If there’s one thing we’re known for in New Jersey, it’s strong opinions. Whether you’re talking about culture, food, regional differences, or state rivalries, you can bet on one thing – if you have two New Jerseyans discussing one of these topics, you’ll probably find three opinions. But despite that, these topics often unite us as much as they divide us. No matter which side you fall on these classic New Jersey arguments, there’s no question that they all represent things that are quintessentially New Jersey – and we guard our favorite traditions fiercely. So sit down and grab a snack – but be careful what you call it!
- Is it pork roll…or Taylor ham?
Austinmurphy/Wikipedia The salty, smoky sausage is a Jersey favorite - but no one can decide what to call it! If you’re from the north, you probably grew up calling it Taylor ham, while those in the south usually stick with “pork roll.” Both are sort of correct - Taylor ham is the most popular and biggest producer of this uniquely Jersey breakfast meat, and it tastes delicious no matter what you call it!
- The mall is still king.
Qwesy qwesy/Wikipedia A lot has been made about the demise of the American mall, but you wouldn’t know it in the Garden State. We have the most malls per capita in the USA, as well as two of the biggest - American Dream Meadowlands and Westfield Garden State Plaza.
- The Giants and Jets are New Jersey teams.
Anthony Quintano/Wikipedia Sure, they’re called the New York Giants and the New York Jets - but where do they play? Meadowlands Stadium. NYC doesn’t have its own football stadium, and if you ask most New Jerseyans, the only NY football team is the Buffalo Bills. And when one of our teams brings home the Super Bowl, Newark should host a parade!
- The best hot dog is an Italian hot dog.
Jimmy Buff’s Kenilworth/Facebook The best hot dog toppings are always a hot topic on their own, but here in NJ we do things a different way. The Italian hot dog is served in puffy pizza bread and topped with a mix of fried potatoes, onions, and peppers. It’s a hearty alternative to the typical dog that can only be found in Jersey.
- Central Jersey - real or not?
Andrew Bossi/Wikipedia If you live in the center of the state, you’re probably used to your top and bottom neighbors debating your existence. The state legislature sort of settled this one in 2022 - passing a law creating a new tourism initiative to promote Central Jersey as a unique state region.
- We don’t go to the beach around here - we go to the Shore!
Peetlesnumber1/Wikipedia Lots of towns have their own little beaches, but there’s only one Jersey Shore - a massive stretch going from central Jersey all the way down to Cape May - and it’s a one-of-a-kind vacation destination.
- No one does boardwalks like us!
Management/TripAdvisor Speaking of the shore, we’re not the only state that has a boardwalk - Maryland, New York, and California all put up a fight - but you’re not going to find anything like Morey’s Pier in Wildwood or the Jenkinson’s fun house in Point Pleasant Beach at those places.
- We’re just fine with not pumping our own gas, thanks.
Henrywingra/Wikipedia It’s been illegal to pump your own gas since 1949 in New Jersey, meaning all gas stations have attendants on duty. And you know what? We like it that way. Makes it easier to keep our hands clean for our next Italian hot dog.
Which side of these classic New Jersey arguments do you fall on? Let us know in the comments section! If you’re interested in trying one of New Jersey’s most iconic treats for yourself, you can get the original at Jimmy Buff’s. And check out another unique New Jersey claim to fame at this giant antique truck museum!
Austinmurphy/Wikipedia
The salty, smoky sausage is a Jersey favorite - but no one can decide what to call it! If you’re from the north, you probably grew up calling it Taylor ham, while those in the south usually stick with “pork roll.” Both are sort of correct - Taylor ham is the most popular and biggest producer of this uniquely Jersey breakfast meat, and it tastes delicious no matter what you call it!
Qwesy qwesy/Wikipedia
A lot has been made about the demise of the American mall, but you wouldn’t know it in the Garden State. We have the most malls per capita in the USA, as well as two of the biggest - American Dream Meadowlands and Westfield Garden State Plaza.
Anthony Quintano/Wikipedia
Sure, they’re called the New York Giants and the New York Jets - but where do they play? Meadowlands Stadium. NYC doesn’t have its own football stadium, and if you ask most New Jerseyans, the only NY football team is the Buffalo Bills. And when one of our teams brings home the Super Bowl, Newark should host a parade!
Jimmy Buff’s Kenilworth/Facebook
The best hot dog toppings are always a hot topic on their own, but here in NJ we do things a different way. The Italian hot dog is served in puffy pizza bread and topped with a mix of fried potatoes, onions, and peppers. It’s a hearty alternative to the typical dog that can only be found in Jersey.
Andrew Bossi/Wikipedia
If you live in the center of the state, you’re probably used to your top and bottom neighbors debating your existence. The state legislature sort of settled this one in 2022 - passing a law creating a new tourism initiative to promote Central Jersey as a unique state region.
Peetlesnumber1/Wikipedia
Lots of towns have their own little beaches, but there’s only one Jersey Shore - a massive stretch going from central Jersey all the way down to Cape May - and it’s a one-of-a-kind vacation destination.
Management/TripAdvisor
Speaking of the shore, we’re not the only state that has a boardwalk - Maryland, New York, and California all put up a fight - but you’re not going to find anything like Morey’s Pier in Wildwood or the Jenkinson’s fun house in Point Pleasant Beach at those places.
Henrywingra/Wikipedia
It’s been illegal to pump your own gas since 1949 in New Jersey, meaning all gas stations have attendants on duty. And you know what? We like it that way. Makes it easier to keep our hands clean for our next Italian hot dog.
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Address: Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks, 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260, USAAddress: Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs, 506 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
