Jersey Love

When most people think of New Jersey, they think of this ridiculously stupid (albeit slightly amusing) TV show:

Unfortunately yes, she's one of ours

Yes, we have taxes. And Snookie. And an area down the shore where guidos unite to GTL in their beaters (such an ugly term) and get drunk and make complete asses of themselves. But we are so much more than that!

We have diners. LOTS AND LOTS of diners. 

via Google image search

These three, Tick Tock, Park West, and 6 Brothers are my favorites due to location, but there are many to choose from. You never need to wonder where to get a late night/early morning fix. Fun fact: My friends and I went to Tick Tock Diner after our prom. And tipped in change. Not my proudest moment.

And while you're there, you may as well get Taylor Ham//Pork roll, egg and cheese on a bagel or roll.

I'm so Jersey, I took this pic on the highway.

Depending on what part of the state you're from, you call this product by a different term. In North Jersey, we call it Taylor Ham. The Central and South Jersey folk call it Pork Roll. I'm not sure why, but it's a HUGE regional distinction. Regardless, just about everyone who likes/eats meat loves it as a solid breakfast sandwich choice.

"The Shore"

No one here goes to the beach. We go "down the shore." If you say it any other way, we'll know that you're a transplant. And normally that's followed by your preferred beach location. Mine is Point Pleasant because it has a boardwalk, aquarium, and a beach bar, but it's not as crowded or filled with drunk kids as Sleaze Seaside Heights (where The Jersey Shore was filmed). 

We don't pump our own gas
This is actually the law- we are not allowed to pump our own gas. I didn't even know how to pump gas until I was a senior in college (in PA). It was a terribly embarrassing situation, because I'm pretty sure I sat in front of the pump for a good while before I realized the gas attendant sitting inside the little shop was staring at me in confusion and a car behind me started beeping. Fun times.

Atlantic City
Back in it's heyday, it was basically the East Coast equivalent to Las Vegas with its Trump-owned casinos and boardwalk. In the last decade it has fallen remarkably, but it's still good for a "local-ish" bachelorette party or if you just want to get your gaming on.

Kid-Friendly
I wasn't surprised to learn that NJ is the only state in the country in which all 21 counties are listed as metropolitan areas due to population. It's a great place to live, especially if you have kids. We have some of the best schools in the country, not to mentions lots of museums, parks, over 10 zoos, Liberty Science Center, and (just for fun) Six Flags Great Adventure!

The Meadowlands
It makes me a bit sad to know that the only sports teams we have are the NJ Devils hockey team and the NJ Gladiators pro-soccer team (Thanks for stealing our Nets, Jay-Z!). However, those NY Giants and NY Jets? They're playing on our soil! Not only that, but we hosted the last SUPERBOWL 2/2/2014 (Seahawks/Broncos)!!!  In addition, the Meadowlands also hosts a flea market every Saturday from Spring-Fall, the NJ State Fair, horse racing, other festivals year round.

Tomato Pie
Not to be confused with "pizza." (I know, I made the same mistake.) I believe tomato pie originated in Trenton, NJ and it's similar to pizza, but it's made by putting the cheese on first, and then the sauce. And yes, it tastes different, in a good way. My favorite is a white clam pie with late onions and hot peppers. Don't knock it until you try it!

best tomato pie in NJ

Uh, hi. We have the home of Baseball. (Where it is said to have been invented.)

Location, Location, Location
Wanna go skiing? We got that. Rather do some fishing or hiking? We got that too. Care for a swim? Head on down the shore. We have two of the greatest cities surrounding us- New York City on one side and Philadelphia on another. We have mountains, valleys, farmlands, and the ocean. And we get to experience all four seasons. What more could you want? 

Garden State
No I don't mean the movie, though that is about our grand state as well. I mean the fact that we make lots of fresh and delicious produce, and have a ton of farmer's markets. In fact, NJ is ranked in the top 5 of our nation's blueberry, cranberry, spinach bell peppers, and peach production, among many other fruits and veggies. 

We have one of the most iconic and spectacular skyline views in the country. 

just sayin.

Statue of Liberty// Ellis Island// Liberty State Park

Most people think that these are part of New York. However, they are in Jersey waters. We actually took the ownership issue to the Supreme Court, and won. PART of it is in NY, but the majority of the islands (and the surrounding water) are in NJ.

We're weird. 

I'm sure every state has some urban myths, but we have magazines about it. And we have our "Jersey Devil" who is said to live in the Pine Barrens Forest and attack anyone who comes near it. 

The Jersey Devil

We have our own hot air balloon festival.
I just think that's pretty cool.

Arts/Theaters
Need some culture in your life? We have just the venues for it. Check out an outdoor concert in our amphitheater, listen to some jazz at Count Basie (Red Bank), watch a live performance at the State Theater (New Brunswick), or visit the place that launched Bruce Springsteen and  Jon Bon Jovi at The Stone Pony (Asbury Park).

There are songs about us.
"Us" being Jersey girls. And by songs I mean one, but it's a classic!

"I know a place where the dancing's free

Now baby won't you come with me

'Cause down the shore everything's all right

You and your baby on a Saturday night

Nothing matters in this whole wide world

When you're in love with a Jersey girl"

Bruce Springsteen. Bon Jovi, and Frank Sinatra, among many (many) others!

Jersey Strong
This is a phrase trademarked by the New Jersey fitness club chain Work Out World in 2007, repurposed after Hurricane Sandy for rebuilding efforts on the Jersey Shore. But it's a phrase that many of us New Jerseyans live by; we are strong, resourceful, and resilient. We can be known to be a bit loud, and sometimes a bit brash, but we just don't like to get bullied. Overall, I think we're a friendly group who stand up for what we believe in. We've certainly got personality, and we're pretty proud of that!

the iconic image of  rollercoaster in the ocean at Seaside Heights after Sandy

Jersey girls can be known to throw down. 

And just because it's funny and somewhat true, here is a regional map of our population: 

I'm linking up with Mattie for Tell Us About It! What's cool about your state or country if you live abroad?