Garden State Parkway Rest Stops in South Jersey Being Renamed

If you ever wanted to use the bathroom at Bon Jovi's place or maybe grab a bite to eat with Frank Sinatra, you'll soon be able to do so on the Garden State Parkway.

On National New Jersey Day (which is today, by the way), Gov. Phil Murphy announced that nine rest stops along the Garden State Parkway, including the three in South Jersey, will be renamed after, "iconic New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) inductees in the arts, entertainment and sports."

Locally, the Atlantic Service Plaza in Galloway Township will become the Frank Sinatra Service Plaza. At Ocean View in Cape May County, that will become the Toni Morrison Service Area, named after the highly-decorated author. To the north in Ocean County, the plaza in Forked River will be renamed the Celia Cruz Service Area for the popular salsa artist who passed away in 2003.

As you travel north, you will soon encounter places that will be named after actor James Gandolfini, professional baseball player Larry Doby, journalist Connie Chung, singer Whitney Houston, rocker Jon Bon Jovi, and author Judy Blume.

Get our free mobile app

Murphy said in a statement, "This is about putting New Jersey greatness on full display. This is the first part of an extended statewide exhibition of New Jersey heroes throughout our state. From military heroes on the Battleship New Jersey to historical figures on the New Jersey Turnpike to science and technology trailblazers at Newark Penn Station, New Jerseyans will find pride in our contributions to society and the world."

In addition to using the restrooms, getting gas, and grabbing a snack, a press release states, "Garden State Parkway service area parking lots will now welcome visitors with banners of NJHOF inductees, and each service area will contain Hard Rock Cafe-style exhibits including inspirational posters designed by renowned New Jersey architect Michael Graves, compelling artifacts, and an interactive Wall of Fame featuring a life-sized video monitor showcasing over 200 biographical vignettes of all inductees and their acceptance speeches. Service area patrons will be invited to pose with various Jersey legends and share the photos on their social media platforms."

NJ words that should be added to the dictionary

13 words submitted by Steve Trevelise's followers for inclusion in the Dictionary — because somebody's got to explain New Jersey to the rest of the country.