Jersey: the armpit of America. Many people who know no more about Jersey than they have learned from the show Jersey Shore will go on about how terrible it is. The Garden State is often referred to instead as the “Armpit of America”. But true Jersey inhabitants know of the untold beauties this state has to offer.
1. Jersey Beaches.
The sand doesn’t stick and the waves are unbeatable with over 300 miles of coastline. Anyone who has visited one of the many Jersey beaches knows of their beauty. What you can expect from a beach in Jersey is constant dolphin sightings, killer waves, real sand, boardwalks (most of the time), rides, amazing food, and the perfect combination of warm weather and cool water. With so much to offer it’s a mystery why people still look down on New Jersey.
2. Grounds For Sculpture.
Located in Hamilton Township, this park and museum not only offers 42 acres of beautiful sculptures and scenery but also Rat’s, a gourmet restaurant that overlooks the park. There are over 240 sculptures, 2,000 rose bushes, 1,000 trees, 2 10,000 square-foot exhibition buildings, an amphitheater, and courtyards. The sculptures are made from a variety of materials including wood, metal, stone, plastic, paper, and more. Some sculptures were created by the world’s most famous artists, including George Segal, Anthony Caro, Isaac Witkin, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and J. Seward Johnson Jr. It’s a wanderer's dream with hundreds of sculptures scattered about ready to be discovered.
3. Diners.
You can’t get great, cooked food and a milkshake anywhere else at 3 am. With a diner in almost every town, you will never go hungry. There's no other place that has consistently great food at any time of the day. Perhaps one of the greatest inventions in Jersey, diners are a must when visiting.
4. Mischief Night.
While Halloween is definitely widely celebrated in Jersey so is the night before, mischief night. For one night every year kids are allowed to run about causing all the chaos they want-with toilet paper and eggs that is. If you didn’t participate in at least one mischief night with you friends, you probably didn’t grow up in Jersey.
5. Wawa.
While Wawa is slowly extending to other states, its true home will always be Jersey. Like me, most Jersey inhabitants have at least 3 Wawas near their house and know of at least 7 in their town. This underrated gem is often confused to simply be a convenience store. Contrary to popular belief Wawa not only has their own pre-made meals, snacks, and refreshments, but also a milkshake machine, coffee (hot or iced), slushy machines, and a full deli. The deli is definitely the most popular section of the store with fresh hoagies and sandwiches, popular lunch items, milkshakes and frozen beverages, and an extensive assortment of breakfast items. But the best part? Free ATMs. You’re not really from Jersey if you’ve never driven to Wawa just to use the ATM.
6. Bagels And Pizza And Bread. Oh my!
You’ve never had a real bagel or slice of pizza until you’ve visited Jersey. The fluffy yet dense texture gives these popular food items their good name. It’s simple, other states just don’t make bagels and pizza the same.
7. Six Flags Great Adventure.
Located between New York and Philly, Six Flags is an iconic amusement park in Jersey. With 50 of the most thrilling rides, Six Flags is an award winning destination winning 4 Amusement Today's Annual Golden Ticket Awards. In addition, they definitely know how to celebrate Halloween. During the Halloween season, Six Flags Great Adventure is decorated with spider webs, smoke machines, and many other spooky decorations. Actors are dressed up in frightening costumes and wander throughout the park frightening guests. Fright Fest hosts some of the largest crowds of the year, and as Halloween draws closer it becomes even more crowded.
8. Location.
Yes Jersey is amazing but what’s even more amazing is its location. Depending on where you live in the state you could be a twenty minute drive to Philly, NYC and many beautiful beaches. It’s the best off all three worlds.
9. Parks.
Parks are the best and if you disagree, why? Jersey has around 52 state parks, 5 national wildlife refuges, 121 wildlife management areas, a few national recreation areas, and almost every town has a various local parks for public enjoyment. High Point State Park, the Skylands region, the Edison Wetlands, and the Pine Barrens are just a few beautiful places to visit within the diverse state.
While many people will stay stubborn in their hatred for this beautiful state, people who visit can’t help but fall in love. So make your way to jersey to enjoy a day filled with beauty and wonderful experience, but please stay in the right lane.
