We only scratched the surface in our first list of
things people from South Jersey have to explain to out-of-towners. So we just had to mention 21 more.
1. When The Temperatures Rise, Everybody Goes Down The Shore
There’s no better way to beat the heat in South Jersey than packing up the kids or grabbing all your friends and hitting one of the beautiful beaches.
2. Summer’s Not Summer Without A Cone Of Custard
No, they don’t mean anything fancy. In South Jersey, custard is good, old fashioned ice cream, and you can’t go wrong with Cream Valley Custard, one of the area’s absolute favorites.
3. And You’re Going To Want That Custard With Some Jimmies On Top
In South Jersey, those little candies on top are called jimmies, not sprinkles.
4. The Only Subs In South Jersey Are Undersea Vessels
Want a long sandwich filled with meatballs and marinara, or with loads of Italian meats? When you’re ordering, make sure to call it a “hoagie,” not a sub, hero, or submarine sandwich.
5. You’re Not A Real South Jerseyite If You Don’t Love Springsteen And Bon Jovi
You can’t drive through South Jersey without hearing at least one group of people blaring some Bruce Springsteen or Bon Jovi—both proud Jersey natives. And bonus points if The Boss is singing “Fourth of July (Asbury Park).”
6. Summer = Stuff Your Face With Tomatoes And Peaches
So-juicy-you-have-to-wash-your-shirt peaches and tomatoes are some of South Jersey’s best kept secrets, so grab as many as you can while they’re in season.
7. The Best Brain Freeze Comes From Boost
You can keep your Slurpees and other icy drinks because in South Jersey, it’s all about the local Boost! Slushies.
8. Come Fall, It's All About The Philadelphia Eagles
Because of its proximity, while North Jersey is tied into the New York scene, South Jersey is very much on Philadelphia’s side—especially when football season rolls around.
9. Everyone Has A Favorite Diner
Nothing says South Jersey like a diner. And whether it’s Cherry Hill Diner, Westmont Diner, or Geet's Diner, everyone has their favorite—and they’re ready to argue for it.
10. No One Is Scared Of Riversharks
Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, you’re going to want to take in a Camden Riversharks game because Campbell’s Field, at the base of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, has one seriously spectacular view.
11. Zumanjaro Might Just Make You Wet Your Pants
Daredevils unite in South Jersey to brave the 41-story high Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom ride at Six Flags Great Adventure—a record breaking drop ride that will send you plummeting at 90 miles per hour.
12. These Are The Best Blueberries You’ll Ever Eat
You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted South Jersey-grown blueberries—but once you have one, you won’t be able to stop.
13. No Summer Day Is Complete Without A Stroll Along The Boardwalk
If you’ve rinsed off the sand from the beach, a summer day should probably also include Wildwood Boardwalk where you can grab some fair-type food, go on carnival rides, or try your fishing luck on Morey’s Pier.
14. You Don’t Have To Go To Texas To See A Real Rodeo
Head over to Pilesgrove to check out the Cowtown Rodeo. If you’re not into cowboys (though, who isn’t?), there’s also a great farmer’s market and flea market.
15. Everybody Loves Lucy
Lucy the Elephant is a mainstay monument in South Jersey with a long history. Before Prohibition came in and ruined it, Lucy was a tavern, but now it’s a tourist attraction with some spectacular Atlantic Ocean views.
16. Put Down That Pump!
Full service is the name of the game here in South Jersey, so get back in your car and leave the gas pumping to the professionals because you’re legally not allowed to pump your own gas.
17. Never Ever Call It The Susquehanna Bank Center
In South Jersey, this concert and event venue on the Camden waterfront will always be the Tweeter Center.
18. ACME Isn’t Just For Looney Tunes
No, it’s just not the source of all of Wile E. Coyote’s ingenious weapons against the Road Runner, ACME is a chain of real-life stores in South Jersey.
19. Everybody In South Jersey Has Been To Storybookland At Least Once
Everyone—everyone—in South Jersey has been to Storybookland, whether it was on their favorite trip when they were children or making their current kids really happy today.
20. Same Goes For Adventure Aquarium
If everyone has been to Storybookland, tied for their favorite place is Adventure Aquarium, which mesmerizes both children and adults with some seriously incredible marine life.
21. Now You Know Why It’s Called The Garden State
With all the highways and noise up north, it seems like The Garden State is a misnomer, but take a step into South Jersey and suddenly you’ll understand the nickname.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about South Jersey? Tell us in the comments below!
