New Jersey, nicknamed “The Garden State,” has a lot of amazing things to offer. It’s home to many wonders of the natural world and a few man-made ones as well. It’s also home to famous landmarks and a number of celebrities.
One of the original 13 colonies in the United States, New Jersey is bounded by New York to the north and northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, Delaware to the west, and Philadelphia to the southwest. Named for the island of Jersey in the English Channel, it joined the Union in December 1787 and became an important manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution and both World Wars.
Despite its small size, New Jersey is one of the most diverse and populous states in the country. From the Jersey shore to the Pine Barrens to bustling metropolitan centers, it has a range of cultures.
The state is known for a wide variety of foods, from saltwater taffy to tomato pie and more. Diners line highways, anchor city centers and feed New Jersey’s residents by the millions.
For a taste of the local cuisine, try a traditional hoagie in Trenton or an Italian style hoagie in Jersey City. Other iconic New Jersey snacks include burgers and fries, cheesecakes, and ice cream.
Some of the best eats in the state can be found in Atlantic City, home to a long-standing tradition of boardwalk entertainment. Other famous Jersey shore destinations include Cape May, Asbury Park and Philadelphia.
In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the state is also a great place for families to live and work. It has a strong economic base and is home to numerous universities.
The state is also known for its excellent medical care. It has some of the nation’s top hospitals and health systems, including Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
Other medical institutions in the state include the NJ Medical School in Newark, Mount Sinai Hospital in Hackensack and Temple University in Philadelphia. The state is home to several major research laboratories, including those of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
More than 5,000 information and technology companies call New Jersey home, as well as leading biotechnical and pharmaceutical firms. The state is also home to the world headquarters of Verizon and Johnson & Johnson.
The state also boasts one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. It is home to more than 5 million people, encompassing the cities of New York, Jersey City, Philadelphia and Camden.
With its 130 miles of Atlantic coast and several notable resort towns, New Jersey has a rich maritime heritage. Some of the most important historic sites in the country can be found here, such as Liberty State Park and Ellis Island.
Throughout the state, visitors can enjoy the outdoors, from state parks and nature preserves to national forests and the famous Pine Barrens. The state is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including raccoons, deer, and bears.