Incessant toll increases and a management heavy on political patronage aside, the 117 mile stretch…read moreof cement that cuts down the heart of New Jersey from NYC to Delaware is a solid feat of engineering and is maintained reasonably well... especially when it snows. However, you still don't want to be anywhere north of exit 8A during rush hour. It's hard to believe that the entire roadway only took 24 months to complete (opening in 1952) when simple repairs can now be counted in five year increments but if you're anxious to flee the Garden State the Turnpike is still the quickest way out. It's also hilarious to think about the promise made during construction that tolls would only last five years or so until the project's bonds were paid off. This is New Jersey, I just cracked two ribs from laughing so hard. Four solid stars.

"I'm gonna do the JerZ Turnpike at Club Karma"…read more The iconic dance reference used by JWoww. Thanks, NJ Turnpike.

Pennsylvania Environmental Council has a plan to turn Spring Garden Street into the safest and…read moregreenest street in Philadelphia. This greenway would part of the East Coast Greenway that extends from Maine to Florida. I attended their design workshop in December. The main topic was regarding the placement of the bike lanes. Jeff did an awesome job leading our breakout discussion group. We talked through several scenarios to see if the bike lanes should be placed curb side or in the median. To me, the median bike lanes are the better choice since they're safer and would give Spring Garden a European sensibility. PEC also came to my office (which is on Spring Garden) last week as part of our Earth Day activities. Spencer gave a great presentation on the Spring Garden Greenway project and what it would mean for everyone's commute and experience dining and shopping in the area. PEC has an inspiring plan for Spring Garden Street. Everyone in my office hopes it becomes a reality.

Historically and architecturally a nice building, but because I come here to pay my inflated NJ…read moretaxes I'll never be a fan. Maybe if they lease out a few of the offices to help defray the ever rising tariffs, but I kid of course. I remember when the township library was housed here, but as the collection of books expanded, a larger building was needed. A cynical person might say that this was also another ploy to increase taxes. You can also come here to get a passport or visa, pay your sewer bill( that somehow is not part of that already too high property tax bill) get building permits, and find out why your dbag neighbors are complaining about the length of your lawn. I imagine the mayor has a sweet office here as well, where she can come to get away from the stress of all those ribbon cuttings and photo ops. Now that I'm reflecting on all of this, I'm probably being generous with the third star.

Welcome to New Jersey if we wanted you to like us by now we would've told you to. Lol. Most people…read morewho live here don't really have attitude problems that's just a perception problem on your end. But seriously no hard feelings though it's just how we were brought up, if you got something on your mind here you say it. "Tell it like it is" should be the official State motto already. And no matter what part of this uniquely diverse State you live in, the fact is most people who call New Jersey their home have an unmistakable uncompromising pride in where it is they come from.    From the Shores to the Mountains and the Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds. To the Cities, Streets, and Valleys and Farmlands some call home. To it's Overcrowded Highways to it's Pinelands and Great Swamps. We love our State of Jersey for ALL that She has got.

For years, I've heard so many things about New Jersey. The good, the bad, the ugly. One of my best…read morefriends was born there and spent some years there, though lived mostly in Philly and met me when living in Arizona for a few years. When she mentioned getting married in her fiancé's aunt and uncles Jersey farmhouse, I was excited to finally visit outside of a train stop on the way to NYC from Philly. Though the roads in the countryside were scary with deer jumping out and some angry driver instances, I have to say I fell in love with the farmhouse and the views along with it in Flemington. Truly breathtaking and a beautiful backdrop for my friend's gothic-style wedding. I could do without the humidity in June though! Still a solid 5-star as the scenery was gorgeous!

Gas and booze at discount prices? YES!…read moreTHANK YOU!

Only have lived in the town 3 yrs. Altho full of farms and senior living developments in the middle…read moreof nowhere. It's actually nice having peace and quiet. Centrally located from major towns as East brunswick, freehold, Princeton, East Windsor and heightstown everything takes 20 min. To get too. They're no major malls just basically the average NJ strip malls, everywhere. Not many nice restaurants. It is inundated with pizza places,Chinese restaurants and several fast food chains which are usually on main highways. It does boast a pretty awesome library and a huge senior center and plenty of medical and Dr offices. It is quite a scenic area and quite large. It's nice to see certain areas untouched by progress. Altho developments are popping up to make room for more people. Definitely a nice place to live.

The Centre Avenue Bridge over Newtown Creek has connected Newtown Borough and Township since 1796…read more It is the second oldest stone arch bridge in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Even today it is a vital link in the mobility and commerce of the community. Walking down Centre Avenue just past the current 10 Centre Wine and Spirits store, it is possible to cross the creek on the pedestrian walkway and see the cornerstone at roadway level with the inscription, "1796." You can even go down under the bridge (be careful) to see the construction and the way the structure of the bridge was integrated into the foundations of a nearby home. The bridge is close to my office, and I often like to take a break from my desk and get some fresh air by walking down to the bridge and watching the creek flow beneath it. Right now, with all the snow, the creek seems much smaller as it cuts through the crusty white and gurgles its way toward Neshaminy Creek. This area will be undergoing extensive redevelopment over the next few years, and a trail along the Creek is planned. Stop by now to see our "Old Faithful" Centre Avenue Bridge before all the changes take place, and return often to watch the transition. Starbucks and Black Horse Tavern are a block away - great places for a refreshing pause to or from your encounter with history.

I had to educate myself a bit when I came to this one. I was not aware that this existed, nor…read morewhere it was. I just happened upon it while aimlessly wondering around the city, which I do in each city that I have visited. Sometimes you find some hidden gems that way. I don't want to go into a huge educational background on it, but I will touch on it a bit. This monument was conceived and brought to being to mark the sesquicentennial of The Irish Starvation. The centerpiece of the monument is the bronze sculpture that depicts the unfortunate starvation of so many and the immigration of many more to America. Within the grounds are many informative markers that educate you. As well as a monument for Scottish Immigrants. The park grounds that it all sits on is a cap over I-95 which is pretty nifty and provides a continuity for the city grid. I honestly did not know I was atop the interstate when I was here as it was kind of peaceful.

One of those serene yet sombering moments of Philly Parklife that I haven't dropped a review on…read moresooner! As someone who's grandmother came out of County Mayo, Ireland, I can't help but be served a passing reminder of the trials and tribulations that she faced during her journey here. You only need to read a book like Angela's Ashes, or watch a movie like The Wind That Shakes The Barley for a brief but impactful history lesson. But from family burial, to uncertain boat journey, to arrival on a new frontier; you can't help but feel a passing moment that might resonate with you whether you've had family who've lived it or not! In addition to this statuesque memorial, you'll also come across a Scottish Heritage Memorial which is good even if it isn't as profound. Add in a mini dog park and plenty of benches, and you have one of the better parks to relax in and low key people watch on this side of Old City.