1. Seasons.
One of my absolute favorite things about New Jersey is the seasons. Although I practically melt during the summer and freeze to death in the winter, there's no other place I'd rather watch the leaves change color in the fall and the flowers bloom in the spring. It's simply amazing.
2. Christmas in New York.
Contrary to my religion, one of my favorite holidays is Christmas. I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the spirit of it all that makes me love the holiday movies, decorations and cheer. I live just outside of the city, and there truly is nothing like walking up to Rockefeller Plaza and seeing everyone ice skating under the Christmas lights and enjoying the holidays. It's definitely something you must put on your bucket list.
3. Bagels.
Yes, you can buy bagels anywhere in the country, but you've never had bagels until you've had New Jersey bagels. Some people say it's the water that we use to make them, but you truly haven't lived until you've taken a bite out of one of our signature bagels.
4. Broadway.
While broadway isn't exactly a highlight of New Jersey, it's one of the reasons that New Jersey is great. If you live in Northern New Jersey like I do, it's very easy to get into the city, and you can bet that we've taken advantage of all of the broadway shows New York City has to offer. Living just on the other side of the Hudson River makes for a quick 5-minute drive into the city to see any broadway show I want.
5. We don't pump our own gas.
Most people will make fun of us for this, but it's true. We're one of two states in the entire country where it's actually illegal to get out of your car and pump your own gas. I know, shocker. Some gas stations will let you do it if they're feeling generous, but generally, all gas stations have attendants to fill your gas for you. I didn't learn how to pump my own gas until two years ago -- and trust me, I still kind of struggle to this day.
6. Diners.
Diners are a New Jersey staple. You truly haven't had diner food until you've had diner food in New Jersey. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
7. The Shore.
While the rest of the country associates Jersey with "The Jersey Shore," New Jerseyans associate the shore with fond childhood memories spent on the boardwalk and nights spent eating ice cream with our families in the cute, little quaint town of Cape May.
8. Breakfast Sandwiches.
Again, you haven't lived until you've eaten a bacon, egg and cheese with ketchup on a roll. Once you've eaten one of these, you'll be begging for more.
