It takes a special kind of person to live in the Garden State and embrace all its quirks, and that’s why New Jerseyans have so much pride in the state. I’ve been living here all my life, and I’m still discovering unique things about the state every day. For visitors and new arrivals, though, this state can take you by surprise all the time! There are a lot of unexpected things in this state – ranging from strange roadside attractions and natural wonders to food we take way too seriously. If you haven’t lived in the state for long, these ten photos of unique spots you know from living in New Jersey might be Greek to you. Even if you’ve lived here for a long time, some of them still might take you by surprise! Let’s see what memories these photos of New Jersey evoke.

1. A Portal To The Bizarre?

Jenkinson's Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave N, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, USA
Dawn G/Google Local
Jenkinson's Boardwalk is one of the shore's top tourist sites, and its headliner might just be the funhouse - containing a mirror maze and some seriously bizarre displays and attractions.

2. Is It Pork Roll...Or Taylor Ham?

Austinmurphy/Wikipedia
This lunchmeat causes a surprising number of arguments, but there's an explanation. Taylor Ham is actually the most popular brand of pork roll, so both of the names are accurate.

3. An Alien Invasion Memorial?

Grovers Mill, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550, USA
Zewrestler/Wikipedia
No, martians never actually landed in New Jersey - but Grovers Mill was the ground zero in the infamous retelling of War of the Worlds by Orson Welles, which caused a brief panic.

4. What The Heck - Is That Statue?

Light Dispelling Darkness Statue, Edison, NJ 08837, USA
Andrea Williams/Google Local
One of the strangest attractions in New Jersey is found in Roosevelt Park, and this unique, vaguely spooky statue is part of a Depression-era art project designed to show knowledge triumphing over the forces of ignorance.

5. More Salt Water Taffy Than You Can Shake A Stick At!

Shriver's Salt Water Taffy & Fudge 1898, 852 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226, USA
Joe Paciotti/Google Local
We take salt water taffy seriously at the shore, and nowhere more than Shriver's in Ocean City. You can find dozens of flavors here!

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6. A Technicolor Tunnel?

Mike G/Google Reviews
No, it's not an optical illusion - this mine tunnel is lit with fluorescent minerals. It's just one feature at the only working mine left in New Jersey, now a fascinating museum.

7. An Elephant Hanging Out On The Shore?

Lucy the Elephant/Google Reviews

8. A Monster Guarding a Diner?

Lucille's Country Cooking, 1496 Main St, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005, USA
Pop-Pop Moose/Google Local
Lucille's Luncheonette in Barnegat Township has a unique statue outside. It's the Jersey Devil, the resident cryptid of the Pine Barrens!

9. Niagara Falls In New Jersey?

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
Rebecca “Becky” C/Google Local
Not the tallest waterfall in the Garden State - that's Buttermilk Falls - but definitely the most majestic, the Great Falls of Paterson is one of the most beautiful spots in New Jersey.

10. A Portal To The North Pole Every December?

Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060, USA
Historic Smithville - The Village Green/Facebook
Every year, Historic Smithville turns into a unique Christmas Village complete with themed train rides and untold lights blanketing the town.

Photos are one thing but the way we speak is all part of New Jersey life. Take a look at this video of how to talk like a New Jersey local by @OnlyInYourState:

Living in New Jersey is quite interesting, isn’t it? How many of these unique items and unique spots in New Jersey were you familiar with? What are your favorite only-in-New-Jersey things we didn’t cover? Let us know in the comments section! This is just scratching the surface – rural New Jersey has many more secrets waiting for you. There is so much to see in New Jersey, so make sure you’re covered in New Jersey pride when you go exploring!

You can show off your New Jersey pride with apparel and accessories from Wear Your Roots!

 

 

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