Geography and Nature
- A Peninsula State: New Jersey is technically a peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware River, and Hudson River.
- Sky-High Highlands: Highlands, NJ, boasts the highest elevation along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida.
- Metropolitan Marvel: Every county in New Jersey is classified as part of a metropolitan area.
- Resort Heaven: With over 50 resort towns, including Cape May, Wildwood, and Asbury Park, New Jersey’s coastline is iconic.
- Water Quality Leadership: The state enforces the most stringent coastal water quality testing in the U.S.
- Blueberries and Cranberries Galore: New Jersey is a global leader in blueberry and cranberry production.
- Jersey Tomatoes: Known worldwide for their unbeatable flavor.
Firsts and Inventions
- Revolutionary Innovations: Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture projector in his Menlo Park lab. The first town lit by incandescent bulbs was also in New Jersey.
- Keyport’s Contributions: Home to the first seaplane and the origin of airmail to Chicago.
- Hoboken’s Claims to Fame: Site of the first baseball game and America’s first brewery (1642).
- Pioneering Infrastructure: The Holland Tunnel was the first tunnel under a river, and the Pulaski Skyway was the first skyway highway.
- Transportation Hub: Elizabeth Seaport is the largest in the U.S., and Newark’s Liberty International Airport ranks among the nation’s busiest.
Food and Culture
- Diner Capital of the World: With the most diners globally, New Jersey embraces its title proudly.
- Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll: Home of this iconic mystery meat debate.
- Italian Delights: Known for the best Italian hot dogs and sausages with peppers and onions.
- Shopping Mecca: North Jersey has the world’s highest concentration of malls in a 25-square-mile radius.
Historical Highlights
- Revolutionary War History: George Washington led pivotal battles on New Jersey soil, and yes, he even slept here!
- Monopoly Origins: Streets in Atlantic City inspired the famous board game, which also boasts the world’s longest boardwalk.
- Miss America Pageant: Born in Atlantic City, adding glamor to New Jersey’s history.
- Paterson’s Great Falls: The second-highest waterfall on the East Coast.
Famous Residents
New Jersey has been home to countless icons, including Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Meryl Streep, and many more. The state’s influence on music, film, and literature is undeniable.
Quirks That Make Us Jersey
- You know it’s called the Shore, not the beach.
- Jug Handles: The unique way to make left turns on our highways.
- WaWa isn’t just a convenience store; it’s an institution.
- You’ve never pumped your own gas (and you’re proud of it).
Nostalgia for Long-Time Residents
- Remember Korvette’s, Bamberger’s, and Palisades Amusement Park?
- Planning for Memorial Day weekend starts in February.
- North, Central, and South Jersey have their distinct identities, and you know where you belong.
From its rich history to its modern-day quirks, New Jersey truly rocks. Whether you’re enjoying a boardwalk cheese steak, marveling at the Great Falls, or navigating a jug handle, there’s no place quite like the Garden State.