My good man, you actually wound up on the "good side" of the river.New Jersey is called "The Garden State" for a reason. Most New Yorkers who speak ill of New Jersey, frankly have never been there or actually dream of living there! Jersey has great pizza & both of New York's Football teams! Next time you visit we will have to get you some fresh Jersey corn when it is in season and some fresh strawberries. Go to NYC to get mugged or choke on CO fumes(or pay $25.00 to cross a bridge).
I had many great times in Jersey. Love the beaches. A buddy's parents had a house at Ocean City, many a splendid day passed there, including a rocking senior week. Spent a lot of time running just over the bridge (Ben Franklin) from Philly on the Black Horse Turnpike, getting our first experiences in bars; when I was a teen, drinking age was 18 in NJ. I can attest to the wisdom of having all states have the same drinking age; not smart to give teens a reason to drive a lot to get alcohol.
There are many beautiful parts of the Garden State. The Turnpike is certainly not one of them. Now, the Garden State Parkway- that's a nice drive. And it takes you back and forth between all those beach towns. That's the best part of the state imo.
