“What the hell is in Jersey?” This common question has led many to believe that the Garden State has little to offer compared to its more famous neighbour. Kristine De Abreu proves this assumption wrong…

Empire State, Lone Star State, Sunshine State. These nicknames evoke a sense of wonder and infamy, marking out their individuality and unique character. After all, the United States was never meant to be just one country with one face. Rather, we get to see 50 of them. You cross state lines, venturing from flat swamp-scapes and beaches to the gargantuan mountain paths of Appalachia in a matter of hours.

Each state’s nickname gives us a sense of what’s there: Empire State for the concrete jungle empires built by the obscenely wealthy in the early 20th century, or Lone State State for its hardened history of war against Mexico and doing life on its own terms. So, upon hearing the name “Garden State”, I felt…underwhelmed. I’m not the only one.

Everyone I’ve spoken to reacted similarly: that subtle shrivel of the nose or raise of an eyebrow to feign interest, that short yet incredibly long awkward pause or even an overt ‘what the hell is in New Jersey?’ Part of me blames snotty-nosed New Yorkers for giving it a bad rap. New Jersey might not have the same weight as New York does on the global stage, but that is what gives it its charm. And that’s why travellers are finally opening their eyes. 

A Unique Experience at a Rodeo with Cowboys

Where there are farmers, there’s bound to be a few cowboys in the mix. You don’t have to be in Texas to go to the Rodeo. Since much of New Jersey is countryside, you will see some rodeo events mixed with farmers’ markets. Cowtown in South Jersey dates back to the 1920s where cowboys from all over the country came to compete. The tradition is a family-run event and occurs at select times of the year. Right outside the arena, patrons get there early to snag a parking spot and pull out their chairs, drinks and grills to start the merrymaking before the main event. Tailgating is a very big part of American culture before a big game, concert or event of the like.

At Cowtown, they open the show with a patriotic ritual. A sudden hush comes over the sardine-packed crowds as a large American flag is raised. A cowboy on his horse gently gallops around the fenced-in field, holding the flag above him as the commentator takes us through a brief and heartfelt message about American sacrifice, one nation under God and the unity of the 50 states. Then, the Star Spangled Banner is sung with pride and even some tears.

Admittedly, I felt to shed some. Probably because I was happy to be wrong about this underrated and underappreciated state in those 50.

Scattered across the state are generations-old farms, vineyards and orchards, which reach their peak in summer and fall. Farmers’ markets and roadside set-ups offer locals and road-trippers some of the country’s best organic produce, from grapes and apples to pumpkins and fresh apple cider. You can go out into the fields and pick the produce yourself if you are so inclined. Some take that fresh fruit home to make homemade wines.

But Willow Creek, Autumn Lake, Cape May and William Heritage are some of the best wineries where tastings are free and a serene atmosphere is everything. There are tons of New Jersey small-town farmers’ markets straight out of a Hallmark film, which gets even better in the fall when the leaves are changing. Pumpkin patches bring all the families out, apples blanket the orchard floor and the air is chilly but not cold.

Princeton: Visiting the Most Prestigious University in the World

As you drive past hundreds of miles of vast farmlands or through the industrial metropolises of Trenton and New Brunswick, the houses start to get older…and more expensive. Be prepared for the enviable onslaught of American Colonial, Antebellum and Georgian mansions alongside more new money glass fortresses and acres of well-manicured lawns that make you question whether or not you’re in New Jersey anymore. When you drive into Princeton, expect this: regal, stately and rich. It’s in the name. It is one of three towns in the area given royal names, with the others being Kingston and Queenstown.

It must have been a running theme when it was established as the town itself resembles some of England’s oldest and grandest cities like Oxford and Cambridge. However, Princeton is not over a thousand years old. Rather, it pre-dates the American Revolution by a century. There is an obvious spirit of competition here. Everything about the city, from the iconic collegiate Gothic architecture of its Ivy League university to the Tudor-style buildings flanking its streets, is a big up yours to the former colonists saying, “I’ll do one better!”

You can stroll through the 500 wide green acres of Princeton University completely for free. Your first stop is the university chapel. You’d think it was built in the 1700s when the university was first established, but it dates to the 1920s. Its dead silence, apart from the very mindful whispers and the occasional blast of its mighty 7897 pipe organ, brings your attention to the sacred, elevation of the divine and the worthy praise of man’s work in constructing it. The chapel has altars for each Christian denomination: Catholic, Protestant, and Ecumenical with hints of Islam and Judaism. Upon its walls are subtle nods to the Enlightenment and even scenes from medieval literature. If you’re able, come and observe a religious service.

