Top 10 Fun Facts about New Jersey
New Jersey may be small in size, but it’s also quite mighty when it comes to food, history, and outdoor living. Here are a few things you (maybe) never knew about the Garden State.
New Jersey is home to more diners than any other state.
If there’s one thing New Jersians love to do, it’s eating. It might not be world-famous cuisines like New York pizza or southern-style cooking, but you will find plenty of homemade eats at its myriad of diners — about 525 diners across the state!
You’ll find the world’s longest boardwalk in Atlantic City.
The world’s first and longest boardwalk is packed with stores, restaurants, and attractions like the Central Pier Arcade & Speedway and Atlantic City Miniature Golf. The ocean views make it worth spending the day here.
Baseball’s roots started in Hoboken.
America’s favorite pastime, the very first baseball game was played in Hoboken on June 9, 1846. New York Nine’s win over Alexander Cartwright's Knickerbocker squad marked the birth of the sport as we know it.
The very first submarine was tested in the Passiac River.
Another first for the Garden State, the first submarine was built in 1878. You can see it on display at the Paterson museum.
New Jersey’s state dance is the square dance.
It might have southern connotations, but New Jersey has embraced the square dance as its own. In fact, it’s only one of 28 total states that have dubbed square dancing as its official state dance.
New Jersey also has an official state dinosaur.
It’s the Hadrosaurus foulkii, or Hadrosaurus for short. The Hadrosaurus skeleton was the most complete one ever found at that time (1858) and became the first mounted dinosaur skeleton to be displayed.
Lots of common products are made in New Jersey.
Among the most popular brands are Manhattan Doors, Bosco Syrups, Marcal Paper Products, and Campbell’s soups. New Jersey is also a manufacturing hot spot for pencils and lightbulbs.
New Jersey has birthed its share of famous faces.
Some of its most notable figures include Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Kevin Spacey, Meryl Streep, Queen Latifah, Paul Rudd, and John Travolta.
Saltwater taffy’s origins can be traced back to Atlantic City.
The famous sweet treat was first produced and marketed in the 19th century. As legend has it, an ocean water flood soaked the wares of a beachfront candy store, leaving the taffy covered in saltwater. The “new” flavor was a huge hit with customers. It might only be a legend, but it adds even more color to the vibrant chewy candy.
The Lambert Castle is home to the world’s largest spoon collection.
The historic Lambert Castle holds a surprising display inside — more than 5,400 spoons from around the world. You’ll also find a number of special spoons from each state in the USA.
