There is a guy on Discord who has an irrational hatred for New Jersey and I want to annoy him. Unfortunately, I've never been there, so I can't speak from experience. But I've gotten the impression that people from New Jersey actually like it there.
So what are some nice things about New Jersey?
They have (and had) some nice older traffic lights and railroad crossing equipment. Along with a ton of old button copy. I honestly enjoyed my trip up there back in 2017, and want to get back up there at some point.
My mom grew up there and she turned out alright.
Great views of Manhattan.
You're no more than 3 hours from any major city in the region.
The shore.
The Pinelands.
Variety. Doesn't matter what you like, you're going to find it nearby.
You want choices? You're not stuck with one overpriced supermarket in a town without anything else nearby.
Don't like pumping gas? You never have to.
But the reality is, if someone doesn't like NJ, there's nothing that'll sway them.
It's a lot like my home state of Indiana. It's probably not where you're headed, but you'll have to pass through to get there.
Blue state.
Here are The Ten Coolest Things About New Jersey:
It's very diverse in almost every sense of the term. Culturally, racially, socio-economically, financially, maybe not so much geographically, though even there it's probably at least average.
NYC and Philly -- you're between them and they're closer than you think.
Well. The NJTP and GSP are nice, and I love the concept of their service areas being named for famous New Jerseyans. The Jersey Shore is also a fun area (though I've never been on any of it north of Wildwood, FWIW).
Good hot dogs.
It isn't Illinois.
Great location and lots to see and do.
New Jersey has some nice areas once you get off the Turnpike and Parkway. Many of us have our impressions colored by the "miles and miles of universal fart" in the area around the Goethals Bridge, but there are in fact nice areas. My cousin used to live east of Red Bank (she now lives in Tinton Falls) and that area was very nice.
I like how fast the Acela generally goes on the "Jersey Speedway" between Trenton and Newark.
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 23, 2025, 08:42:39 PMNew Jersey has some nice areas once you get off the Turnpike and Parkway. Many of us have our impressions colored by the "miles and miles of universal fart" in the area around the Goethals Bridge, but there are in fact nice areas. My cousin used to live east of Red Bank (she now lives in Tinton Falls) and that area was very nice.
I like how fast the Acela generally goes on the "Jersey Speedway" between Trenton and Newark.
I have two cousins from Toms River. That place and Wildwood were pretty nice before a 1990s era MTV show ruined both for a generation.
#1 in education: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education
#1 in public health: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/health-care
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 23, 2025, 08:45:03 PMI have two cousins from Toms River. That place and Wildwood were pretty nice before a 1990s era MTV show ruined both for a generation.
I never saw that show, although of course I've heard of it. Sort of like how I've never read a certain book, but I know why girls my age snickered if they heard the name "Ralph."
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 23, 2025, 09:26:41 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on May 23, 2025, 08:45:03 PMI have two cousins from Toms River. That place and Wildwood were pretty nice before a 1990s era MTV show ruined both for a generation.
I never saw that show, although of course I've heard of it. Sort of like how I've never read a certain book, but I know why girls my age snickered if they heard the name "Ralph."
I don't believe I've seen it myself other than it passing. The reputation is pervasive and unsavory due to it being the gateway for an era of trash reality TV.
I know a good spokesperson for my home state:
Quote from: Mr. Matté on May 23, 2025, 09:38:36 PMI know a good spokesperson for my home state:
If that's the good spokesperson, who would be the bad one?
(Also, where did that governor get his accent from? Because it's probably not New Jersey...)
As reported by Jan: In Jersey, everything's legal as long as you don't get caught.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 23, 2025, 04:58:12 PMThere is a guy on Discord who has an irrational hatred for New Jersey and I want to annoy him. Unfortunately, I've never been there, so I can't speak from experience. But I've gotten the impression that people from New Jersey actually like it there.
So what are some nice things about New Jersey?
Quote from: webny99 on May 23, 2025, 06:11:57 PMit's probably at least average.
Well, Scott, there's the line you need to use.
Some of the greatest singers/musicians in history are from there: Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen and the rock group Bon Jovi come to mind.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 23, 2025, 06:21:46 PMNYC and Philly -- you're between them and they're closer than you think.
There are no truly rural areas between NYC and Philly. No better than a drive along US 1 between Trenton and Edison to bring the term "East Coast megalopolis" to life.