Princeton University Chapel

The other buildings on campus pay tribute to the Renaissance and American colonial days, with layers of meandering ivy crawling up their walls. Nassau Hall, the most famous and oldest building on campus, saw its fair share of drama during the Battle of Princeton (1777) during the Revolutionary War. It once served as the Capitol Building in the tumultuous days of the fledgling United States but now, it is an administrative building.

The Princeton University Art Museum, though a modern building, houses some of the world’s finest collections of pre-Columbian, Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine and African artefacts as well as artworks from Van Gogh and Monet. Admission is free. As for the college theatre scene, there are three centres you can check out for local productions and screenings of lesser-known films: the McCarter Theatre Centre, the Princeton Summer Theatre and the Princeton Garden Theatre.

The old haunts of University students range from English-style pubs, which are tucked away in the narrow alleyways out of sight of the main street, to the forever-packed PJ’s Pancake House, where American breakfast outdoes itself. Just walk along Nassau Street and you can immerse yourself in any cuisine, style occasion or vibe.

The verdict: Princeton is truly an underrated American town, distinct from its collegiate epicentre.

Cape May and the Shore– New Jersey’s Answer to Cape Cod

Do not believe what you see on TV. Jersey Shore is a poor representation of the actual shore, which deserves far more credit than is due. On the northern part of the Shore, Asbury Park and Long Branch are great starting points for beginner travellers. The beaches are very pleasant but sometimes the waves can be choppy; the boardwalks are vibrant and replete with activities such as carnival rides, busking musicians and magicians,  arcades, shops and restaurants. It is perfect for families. But if you are looking for more adult fun, Atlantic City is straight down. Feel free to pop into world-famous casinos if you’re feeling lucky. However, the Shore is not complete without its main attraction at the very southern end.

Forget Cape Cod. The famed Massachusetts vacation spot for well-to-do New Englanders has a worthy rival. Cape May, at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, is an absolute jewel letting its unique atmosphere speak for itself. It doesn’t try too hard to impress, nor is it very flashy or greedy. The historic quaintness, stunning beaches, wildlife, smaller crowds, decent prices and breath-taking sunsets in the summer make it, for many, a better alternative than Cape Cod.

Cape May’s discovery was first and foremost a happy accident. English explorer Sir Henry Hudson did not expect to find such a pleasant place en-route to the Fat East on his third voyage in the early 17th century. Though his visit was a spur-of-the-moment decision and an unexpected detour, he noted its diversity in wildlife. Hundreds of pods of dolphins and whales have made the peninsula their home and love to put on a show at the first sound of a tour boat. The boats take you out from the river and into the bay in time for the famous Cape May sunsets and the dolphins’ eager displays for the visitors.

Cape May is much warmer in both climate and locality. As soon as you cross town lines, you notice three and four-storey beach homes on wooden stilts on the water. Then, a series of very colourful Victorian-era B&BS and museums with their towers, spiralling turrets, elaborately carved wooden accents and mouldings and incredible stories waiting to be told. Many of them reflect a deeper appreciation for the Southern Gothic style. And yes, some of these historic homes are haunted or have been frequented by famous figures like Ulysses Grant. Maybe Abraham Lincoln?

The cute brunch spots and local seaside-themed shops filled with knick-knacks and sustainable resort wear will charm you just as much as the people do. The people are friendly and helpful, excited to show you what they have made and the stories that come with their work. Take Cape May wines, for example. Some of the best wines you will find in New Jersey are made in Cape May. Flavours came in all colours and fruits, from grape, cranberry and blueberry to mango, strawberry and passionfruit.

Be sure to visit Cape May Cigars, Wine & Vapor, where you can get local wines without the snobby sophistication attached. Tastings are free, and bottles to take home are affordable. If you want to pair your wine with some rare treats, try Cape May jerky. Jerky is a quintessential American snack but Cape May’s selections come in all shapes, sizes…and manner of beast and creepy crawly. You’ve got your regular beef, pork, turkey, buffalo. But then it gets a bit crazy: crocodile, kangaroo, rabbit, python, camel, turtle and bugs. Yes, bugs… some patrons are very adventurous.

To wrap up your time, head to the cheese shop and grab yourself a charcuterie board before sunset. A picnic on the beach from sunset to twilight when the stars are now starting to peak out makes for the perfect end to the day.