Through my first 4 episodes of this show I’ve spoken with representatives from different counties or parks.  So I thought I’d step up my game for the 5th episode and go for a whole state.  This week I’m speaking with Jeff Vasser.  He's the executive director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

That’s right.  We’re heading to New Jersey.  I’ve always thought this state gets a bad rap.  It’s easy to make New Jersey the butt of a joke.  Lord knows I’ve done it.  But New Jersey has so many beautiful aspects to it.  It’s so much more than just the turnpike, or the Jersey Shore.  You can do everything in New Jersey.  I can honestly say that I’ve always had a good time when traveling to the state.  Not always on the roads necessarily, but always when I’ve made it to my destination.  

New Jersey has a long and beautiful coastline filled with small towns to bigger resort areas.  There’s boardwalks and incredible dining mixed in with mom and pop style shops.  Outside of the shore you’ve got skiing in the northwestern portion of the state.  You have countless breweries or wineries.  The entertainment is incredible with music venues and new spots like American Dream.  That’s the huge mall up by the Meadowlands.  I hope you enjoy and are inspired by my conversation with Jeff Vasser.