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 23, 2025, 08:42:39 PMNew Jersey has some nice areas once you get off the Turnpike and Parkway. Many of us have our impressions colored by the "miles and miles of universal fart" in the area around the Goethals Bridge, but there are in fact nice areas.
Not just coastal areas either. Somerset, Morris, and northern Passaic and Bergen counties aren't as well-known nationally as say, Westchester, but they've got some suburbs that are right up there with the best in the nation.
Quote from: kphoger on May 23, 2025, 09:50:57 PMQuote from: Scott5114 on May 23, 2025, 04:58:12 PM...
So what are some nice things about New Jersey?
Quote from: webny99 on May 23, 2025, 06:11:57 PMit's probably at least average.
Well, Scott, there's the line you need to use.
Just don't bring up traffic congestion or cost of living. Otherwise, I think 'at least average' puts you on sure footing.
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 23, 2025, 08:42:39 PMI like how fast the Acela generally goes on the "Jersey Speedway" between Trenton and Newark.
Even regular Amtrak trains crack 100 on that straightaway. It's fun to go roaring past NJ Transit trains, as well as cars along NJ 27 in Woodbridge where it parallels the rail lines.
You can ski in July.
Quote from: kphoger on May 23, 2025, 09:49:27 PMAs reported by Jan: In Jersey, everything's legal as long as you don't get caught.
The walls came down. All the way to Hell.
I liked their state quarter.
:cool:
Mike
Their roads are generally much smoother than those of neighboring New York (though Pennsylvania and Delaware are both improving), and considering the amount of traffic they handle, they do the job as well as most other states, if not better.
And they have friendly roadgeeks! :D
Delaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
The diners are amazing! Some are better than others, of course. But, most of them have HUGE menus, serve breakfast all day, are open for breakfast, lunch, AND DINNER (in contrast to many so-called "diners" elsewhere in the nation, which tend to be only open for breakfast and lunch), and have lots of pies and desserts! Some are even open 24 hours, but that became less common when COVID happened, and many of the 24-hour schedules haven't come back. And lots of them are in neat, old-school building. The newer ones often have more plain buildings, but don't let a bland appearance on the outside deter you from what's inside. My favorite two off the top of my head: North Jersey: Tom Sawyer Diner in Paramus; Central Jersey: Somerset Diner.
And if you're a roadgeek, then you'll probably love the roads, because many of them represent some of the most brilliant, thought-out, and outside-the-box traffic engineering in the nation. Don't just drive the Turnpike and Parkway; check out the US and State routes as well, because that's where you'll find most of the jughandles, hamburger junctions, and RIRO expressway configurations. You won't find nearly as many jughandles in any other state, although Pennsylvania does have several, and they aren't just for saving time at traffic signals; they also make U-turns easy and less problematic. And, honestly, in my opinion, New Jersey does a much better job signing things like jughandles, U-turns, and US/State route turn-offs than most other states, MOST of the time. Yes, you may find a jughandle here and there that isn't well signed. Yes, there are some routes you can't follow all the way by reading the signs. Yes, I'm aware of the infamous unsigned lane drop on I-280 that's been talked about here. But MOST of the time, the signs are there and well thought-out.
Other nice things: Public beaches and boardwalks. Lots of malls that are actually doing well and aren't dead (although the death of Lord and Taylor is very visible). And definitely some of the best pizza you'll find anywhere.
They kept US 46.
Liberty State Park is a nice place.
Gas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
Quote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
A large contingent of think that is a negative.
Jamie Myerson, one of my favorite musical artists, is from New Jersey.
Quote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
You like having to wait on an attendant when you can just do it yourself (and clean the windshield too) in half the time without letting the gas cap rest on your paint?
Quote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
If you know where, you can pump it yourself. 😉
And it only applies to gas. Diesel is self serve, ans you can wash windows yourself as well
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
It's nice when you only have a lo
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 26, 2025, 11:40:19 AMQuote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
A large contingent of think that is a negative.
Those are probably the people who like to squeeze out every last cubic inch of volume in their tank by topping off past when the pump stops.
One of my jobs is headquartered in New Jersey. Might like to visit one day.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 26, 2025, 06:52:12 PMQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
It's nice when you only have a loQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 26, 2025, 11:40:19 AMQuote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
A large contingent of think that is a negative.
Those are probably the people who like to squeeze out every last cubic inch of volume in their tank by topping off past when the pump stops.
