8 Things That Will Always Make New Jersey Natives Think of Home

Whether we've recently moved away from the Garden State or plan to return soon, there are certain things about life in beloved New Jersey that are unlike anywhere else. From our gas stations, our love for pizza and bagels, and even our traffic patterns, we're always met with reminders of our home state, no matter where we land.

Here are some fun facts about New Jersey that most locals will confirm—especially because they're highly reminiscent of life around here.

1. Gas stations

Every time we have to get out of the car and pump our own gas out of state, we think fondly of the full-service stations that dominate the fuel scene in New Jersey. In fact, it's been illegal to do so since 1949, but there have been talks about allowing for self-service stations soon. In our opinion? Not necessary.

2. Hoagies (or Subs)

It's hard to find great hoagies or subs outside of the Garden State... nobody seems to make them with high-quality deli meats, cheeses, and the right kind of bread. So anytime we come upon a sub shop owned by a former New Jerseyan, we know we're in the right place. We personally love Tastee Sub Shop in Edison and Nixon's General Store in Tabernacle.

3. Traffic Circles

Circles are a way of life in New Jersey, but they aren't so common elsewhere. Most other states have at least a handful of "roundabouts," which will always have us reminiscing of the big intersections like 70 and 73 (Marlton Circle) way back when, or the Flemington Circle that still trips us up from time to time. Remember to yield and look both ways!

4. Dunes

Beaches will always make us think of the Jersey Shore, no matter where we are. Our coast is lined with impressive dune systems, marshes, bays, and shoreline ecosystems. It's hard not to think of Jersey seagulls (and bayside greenheads!) when we end up on a beach anywhere else. We love Island Beach State Park and Corson's Inlet State Park.

5. Seafood

Jersey seafood is delicious. Locally caught crabs, clams, oysters, scallops, and even lobster make the Garden State one of the best for dining on fresh catch. It's hard not to compare when you end up eating frozen seafood in landlocked states. We like Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar in New Brunswick and Oceanos Oyster Bar and Sea Grill in Fair Lawn.

6. Pine Trees

If you grew up in South Jersey, pine trees were a way of life. Over a million acres of pine trees dominate the landscape... and those pine needles that stick to everything never seem to truly leave our minds. Sure, there are pine trees in plenty of other states across the country, but something about Jersey trees is special.

7. Bagels

New Jersey makes the best breakfast sandwiches, hands down. Whether scrapple, pork roll, or egg and cheese is the go-to, the key to a good breakfast sandwich is a good bagel. Expert bakers say it's all in the boiling process, and even the type of water used to boil the dough. One of the best spots to grab a BEC is Bagel Bazaar in Egg Harbor Township, but outside of the tri-state area, it's a lot of work to track them down.

7. Pizza

Oh, pizza. Try as they might, the rest of the country just can't figure it out. We'll give New York and Philadelphia a pass, but really, the rest of the country's pies can't compare to a Jersey slice. We'll always long for a good slice of thin Jersey pizza when we travel. Some of us even take trips back just to eat at Angeloni's in Caldwell and Bread and Salt in Jersey City.

What parts of the Garden State make you think of home? If you're feeling nostalgic, take a homecoming trip (or come for the first time if you're a visitor!) using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your days.