The Great Garden State Escape: Finding the Closest Pennsylvania Town to New Jersey
Ah, New Jersey. The land of diners, traffic circles, and a certain kind of boardwalk charm. But sometimes, you just gotta get out, breathe some fresh air (that doesn't smell faintly of funnel cake), and escape the Garden State grind.
Enter Pennsylvania: Your Next-Door Neighbor (Without the Side-Eye)
Lucky for you, New Jersey is practically BFFs with Pennsylvania. Separated by the mighty Delaware River (which, let's be honest, is more majestic than mighty), these two states offer a geographical love story for the ages. But with so many Pennsylvanian towns lining the border, how do you choose the closest one for your escape?
Fear not, my friend! We've got you covered. Here's a whistle-stop tour of some top contenders:
Easton & Phillipsburg: This practically-twin-city combo straddles the Delaware like a colossus. You can be in New Jersey one minute, grabbing a disco fries hot dog (a Jersey specialty, for the uninitiated), and be strolling the historic streets of Easton, Pennsylvania, the next.
Scranton: Now hold on, before you break into a rendition of "The Electric City," Scranton might not be the closest, but it deserves an honorable mention. Why? Because Scranton is Dunder Mifflin central, baby! Pay your respects to the birthplace of The Office (American version, obviously).
Delaware Water Gap: Nature lovers, rejoice! Delaware Water Gap is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and enough hiking trails to make your Fitbit weep with joy. Plus, it's right on the border, so you can dip your toes in both state waters (metaphorically, of course).
But Wait, There's More!
This is just a taste of the Pennsylvanian towns waiting to greet you with open arms (and maybe a shoofly pie, another PA specialty). Remember, the beauty of being close to New Jersey is that you can always pop back for a Bruce Springsteen singalong or a quick Wawa pitstop (another Jersey treasure: gas station convenience stores with surprisingly good food).
## Frequently Asked Escapist Questions
How to sound like a local in Pennsylvania?
A friendly "yinz" (you guys) will do the trick.
How to avoid traffic on the Delaware River bridges?
Leave super early...or super late. There's no real magic bullet here.
How to tell the difference between a disco fries hot dog and a regular hot dog?
Disco fries = french fries piled high on the hot dog. Regular hot dog = well, a regular hot dog.
How to find the best cheesesteak in Pennsylvania?
This is a heated debate. Research is key, but don't be afraid to ask a local for their favorite spot.
How to know when it's time to go back to New Jersey?
When you miss the smell of funnel cake. Just kidding (mostly).
So there you have it! Now you're armed with the knowledge to navigate the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border with ease. Happy escaping!