In my case, I'm just against the forced unnecessary interaction with a person.
Looked at the NJDOT official road map. Cape May County has three cities named Upper, Middle and Lower. That's nice.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 26, 2025, 06:52:12 PMQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
It's nice when you only have a loQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 26, 2025, 11:40:19 AMQuote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
A large contingent of think that is a negative.
Those are probably the people who like to squeeze out every last cubic inch of volume in their tank by topping off past when the pump stops.
I'm more than happy to stop when the pump does. In my experience, it's the pump jockeys that want to do that.
I actually like New Jersey. The coastal towns, especially Cape May, are really quaint little towns. And a nice set of lighthouses on the coast as well.
Quote from: vdeane on May 26, 2025, 09:32:44 PMQuote from: RobbieL2415 on May 26, 2025, 06:52:12 PMQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
It's nice when you only have a loQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 26, 2025, 11:40:19 AMQuote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
A large contingent of think that is a negative.
Those are probably the people who like to squeeze out every last cubic inch of volume in their tank by topping off past when the pump stops.
I'm more than happy to stop when the pump does. In my experience, it's the pump jockeys that want to do that.
Topping off just fills the hose.
I just hate the extra time it takes to have to wait for someone to pump your gas.
Quote from: vdeane on May 26, 2025, 09:32:44 PMI'm more than happy to stop when the pump does. In my experience, it's the pump jockeys that want to do that.
There's something weird about the tank on my car that if I stop the first time the pump clicks off, I'll end up with the needle a whole mark down from full. I can usually fit a dollar more's worth of gas in the tank by going real slow.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 26, 2025, 06:59:59 PMQuote from: RobbieL2415 on May 26, 2025, 06:52:12 PMQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
It's nice when you only have a loQuote from: jeffandnicole on May 24, 2025, 04:11:18 PMDelaware has some of the best roads in the nation! Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 26, 2025, 11:40:19 AMQuote from: route17fan on May 26, 2025, 11:21:25 AMGas stations are all full service. It's against the law to pump your own gas.
A large contingent of think that is a negative.
Those are probably the people who like to squeeze out every last cubic inch of volume in their tank by topping off past when the pump stops.
In my case, I'm just against the forced unnecessary interaction with a person.
That's fair.
I always forget to bring cash to tip the attendant.
Blues Traveler is from Jersey.
I don't mind pumping my own gas, but it's also nice to not have to even get out of the car at all. Actually, I'd really like that in, say, northern Iowa with a north wind in December.
Quote from: kphoger on May 27, 2025, 09:52:37 AMI don't mind pumping my own gas, but it's also nice to not have to even get out of the car at all. Actually, I'd really like that in, say, northern Iowa with a north wind in December.
Is there full serve where you live? Here in Massachusetts, I would say about 1 in 8 stations are full serve. If a station offers both self serve and full serve, full serve will be more expensive.
Quote from: hotdogPi on May 27, 2025, 10:06:09 AMQuote from: kphoger on May 27, 2025, 09:52:37 AMI don't mind pumping my own gas, but it's also nice to not have to even get out of the car at all. Actually, I'd really like that in, say, northern Iowa with a north wind in December.
Is there full serve where you live? Here in Massachusetts, I would say about 1 in 8 stations are full serve. If a station offers both self serve and full serve, full serve will be more expensive.
I know of one full service station in the Denver metro. The self-serve is already $0.40-$0.50 higher than the average in our area, and the full service adds on from there.
Quote from: hotdogPi on May 27, 2025, 10:06:09 AMIs there full serve where you live? Here in Massachusetts, I would say about 1 in 8 stations are full serve. If a station offers both self serve and full serve, full serve will be more expensive.
No, not that I'm aware of. But yes, I've noticed elsewhere that it's quite a bit more expensive. It would be a nice luxury, but probably not worth an extra five bucks to me.
New Jersey has something I envy deeply -- Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm jealous they get to have that in their own backyard. And isn't Dorney Park (which is just right next door) only double-digit miles away from there (not triple-digit miles)??
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 27, 2025, 08:59:24 AMI always forget to bring cash to tip the attendant.
No one, at least the in-state residents, really does that. Unless you get hrumphed by the attendant when they see your blue license plate.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 27, 2025, 11:50:08 AMNew Jersey has something I envy deeply -- Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm jealous they get to have that in their own backyard. And isn't Dorney Park (which is just right next door) only double-digit miles away from there (not triple-digit miles)??
