5 Ways To…Celebrate Your State

Here is how to commemorate National New Jersey Day, July 27, while staying close to home.

You grilled burgers and shot off fireworks on the Fourth of July, but what will you be doing come July 27? Here’s a thought: Turn up The Boss and drive down the Shore while chugging a bottle of Yoo-hoo! Monday is National New Jersey Day, the holiday created by National Day Calendar during its 2017 campaign to recognize each state in the order they joined the union. OK, the day might not yet have the same grandeur as Independence Day, Thanksgiving or even Arbor Day, but to that we say, “Fuggetaboutit!”

• Head to one of Bergen County’s farmers markets or a produce stand like Stokes Farm in Old Tappan or DiPiero’s in Montvale and take a bite out of a Jersey tomato—the official vegetable of our state. There’s no arguing that this Garden State specialty is widely regarded for its juiciness and sweet flavor, but still up for debate is the tomato’s status as a fruit or vegetable.
   
• Perhaps New Jersey’s most famous debate is pork roll vs. Taylor ham. Regardless of which side you choose, there’s no better way to start a day than with a sandwich filled with a slice or two of the delicious pork product, egg and cheese. Honor your state by ordering one from Goldberg’s Bagels in Wyckoff, Ronnie’s Hot Bagels in Hillsdale or any of the great Bergen breakfast joints in your neighborhood.
   
• And while we’re talking about food, you probably already know that New Jersey is considered the diner capital of the world, as we’re home to more than 500 of them—more than any other U.S. state. Head to any one of them (some of our favorites are The Ridge in Park Ridge, Chit Chat in Hackensack and Jackson Hole in Englewood) for “Jersey cuisine” like disco fries, sloppy joes and Italian hot dogs.
   
• Follow New Jersey on Twitter. The social media team behind @NJGov posts news, COVID updates, official statements from the governor’s office and more, but the account is also a source for a few laughs: Its playful, ongoing feuds with the official accounts of Delaware and the Pennsylvania treasury department are priceless.
   
• You’ve probably told someone at least once in life to take a hike, and you probably meant it. Most New Jerseyans love a great walk through nature, and our state has plenty of wonderful trails. In Bergen alone, there’s the Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah, the Celery Farm in Allendale and the Palisades along the Hudson River, but if you’re looking for a spot just outside of the area, journey up to the High Point Monument in Sussex County. It’s New Jersey’s tallest peak and gives you a breath-taking panoramic of our state.