New Jersey oftentimes gets a bad rap. It is not the armpit of the east coast. It is a great state and that sometimes goes unknown. When I tell people I am from New Jersey, they say "Oh like the Jersey Shore?" No, no, no. Not at all. Not even close. Might I add that only like one of the people from that show is actually from New Jersey. So, let's just drop that stereotype real quick. But, why is New Jersey the best? Let's take a look...
1. The Food is AMAZING
Not only is New Jersey famous for their pizza and their bagels, but honestly, everything just tastes better in Jersey. If you don't know what pork roll is, you should try it. And no, we don't call it Taylor Ham.
2. The Coffee is Prime
Now, I know I have mentioned Rook in a previous article that I wrote, however, I just can't get enough of it. When I am home, I have at least one coffee a day, but usually two. No other coffee place really compares. But, I am definitely a Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee fan as opposed to Starbucks.
3. Bruce Springsteen!
As my History of Sport professor said the other day, "You must go to a Bruce Springsteen concert before he dies." Or he may have said retired. I am unsure. However, I do not think that Springsteen is retiring until the day he dies, so we have a while I think. He is such a down-to-earth guy. He actually lives in my town and it is no surprise to see him walking around. I passed his house everyday on the way to high school. Long story short, he is amazing. His music really is legitimately great music.
4. The Beach (Not the Shore)
We don't call it the shore. It is called a beach. We know people are not from New Jersey when they say they are going down to the shore. However, the beaches are amazing in New Jersey. You can actually see the New York City skyline from my beach club.
5. We Do Not Pump Our Own Gas
I honestly do not know why we don't pump our own gas. People ask me all the time. Like, I did not come up with the law. We just are literally not allowed to pump our own gas. But hey, less work for us, right?
6. Wawa Is Everywhere!
When I came to college, I was astonished at how many people had never been to a Wawa. Like, have you even lived? I got lunch every day before Saturday practice at Wawa. Their F'real milkshakes were the bomb! And their subs (not hoagies) were impeccable. There is not a Wawa here in Ithaca, but maybe there will be someday.
7. 24 Hour Diners
I mean how is this a bad thing? Not many states have diners that are open all day every day.
8. Jersey Pride
Everyone from New Jersey has pride for where they come from. I am never afraid to say I am from New Jersey. I live five minutes away from the beach and 40 minutes away from the city. It couldn't get any better.
9. Home To The New York Giants
That's right! Met Life Stadium, the home of the New York Giants. The New York Giants are an amazing team and it is pretty cool that they play and have their practices in my home state.
10. We Have The Best Produce
Our tomatoes and produce are very delicious and nutritious of course. We are also know for our blueberries and corn. I mean, we are nicknamed "The Garden State."
11. Last, But Not Least, We Are One Of A Kind!
We have Broad Street Dough Co. which has amazing and one of a kind donuts. You can even get customized ones!
We have a place called Poor Cat Designs, which sells beautiful handcrafted jewelry!
And we even brought Acai Bowls from the west coast to the east coast with Playa Bowls, which is down by the beach!
So, I think it is safe to say that New Jersey is the best state!
