Published Aug 1, 2015

Here Are 11 Things Everyone In New Jersey Absolutely Loves

New Jersey offers a diverse range of attractions and cultural experiences, from historic Cape May to its famous boardwalks and local musicians.

Published Aug 1, 2015

Written by

Kristen

State Pride|Meet the Locals

Updated Apr 29, 2024

10 Extremely Weird Things Only People From New Jersey Do

New Jerseyans have unique traditions and quirks that set them apart from other states.

Updated Apr 29, 2024

Written by

Kristen

New Jerseyans are a diverse bunch, but there are some things that the majority of us have in common - things that separate us from other states. Here are a few things that people from New Jersey do that are weird (to outsiders), quirky, or otherwise unique.

1. We toilet paper trees the night before Halloween.

Whether you call it Cabbage Night, Mischief Night, or Goosey Night, few other states have this tradition.

2. We argue over meat.

Pork Roll. Taylor Ham. Let the battle commence. It's just a part of life in New Jersey.

3. We've chowed down on cheese fries with gravy at 2 a.m.

Because we can. #DinerCapitalOfAmerica

4. Many of us have eaten food from something called a grease truck.

Or dined on a "fat sandwich" filled with mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, and any other fried food you can imagine.

5. We take pride in a demon-like creature that roams our Pine Barrens.

We even named our hockey team after the Jersey Devil.

6. Sometimes, we go right to turn left.

But we don't use the term "jug handle" as often as people think. Living in New Jersey sure is interesting!

7. If we say..."I could go for a pie," we mean pizza.

I didn't realize this was a Jersey thing until I traveled the country. Out-of-state, pie means apple or blueberry.

8. Occasionally, we leave off the "New," and it still sounds right.

Which is more awesome than weird. How many other states can say the same? York? Hampshire? I don't think so.

9. Beefsteak dinners.

These actually got their start in New York circa 1850, but they've since become a Jersey thing.

10. What exit?

Classic. If you don't know where this comes from, Google Joe Piscopo.

Like Dorothy famously said... there's no place like Jersey. Okay, so she may have said "home," but it's the same thing to us. What other strange things do people from New Jersey do? For unique Jersey words, check out this unofficial dictionary.

If you want to show off your Garden State Pride, take a look at the selection of New Jersey apparel from our friends at Wear Your Roots!

State Pride|Meet the Locals

Published Aug 2, 2023

It’s A Little-Known Fact That Unit Air Conditioning Was Actually Invented In New Jersey

Willis Carrier perfected the invention of air conditioning in Newark, New Jersey, revolutionizing summer comfort.

Published Aug 2, 2023

Written by

Raymond Goldfield

Summer is in full swing, and the temperature is skyrocketing! During these months, everyone who has access is giving thanks for one thing - air conditioning! The miracle air-cooling invention has not only made us all so much more comfortable, but it's saved lives around the world. But few people know that a key part of the invention of air conditioning happened right here in New Jersey! The inventor, Willis Carrier, was New York-born, but he spent a significant amount of time in the Garden State - including the time of his most significant contribution to the way we use air conditioning today. Air conditioning had a long development process, with one of the earliest attempts happening in Florida, but it was Newark in 1928 when Carrier perfected the innovation that changed the world - and gave us some much-needed summer relief!

It's hard to remember that not that long ago, we were all at the mercy of the weather during the summer! A fan and a lot of water were our only defenses against the heat.

That all changed when Willis Carrier invented the first commercial air conditioning system, the conclusion of a long development process. And the unit air conditioning system was first completed in 1928 at Carrier's factory in Newark, New Jersey!

Before this, air conditioners were massive machines that could only fit in a few buildings. Now they could be anywhere! Only a few decades later, an air conditioning unit was a simple status symbol of modern middle class life. No more sweating the summers away!

Today, every building big and small can usually be seen to have an air conditioning unit - or several - outside keeping things cool.

Much larger and more powerful air conditioning systems are used to make it possible to operate large buildings in even the most inhospitable climates.

Carrier would eventually return to New York, his home state - where the Carrier Dome in Syracuse is named after him - but he left an indelible mark on New Jersey thanks to it being the site where his invention went from being an experiment to a part of everyday life.

Did you know the invention of air conditioning happened in New Jersey? Tell us about your favorite air-conditioned activities in the summer in the comments section! If you're looking for some great things to do indoors during the hottest days, check out New Jersey's massive megamall, or plan your own staycation!

All Stories

State Pride

History

The Battle to Save a Historic Witch Trials Home Near Salem, Massachusetts Is Worth the Fight

The future of a historic Salem Witch Trials building may look bleak, but concerned citizens are rallying to save the Ingersoll's Ordinary tavern before nature takes its toll.

by Kim Falchek

on Nov 4

Front of Nathaniel Ingersoll's Ordinary house in Danvers, MA. Trees surround the deteriorating property.

Stays

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Northern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

Get away, disconnect, and recharge in the woods at this A-frame Airbnb with views of Lake Shasta.

Skip the Crowds: Explore Washington’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

From hidden forest trails to secluded lakes, these spots showcase Washington’s natural wonders with a peaceful touch.

We Found the Ultimate Game Day Stress Relief at This Alabama Comfort Food Sports Bar

Cheer on your team and let off steam at The Game, a new sports bar in downtown Decatur, Alabama.

I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit

The Flying Fifty, a luxury boutique hotel in Cullman, Alabama, features seven suites that capture the soul of the community.

by Lisa Battles

on Nov 4

Here Are 11 Things Everyone In New Jersey Absolutely Loves

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10 Extremely Weird Things Only People From New Jersey Do

1. We toilet paper trees the night before Halloween.

2. We argue over meat.

3. We've chowed down on cheese fries with gravy at 2 a.m.

4. Many of us have eaten food from something called a grease truck.

5. We take pride in a demon-like creature that roams our Pine Barrens.

6. Sometimes, we go right to turn left.

7. If we say..."I could go for a pie," we mean pizza.

8. Occasionally, we leave off the "New," and it still sounds right.

9. Beefsteak dinners.

10. What exit?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

It’s A Little-Known Fact That Unit Air Conditioning Was Actually Invented In New Jersey

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The Battle to Save a Historic Witch Trials Home Near Salem, Massachusetts Is Worth the Fight

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Northern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

Skip the Crowds: Explore Washington’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

We Found the Ultimate Game Day Stress Relief at This Alabama Comfort Food Sports Bar

I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit