Posted in New Jersey January 25, 2016 by Kristen

14 Things You Can Only Brag About If You’re From New Jersey

We often go overlooked by the rest of the country, and we’re sometimes seen as a sub-par state tucked away between New York City and Philadelphia. Anyone who looks at New Jersey that way couldn’t be more wrong. We have so much to offer, and so much to be proud of. We’re diverse, unique, and clearly way too humble. America needs to know how awesome we are, so don’t be afraid to brag. Here are 14 things that ONLY people in New Jersey can brag about.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

1. We are home to America's first seaside resort, Cape May.

2. We have more diners per square mile than any other place in the world!

3. North Jersey has more shopping malls in one area than any other place in the world with seven major malls in a 25 sq. mile radius. It's up to you whether or not you want to brag about that.

4. The modern submarine was invented here and the first submarine ride took place in the Passaic River.

5. New Jersey is home to the largest seaport in America, located in Elizabeth.

6. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, phonograph and motion picture projector in his Menlo Park, New Jersey laboratory.

7. The entire movie industry got its start right here, with the world's first film studio (The Black Maria) in West Orange.

8. Spanning 5.5 miles, Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world.

9. Union, New Jersey is home to the world's tallest watersphere. It comes in at a whopping 212 feet.

10. The first official baseball game was held in Hoboken, the first professional basketball game was played in Trenton and the first college football game was between Princeton and Rutgers.

11. The first brewery in America opened in Hoboken in 1642.

12. The first ever drive-in movie theater (pictured) opened in Camden County (Pennsauken) in 1933.

13. The first cultivated blueberries were marketed by Elizabeth White of Whitesbog in 1916.

14. The first national historic park in America was established in Morristown in 1933. It contains sites significant during the Revolutionary War including Ford Mansion, a winter headquarters of George Washington.

Of course, we have plenty more to be proud of, but these things are totally unique to New Jersey. What else would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments. Don’t be humble, share what makes us spectacular!