Dorney isn't as big as SFGAdv so except for the Lehigh Valley locals, they're only getting the more amusement park oriented folks (like my family was). But now that Cedar Fair and Six Flags merged, it'll be interesting to see how the crowds change. Of course another problem is that GA is going further down the crapper now that Kingda Ka was torn down and you have to take out a loan just to park.
Now that the state was covered, here's a bigger challenge for you folks (based on an actual billboard)
(https://media.philly.com/images/20121204_jriordan04b_600.jpg)
Quote from: Mr. Matté on May 27, 2025, 12:12:19 PMQuote from: RobbieL2415 on May 27, 2025, 08:59:24 AMI always forget to bring cash to tip the attendant.
No one, at least the in-state residents, really does that. Unless you get hrumphed by the attendant when they see your blue license plate.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 27, 2025, 11:50:08 AMNew Jersey has something I envy deeply -- Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm jealous they get to have that in their own backyard. And isn't Dorney Park (which is just right next door) only double-digit miles away from there (not triple-digit miles)??
Now that the state was covered, here's a bigger challenge for you folks (based on an actual billboard)
(https://media.philly.com/images/20121204_jriordan04b_600.jpg)
I know where that billboard is located
So...
Donkey's.
The Freedom Center (or whatever name it currently is).
676 ain't a bad ride for thr most part.
For all the times I've been across the river to Philadelphia and to New Jersey overall, I can't recall any time I actually got out of the car in Camden. I could say the same about Trenton for a long time until I saw a Trenton Thunder game several years ago.
Back when we were considering a family vacation in the area a few years ago, I had looked at some New Jersey locations such as these:
Old Barracks Museum, Trenton
Thomas Edison National Hist. Park, West Orange
Gateway National Recreation Area, Highlands
Allaire State Park, Wall Twp
Camden?
Stanley Roberts, formerly of KRON-4 TV in San Francisco, the guy who did the entertaining "People Behaving Badly" segment, is originally from Camden. I view that as something positive about that city.
Quote from: jgb191 on May 27, 2025, 11:50:08 AMNew Jersey has something I envy deeply -- Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm jealous they get to have that in their own backyard. And isn't Dorney Park (which is just right next door) only double-digit miles away from there (not triple-digit miles)??
Kingda Ka is no more.
Quote from: Rothman on May 27, 2025, 08:14:12 PMQuote from: jgb191 on May 27, 2025, 11:50:08 AMNew Jersey has something I envy deeply -- Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm jealous they get to have that in their own backyard. And isn't Dorney Park (which is just right next door) only double-digit miles away from there (not triple-digit miles)??
Kingda Ka is no more.
What are they replacing that with?
First Top Thrill Dragster (@ Cedar Point) ..... now Kingda Ka? I guess these 400+ feet tall towers are harder to maintain?
Quote from: jgb191 on May 28, 2025, 12:21:39 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 27, 2025, 08:14:12 PMQuote from: jgb191 on May 27, 2025, 11:50:08 AMNew Jersey has something I envy deeply -- Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm jealous they get to have that in their own backyard. And isn't Dorney Park (which is just right next door) only double-digit miles away from there (not triple-digit miles)??
Kingda Ka is no more.
What are they replacing that with?
First Top Thrill Dragster (@ Cedar Point) ..... now Kingda Ka? I guess these 400+ feet tall towers are harder to maintain?
They're also a few decades old. While some coasters last several decades, many don't. And land is needed for bigger and better!
Quote from: jgb191 on May 28, 2025, 12:21:39 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 27, 2025, 08:14:12 PMQuote from: jgb191 on May 27, 2025, 11:50:08 AMNew Jersey has something I envy deeply -- Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm jealous they get to have that in their own backyard. And isn't Dorney Park (which is just right next door) only double-digit miles away from there (not triple-digit miles)??
Kingda Ka is no more.
What are they replacing that with?
First Top Thrill Dragster (@ Cedar Point) ..... now Kingda Ka? I guess these 400+ feet tall towers are harder to maintain?
Maybe. I also wonder if rider reaction had anything to do with it. Sure, tallest roller coaster in the world...but you're only on it for mere seconds. Hope for something better.
If I must say something nice about New Jersey, I will admit it does have good shopping malls. The malls in New Jersey are generally nicer than what we have in Pennsylvania (even though King of Prussia is really nice here).