New Jersey is a misunderstood state. We’re really quite wonderful, but we’re stuck with nicknames like the armpit of America. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are some things we’d really like the rest of the country to know.

1. We're not just a suburb of New York City or Philadelphia.
Flickr/Aurelien Guichard
We've got our own cities, unique culture, museums, restaurants and so much more. New Jersey is a destination in and of itself.
2. We've got an abundance of natural beauty.
Flickr/hjhipster
From our stunning shoreline to our cliffs along the Hudson and our rolling hills to our epic pinelands - natural beauty abounds in New Jersey.
3. We're called the Garden State for a reason.
Flickr/Peter Miller
No, it's not a joke. We have nearly 800,000 acres of farmland and are major producers of a variety of fruits and veggies. Agriculture is a billion dollar industry in New Jersey. And, of course, you can't beat our tomatoes.
4. We're magnificent in so many ways.
Flickr/Harshil Shah
New Jersey definitely does not get the credit it deserves. We've got some of the best schools in the country, we were recently ranked one of the best states to raise a family, we've got more "gold star" beaches than any other state, and marriages here tend to last longer. I could easily keep going...
5. The Jersey Shore and MTV's "Jersey Shore" are very different things.
Flickr/Chris Waits
Please don't associate that show with our state. Most of the cast was from Staten Island... and you know the drama was scripted.

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6. Not pumping gas is awesome.
Flickr/Andrew Taylor
I've heard people say that's the only good thing about our state. There are so many other amazing things, but not pumping gas is pretty sweet - especially on a cold day.
7. Don't say Joisey.
Flickr/Dave Cito
This will at least mildly irritate about 98 percent of us. It's New Jersey, or even Jersey - never Joisey. Not even if you're kidding. We probably won't laugh.
8. We don't stink... mostly.
Flickr/Bob Jagendorf
I'll admit, some parts of the state can smell a bit like sulphur on certain days...but we mostly smell like fresh ocean air, fragrant pine trees, or nothing at all.
9. Ellis Island is ours.
Flickr/hodgepodge brigade
The island is around 27 acres - the Supreme Court decided that around 24 of those acres belong to New Jersey. While accessible via ferry from Jersey City, the island is still managed by the federal government.
10. We're not all in the mob.
Flickr/Alvaro Tapia
I hear mob jokes all the time when I'm out of state. Seems like a good way to get whacked to me... Kidding! We're not all in the mob - not even most of us.
11. We've got plenty of safe, charming small towns.
Flickr/Mike Rastiello
New Jersey is not just Newark and Camden - we have a plethora of picturesque towns high in charm and low in crime.

What else do you want the rest of the country to know about New Jersey? Share with me in the comments, then check out a few reasons why New Jersey is the best state.

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