There are some things we do here in New Jersey that outsiders might find strange. I'm not saying everyone in New Jersey does these things, or that they're not done anywhere else, but they are fairly unique to the Garden State.
1. We argue about meat.
Pork Roll? Taylor Ham? It depends on what part of the state you're from, but you definitely think your way is the right way.
2. We're a little obsessed with a convenience store.
Wawa is a way of life. While it used to be a South Jersey thing, they're now spread out all over the state (except in Sussex County). Don't miss their mouthwatering made to order sandwiches.
3. We require 24/7 access to food.
Not exactly, but we do love our diners. Who hasn't spent a night eating disco fries or sipping milkshakes at 2 a.m.? Some of my favorites? Chit Chat Diner (pictured) in Hackensack, Six Brothers Diner in Little Falls, Clinton Station Diner in Clinton, Jersey Diner in Cinnaminson and the Golden Pigeon Diner in Bridgeton - all of which are open 24 hours.
4. We don't necessarily mean seasoned ground beef when we say "Sloppy Joe."
New Jersey has its own Sloppy Joe - a cold, cole slaw filled, double decker sandwich with your choice of meat.
5. We are (too) familiar with fat sandwiches and grease trucks.
Oh, how I miss the selection of trucks at Rutgers. Luckily, R U Hungry has opened a brick and mortar store at 95 Hamilton Street in New Brunswick. Their "Fat Darrell" sandwich, topped with chicken fingers, french fries, mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce is a national treasure.
6. We tend to go 80 on 80.
And everywhere else. While many of us do drive the speed limit, we're also known for putting the pedal to the metal. This photo, taken from a rest stop along Route 80, is a reminder to slow down, perhaps pull over, and enjoy the views.
7. We toilet paper trees on the day before Halloween.
Whether you call it Mischief Night, Cabbage Night or Goosey Night, this isn't done in most states.
8. We're pretty particular about our bagels, bakeries and delis.
We can't help that we're spoiled - New Jersey is home to some of the best. We're also big on pizza here. Speaking of pizza...
9. We use the word pie and mean pizza.
Pie, Pizza Pie, Tomato Pie - these words will sometimes confuse out-of-staters.
10. We sometimes make right turns to go left.
And we know a jughandle has nothing to do with pottery.
11. We take the "New" out of Jersey.
We live in Jersey. Also, New Jersey. Never Joisey. What other state can take the "new" off and make it work? York? Hampshire? I don't think so.
12. We (proudly) tell tales of a flying demon that frequents our state.
We even named our hockey team after the creature. The Jersey Devil is a local (and national) icon.
We may be a bit strange here in New Jersey, but we wouldn't have it any other way. What else would you add to this list?
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