New Jersey is a unique place that not everyone is fortunate enough to grow up in. Lucky you! From Paterson to Paramus, there are many places that stick out in North Jersey, and for different reasons. Here is a list that everyone from North Jersey can relate to.
1. I'll start with the most important first: You grew up on the world's most decadent breakfast sandwich.
No other place in the world is honored with this delicious meal. Whether you order Taylor ham and cheese or Taylor ham, egg and cheese, you know your are having a good start to your day. "SPK?" "Yes please!"
2. Your earliest memories of summer include car rides down the parkway for family trips down the shore.
You also know that you go "down the shore" not "to the beach."
3. Family trips also included a train, bus or ferry ride into the city to see the latest Broadway show.
Side note: You always refer to New York City as "the city."
4. School field trips included the Turtle Back Zoo, Waterloo Village and the Crayola Factory...if you were lucky.
5. Can't forget about the Liberty Science Center.
6. The Great Adventure field trip you went on was your favorite.
7. And you always loved the trips to the Palisades Mall to go to the IMAX theater.
8. You knew that mountain creek was a summer and winter experience.
9. You grew up knowing all the tales of Clinton Road and the Jersey Devil.
Of course you had a copy of this book in your house, and knew all the creepiest places in your neighborhood.
10. You also have been to the Prudential Center for the other Jersey Devils.
11. Pizza Fridays at school were the best.
12. Pizza is a staple in your diet—don't let New Yorkers fool you, Jersey pizza is the best.
You also know that "pie" refers to pizza and not just dessert. Shout out to my personal fave, Dominick's!
13. You have been to the diner at any and every time of the day.
14. You know that disco fries are a must at 2 a.m. (or any other time of the day).
It's a plate of ooey, gooey goodness!
15. After every dance recital or play, the local diner was swarmed with people with gelled hair and stage makeup.
16. You know that a boardwalk visit is not complete without an ice-cold treat from Kohr's.
Whether your go to order is an orangeade (my favorite) or a creamsicle, you are in for a delicious treat!
17. Can't forget a classic Midway sandwich while you're on the boardwalk either.
Is anyone else's mouth watering?
18. How about a good ol' hotdog all-the-way?!
Libby's, Hot Grill, Johnny and Hanges, Rutt's Hut, Goffle Grill and the list goes on!
19. Quick-Check is your go-to for anything.
North Jersey is taken over by Quick-Checks, it's the perfect spot for a coffee, sandwich or quick snack.
20. The Dunkin'/Starbucks battle is on-going.
21. Sunday dinner is something you don't mess around with.
Sundays are the best days because of, well, pasta! On Sunday, the table is crowded with family, pasta, braciole, sausage, salad and so many more amazing things.
22. You also know that Sunday dinner is the only dinner of the week that you eat in the afternoon.
It is an unwritten rule that Sunday dinner has to take place before four o'clock.
23. Living so close to the Meadowlands was always convenient.
24. New Jersey is the garden state for a reason.
Two words: Tomatoes and corn.
25. You are proud of your hometown and home-state!
Jersey pride is like no other. Once a Jersey girl, always a Jersey girl!
