Entertainment
Bruce Springsteen's 2014 Tour & 11 Other Amazing Gifts From New Jersey
On the list of things that can make you proud to be an American, Bruce Springsteen is pretty high on the chart. So it's with fireworks, hot dogs, apple pie and the sounds of denim brushing against dirt-covered boots that we bring on news of Bruce Springsteen's 2014 Tour. All across our purple mountains' majesties, Springsteen and the E Street band will hit the stage throughout April and May to promote their latest album High Hopes.
Now there are generally two things we all know about NJ: Springsteen is its #1 son and the rest of the country gives the state a whole lotta flack*. In honor of Bruce, let's take a break from the Jersey hatin' for a bit shall we? It's time to celebrate the Boss and these 11 awesome things that hail from the Garden State.
*Once The Boss has exited the building you can resume your annoyance with jug handles and big hair.
Images: Getty Images
Mery Streep
That’s right. The almighty and powerful, Her Majesty’s most royal, Dame, Duchess of everything Meryl Streep is from Summit, NJ.
Tomatoes!
Have you ever had a farm fresh Jersey tomato? HAVE YOU? The next time you drive through the Garden State this summer, be sure to stop by a farmer’s stand and grab a bunch. Your caprese will never be the same.
Paul Rudd
Dear Passaic, thank you so much for birthing this man. You have made the world this much more delightful.
Electricity
Thomas Edison was known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park, New Jersey.” Land of the free, home of the inventors.
Whitney Houston
Newark and the rest of the world will always love you.
MAGIC
David Copperfield was totally born in Metuchen. Or was he? He was.
Lauryn Hill
We can all give major props to East Orange for giving a body of work that is far from a Miseducation.
The Country's Best Diners
Those silver panels and neon lights are calling you home. 24 hours a day.
Your childhood, basically
Without the work of Judy Blume, I …nope, don’t even want to think about it. Thank you Elizabeth, NJ for gracing us with so many adventures… and helping girls figure out what to do the first time they got their period.
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens aka Queen Latifah hails from Newark. Okay Cory Booker, your city has a major legacy going on.
The Shore
Come on, come on…we’ve all been blessed for a few solid years without The Jersey Shore invading the airwaves. Take a haunted tour of historic Cape May Victorian houses, pull up a stool for some fresh clams and Smitty’s, and enjoy miles and miles and MILES of beach. For us East Coasters, summer just isn’t summer without boardwalk fries, late night rides, custard, fudge, and houses with more wicker furniture than you can shake a surrey at. Now if you don’t mind, watch the tram car, please.
