Colleen Miller, Rick Landers, and Chili Cheese Dog at work.

There's certainly more to Jersey than Snooki and JWoww. A mere four minute ride on the PATH train from World Trade Center to the first waterfront stop, or 15 minutes from 33rd Street, Downtown Jersey City offers plenty of historical charm with great views, affordable, and (ahem) spacious living—well, compared to Manhattan at least. Our average studio apartment is 900 square feet complete with modern appliances, and the holy grail of all urban dwelling—an in-unit washer and dryer. For many, dreams do come true with deeded parking spaces! Socially speaking, there is a growing list of eclectic shops and tasty locavore eateries popping up on a regular basis—the New Jersey foodie hipsters have a place to call home.

Some of our favorite restaurants and bars:

Wonder Bagels for pork roll and egg and cheese sandwiches; Babo Tea House for bubble tea and gelato; Satis; Beechwood Cafe & Market; O'Haras; Barcade; and ...

Marco & Pepe, great for any meal.

Thirty Acres, a new restaurant that is simple, creative, and local.

Torico Ice Cream

Best Shopping:

Mxyplyzyk, Smith & Chang General Goods, Downtown Harvest CSA, Kanibal Home, Weekend Farmers Market at Hamilton Park, Summertime Farmers Market at Grove Street.

The Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse

Best non-touristy things to do in Jersey City:

Downtown Jersey City is a very walkable area—there's an interesting juxtaposition of historical sites and new construction. At 1st and Warren Streets, the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse still stands. It provided electricity for the H&M Railroad until 1929, but stood unused once power began to be obtained from other sources. The Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy has spearheaded a successful movement to save the building and the Powerhouse Arts District circles the building, awaiting renovation and repurposing. It's a neat area to walk around and take photos. And after years battling it out in court and seeing what happened in Manhattan with the success of the High Line, Jersey City residents are trying to save and restore the Embankment, an above ground rail line that we hope to one day see as a sprawling park to enjoy.

Things you MUST see or do in Jersey City:

The waterfront walkway in Jersey City runs along the Hudson River, connecting with Hoboken. It winds along parks and through both residential and commercial high-rise buildings—a great place to picnic, read, run, bike, walk the dog, or just sit and look at clear views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

Chili enjoys the view of Manhattan.

**If you'd like to submit information on your favorite haunts in you city/town, please submit information and photos to Emily Potts at epotts@quaysidepub.com.