With the newer Martha Stewart Documentary taking Netflix by storm, I thought it would be fun to propose a possibly controversial opinion over everyone's favorite dinner topic, of course, the GSP/ Turnpike rest stop names...
I have an office in Rutherford and also do some work at our Long Beach Island office during the week, so I practically consider the Garden State Parkway my partial-residency.
And, as a result, fortunately or unfortunately, I frequent many rest stops along the way - It's a 2 hour ride on a good day each way, so I hope you can understand. The Judy Blume rest stop is my current favorite, since I know you're wondering about that.
Most of this rest stop names are completely understandable and justified - We got the legendary Whitney Houston on the Vauxhall stop, originally from Orange, we got the iconic Bon Jovi on the Absury rest stop, originally from Perth Amboy, and the great, late James Gandolfini on the final NJ rest stop exit, properly placed where he grew up in Park Ridge, NJ, just to name a few.
Connie (who has of course joined this newsletter), you're appreciated but for the Montclair/ Nutley rest stop to take your name? I just don't think you're a good fit, in the same way my music teacher told me to stick to slappin my hand on my thigh over playing the drums. Don't feel bad. Connie Chung, originally from Washington DC and residing in Middletown, NJ (Central Jersey if you are in the camp of believing it even exists)... I'm just not sure if the qualification is strong enough...
Now (finally) for the proposition...
Why Martha Stewart Should Replace Connie Chung as a New Jersey Rest Stop Name
In 2021, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority announced that several rest stops would be renamed to honor notable New Jerseyans, including Connie Chung, the award-winning journalist. While Chung's accomplishments are commendable, I propose that another iconic New Jerseyan, Martha Stewart, would be a more fitting namesake for one of these rest stops.
Here’s why.
A Cultural Icon with Jersey Roots
Martha Stewart, born in Jersey City and raised in Nutley, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and hardworking ethos of New Jersey. Her rise from a local caterer to a global lifestyle brand is a quintessential American success story, rooted in the grit and determination that defines the Garden State.
Stewart’s personal and professional identity is deeply tied to her home state. Her success in homemaking, cooking, and gardening reflects the values of resourcefulness and creativity cherished by many New Jersey residents.
A Rest Stop for the Modern Traveler
The purpose of a rest stop is not just to refuel but to provide comfort, inspiration, and a moment of reprieve for weary travelers. Stewart’s brand aligns perfectly with these ideals. Imagine a Martha Stewart-themed rest stop offering thoughtfully designed interiors, curated local snacks, and perhaps even a small garden showcasing native New Jersey plants. Such a stop would elevate the mundane rest stop experience to something truly special.
A Broader Appeal
Martha Stewart's influence spans generations and industries. She’s an author, television host, entrepreneur, and pop culture icon who appeals to a wide demographic. This universal appeal makes her an ideal figure to represent New Jersey on one of its most traveled highways.
A Symbol of Reinvention
Martha Stewart’s story is also one of resilience. After facing legal and personal setbacks, she made a triumphant return to the public eye, stronger and more beloved than ever. This narrative of reinvention mirrors the spirit of New Jersey, a state known for adapting and thriving despite challenges.
Conclusion
Renaming a rest stop after Martha Stewart would celebrate a true New Jersey success story, someone who embodies the state’s resilience, creativity, and enduring charm. While Connie Chung deserves recognition for her accomplishments, her connection to New Jersey feels less personal. Stewart, with her unmistakable Jersey roots and global legacy, would make every traveler proud to stop, stretch their legs, and remember the state’s remarkable contributions to culture and innovation.
Let’s give the Garden State the rest stop it deserves—The Martha Stewart Service Area.
Disclaimer : If it's not clear by now, this is a joke.
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