FunNewJersey Let’s Travel Around the State and Find Some Fun Attractions!
While traveling through New Jersey, tourists often come across numerous roadside historical sites that help them appreciate the state’s history. These sites could range from old diners with hand-down recipes or motels to striking statues and unusual museums. These places are ideal for travelers to stop, grab a bite, or take photos.
Regardless of whether one is lodging or driving through the picturesque byways of New Jersey, the roadside architectural relics are fun and reminiscent of the past. Among these attractions, you may be surprised to find those that are visual celebrations of the past—for instance, Japanese classic cars. Apart from the fact that they help to reduce boredom whenever you are on a long driving trip in New Jersey, they also help provide very interesting insights into the history and tourism of the state as you cruise around in style!
A gorgeous fully restored 1981 Datsun 280ZX
Some popular classic Japanese cars include Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Nissan, Acura, Mazda, Datsun, Lexis and of course Toyota.
I personally grew up with the German car which was a classic BMW 2002. I use that car for about 10 years to explore fun New Jersey unique and off the beaten path roadside attractions.
Historic Diners in New Jersey
Let us start with the food, for strength during your adventure. New Jersey has an incredible selection of historic diners that offer hearty, delicious meals to fuel your journey through the Garden State. These diners are institutions that have been serving up comfort food for decades.
White Manna
The White Manna in Hackensack, NJ is a favorite example.
Established in 1946, White Manna is known for its classic 1940s diner ambiance. It has a red-and-white exterior and a cozy, retro interior that captures the look of mid-20th century America. The iconic neon sign outside has become a landmark in Hackensack, drawing in both locals and travelers.
The diner is famous for its sliders—small, juicy burgers with onions and pickles, cooked fresh on a griddle right in front of customers.
Alongside these beloved sliders, the menu also features fries, milkshakes, and other traditional diner fare, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic diner experience.
Lucille’s Country Cooking
Other notable historic roadside diners include Lucille’s Country Cooking which is a charming luncheonette located in the Pine Barrens in Barnegat, New Jersey. The restaurant is known for its fresh baked pies and breakfast dishes, (including chili for breakfast) and was even featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Food Trail. It’s a great place to stop for a meal while exploring the vast Pine Barrens or while traveling through South Jersey.
I live in Monroe New Jersey, and I take the back roads when I go to Atlantic City. I had East and cut through Millstone, NJ until I hit Route 537 where I make a right and pass Six Flags Great Adventure. Then I make a left heading east where I cut through the pine barrens and I always stop into Lucille’s Country Cooking for breakfast.
White House
White House Subs is a famous sandwich shop located on Arctic Ave in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was founded in 1946 by Anthony “Tony” Basile along with his Aunt Basilia and Uncle Alfred “Fritz” Sacco. The shop started as a tailor shop, but during WWII, Tony’s wife sold sandwiches made in her kitchen out of the back door.
How about that for some nostalgia!
After the war, they decided to turn the front of the building into a cold “submarine” sandwich shop. Over the years, the shop has expanded and become a well-known spot for quality-made New Jersey subs.
It’s definitely a must-visit spot if you’re in Atlantic City!
They also have a very small sandwich shop inside the Hard Rock Cafe but we recommend taking up to one on Arctic Avenue.
The Silverball Museum Arcade
The Silverball Museum Arcade is conveniently located at 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Situated on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, it is surrounded by a lively array of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The museum itself offers a snack bar with a selection of classic boardwalk treats, ensuring visitors can stay energized while they play.
The Silverball Museum Arcade is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of pinball machines and arcade games. The museum boasts an impressive collection of around 150 machines on display and available for play at any given time. The collection spans decades, featuring classic pinball machines from the 1930s to modern-day favorites.
Unlike traditional museums where exhibits are typically off-limits, the Silverball Museum Arcade encourages hands-on interaction. Visitors can play as many games as they like, with a single admission fee covering unlimited play for a designated period.
In addition to its extensive pinball collection, the museum also features a variety of classic arcade games, including Pac-Man, Galaga, and Space Invaders. These timeless games add to the overall nostalgic atmosphere and provide a broader gaming experience for visitors. The museum also hosts regular tournaments and events, for a vibrant community of pinball and arcade game lovers.
The Museum of American Glass The Museum of American Glass is located within WheatonArts, a renowned cultural center that celebrates the creative arts. The address is 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, New Jersey. WheatonArts features additional attractions, including artist studios, a gallery of fine crafts, and the Down Jersey Folklife Center.
The Museum of American Glass houses one of the most comprehensive collections of American glass in the world. With over 20,000 objects on display, the museum’s collection includes everything from early colonial glass to contemporary art pieces.
Highlights of the collection include intricate Tiffany glass, delicate pressed glass, vibrant colored glassware, and historically significant pieces such as early American flasks and bottles.
One of the unique features of the Museum of American Glass is its live glassmaking demonstrations. Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work in the museum’s Hot Glass Studio, where they demonstrate traditional and contemporary glassmaking techniques.
Lucy the Elephant
Lucy the Elephant holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists. She has been designated as a National Historic Landmark to recognize her importance as a piece of Americana and her unique place in the history of architectural innovation.
As one of the oldest roadside attractions in the United States, Lucy offers visitors history, architecture, and seaside charm all at once. This six-story elephant-shaped structure has also served various roles throughout her life, including a summer home, a tavern, and even a hotel, each adding layers to her rich and colorful history.
Constructed in 1881 by James V. Lafferty, a real estate developer seeking to attract potential buyers to his properties, Lucy the Elephant stands as a remarkable feat of engineering and imagination.
Lucy was originally built using wood and tin sheeting and has undergone several restorations to preserve her structural and historical authenticity over the years to ensure that she continues to delight visitors for generations to come.
The structure features a howdah (a carriage positioned on the back of the elephant), ornate windows, and decorative elements that reflect the architectural styles of the period. Inside, visitors can explore several rooms, including a small museum that chronicles Lucy’s storied past and showcases memorabilia from different eras of her existence.
Conclusion
As you travel through New Jersey, you can enjoy different historic landmarks and roadside attractions that offer both entertainment and a glimpse into the state’s rich history. You can start with sliders at White Manna and the old-school charm of the Summit Diner then play at the Silverball Museum Arcade and admire the glasswork at the Museum of American Glass.
Lucy the Elephant stands as a creative marvel, inviting you to appreciate her architectural beauty and fascinating history. Take the time to stop and enjoy these charming relics of the past.
