Take Five from the Daily 9-5: Oysters @Grand Central Station.

Each week I find the ultimate 'quicky' escape from the Hoboken commuter's daily regimen. These are quick, easy, convenient, and cheap things to do within close proximity to every commuter's path. Whether it be invigorating, a slight change of pace, or simply delicious, you're sure to find the escape that fits your personality!

This week, taken straight from Time Out Magazine's "50 Things to Do Under $5", I found one of the best ways to enjoy a slab of sophistication at New York's Grand Central Station Oyster Bar. One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is slurp some oysters during a Sunday Brunch with the hangover cruncher- the Sunday Bloody Mary. So, if you're thinking of taking the bus one day from Grand Central Station or feel like trakking a few blocks from Times Square, add a little elegance to your daily routine by visiting The Grand Central Oyster Bar (Starting at $1.95/ Oyster)

And a tip for those who are unfamiliar with the Oyster eating experience: remember vinegar and lemon always beats the tartar sauce no matter what people say, add a glass of champagne to the experience if possible, and ALWAYS remember to bring a hand sanitizer and breath mint with you so you won't repel your fellow commuters!

Located at The Grand Central Terminal, Lower Concourse, 42nd St at Park Ave

The Swankiest Hotel Rooftop Hangouts off the PATH

According to the New York Post, Two and A Half Men star, Charlie Sheen, was caught in a coke-fueled debacle at the prestigious Plaza Hotel on New York's Upper East Side after a fun-filled weekend with his two daughters, Sam and Lola. After engaging in a night of New York-style partying, police were called to the hotel after Sheen allegedly went on a rampage after he believed that the unidentified woman he brought back to his place stole his wallet and belongings.

In honor of Sheen's Hollywood style escapades, I'm here to list the top 5 PATH-adjacent hotel rooftop bars- namely the places to see and be seen after a long day at the office- sans the drama and the damages!

The Standard Rooftop

While many a night the trendy bar will be closed due to private parties and events, one can enjoy an autumn sunset over Lower Manhattan from the comfort of plush loungers in the early evening. With its hipster artistry and its notorious private jacuzzi for a late-night rendezvous, this bar is perfect for a transformative day to night experience.

Located at 848 Washington Street

The Ritz Carlton Battery Park

Located in close proximity to the World Trade Center PATH in downtown Battery Park, this bar falls nothing short of its ritzy reputation. To enjoy a quiet and relaxing Liberty Martini with a view of Lower Manhattan, nothing beats this rooftop experience.

Located at 2 West Street

The Hotel Gansevoort Rooftop

Located in the trendy Meatpacking District, this selection provides one of the most stellar views of Manhattan's West Side and not to mention a clear view of Hoboken's waterfront. While I love to grab the Patron Martini after a relaxing Sunday brunch at Dos Caminos, this is the pre-gaming place for a fun-filled Friday or Saturday night. Equip with a rooftop pool, fireplaces, and plush seating areas one could never go wrong.

Located at 18 9th Avenue

The Ace Hotel

This brand-spanking new hangout, located conveniently close to the 33rd Street PATH stop, is destined to become one of Manhattan's classic hotspots. Come to this trendy hotel for great views of the Empire State Building and to enjoy The Breslin Bar and Dining room- a new Midtown favorite!

Located at 20 W 29th St

The Gramercy Park Hotel

While I have a special memory of this rooftop experience, in which the hotel staff offered my mother and I a complimentary bottle of Champagne on my 21st birthday, I have to say this is one of the most relaxing and romantic spots in the city. Conveniently located off the 23rd Street station stop, I'd suggest this as the perfect pre-date regimen with its quant, country-style ambiance and sophisticated service.

Located at 2 Lexington Ave

So, next time you consider your next Happy Hour spot after a long day at the office, check out one of these astounding hotels for a relaxing view, decadent cocktails, and a photog-free evening several stories high. Just remember not to get too wild, Charlie's damages are nearing the tens of thousands!

A View from the East River

In honor of the Brooklyn band, Atomic Tom, who blew up on Youtube for turning the B train into a rock show on their IPhone's, I was inspired to do something I've never done before- venture into Brooklyn! I had the pleasure of meeting the talented hipsters at the Kenneth Cole Reaction event at Macy's Herald Square in collaboration with Details Magazine, my personal office space, and decided to see what the fuss was all about!

While nothing beats the pristine skyline view from Hoboken's Waterfront for local residents, but dare I ask, how much must our eyes exhaust the view of the Hudson River?

