OK…I must confess that I wasn’t too impressed on my visit to New Jersey. I know that there are many positives about the state but I just didn’t see them. In NJ an average of 1030 people live within each square mile. That population density can foster a need to be brash and obnoxious to make yourself heard. Maybe that explains it.
I arrived via ferry (www.CMLF.com) to Cape Elizabeth from Lewes, Delaware. The ferry ride was terrific and the highlight of my visit.
I spent the night in Atlantic City. If you’re considering going there, know what you’re getting into. It’s depressed and depressing. The streets are lined with “Cash for Gold” signs and more than the fair share of derelicts line the sidewalks. The development there has been spearheaded by gambling interests. There are nearly a dozen large casino-hotels which are predominantly along the Boardwalk. I concede that it could be a terrific place when you’re with a group a friends and in the right frame of mind, but that’s a big “could be”. 
I did want to tour the Absecon Lighthouse but my timing was off, so I left the 228-step tower for another day. My photo was lousy – found this one at http://www.lighthousefriends.com/
In the morning when I stepped out for a run I was stopped by the bellman and advised not to venture farther than a point about ½ mile away if I insisted on going out alone. I experienced no untowardly incident but wasn’t completely at ease and returned after my ½ mile down and back.
Obviously I need to return to New Jersey and challenge myself to a fabulous visit. I suspect it’s possible…
Salt water candy, ubiquitous on all the boardwalks, is said to have been invented in Atlantic City. According to the story, a candy shop was swamped by tidewater. When the water receded the merchant found all of the taffy had been inundated with salt water, so he called it salt water taffy. True or not? Your guess is as good as mine. Two of the original salt water taffy brands, James’ and Fralinger’s are still made in Atlantic City.
New Jersey trivia:
The largest seaport in the country is in Elizabeth.
Newark has more auto thefts than New York and Los Angeles combined.
New Jersey has more diners than any other state
The Historical Main Building at Ellis Island is the property of Manhattan, while the surrounding parts of the island are property of New Jersey.
In New Jersey (like Oregon) pumping your own gas is actually illegal.
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Judy Blume, Allen Ginsberg, Frank Sinatra, Meryl Streep hails from the Garden State.My song is Tom Waits’ Jersey Girl. He’s famous for his growl of a voice, and put it to good use here. This song about the sweet joy of being in love with a girl from New Jersey, and has been covered by Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi.
Book Club Classics steered me towards the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich for a New Jersey read. I picked up the first one reluctantly. I rarely read “trashy” novels, preferring something with a bit more substance. Well, my snobby side has taken it on the chin. These books are great! The characterization and vivid description frequently has me chuckling and rolling my eyes. I’ve always said that I could write a book I’d want to create romances like Nora Robert or Danielle Steel because they reach millions, and people chose to read them just for fun. Now I’m also aspiring to be Janet Evanovich. There are 14, plus a few novellas, in the series so far, starting with One for the Money. It’s not necessary to read them order, but doing so lets the reader track Stephanie’s dysfunctional career and love life like an old friend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WChWjGg1eOY
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_for_the_Money_(novel)
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