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Embrace the "Garden State" charm as Be Nice to Jersey Week kicks off on July 7! This great tradition started as a fun, light-hearted campaign to celebrate all the wonderful things about New Jersey, that often gets a bad rap in jokes and popular entertainment. From its picturesque beaches and lush gardens to its contributions to the music and arts scene, to its delectable bagels and iconic diners, New Jersey is so much more than it's stereotypically portrayed. So, let affection for the state bloom as we delve into this fascinating week of appreciation and exploration!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1787</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Entry of New Jersey</div><div class='timeline-text'>On December 18, New Jersey became the third state to join the union, marking its entry into official statehood. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Silk Production</div><div class='timeline-text'>New Jersey became a major hub for silk production in the United States during the 19th century, earning Paterson, one of its cities, the nickname "Silk City".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1901</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Diner Capital</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first ever true diner was set up by Jerry O'Mahony in Newark, New Jersey. This marked the beginning of New Jersey's reputation as the "Diner Capital of the World".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>New Jersey Turnpike Opens</div><div class='timeline-text'>One of the most recognized and traveled highways in America, the New Jersey Turnpike, was opened to the public.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Blueberry</div><div class='timeline-text'>New Jersey designated the blueberry as the official state fruit, recognizing the state's status as a top national producer of blueberries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Be Nice to Jersey Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official "Be Nice to Jersey Week" was celebrated to change the narrative and promote a more positive and appreciated view of the state.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plan a Jersey-inspired Meal</h3><p class='facts-text'>To fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Be Nice to Jersey Week, plan a meal featuring New Jersey staples - a sausage, pepper, and onion sandwich from a Jersey deli or indulge your sweet tooth with a classic Jersey sundae.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Explore the Garden State’s Scenery</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take some time during this week to stroll through one of New Jersey's many beautiful parks or along the picturesque beaches. Enjoy the nature and beautiful scenery the state has to offer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn About New Jersey's History</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to visit one of New Jersey's numerous historical sites or museums. Educate yourself about the rich history of the state and its contributions to America's story.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Support New Jersey Small Businesses</h3><p class='facts-text'>Another exciting way to celebrate Be Nice to Jersey Week is by supporting local businesses. Whether it's dining at a local restaurant, shopping at a local store, or hiring local services, show some love to Jersey’s economy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Listen to New Jersey Musicians</h3><p class='facts-text'>New Jersey is home to many famous musicians and bands. Set aside time during the week to listen to music from famous Jersey natives such as Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Frank Sinatra, again noting their contribution to the music world.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of all things Jersey</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Be Nice to Jersey Week gives us a chance to appreciate all the wonderful things that make New Jersey unique - from the vibrant music scene, iconic food such as bagels and hot dogs, to the lush gardens and beautiful beaches.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an opportunity to support local businesses</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Be Nice to Jersey Week prompts us to support local businesses, thereby contributing to the economy of the state. Whether it's dining at a local eatery, shopping at a boutique, or getting coffee from a hometown cafe, showing support for these community businesses can make a real difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages education about New Jersey's history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This week is not just about celebrating what makes New Jersey great now, but also understanding its rich history and the role it has played in the building of the nation. It presents the opportunity to learn more about the state's important history and cultural heritage sites.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>New Jersey Holds High Cultural Diversity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Located within the heart of the melting pot that is the United States, New Jersey is home to a diverse range of cultures and is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>New Jersey is Rich in Inland Water</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite being one of the smallest states in area, New Jersey boasts over 1,100 freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs, offering endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>New Jersey is a Hub of Innovation and Invention</h3><p class='facts-content'>The state gave birth to significant inventions such as the electric light bulb, celluloid film, and the phonograph by none other than Thomas Edison, earning New Jersey the nickname "The Invention State".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>New Jersey had the First Organized Baseball Game</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first organized baseball game took place on Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1846. History was made when the New York Nine beat the Knickerbockers 23–1.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Jersey Tomatoes are Known Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>New Jersey is known for producing some of the best tomatoes in the world due to its rich soil and perfect growing conditions. Their rich and sweet flavor sets them apart.</p></div></div>
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