I love South Jersey. From the Pine Barrens and its long roads winding through silent forests to the big, wide sandy beaches of Cape May it can have the feel of another era in time. Here, you can discover remnants of New Jersey’s early industrial factories and quirky history — you just need to know where to look.
After living here 40 plus, years it is my joy and my privilege to introduce you to just a small sampling of some of the hidden gems and wonders that exist here in the appropriately named Garden State. Far from being a wasteland, New Jersey is a treasure chest filled with wonders – if only you have the spirit to look for them.
Explore roadside attractions across New Jersey with this guide — and let us know if we missed any!
See North and Central Jersey‘s roadside spots here.
FUTURO HOUSES
(Burlington and Cumberland Counties)
Originally conceived in 1968 as ski chalets, fewer than 100 of this fiberglass reinforced plastic structures were actually built; and today roughly 60 world-wide remain. South Jersey is lucky to be home to two of these structures, even though they are in a sad state of disrepair. The one in Willingboro was once a bank and later an office for an athletic league, before coming to rest in Mill Creek Park. The Greenwich house was originally spotted at Morley’s Pier in Wildwood before it wound up siting forlornly on Hancock Harbor Rd.
MIGHTY JOE STATUE
(Burlington County)
A giant gorilla stands next to Mighty Joe’s Gas & Grill Deli on Rt. 206. At first glance, one thinks it’s a tribute to the old movie, meant to draw in tourists. If you take the time to get out of your car and read the sign, you’ll see it’s actually a loving tribute to Joe Valenzano, who passed away too young and is missed by his family and friends every day.
Everyone loves Lucy, the Margate Elephant; built in 1881 and recently restored to her former glory. This 6-story high architectural novelty is back offering tours and even overnight rentals (pre-covid). Lucy has been a hotel, a tavern and even a real estate office but now she is doing what she loves best – welcoming children of all ages.
ORDER OF REDMEN STATUE
(Ocean County)
Chief Pohatcong sits at the corner of Rt. 9 and Great Bay Blvd. This monument to Native American service in WWII looks strangely out of place at the traffic light. Dedicated in 1920, it was moved to Tuckerton in 1981.
Explore more of South Jersey with our guides. And let us know what we missed in the comments!
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