New Jersey Ranked 37th For Fun In New WalletHub Study

A new study from WalletHub did a study on the states that are the most fun to visit. According to the study, New Jersey ranks very low at 37th in the country as the most fun state to visit.

37th! THIRTY-SEVENTH!

Well needless to say that really made me boil. New Jersey, for being the most populated state in the country has a cornucopia of entertainment, recreational and nightlife choices. Apparently, WalletHub didn’t do their homework.

How can a state that has casinos, nightlife, great restaurants, theme parks, so many very good theatres, and music venues galore including the world-famous Stone Pony in Asbury Park be ranked 37th?

The Stone Pony (North to Shore festival)

WalletHub took into consideration ideal weather, which is fine, but they ranked Illinois number three in the country, and I am here to tell you they get slammed every winter as we do here in New Jersey.

How Illinois as a state is more fun than New Jersey is beyond me. I lived for a short period of time in Chicago, great bars and restaurants in Chicago but head twenty miles out of town and it is corn fields and colleges.

Corn!

More corn.

And then, just when you think you’re getting somewhere…

More corn!

And apparently WalletHub looked at that and said, “Now THAT'S fun!”

corn field — Photo by Jesse Gardner on Unsplash

California ranks as the most fun state in the country followed by Florida. Of course, those two states are packed with amusement parks, but I challenge them on the number of restaurants, nightlife and other entertainment choices other than riding Goofy’s airplane.

And that is just the beginning.

You want great restaurants? Pick a town and start eating.

You want amusement parks? Six Flags Great Adventure and American Dream.

You want nightlife? We have enough bars, clubs and entertainment spots to keep you busy until your liver files a formal complaint.

You want gambling? Atlantic City.

Here in New Jersey, there is MetLife stadium, PNC Bank Arts Center, The Prudential Center, plus many minor league ball parks, ice rinks, and equestrian centers.

New Jersey has a Hall of Fame filled with world class talent and people who have made a difference.

And let's not forget the Jersey Shore which, despite what some people may think, is not one giant episode of a reality television show.

The beach and ocean under a clear blue sky — Photo by Tiffany Scalzo on Unsplash

It is actually a beautiful place!

New Jersey is packed into a relatively small space, and that's part of what makes it so much fun. You can go from a beautiful beach to a great restaurant, from a concert to a casino, from a boardwalk to a ballgame all without needing a passport.

So, WalletHub, I have a suggestion.

Come visit us.

Spend a weekend in New Jersey. I'll be waiting.

One of the best spots in New Jersey for fall family fun

Gallery Credit: Dennis Malloy

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.

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Gallery Credit: Dan Zarrow

NJ Fall Fun Means Sunflowers, Corn Mazes and Pumpkins

As the calendar turns to September, even more New Jersey spots are starting their fall fun early.

For any location listed below, call ahead, as operation times may vary and are weather permitting. It’s also good to have cash on-hand, as some activities may not take cards or cashless payments.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt