch menu items as well as music by DJ Pastiche. Reservations are recommended: 201-418-8800.
Customers will be treated to free brunch cocktails and may enjoy seasonal brunch menu items as well as music by DJ Pastiche. Reservations are recommended: 201-418-8800.
Fundraiser for Grove Street Fire Victims at LITM Tonight, Wednesday, December 4, 2013
LITM is hosting a fundraiser tonight, Wednesday, December 8th for the victims of a terrible fire that destroyed two buildings on Grove Street.
The fundraiser will take place between 6 pm and 8 pm at LITM, located at 140 Newark Avenue. 10% of all sales will be donated, 100% of sales of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Abita Andygator.
Patrons are also encouraged to bring gently used clothing and non-perishable foods.
The fundraiser will take place between 6 pm and 8 pm at LITM, located at 140 Newark Avenue. 10% of all sales will be donated, 100% of sales of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Abita Andygator.
Patrons are also encouraged to bring gently used clothing and non-perishable foods.
A New HGTV House Hunters Episode in Jersey City Airs Friday, December 6, 2013
Tune in on Friday, December 6th at 10 pm to watch the HGTV House Hunters episode "Two Men Who Want to Live in Jersey City Can't Agree On a Home" featuring Boutique Realty real estate agent Katrina Rodriguez.
House Hunters visited Jersey City last year in a different episode where Jersey City couple Ekta and Sahil went looking for a home in Manhattan but ultimately winded up choosing a downtown Jersey City condo.
House Hunters visited Jersey City last year in a different episode where Jersey City couple Ekta and Sahil went looking for a home in Manhattan but ultimately winded up choosing a downtown Jersey City condo.
Jersey City Heights Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7, 2013
This Saturday, December 7th is the Jersey City Heights holiday market at the Elks Lodge, 83 Hutton Street (off Central Avenue).
The holiday market, organized by Farms in the Heights and sponsored by Riverview Neighborhood Association, is a great opportunity to support local businesses as well as stock-up on unique gifts for the holidays.
A portion of the proceeds will also go towards Hudson County CASA, a local non-profit for abused and neglected children.
The holiday market will feature a variety of vendors including crafts, specialty foods and art. There will also be a kids craft activity and music by DJ Pastiche.
The holiday market, organized by Farms in the Heights and sponsored by Riverview Neighborhood Association, is a great opportunity to support local businesses as well as stock-up on unique gifts for the holidays.
A portion of the proceeds will also go towards Hudson County CASA, a local non-profit for abused and neglected children.
The holiday market will feature a variety of vendors including crafts, specialty foods and art. There will also be a kids craft activity and music by DJ Pastiche.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Chef's Table at Orange and Olive in Jersey City Heights
Looking for a unique dining experience for a special occasion or just something different from the traditional restaurant meal?
Jersey City caters Orange and Olive at 398 Central Avenue have announced a new Chef's Table, a gourmet dinner where you get to watch the chef prepare your meal!
Guests are seated in view of Orange and Olive's Chef Sam Fertik where they can watch him prepare a 10 course tasting menu. The menu changes frequently, but you can see a sample menu in this article on NJ.com.
Tickets are purchased online in advance, including tax and service charge so no need to deal with the bill the evening.
Non-alcoholic drinks are available, including "mocktails," or guests can BYOB.
If you're interested in reading more about the whole experience, check out this in-depth review of the Chef's Table at Devil Gourmet.
Tickets start at $110 per person plus 20% service charge and can be purchased via Orange and Olive's website.
Jersey City caters Orange and Olive at 398 Central Avenue have announced a new Chef's Table, a gourmet dinner where you get to watch the chef prepare your meal!
Guests are seated in view of Orange and Olive's Chef Sam Fertik where they can watch him prepare a 10 course tasting menu. The menu changes frequently, but you can see a sample menu in this article on NJ.com.
Tickets are purchased online in advance, including tax and service charge so no need to deal with the bill the evening.
Non-alcoholic drinks are available, including "mocktails," or guests can BYOB.
If you're interested in reading more about the whole experience, check out this in-depth review of the Chef's Table at Devil Gourmet.
Tickets start at $110 per person plus 20% service charge and can be purchased via Orange and Olive's website.
Jersey City and Hoboken Waterfront Condos on the Rise
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Photo by Walter Burns (check out his blog Living on the Hudson) CC BY 2.0 |
The average list price of a Jersey City or Hoboken waterfront condo is now a whopping $700,000, way up from the 2011 average list price of $557,000.
In related news, The Jersey City Life recently reported a 77 Hudson penthouse condo has been listed for $3 million, even higher than the record-breaking $2.8 million sale in the same building this past October.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Newport’s Annual Tree Lighting and Re-Opening of Newport Skates Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 3, 2013
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Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 3rd is the Newport's Annual Tree Lighting as well as the re-opening of Newport Skates, the outdoor skating rink at Newport.
The celebration will begin at 4:30 pm at Newport Town Square (100 Town Square Place) where Mayor Fulop will light the 30-foot tree, followed by a music-and-light show. Santa and his elves will be there as well as hot cocoa, coffee, cider and holiday cookies provided by Skylark on the Hudson.
Ice Theater of New York will also perform a special routine at Newport Skates. Everyone will be allowed to skate for free from 6 pm to 8 pm!
Ice Theater of New York will also perform a special routine at Newport Skates. Everyone will be allowed to skate for free from 6 pm to 8 pm!
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