You, dear reader, should first understand that I live in, write about, and love the Southeastern United States. I say y’all, eat grits, and cheer wildly for SEC college football. So, when my husband, who was raised in New Jersey, got serious about showing me around New Jersey on a road trip I had very mixed feelings! Could New Jersey impress a Southern lady? I suspect that there will be both negative and positive results!
MATAWAN
We visited loved ones and made our activity hub in the adorable small Borough of Matawan. (Be advised that since Matawan does not have any hotels we stayed in the nearby area of East Brunswick.) Matawan is a vibrant and historical town of under ten thousand people and only 4.8 miles from Raritan Bay. It was founded around 1886 with past names that included Middletown Point, New Aberdeen, and Mount Pleasant. Some spots are still Aberdeen-Matawan or Matawan-Aberdeen. That combined with the who borough or township thing does get a bit confusing.
ARCHITECTURE
One of the most impressive houses in Matawan, called the Big Blue House, is an elegant and elaborate Victorian built in 1873 complete with porch, bay windows, and intricate details. Just try to imagine what interesting activities may have gone on in that home while the original owner, David Ryer, and his family lived there.
The Big Blue House is a Victorian masterpiece.
There are a few older structures in town such as the Hawkins House and the Burrowes Mansion, but none as so breathtaking. The various architectural styles in the area were definitely deserving of attention.
PARKS
Of the nine public parks in Matawan, my favorite is Memorial Park which honors veterans and first responders. It is well maintained and includes statues, plaques, a bell, and a piece of the twin towers that fell during the attack on 9-11-2001. That was especially poignant as I happened to visit on the 25th anniversary of that event.
Hands-on way to honor first responders.
Memorial Park is a great hands-on place, and I love being able to feel the texture of all the items. While there I spoke with a man named Joe who was busy at 9am getting things set up for a 9-11 event that would occur at 6pm. He would be the first of many who would tell me how folks from New Jersey are nice enough yet not exactly polite… especially when driving. And, oh boy, was he ever right!
CRAZY DRIVING
Driving in New Jersey should only be done with extreme caution when one is very wide awake. People who may be fairly decent suddenly seem to become aggressive jerks while behind the wheel. After an unfortunate morning getting lost trying to navigate the Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, I absolutely refused to do any further driving until I was solidly back in the dear old South.
LIBRARY
No matter where I travel, it seems the friendliest and most helpful people can be found at the library. The Matawan-Aberdeen Library proved my point. Kimberly and her colleagues are kind and patient as they deal with readers, researchers, and lots of activities for folks of all ages. Thanks to them I met and interviewed Reverend Jeffrey Gray.
REV. GRAY
An assistant pastor and assistant teacher who dedicates his life to helping others, the good Reverend Gray has rightly been referred to as the epitome of faith and kindness. His early struggles with cerebral palsy helped him develop empathy and encouragement for others. He loves reading, journaling, poetry, and prayer.
Of Matawan, he loves all the history and the caring people. Of New Jersey, he does admit that there are “some” bad drivers! His best advice is to “love God, love others, be yourself and remember that life is a journey, not a competition.”
MUST-DO LOCAL
Here are four must-do experiences in Matawan. First and second, stop by Babba’s Bagel for a large yummy bagel with cream cheese and then take time to go appreciate the “Gateway to the Shore” mural at the Aberdeen-Matawan train station.
Third, reconnect with nature for a while at Cheesequake State Park. There is something quite calming about the fresh air and trees. The walking trails and salt marshes help you let go of every care and focus on the beauty and tranquility.
The salt marshes at Cheesequake Park are tranquil.
Fourth, celebrate happy times with loved ones at Maloney’s Pub and Grill. The Irish decor, superb staff, and delicious oversized portions are why this spot is a local favorite. And if you have any room left for dessert, I highly recommend their chocolate fudge mousse cake.
THREE EASY MUST-DO DAY TRIPS
(# 1.) Around 30 miles away on the Jersey Shore lies a lively little beach town with a vintage boardwalk. Point Pleasant Beach is small in size yet huge on fun and home to the famous Jenkinson’s Boardwalk where rides, games, and snacks still thrill people of every age. The historic antique-style train is especially charming, and the pizza is practically perfect. All the sights, sounds, and smells combine for a fabulous day of pure joy and nice nifty nostalgia.
Such a cute train ride at Point Pleasant Beach.
(#2.) Paterson, New Jersey was founded in 1791 by Alexander Hamilton and is just a quick 40 miles away. This third-largest city in the state shows off through multiculturalism in food, music, and art. It offers a wide range of attractions, but the one I was ecstatic to experience is the Great Falls of the Passaic. This National Historic Landmark has hydroelectric plant, 77-foot rushing water, basalt cliffs, and all the photo ops one could need.
Great Falls of the Passaic in Paterson, New Jersey.
(#3.) Yes, I saved the best for last. THIS bucket list item was worth the entire trip. After a suitably short 33 miles, my happy tears began. At Liberty State Park there are great views of the New York City skyline and the STATUE OF LIBERTY! This is 1,212 acres of history, culture, and recreation. The grand CRRNJ terminal, built 1889, caused me to ponder the immigrants to Ellis Island. Liberty State Park is beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable. This entire park brought floods of deep thoughts, happy tears, and an even deeper appreciation of freedom and liberty.
The Statue of Liberty, a bucket list item, brought happy tears!
CONCLUSION
Yes, New Jersey can and did impress this Southern lady in both negative and positive ways.
THE NEGATIVES
The biggest negative, of course, is the horrible traffic and equally horrible drivers. Tolls on the Turnpike and Parkway are ridiculous. Come to think of it, prices for most items like food and gas are higher up there. Most of the people are not as gracious or polite as I had hoped. It was disappointing that several never showed up for their interviews. Place names are a bit confusing and the fact that New Jersey is the only state where drivers are not allowed to pump their own gas just seems so weird.
THE POSITIVES
Thankfully, New Jersey has far more positives that serve as good reasons to visit. So many of the quaint small towns are filled with fascinating history and stunning architecture. The local parks are uncluttered and well-kept.
There are good people such as Rev. Gray who restore my faith in humanity. Must also give a shout-out to Christian and Katherine (and they know why).
It was explained to me more than once that New Jersey is renowned for their early immigration patterns and how well those settlers guarded their family recipes. This must be why the bagels, the Irish food, and the pizza all tasted incredibly appetizing, authentic, and awesome.
Finally, the combination of the beauty of nature plus bucket list experiences were enough to impress this Southern lady.
Thank you, New Jersey, for all your distinctiveness and variety.
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