The world refers to us as the armpit of the United States, but if word gets out about how truly amazing Jersey is, the roads will be crammed with the slowest out-of-state drivers--and no one wants that. We can’t risk overcrowded festivals, less beach parking, or longer lines at our beloved food trucks for people who can’t appreciate a good Taylor ham – pork roll debate.

From one New Jerseyian to another, this beauty we call a state is more than home. Very few outside of our close boundaries realize it, and that's okay! The truth is, there's no reason we need to share our beaches, mountains, and lakes with anyone else. It's not like we have a reputation of being the most polite, anyway.

There's never a need to leave the state, and most of us probably never want to. No matter where we are, we are only ever a drive away from a beach. We have so many beaches that we can even pick favorites, and not one is the same. From the rides and games at Point Pleasant, the bars and nightlife in Seaside Heights, the casinos in Atlantic City, or the tranquil white sands of Cape May.

We are never short on mountains to hike or state parks to explore. We don't need to travel too far for good seafood or farm fresh vegetables. No matter where we are in the state, a winery is always nearby. We have the world's tallest roller coaster, and world's longest boardwalks. Home to Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and Frank Sinatra, we hold the power to keep this haven of a state all to ourselves; in fact, we might even be able to scare off some out-of-staters with that Jersey Devil.

There's too much to do in New Jersey that we can't even waste time pumping our gas--and thankfully we don't have to. Leaving the state is like leaving a country, having to adapt with different driving traditions as well as accept that there's no pizza like our pizza. Jersey is the only place you will ever get in a heated debate about state division--where does South Jersey end and North begin anyway? As far as I'm concerned, I can end that debate now; all I need to say is, "Let's take a ride into the city?" North folk will always assume New York while South Jerseyians think Philadelphia is where it's at. The only thing these two groups can agree on is the fact that Central Jersey doesn't exist--and I certainly beg to differ.

Next time a foreigner says New Jersey is trash, take a deep breath, smile, and nod your head in agreement. There's a million reasons why Jersey is better than any state, but stop trying to defend it! We don't need these damn out-of-staters clogging up our highways because they finally caught on. Don’t let them take your sunrises on the beach, favorite fishing spot, or seat on Kingda Ka. Jersey can be our little secret, our paradise of never-ending events, day trips, and diners.