This is why on one beautiful Sunday morning I decided to take the World Trade Center PATH to the pedestrian walk on the Brooklyn Bridge. I must admit I got the idea from the quite endearing scene in the Sex and the City movie where Miranda and Steve share a reuniting embrace. Yet, beyond my cinematic curiosity, it is always great to discover new sites for jogging and sightseeing on a weekend afternoons.

That being said, immediately upon entering the World Trade Center area, signs lead you to a quick and easy route to the Brooklyn Bridge. Along the way, you will be pleased to find some architecturally and historically stimulating New York buildings such as the New York Court House, New York's Municipal Building and New York's City Hall.

Upon entering the Bridge, one can immediately spot the legendary archways that define the adjacent borough. While enjoying my walk, and quickly realizing to stay to my right as pushy bikers swipe by, one can immediately spot the cultural meeting-ground between the two boroughs. Walking Eastbound, we have our plaid-clad Brooklyn Hipsters amongst the fanny-clad international tourists while walking Westbound are our easy to spot, oh-so-stylish Manhattan residents.

As I make it to the center of the bridge, I come to appreciate one of the greatest views for sightseeing. Looking to the South, I see the South Street Seaport, Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, and helicopters as they make their steady landing into Manhattan's JRB Heliport. Looking toward the city are some of the most Stellar views of Manhattan, but more primarily, I am focused on discovering the unfamiliar. Upon entering the Brooklyn entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge, I see views of the world famous Watermark tower, the Brooklyn Bridge Park, or even The River Cafe.

After a long walk, I shared one of my favorite Sunday brunch at Ulysses' on Manhattan's Stone Street, a hop, skip, and a jump from The Brooklyn Bridge's Manhattan entrance.

Despite a lack of direct train service on weekend travel into the PATH's World Trade Center Station, the trip is worth the change in scenery, the great people-watching opportunities, and some incredible views of New York's most coveted landmarks.

Although I didn't make into Brooklyn today, I've discovered a site that will guide you once you've reached the Brooklyn terrain: please check out ugoigo.com for the complete list!

For more information on the great cultural and architectural history of this fascinating New York Landmark, please click here.

The Essential Information for the Hoboken Commuter

In sight of some recent and rather frustrating news for any tri-state commuter, MTA announces that a price hike in single and monthly MTA cards may take effect in the near future. With this in effect, this could mean a 25 cent increase in single ticket fares and an approximate $15 increase in the commuter's monthly MTA ticket.

While us Hoboken residents may not be fortunate enough to live in walking distance to our Manhattan office, we are granted with multiple ways to enter the city. Whether your destination be uptown or downtown, whether you choose to under the river or sail smoothly above it, Hoboken has the commute for you!

With a variety of options, I've outlined the multiple ways a Hoboken commuter to enter the city. Perhaps you'll discover a more convenient or cost-effective alternative to cross the Hudson!

PATH

The most common and convenient used source of transportation in Hoboken, The PATH system will drop the Hoboken Commuter off in the middle of the action- or close to your nearest MTA connection. Whether it be Christopher Street, 9th St., 14th, 23rd, 33rd, or the World Trade Center, the PATH will deliver you to your desired destination in 15 minutes or less!

Located at The Hoboken Terminal in Downtown Hoboken

Priced at $1.75 each way

For Scheduling and more information, please click here.

The Downtown Ferry

Although a tad pricey for the average commuter, the cool morning breeze on the deck on a sun-filled morning will be sure to liven up the spirit of the day. With a perfect view of the city from the Hudson. This ferry will drop you off at either Pier 11 at Wall St. or The World Financial Center- perfect for the investment banker.

Located at the Downtown Hoboken terminal

Price: Adults $8.50, Children 6-11 $5.50, Children 5-under are free

Special pricing is also available for students and seniors here.

The Uptown Ferry

Perfect for the swanky Uptown Hoboken resident, the Uptown ferry station is conveniently located on 14th street. This port is also adjacent to the Hoboken's favorite new pier, playground, and faux beach, while also having

Service will either bring you to the 39th Street pier or The World Financial Center.

Price: Adults $8.50, Children 6-11 $5.50, Children 5-under are free

Special pricing is also available for students and seniors here.

The Light Rail

For Hoboken residents looking for an easy way to reach the Hoboken Terminal from Hoboken's West end. The light rail stretches as far as Bergen county and Jersey City, all intersecting at the Hoboken Terminal.

