The 10 Real Reasons to Cross the Ben Franklin Bridge
Story by Cassie Hepler, submitted photos
That stupid $5 toll returning from New Jersey is enough to deter any Jersey-hating Philadelphian from crossing the state line. But stay with me here – there are many actual bonafide reasons to cross that bridge and one more I just learned about last night! So here you go, the real reasons to cross the Ben Franklin Bridge.
1. Nunzio’s
Collingswood, N.J.
Since Nunzio’s is no longer in Philadelphia, they moved to a more spacious and less tax-invasive land of New Jersey where there may or may not be a high lesbian population. The best Italian I’ve ever had outside of Italy, hands down. And I’m helluva picky when it comes to my Italian food. Nunzio actually makes most of his dishes Mediterranean style which means yes, you can still carb load and get your pasta fix but lots of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. And don’t forget it’s a BYOB, even though he keeps some tasty homemade reds in the back for cooking purposes only of course. After all, that’s what Italian guys do for fun he says – make wine!
Camden, N.J.
Probably the only reason to ever visit Camden actually (I think my family is still traumatized from a getting lost in Camden visit like 8 years ago for the aquarium). But seriously since they revamped in 2005, it features nearly 200,000 square feet of sea life and wildlife. People have weddings (with awesome photos of sharks swimming over their heads) and sleepovers… for children and/or children at heart. On Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. they have a Mermaid & Pirate Ball! And Travel Channel named it one of the best aquariums in the U.S. See, Camden is not a total waste of space.
3. Columbus Farmer’s Market & Flea Market
Columbus, N.J.
If you like to shop, eat, people watch and look at unique and strange antiques, this is your mothership. As you can see from the photo, it is the Delaware Valley’s oldest and largest flea market with thousands of vendors and 65 indoor retail stores. Dubbed as a “bargain hunters dream,” I would agree. I got an authentic Indian pashmina here for $5 which I still get compliments on every fall and winter. And there is a stand in the back that has these cheese and meat stuffed pretzels (like huge Hot Pockets) that melt in your mouth. And the Amish stands with the whoopie pies! And the antiques! And the… you get the point.
Clifton, N.J.
There is this great publication named Weird N.J. who covers all the folk legends, tales and just plain weird things about New Jersey which there are many besides the odd jughandles and bad drivers. The passageway leads to a network of underground tunnels and storm sewers starting with a very old tunnel with an arched stone ceiling about eight feet high. The tunnel system was built as a drainage run-off for a stream called Weasel Brook, and in times of heavy rain the usual trickle of water through the tunnel can become a raging torrent almost instantly. Teenagers say satanic sacrifices, decaying carcasses, upside down crosses, satanic graffiti, anything dealing with the darkness in human nature was down there. Or it could just be a large maze of drains… just sayin’.
Trenton, N.J.
Not your typical sculpture garden located in Trenton, New Jersey displaying works by established and emerging American and international sculptors in a variety of styles and media. It has a 42-acre sculpture park and museum located in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, N.J., on the former site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Huge, oversized naked ladies frolic above while somebody cooks up a pot of alligator witches soup. The lake serves as inspiration for a medley of other whimsical ideas.
Medford, N.J.
If you love a huge slice of pizza that’s bigger than your head as much as I do, this is your pit stop. Literally on your way to no where – or perhaps the shore or you are just lost on the back roads of New Jersey, this is the place to go. And you can get it to go and be the best passenger ever and feed it to your driver while you keep truckin’. The chicken BBQ was my slice of choice with some homemade La Bella root beer to wash it all down. I’m pretty certain anything is amazing here.
Shamong, N.J.
If you’ve never heard of the Jersey Devil, this is the place to tell the tale over a fire pit in the dead of the night in the Pine Barrens. If camping is not your thing, score a lakefront log cabin at Atsion Lake and rent a kayak across the lake or just chill on the man-made beach with an impressive snack shack (with sunscreen, goggles and other necessary yet forgetful items). If you are the adventurous type, paddle downstream in the lake and explore all the twists and turns. Too tame? Take it over the damn on the other side and try some rapids. And they even have dog camping area for all you pet lovers. I wonder if I can bring my cat next year …
Delaware River Waterfront
Connecting Philly to New Jersey by water, this mini wanna-be NYC ferry costs only $7 round trip and is an easy way to get from Camden to Philly or vice versa – without paying that damn $5 toll! It’s about a 15 minute walk to South Street and kids under 3 ride for free. Why go on the ferry other than a cheap boat ride? For concerts at Susquehanna Bank Center of course!
Camden, N.J.
Ok, maybe the second… or third reason to go near Camden is America’s most decorated battleship houses a museum, is open for tours, events and overnight encampments – aka sleepovers in a huge, rusty and rustic ship! They also have beer fests each year (this one was in September. Missed it… D’oh!) The best way to experience it is the overnight stay where you go back in time, sleep in a seaman’s coffin-sized bunk in the bowels, eat in the mess halls, climb steep stairs, and tour almost every aspect of the ship. Not that gung-ho? Do the $10 tour instead and get the jist.
10. Valenzano Winery
Shamong, N.J.
Nestled in the prettiest fall drive of ever-changing tree colors deep in the Pine Barrens sits a perfectly lovely and hidden winery. With a strong red port (17 proof), a Jersey Devil honey wine (like a mead, or alcoholic honey) and other surprising tastes like blueberry bubbles (like alcoholic soda) and apple cider and even a pumpkin spice – this place has something for everyone at an amazing price (the most expensive bottle was the port at $17 and most at $10-12). Weddings, fireworks festival (in September) and other events happen here. Feel free to roam the vineyards and play hide-and-go-seek or do some wine tasting. Certainly worth the drive!