Price per ticket is $2.10 for an Adult/one-way

For more information, please visit NJtransit.com

The Bus

When looking to land north of the ultimate PATH destination? NJ Transit provides bus transportation from the Hoboken Terminal to Port Authority in New York at $3.20 per ride.

Additionally buses also provide local cross-town services for residents looking to get from Uptown or the Westside to the Hoboken terminal.

For Scheduling and information, please visit NJtransit.com

Whether this post provides you with some cost-effective tips or new information, I strongly advice for Hoboken residents to switch up their commuting routines to make things new and interesting. Stop taking the same route to work each day and turn the daily commute into an adventure..

5 Places to get your Daily Caffeine Fix in the City

The Top 5 Coffee Stops Right off the Christopher St. PATH Stop

Joe's The Art of Coffee

Nestled in Greenwich Village's cozy Waverly Place, this famous coffee spot turns the ordinary coffee into a piece of culinary art. While designing fun shapes with some frothed milk, baristas know how to make the ordinary cappuccino into a delicious masterpiece!

Located at 141 Waverly Place

Il Cantuccio

Looking for a real pick-me-up? Il Cantuccio's Italian roasts are sure to give any commuter a real kick in the butt! Along with their very reasonably priced panini's (I'm talking $3.50) and Italian desserts, how could you go wrong?

Located on the Corner of Bleeker and Christopher St.

Magnolia's Bakery

known for their outrageous lines, but oh-so-sweet buttery frosting, Magnolia's Bakery also brews their own brand of delicious coffee. While it is hard to resist the aromatic smell that consumes the bakery from their world-famous cupcakes, why not try something that might be much less of a guilty pleasure!

Located at 401 Bleeker St.

Cafe Angelique

Despite a strong opposition to the over-priced coffee and sweet baked treats, the occasional trip to Cafe Angelique is worth every penny! It's worth the sit-down price, this charmingly antique cafe gives any patron the feeling of entering a European Cafe.

On the side of your morning coffee?

Top Picks: The Vegan Chocolate Walnut Cookie, The Smoked Salmon Bagel Stick, or the buttery brioche.

located at 49 Grove St. (Corner of Bleeker)

Mojo Coffee

A coffee shop adorned with chalkboard menus, a laid back staff, in a little hideaway in the West Village. This is a perfect coffee joint to sit outside on a breezy fall afternoon. It's also the perfect place to stop for lunch because their pesto panini is out of this world!

located at 128 Charles St.

If there's one thing I learned on my Summer abroad in Europe it's that Starbucks is International, but simply overrated. Try something new and unique to spice up the ordinary day- you might be surprised to find your new favorite coffee spot!

Time Out Magazine's Central Park Fall Tour

While I pass Central Park's Southwest entrance each and every time I commute to school, I never had an interest in discovering what the park really has to offer. In fact, I often wonder how a park can override New York's interest in excavating one of the world's most valuable slices of real estate!

Nevertheless, I came across an interesting article in New York's Time Out, featuring Central Park's Fall Guide. Despite my utmost hesitations to commute into the city in gym clothes, I laced up my old Nike's and hopped on the train.

Once I entered the park, I felt an instantaneous feeling of relief and solitude- a complete oasis from the tall skyscrapers, loud gridlock traffic, and pushy street dwellers.

As I followed Time Out's guide to Central Park, a much needed navigational tool for a piece of land that sweeps 770 acres of New York's landscape, I checked out the following spots:

The Central Park Zoo

The Conservatory Garden

The Alice and Wonderland Statue

The Boathouse

The Bow Bridge

The Shakespeare Garden

& Wagner Cove

Without Time Out's Guide, I would never have found some of these unique spots!

It was no wonder Time Out timed this article for the Fall, the foliage was absolutely breathtaking with some of the most beautiful hues. One could feel completely at peace to the pitter-patter of horse-drawn carriages, children playing, and guitarists strumming.

I have never considered myself the outdoorsy type or the adventurous type for that matter, but I felt the unsurpressed childhood desire to climb the big stone hills and run across the park. I could not have asked for more joy than in the straight simplicity of nature, right smack in the middle of a busy and chaotic New York City.

So, while you're stressed out at work, looking to get away from the artificial glare of your desktop computer or just looking to engage in a little bit of childhood fun- forget the simple Hoboken parks and enjoy the acres and acres of free adventures and discoveries!